There are a lot of conundrums in the design world, but one of the biggest is how to hide your TV. One of my very favorite elements in our own house does that very thing so that the only visible common-area TV is in our basement. I’ve always likened it to having my cake and eating it, too. They’re all hidden away, but one of my very favorite things to do at night is to put on a classic episode of “Modern Family” before bedtime to relax and get sleepy.
So today, I thought I’d cover the topic how we’ve hidden our TVs, in one succinct post. Because while we’ve covered this topic in the past, I’ve never put them in one place: How to Hide Your TV.
It all started with this fireplace. Something about a fireplace in a space really commands it to be the main anchor point of the room. If a TV is necessary, said fireplace usually competes with TV placement. When rethinking the layout, it came down to priorities for us. The old one dominated the space and needed to go. While initially, I thought I’d just give the bricks a good mortar rub and move on, it turns out there was a leak behind it, and they were kind of ready to tumble. Removing the ceilings also dictated we would need more brick. Also, with the vibe I was going for, did I really want our TV to be front and center? So, replacing the entire thing really gave us a chance for a new fireplace-to-hearth ratio/configuration and a place to hide our TV.
This problem may have caused what shall henceforth be known as the great rift in our marriage in 2016. With this entire renovation, we saw eye to eye on all our design choices except for the fireplace. You see, he wanted a ‘real’ fireplace, while I just knew I needed somewhere for that TV {which I knew he also wanted in this space} to go. The layout of the room kind of dictated that it go over the fireplace. The great rift of 2016 also called for the great compromise, which meant rebuilding, allowing for gas {it already had a gas box – our house didn’t have a real chimney, so this just made sense} and building an alcove for the TV. I went more in-depth with all the steps here. It was a whole thing.
Side note: We all love a good wood-burning fireplace, and really, I just wrote that because I feel like I’m supposed to. Isn’t it kind of nice to flip on a switch or push a button and have instant heat? We’re not really the whole go-out-side-and-gather-wood-for-maw-types. Also, I only like to smell like wood smoke if I’m in a cabin or camping… I’m indoorsy like that.
It was a little bit of a process, but we’re so glad we did it this way.
Essentially, this entire space was re-framed, and it allowed an alcove for the TV. The great compromise of 2016 really paid off.
We added a reclaimed piece of wood I scooped up at the local flea market, and it was then bricked. We also added a mortar wash – I have a weak spot for a classic fireplace. And here it is today. Our house has seen some changes, even since the first renovation, but we still love this corner. {I laid out our journey here, if you’re curious.}
The funny part is, this alcove hasn’t had a working TV behind it for about four years, now that the basement, pool room, + our own primary suite are complete. But we do like the option of having it here! Jamin vows to watch more football whilst cooking this next fall since we played musical TV in the house. {Yes, everyone, he is the primary cook in our house. Another thing that blows people’s minds beyond the classic gender stereotypes.} But there’s even one behind this painting in the cabana, which is where he usually watches.
So, back to the fireplaces in our home: We loved the idea so much that we did the same with our pool room design. See the original post here, but our home’s evolution is here.
When designing the space, we knew we wanted to allow room for a TV and a fireplace. It just makes sense in our world to combine the two, especially with the room’s layout: We have a seating area on one side and a dining area on the other. This space, when not entertaining, is also known as my studio and Jamin’s office.
We have a little more of this process, here.
Let me also answer a very common question: Yes. When we want to use the TV, we just pull the painting down. This step tends not to be for everyone, and we get it. We don’t have our TV on much, so I guess it just doesn’t put us out. I also don’t mind burning a few calories by hefting it out of the way. They’re not that heavy. We can also assure you that it’s not a big deal; the payoff with a hidden TV is nice in the meantime.
Some people ask, why not just mount the TV, alone?
That’s definitely an option, and if it works for you, we say go for it. There are plenty of flat screen options these days, and we’ve even seen others paint their TVs or frame them out to work as a frame, while displaying digital art. I am a believer in old-school art and photography, just like I’m a believer in classic books for the home. I will always love having the option to create or display as I want with a new piece over the fireplace. Our home is a rotating art gallery, so I love the option of switching out the looks and painting for my own space. As an artist, I prefer it that way. I just love this classic look.
With this space’s black-out blinds, it’s the perfect room {alongside the basement} for a family movie! It was definitely appreciated as a common gathering area in 2020. I use this space so much to paint or for stained glass, that it’s not uncommon for my middle to join me with a rom-com while I work on a Saturday afternoon.
When we built our primary suite, we did the same. I knew I wanted a fireplace in our primary bedroom. I do love a good fireplace situation.
This is the great room space when we took ownership of the house, and here it is today, below. Giving way to an entry for our primary suite.
If you check out the history of our house, {I know, it’s a lot to keep up with} you’ll note we were very limited with this build-on, which is why we were so grateful to collab with our amazing architect. One side holds the bed, and the other, our built-ins.
Another side note: You may have noticed, but both fireplaces wouldn’t be the same without this GORGEOUS Jeffrey Court Tile! We adore this collection, and the classic-yet-modern feel the tile gives.
This is one of my very favorite elements in the entire house. I knew I didn’t want a dresser in the space but something more permanent instead: A fireplace. There’s something about it that just gives the room a classic feel. Also, I’m a cold-natured gal, and we moved here from the tropics of south Alabama. Nashville winters can be pretty brutal, so we have thoroughly enjoyed all these fireplaces in the home.
Another example of having my cake and eating it too, because I knew I needed storage + also if we could manage, a place for the TV. I know lots of people are opposed to the idea of a TV in the bedroom, but I’m not so the end, and it’s nice to have the option.
Here’s a view of that storage. It has come in handy!
So this is the solution that we love for hiding that TV and all things fireplace in the home. We hope this helps shed a little light on a solution for some! There are a ton of ideas out there, but this is our very favorite. As always, let us know if you have any questions and have an inspired day!
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Phyllis S Harb says
Such a simple solution! Very unique idea.