We are beginning the process to finish our basement and, like most people, we have big plans of putting a giant TV down there for sports watching parties and family movie nights. The problem is, TVs are generally pretty ugly when turned off. Giant black boxes? I’ve never heard an interior designer recommend putting one in the middle of a wall for no reason, have you? Luckily there are many clever people out there who have figured out some awesome ways to disguise a TV when it’s not in use. Some are covering it up and some are simply being smart with the surrounding decor to make it more pleasing to the eye. There are many more ideas on hiding the ole’ boob tube too! Read on to get inspired on ways to create beautiful spaces that also happen to have a TV in them!
Love this idea from my friend Kristen Duke… a charming barn style sliding door makes it easy to tuck away the TV! And, not to brag or anything, but I’ve seen this in person and it’s fabulous! 🙂
Disguise A TV Ideas
Here are some more built in sliding doors that are so pretty too.
Disguise A TV Ideas – Picture Frames
And here is a clever use of picture frames. Easy to open and close too!
I love this coffee table hack that has a surprise inside!
This is a great example of blending the TV into a room. Create a darkened focal point that makes that TV all but disappear when turned off.
Disguise A TV Ideas – Wall Gallery
I’m leaning toward an idea like this where you decorate around the TV making it part of a gallery wall.
BHG
This idea even works if you have a cute funky farm house style like my girls over at Lolly Jane! I love this!
I love this hinged art work that opens up to reveal the TV! So clever!
Dixie Delights
Disguise A TV Ideas – Pop up TV Cabinet
A pop up TV cabinet would be amazing as well! Plus it protects the TV from flying footballs which is always a plus. 🙂
lifehacker
Create some cute curtains that you can shut when not watching TV. These are even no-sew!
I have always loved the idea of framing a TV and just making it look like it belongs. This is a great tutorial from Cassity over at Remodelaholic!
And this gigantic ornate frame is perfect if you’re incredibly fancy. 🙂
Disguise A TV Ideas – Sliding Panel
This sliding panel looks great open or closed!
Remodelista
And, of course, you can always put a TV in a chic cabinet or other piece of furniture to make it easily accessible but also well hidden.
This giant chalkboard slides to reveal a TV. Such a perfect solution in a playroom or family room!
Indulgy
And a little more sophisticated version…
Disguise A TV Ideas – Vintage Shutters!
Some beautiful vintage shutters make hiding a TV look easy!
cote de texas
This artwork retracts to reveal a TV underneath. I wonder how hard that would be to DIY?
And, the brilliant Candice Olson came up with this idea to have the TV underneath a two way mirror so it can only be seen if it’s on. Very cool!
These have given me some fantastic ideas on how to make the TV be a PART of our basement family room without making the whole room seem to revolve around the TV! Have you disguised a TV in your family room? I’m always in search of great ideas on this one!
Have a great weekend!
These are some great ideas Landee! We are also in the process of finishing our basement (although the family room will come later) and I’ve thought about this same thing. We are doing a stone fireplace on a barn wood wall…so I’m thinking maybe just framing it might be the best thing. Awesome post!
Since we just moved I’m looking for ideas for doing this exact thing. These are perfect. Thanks for rounding up the best of the best!
Seeeriously in love with this post, Lan! I am dying at how gorg those farmhouse barn doors are! (insert heart eye emoji here) Thanks for the LJ love! XOOX