Here, designers weigh in on the four most commonly encountered TV debates.
Debate No. 1: Television over the fireplace
Whether you should place a television over your fireplace is one of the more contentious debates inside the design world. So is it a smart design move or an aesthetic atrocity? Average homeowners might be surprised to find that most pros fall into the “No way!” camp-especially given the fact that it’s not uncommon for new homes to include a ready-to-go spot for your big screen right above the fireplace.
“The fireplace should be the point of interest of the room,” says Gale Sitomer, a designer in New York City. Sticking a huge black box on top means sacrificing-or at least minimizing-your mantel.
That argument might not be terribly convincing for those who care more about watching the big game compared to a roaring fire. And not all designers think it’s such a sin: Brian Patrick Flynn, a Los Angeles- and Atlanta-based designer and member of the National Kitchen & Bath Association‘s trend-forecasting panel, says he’s a “huge fan” of televisions over the fireplace.
“I have the TV on all day, even as background,” he says. “But most design pros will probably disagree with me.”
Still, it’s challenging to dismiss the ergonomic argument against high-mounted televisions. It’s like being placed in the front row of the cinema, and craning your head awkwardly upward to keep an eye on the action. The ideal placement will position the television at eye level, lessening neck strain and decreasing your likelihood of injury and pain after long-term use.
Verdict: Keep that TV at eye level.
Debate No. 2: Television vs. conversation
The tradition of a “formal” living room, where you could converse with visiting family and friends, may seem antiquated, however in the age of ubiquitous screens, reintroducing the custom could make sense.
Homeowners blessed with multiple living areas should consider keeping one of those areas television-free. Regardless of whether you’re hosting guests for a Monday night “Bachelor In Paradise” marathon, a screenless space allows visitors to chat prior to the show, or get caught up, without distractions.
“Although I love a TV in almost every room in the house, I prefer to keep one space without one strictly, so it encourages conversation,” Flynn says. He recommends splurging on a wet bar for the space, so guests can mix and mingle over cocktails instead.
But today’s über-hot open-concept living rooms may not leave homeowners having a choice: With everything connected, there’s no room for a screen-free escape. For those who can’t sacrifice the television, consider creating a small, private seating area for conversationalists instead.
Or don’t-and don’t feel guilty regarding your 47-incher.
“If having a television in the living room is part of your lifestyle, that is precisely what you should be designing for,” says Paloma Contreras, a Houston interior designer and another member of NKBA’s trend-forecasting panel. “Don’t design for anyone else’s rules, but for the way you enjoy living your life.”
Verdict: Whenever possible, segment off a screen-free space.
Debate No. 3: TV in the bedroom
Drifting off to sleep to the sweet sounds of Alicia Florrick dominating the courtroom might be your jam, and when it is, there’s probably nothing we can say to convince you otherwise. Many people can’t drift off to sleep without the white noise and blue light of a television playing a rerun of their favorite show-and even professional designers won’t stop you.
“I like TVs in adult bedrooms, strictly so those adults can watch their favorite programs in peace and quiet,” Flynn says.
It’s a fair point: Noisy, crowded family rooms are ideal for ingesting the latest “My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic,” but if you’re trying to follow the slow, quiet pace of an intricate British family drama-well, good luck. You might be better off watching in bed.
“I completely understand why some think it is a bad idea, but my husband and I both like to relax with a little TV before bed. It lulls us to sleep,” Contreras says.
Designers might give the thumbs-up to a television inside your bedroom, however in your kid’s room? Not so much. Neither Flynn nor Sitomer recommends letting children have their own TV-and this recommendation is backed up by a report from the American Journal of Preventative Medicine that indicates a correlation between obesity and screen time.
Verdict: Allow your TV be your lullaby.
Debate No. 4: Hiding the television
Admit it, video fans: Regardless of where you put your television, it’s a bit of an eyesore.
Flynn recommends hiding your television behind a two-way mirror, although he acknowledges that such a dramatic approach “can get pricey. Therefore, I am all about just minimizing its presence.”
There are a number of low-cost methods to disguise your TV, including painting the surrounding wall black, framing it, or the classic approach of hiding it in a cabinet. If you’re ready to spend a bit more-but not quite as grand a sum as a two-way mirror would require-Sitomer recommends concealing your television with custom mill-work to give your home a cohesive look.
Verdict: Your TV is better tucked away.