How to Style a Modern TV Unit Like an Interior Designer

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Mansi Gokani, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator

Table of Contents

• Understanding the Modern TV Unit as a Focal Point
• The Art of Layering and Asymmetry
• Integrating Technology with Elegance
• The Power of Negative Space
• Material Dialogue and Textural Contrast
• Personalisation: The Final Layer
• Lighting as a Transformative Element
• Seasonal Refreshes and Evolutionary Design
• Practicality and Aesthetics
• Bespoke Solutions for Unique Spaces
• Key Takeaways

As a senior interior designer with over two decades of experience at FCI London, I've had the privilege of transforming countless living spaces for our discerning clientele. One element that consistently presents both a challenge and an opportunity is the modern TV unit.

Luxury TV units have evolved dramatically in recent years, becoming statement pieces that anchor a room rather than merely housing electronics. In today's post, I'll share my professional insights on how to style these modern TV units with sophistication and panache.

Understanding the Modern TV Unit as a Focal Point

When I first meet with clients, I often observe a common misconception: that TV units should be downplayed or hidden.

On the contrary, a thoughtfully curated modern TV unit can serve as a captivating focal point that elevates your entire living space.

Contemporary interior design embraces technology rather than concealing it. The key is to select a unit that resonates with your overall design language. Whether you're drawn to the clean lines of a modern contemporary TV unit or the nostalgic charm of a mid-century modern TV unit, ensure that it harmonises with your existing décor.

I recently worked with a client who had invested in an exquisite oak TV unit modern in style, with floating elements and integrated lighting.

Rather than allowing it to recede into the background, we deliberately styled it to command attention, complementing their collection of modernist art and sculptural lighting fixtures.

When selecting the perfect unit, consider these essential factors:

• Scale and proportion relative to your room dimensions
• Material quality and craftsmanship details
• Functional requirements (storage, media components, etc.)
• Visual weight within the overall composition of your space

The Art of Layering and Asymmetry

One technique I consistently employ when styling modern TV units is thoughtful layering. This approach adds depth and visual interest to what could otherwise become a flat, uninspiring arrangement.

Begin by considering your TV as a central element rather than an eyesore.

Modern OLED and QLED televisions are increasingly designed as aesthetic objects in their own right, with frameless displays and customisable screensavers.

When not in use, your television can display rotating artwork, effectively transforming into a digital canvas. Against this backdrop, I create asymmetrical vignettes that balance the geometric precision of most modern TV units designs.

This controlled imbalance creates energy and movement within the composition. A tall, sculptural element on one side might be counterbalanced by a cluster of smaller objects on the opposite end.

Integrating Technology with Elegance

The modern home is undeniably technological, yet there's an art to incorporating these elements without creating visual chaos.

When designing a main hall modern TV unit design, I'm particularly attentive to cable management and the integration of various media components.

Custom solutions often yield the most elegant results. For instance, I frequently collaborate with master craftspeople to create bespoke modern built-in TV wall unit designs that conceal everything from sound bars to gaming consoles within streamlined cabinetry.

Hidden charging stations, integrated cooling systems and remote-controlled LED lighting can transform a utilitarian arrangement into a seamless technological ecosystem.

Consider these technological integrations:

• Wireless charging pads discreetly embedded in surfaces
• Smart home hubs concealed within cabinetry
• Integrated sound systems with invisible speaker technology
• Motorised components that reveal media elements only when needed

The objective is to create an environment where technology enhances your lifestyle without imposing visual clutter. When designing modern TV wall units, I'm careful to anticipate future technological developments, building in flexibility and adaptability.

The Power of Negative Space

One principle that separates amateur styling from professional design is the deliberate use of negative space. Many homeowners feel compelled to fill every surface—a tendency I gently discourage.

Negative space serves as visual breathing room, allowing key pieces to command attention. A modern contemporary TV unit benefits tremendously from this restrained approach. Rather than crowding the surface with decorative objects, select fewer items of exceptional quality and allow them space to be appreciated.

I often advise clients to step back and remove items until the composition achieves perfect tension between presence and absence. This disciplined editing process is fundamental to creating a space that feels both luxurious and serene.

Material Dialogue and Textural Contrast

The most compelling modern TV units participate in a material dialogue with their surroundings. I'm particularly attentive to creating textural conversations between the unit and its styling elements.

Consider, for instance, the interplay between a sleek modern white TV unit and accessories in contrasting materials: the warmth of hand-turned wood, the organic imperfection of handmade ceramics, or the reflective brilliance of polished bronze. These juxtapositions create visual richness and tactile intrigue.

I encourage clients to incorporate elements with haptic appeal—objects that invite touch and create sensory engagement. This materiality transforms a TV unit from something merely observed into something experienced.

In styling a modern oak TV unit, I might introduce:

• Handwoven textiles with subtle geometric patterns
• Artisanal ceramics with intentionally imperfect glazes
• Metallic elements with varied patinas and finishes
• Natural elements like sculptural branches or polished stone

These textural contrasts are particularly important in contemporary interiors, where architectural lines tend toward the minimal and precise. The organic variability of handcrafted elements introduces a welcome counterpoint to this geometric precision.

Personalisation: The Final Layer

While adhering to design principles is essential, the most successful modern TV units reflect the personalities and histories of their owners. I always reserve space for personal elements that tell your unique story.

This doesn't mean cluttering your carefully composed modern TV unit with family photographs in mismatched frames.

Rather, it might involve displaying a singular piece of inherited silver, a sculpture acquired during your travels, or a first-edition book that holds special significance.

These personal touches transform a stylish arrangement into something uniquely yours—a distinction that's particularly important when working with luxury TV units that might otherwise appear in a showroom setting.

The key is selectivity - choosing personal items that can stand as design elements in their own right while carrying deeper meaning for you and your family.

Lighting as a Transformative Element

No discussion of styling would be complete without addressing lighting. Strategic illumination can transform even the most expertly arranged vignette, bringing surfaces and objects to life through the interplay of light and shadow.

I approach lighting for TV units designs in multiple layers:

• Ambient lighting that establishes the overall mood
• Accent lighting that highlights specific design elements
• Task lighting for functional needs
• Feature lighting integrated into the unit itself

LED strip lighting concealed within modern built-in TV wall unit designs can create a floating effect, while directional spotlights might highlight a sculptural object or artwork displayed above.

For units with glass elements, internal lighting transforms displays into dramatic focal points.

The most sophisticated modern TV units incorporate programmable lighting systems that adjust throughout the day, transitioning from practical illumination to atmospheric evening settings at the touch of a button.

Seasonal Refreshes and Evolutionary Design

One advantage of treating your modern TV unit as a styled vignette rather than a permanent installation is the opportunity for seasonal refreshes. I encourage clients to view these arrangements as evolutionary rather than static.

A modern contemporary TV unit styled for winter might feature heavier metallic elements, richly textured accessories and deeper colour accents. As spring approaches, these could be exchanged for lighter ceramics, botanical elements and a brighter palette.

These periodic refreshes prevent design fatigue and allow your space to reflect seasonal shifts in light, mood and lifestyle. They also provide opportunities to incorporate new acquisitions without creating clutter.

For clients with extensive collections, I often create multiple styling schemes that can be rotated throughout the year, ensuring that cherished pieces have their moment without overwhelming the space.

Practicality and Aesthetics

While aesthetics are paramount in styling luxury TV units, practicality cannot be overlooked. The most beautiful arrangement will quickly lose its appeal if it impedes functionality or requires constant maintenance.

I design with daily use in mind, considering:

• Sightlines to the television from various seating positions
• Access to frequently used components and controls
• Durability of surfaces and finishes
• Ease of cleaning and maintenance

For families with young children, I might suggest a more robust styling approach for a modern TV corner unit, featuring fewer fragile elements and more substantial pieces that won't require constant adjustment.

The goal is to create an arrangement that enhances your daily experience rather than complicating it—beauty that functions seamlessly within your lifestyle.

Bespoke Solutions for Unique Spaces

While this guide offers principles applicable to various settings, truly exceptional results often come from bespoke solutions tailored to your specific space, architecture and lifestyle.

I've designed modern TV units that double as room dividers in open-concept spaces, units that transform into display cabinets when the television is not in use and integrated solutions that seamlessly blend media components with library storage.

The possibilities are virtually limitless when working with skilled craftspeople who can execute a vision with precision.

A custom modern white TV unit might incorporate specialised storage for a vinyl collection, display niches for sculpture, or integrated seating for a multipurpose space.

These bespoke solutions represent the pinnacle of interior design - functionality elevated to art through attention to detail and quality of execution.

Key Takeaways

Throughout this exploration of styling modern TV units, several fundamental principles have emerged. A successful design balances aesthetics with functionality, embraces technology rather than concealing it and reflects your unique personality and lifestyle.

Remember that restraint often yields more powerful results than abundance - the thoughtful curation of fewer exceptional pieces will invariably surpass a cluttered arrangement of ordinary objects. Pay particular attention to material dialogue and textural contrast, creating compositions that engage multiple senses.

Above all, view your modern TV unit as an opportunity rather than a challenge - a canvas for expressing your design sensibility and creating a focal point that anchors your space with sophistication and style.