Before we explore floating TV units, let’s take a look back at their history. In the 1950s TV sets became more popular than ever in the UK. Families across the country gathered to watch the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II as it happened. Since then, television has been one of the main sources of news and information for people. Even after the dawn of the smartphone making it possible to watch, listen and read the news anywhere they are, the modern TV unit is still a central part of family entertainment and the makeup of a complete contemporary living room set.
Smart televisions have never been more popular allowing streaming and internet connection, but that’s not the only thing that has changed about how we watch television. Modern TVs can do so much more in a wider, sleeker packaging that makes traditional stands and bulky entertainment units optional if not completely obsolete. Floating stands are the compromise between the modern impulse to simply mount the television set directly on the wall and the traditional living room cabinet that stores more than just your entertainment set.
Floating units can accommodate your other devices in a sleek and compact modern unit.
Innovation that caters to modern lifestyles and modern design can be overwhelming with the unexpected changes they bring to already established homes and floating shelves or stands are no exception.
Modern luxury has less to do with how much you have, and more to do with having the things you need and want. In most homes, the most prized attribute is space. Interior designers recommend floating units for their practicality and their low impact on floor space.
Floating units come in a wide variety of styles, designs and materials catering to a range of tastes and can easily be adapted to suit the varying needs of homeowners. The type of floating stand can also be modified according to your television size, weight and the number of devices you would like to keep on your shelf.
The types of designs can include complete wall units that include a decorative focal wall that conceals wiring and plug points and also functions as wall decor.
Interior designers often recommend wall-mounted floating TV units for their practical convenience, space-saving and stylistic adaptability.
When choosing a floating unit there are some decisions you might not be aware of that would come naturally to an interior designer. These aspects may not necessarily be top of mind for a homeowner simply looking for a beautiful piece of furniture.
The materials used for your TV unit don’t only make a difference to how your living room looks but also affect installation, the size and weight of your TV and what devices can be put on the shelf. Floating shelves can be made of engineered wood, solid wood, glass, marble and other innovative materials that can have an impact on your home decor and the appearance of the focal wall of your living room. These different materials each have their own advantages and disadvantages, making the right or perfect material a uniquely personal decision that should account for preference and style match.
Wire management is vital to a neat and coordinated living space whether you’re using a traditional living room cabinet, stand or a modern wall fitted shelf. Although with a fitted shelf the wires and plugs connected to your devices do not always have a secure and concealed place to fit behind. Before getting your shelving installed, consider where your plugs are located and how they could be used or moved to keep your walls looking tidy while still remaining accessible when necessary.
Weight restrictions don’t just apply to your television and the devices that make up your entertainment suite. The weight of your shelves can also be limited by the type of wall you are planning to mount your units on. Heavy shelves are more likely to be able to carry heavier TVs and electronics like a sound bar, decoder or gaming console, however, these can damage thin walls even with the best installation. It is always best to have your installer inspect and make suggestions on your shelf placement to recommend the best possible shelving type and size before making your final decision.
When doing away with your living room cupboard you will want to consider what you’re going to do with all the things you’ve been storing in it aside from your TV. Display shelves that can be installed to match your TV unit have a limited capacity and might not be able to hold all your living room odds. Alternative storage that does not take away from the design of your new living room wall can become necessary if you want to keep them accessible.
The size of your TV and the size of your wall can change the look and feel of your room more when you mount your TV set on the wall or on a shelf. While a living room cabinet can take up space making a smaller TV look better, a small television on a wall on its own may look much smaller. While a larger TV may look oversized on a relatively small look without the framing of a cabinet or stand.
Although TVs have become commonplace in our homes, they can still appear out of place and clash with decor. Framing and modern units have come a long way in making these appliances a part of home decor instead of just another electronic device. Styling and interior decor can play a big part in making the appearance of your television set less intrusive and contributing to the visual harmony of your living space.
Modern TVs can be styled and framed to suit your home's aesthetic. The typical black and silver framing is still very popular, with many finding these colours adaptable and easy to assimilate into any living room. White floating TV units are another popular trend especially in minimalist living rooms to match with Scandinavian-style white and neutral furniture. A framed floating TV can be disguised as artwork instead of an appliance taking up permanent space on your wall, especially with a shelf that contrasts with your walls and calls attention to the television. Framed TVs look great on glass, marble metallic and brightly coloured units. These units can be used similarly to artwork mounts elevating the appearance of your television
Wooden floating shelves are a modern nod to traditional wooden living room stands and can easily be installed as a replacement for wooden TV cabinets without making extensive changes to your home decor and styling. Wall-mounted units can also include a full focal wall made of cladding that can be used to conceal wiring and plug points and also limit the amount of drilling done directly to your walls.
Permanent furniture installations are a big commitment and cannot be taken lightly or without professional advice. At FCI London we have professional interior designers available to consult on all your designer furniture needs. Our designers can advise you on the style, materials and weight restrictions on our luxury floatingTV units as well as give advice on colour and decor coordination in your home.
Visit our stunning showroom and explore one of the largest collections of floating TV units in the UK to find your perfect fit. We have a wide range of designer units to suit every style and accommodate size needs and customisation with our reputable artisans and installers.
Utilise our complementary services like 3D Rendering, project planning, and enjoy our signature personalised service from a team of experienced and award-winning interior designers. We aim to make your design journey as seamless as possible, saving you time and effort wherever possible.
Still looking for the perfect TV unit? Simply make an appointment to visit our stunning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options.
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