Where should you not put a TV in a living room?

When arranging a living room, there are a few places where it's generally not ideal to put a TV, as it can interfere with both the aesthetics and functionality of the space. Here are the areas to avoid when placing a TV in a living room:

1. Directly in Front of a Window (Glare)

• Why Not: Placing a TV in front of or near a window can lead to glare, which can make it difficult to see the screen, especially during the day when natural light is strongest.
• Solution: If you must place the TV near a window, use curtains or blinds to control the light, or position the TV at an angle that avoids direct sunlight.

2. In a High-Traffic Area

• Why Not: Placing the TV in the middle of the room or in an area with high foot traffic can be distracting and disruptive. It may also make it harder to focus on the screen while people walk by.
• Solution: Position the TV in a quieter corner or along a wall where it doesn’t interfere with the flow of movement through the room.

3. On a Wall That’s Too Small

• Why Not: Putting a large TV on a small wall can overwhelm the space and make the room feel cramped. It can also look unbalanced, especially if other elements in the room are smaller in proportion.
• Solution: Make sure the wall can accommodate the size of the TV without overpowering the space. Consider a smaller TV for small rooms or use a wall-mounted bracket to save floor space.

4. Directly Opposite to the Main Entrance

• Why Not: Facing the TV directly toward the main entrance can create a distracting focal point and can disrupt the flow of conversation and the general layout of the room.
• Solution: If possible, position the TV so that it’s not the first thing people see when they enter the room, or angle it slightly away from the entrance to avoid drawing attention immediately.

5. Underneath Artwork or Above Low Furniture

• Why Not: Placing a TV under artwork, shelves, or any other decorative pieces can make the space feel cluttered or cause the screen to compete with other visual elements. Similarly, placing it above low furniture like coffee tables can make it uncomfortable to watch.
• Solution: Keep the TV placement simple and clean, ensuring it is either at eye level (if wall-mounted) or at a comfortable height for watching from the main seating area. Avoid overcrowding the space with too many competing focal points.

6. Near a Fireplace (Uncomfortable Viewing)

• Why Not: If the TV is placed above a fireplace, it often results in an awkward viewing angle, especially when people have to look up at the screen. It can also be uncomfortable during winter months, as the warmth from the fire can affect both the TV and the viewer's comfort.
• Solution: If you must place the TV near the fireplace, consider a movable TV stand or a swivel mount that allows you to adjust the viewing angle. Alternatively, you can consider integrating the TV into custom cabinetry or placing it in a wall niche beside the fireplace.

7. In a Corner (If Not Properly Angled)

• Why Not: A TV placed in a corner without proper angling can result in poor viewing angles, leading to discomfort for people sitting on the opposite side of the room.
• Solution: If you do place the TV in a corner, ensure it can be angled for better visibility or use a wall-mounted, swivel bracket to allow for adjustment.

8. Too Close to Seating Areas

• Why Not: Placing the TV too close to seating areas can strain your eyes, as sitting too close to a large screen can cause discomfort over time.
• Solution: Keep a comfortable distance between the TV and seating area. A general guideline is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal size of the TV for an optimal viewing experience.

9. In a Room with No Proper Seating Arrangement

• Why Not: A TV should be placed in a space where it has a proper seating arrangement for people to gather comfortably and view it. If there’s no seating facing the TV, it can make the room feel disjointed and uncomfortable.
• Solution: Ensure that your seating arrangement is centered around the TV or positioned for easy viewing. Ideally, seating should be oriented toward the screen, but without forcing people to turn awkwardly.

10. In a Room with Limited Storage or Clutter

• Why Not: If the room is cluttered or lacks storage, placing a TV in a central location can make the space feel more chaotic and disorganized. It can also make it harder to create a visually appealing design.
• Solution: Ensure there’s enough storage in the room to maintain a tidy space. Consider using furniture with built-in storage, or choose a wall-mounted TV to free up space.

Ideal TV Placement:

• Wall-Mounted: Wall mounting the TV is often the best choice for freeing up floor space and achieving a sleek look. This option also allows you to place the TV at the optimal viewing height.
• Focal Point: Position the TV as the focal point of the room, but not in a way that makes it feel out of place. Ideally, the TV should be viewed comfortably from the main seating area.
• Balanced with Furniture: Make sure the TV is part of a balanced layout, with furniture positioned for easy viewing. The TV should not dominate the space, and it should complement the room's overall design.

By considering these guidelines and avoiding the common mistakes mentioned above, you can create a well-organized, functional, and visually pleasing living room where the TV fits seamlessly into the design.