That is the question! We admit it, we have a love-hate relationship with our television. Sometimes there’s nothing better than cuddling with the family indoors and watching a movie or our favorite show. A t.v. in the kitchen is handy for catching the news or cooking along with Giada. Having one in the bath is a luxury to most – and a vital necessity for others. There are certainly many reasons to love television. Yet…..do we want to look at it all the time? Do we want that black screen always present in our beautiful decors? Do we want our children to have access at all times? Nope.
Luckily, we are not alone. As media technology has steadily advanced to flatter and flatter televisions, the design world has simultaneously invented numerous ways to camouflage the black panel. There really is no need to look at your television unless you really want to. So, what are your options?
The simple low tech route requires that you’re just clever with your design. Hang the t.v. on a wall and surround it by artwork or mirrors in frames. The t.v. blends away. This works wonderfully in living rooms and bedrooms. In the kitchen, treat your t.v. as just another appliance and create a recessed nook to sleekly accommodate it. Stacked on top of double ovens or the microwave and voila! The t.v. disappears until you hit the remote. Sometimes even just creating custom recessed niche in your wall is enough to keep the t.v. from taking center stage.
Other ways to go undercover mostly involve discreetly hiding the television behind other (prettier) things. Artwork, mirrors, raised panels and shutters all are fabulous coverups for an LCD. Visit a specialized home media/electronics store and they will amaze you with the various mounting bracket and cover-up options. Your contractor can even tuck it right into your ceiling with the help of special hardware! Cabinet makers who do custom pieces can work wonders as well. Built-ins are obvious ways to hide televisions and hinges, touch latches and sliding panels can all aid in keeping your t.v. out of slight yet easily accessible.
Finally, there’s the furniture route. Innovative options are available from many high end furniture lines (and the price tags often reflect the level of ingenuity.) Many media cabinets now appear as simple consoles – but inside they hide a sleek lift system that elevates the television for use by remote control. The foot board at the end of your bed or the dresser across the room can also house the t.v. – again aided by a lift system. You’re no longer limited by the bulky t.v. armoire of the 90s and that helps televisions fit in the most unlikely of furniture pieces.
Of course, it takes research and planning to find the best solution for your space, but the results are well worth it. No one will be the wiser. And your elegant living room can do double duty as the venue of your annual Oscars party!
