A media unit is often the focal point of a living room, combining technology, storage, and style in one piece of furniture. Choosing the right TV and media storage can transform a space, making it feel cohesive, organised, and visually appealing. With so many styles, materials, and finishes available, it’s important to consider how a media unit will interact with the rest of your décor rather than simply filling a wall.
With careful planning, you can ensure that your unit complements the space whilst also meeting your lifestyle needs, ultimately enhancing both the functionality and aesthetics of your living area.
Understand your space
Before selecting or styling a media unit, you’ll need to understand the space it will occupy. A well-placed media unit can enhance a room’s flow, make it feel more spacious, and create a cohesive look with your décor.
You can start by measuring the dimensions of your room. Consider how much of the wall you want the media unit to occupy, i.e., whether it will stretch across the full length or sit as a more compact feature. You should also take note of other furniture in the room, such as sofas, chairs, or shelves, and think about how the media unit will fit among them without overcrowding the space.
You’ll need to think about where you’ll sit to view your TV most often – the centre of the screen should ideally align with eye level when you’re seated. You should try to avoid positioning the media unit where glare from windows or overhead lighting could make it difficult to see the screen. In addition, you’ll need to make sure the unit does not block walkways or restrict movement within the room – functionality is just as important as aesthetics.
Choose the right style
To select a media unit that complements your décor, you’ll need to have an idea of the overall style of your room. A contemporary space might benefit from sleek, minimal units with clean lines and subtle finishes, whereas a traditional room will often suit richer materials, classic detailing, or warmer tones. You should think about the materials and textures that are already present in the room, such as wood, metal, or glass, as this can help you choose a unit that either harmonises or provides a gentle contrast.
Proportions are also important. A bulky unit could dominate a smaller room and make it feel cramped, whereas a delicate or low-profile design might look lost in a larger living area. Think about the scale of the unit relative to other furniture pieces and the room itself and aim to make it feel balanced and intentional.
As well as materials and size, the unit’s design features will also play a role in style. Open shelving can showcase decorative items, whilst drawers or cabinets will help to conceal clutter. Integrated lighting or subtle detailing can highlight your favourite pieces or add an extra layer of sophistication.
Coordinate colours and textures
Colour is one of the easiest ways to make your media unit feel integrated into your room’s décor. A unit that matches or complements existing colour schemes will create a harmonious look, or perhaps you might prefer to opt for a contrasting colour that will make the unit a statement piece. When choosing shades, you should consider the walls, flooring, and surrounding furniture. Neutral tones often work well for a timeless appeal, but bolder colours can add personality and draw attention to the unit as a focal point.
Texture also plays an important role in creating depth and visual interest. Smooth finishes, such as lacquer or glass, can give a modern, polished feel, but natural wood grains or matte surfaces can add warmth and character. You can experiment with mixing textures – perhaps a wooden unit with metal handles or a glass-fronted cabinet with a textured frame – to prevent the design from feeling flat.
Finally, think about how light interacts with the colour and texture of the media unit. Reflective surfaces can brighten a room, whilst darker or matte finishes can create a cosy effect.
Balance function and aesthetics
A media unit should strike a balance between storage, accessibility, and visual appeal. You’ll need to think about what you need to store and display, whether it’s a TV, gaming consoles, speakers, books, or decorative items. Units with a combination of open shelves and closed cabinets can help you keep everyday clutter out of sight while still showcasing items that enhance the room’s décor.
You’ll also need to think carefully about cable management and ventilation. Modern media equipment often comes with multiple wires and will require decent airflow to prevent it from overheating. A unit with discreet cable channels or back panels can keep cords organised and hidden, maintaining a clean, streamlined appearance.
The layout of the unit should also complement how you use the room. You’ll need to ensure that shelves or drawers are easily accessible and that the unit doesn’t obstruct movement or sightlines. You could also consider multifunctional designs, such as units with integrated desks, seating, or shelving for additional storage,
Add accessories
Once you’ve chosen the right media unit, you can add accessories to reflect your personality and ensure it complements your décor. Think about the items that you would want on display, such as books, artwork, plants, or decorative objects. Grouping items in odd numbers and varying heights can create visual interest and prevent the arrangement from looking too rigid or uniform.
You should try to avoid overcrowding the media unit, as clutter can quickly undermine a carefully designed space. You can leave some open areas to allow the unit and its contents to breathe, and ensure each piece has the attention it deserves. Lighting can also elevate the presentation. Subtle LED strips, spotlights, or lamps can highlight decorative objects and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
Consider bespoke options
Tailored media units can be designed to suit the dimensions of your room, ensuring a seamless fit that maximises storage without overwhelming the space. With options such as adjustable shelving, integrated lighting, and bespoke finishes, the unit can be both functional and visually striking.
The materials, colours, and textures of a bespoke TV unit can be easily chosen to complement your existing décor, creating a cohesive look that feels intentional rather than improvised. Custom units offer the flexibility to blend open shelving for display items with concealed storage for electronics and cables, keeping the overall design clean and organised.
