Designing a Warm & Charming TV Area: 3 Ways to Make it Happen

Well all know a well-planned, tastefully crafted room is something that can truly make an impression on a space. The dedicated TV/entertaining space, however, requires a bit more finesse since we're mixing tech and decor. Try a few of these artsy elements to warm that space up once and for all...

1) Indirect lighting. Having a light that's off to the side removes the focus from a bright and blaring flat screen TV. Heck, add 2-3 sources if your room warrants it. The idea here is to diffuse as much as possible without overwhelming the space. It's a continuous process of refinement (both placement and bulb types), so be patient!

2) Frame clusters. Some may argue that the 'frame cluster' concept may start to become played out by the end of this year, but art and photos will never go out of style. Thrift stores often carry plenty of un-used frames -- just pick 8-10 of them up and arrange them in a way that complements the lines of the room. We suggest keeping them aligned with nearby windows to complete that seamless look.

3) Pillows. Rugs. Natural stuff. When I used to design office spaces, folks asked what would make their space feel warmer. I'd grab a marker and write 'PRN' in big bold letters on the whiteboard. Of course, most people thought I was crazy, but when I spelled it out -- it was a no brainer. If you want to have that warmer and charming look, where people can feel comfortable getting together, add more pillows, rugs, and plants to create a layering affect that breathes life into a room.

Remember, the key to a charming space curation over time -- not just a one-time facelift. Take the time to find the medium that works with the room and continuously build and re-build. You'll get there eventually.

MORE DECORATING IDEAS ON APARTMENT THERAPY:
• 5 Items To Warm Up the Living Room Console
• How to Bring Color & Warmth to Room?

(Images: Alvhemmakleri via Freshome)

Comments (19)

Nice article but the room shown doesn't seem very warm or charming to me. Funny that.

i agree with cbreynolds. in fact, i'd say it looks rather cold and un-charming. the most unsettling thing in the room is definitely the crooked-silver-frame-surrounding-a-floating-shelf-full-of-even-more-little-frames.

I agree with the above. This room is not cozy or comfortable for tv watching, at all. Also, a tv screen should never be placed directly opposite a window. There is way too much glare and reflection to be able to see the image on the screen.

I agree with the commentators above, and I'll add that the crooked frame looks on the verge of collapse, which would make me wonder what else in the room was about to fall over, on or around me!

I also agree. The tilted frame is unsettling, and the gallery wall is placed much to high for anyone besides an NBA player to see.

The rug is nice, and I like the table, but they aren't enough to warrant calling this room "warm." The advice becomes still more dubious when you look at the reflections and glare that the lamp is casting onto the TV screen. Then notice the apparent lack of curtains and blinds -- is there any way to control the light coming in the windows and being reflected off the TV? Then notice the abundance of unshaded bulbs elsewhere in the room. It's as if they're trying to introduce as many sharp undiffused lights as possible. Is anyone going to have a good angle for watching without distracting glare on the screen?

i'll try for a nice comment. maybe the three candles really are the warming presence in the room? or maybe the idea is to just have as many different lighting options and glare opportunities as possible. not sure.

Lighting and comfort (pillows, etc.) definitely affect the warmness of a TV-watching area, but what the what do frame clusters have to do with watching TV?

If you're having people over to watch something, another nice consideration is making sure that every seat has a surface in reach where someone can put down a drink or a snack. I'm not always comfortable putting a drink down on someone's carpet (I feel like someone always ends up knocking it over with their foot), but it kind of bites to have to hold on to a chilly drink if there's no coffee table or side table near you.

ditto to the other posters.

maybe try a different room next time to convey 'warmth'. this isn't doing it for me.

Its been said, but I am compelled to comment - fix the mirror.

The best place for a TV is in an extra bedroom with a comfortable sofa (maybe a pull-out which can serve double duty as a guest room) - if you've got the space. Living spaces should be built around conversation, reading, music listening, and drinking wine. Add a TV, if you must, in the most hidden way possible.

This item badly needs proofreading.

I cannot stand that crooked frame. It's making me twitch.

Protorio, while I actually agree with you in theory, it's not always achievable. I would love to be able to hide my tv, but it's an older model with a big back on it. I'm not about to ditch it for a discreet flat-screen when it works perfectly well.

A few pops of color here and there would be nice, but I LOVE the sofa and coffee table. Source? The apartment is in Sweden so that explains the light colors.

and I thought it was a before shot of a cold TV room..can't believe you are selling it as *warm* space to watch TV.

and that tilted mirror is doing my head in :(

I just LOVEEEE IT! Its my style, well done! Bravo!

I sort of like the couch, but those cushions are trying to make an escape....

I agree. The room is everything but warm. The pieces are great but are not well set up. The room is not balanced. Too many things happening in just one side of it (colors and furniture). The art work is too high. The lonely chair begs for companion. Anyway, I would love to have a big room like that to play around.

I love the sofa in this post. What do you call that -- given how it sort of "curves" at the end, but doesn't turn off into a complete right angle. Is there a name for these sofas?