Bigger Isn’t Always Better: Choosing the Right TV Size for Your Space
Today, I want to delve into a topic that not only concerns many but often sparks debate. It’s a subject that divides opinions within households and social circles—whether bigger is always better, whether it should blend in, or even whether it should exist at all. Yes, we are talking about televisions.
There are specific guidelines we can follow when selecting the right size and seamlessly integrating a TV into a space. Let’s explore these aspects together.
To me, a television is like that guest who, when perfectly suited to the setting, becomes a supporting actor who almost steals the show—enhancing rather than disrupting the space. But if chosen at random, it can feel completely out of place, an eyesore demanding to be removed.
Choosing the Right TV Size
The first aspect to consider is size. Fortunately, there are straightforward guidelines to determine the optimal television size for any given space.
A simple rule of thumb is to take the viewing distance (in metres) and multiply it by ten. For ultra-high-definition screens, you can multiply by 15. This gives the recommended screen size in inches.
For example, if your seating is 4 metres from the television, the ideal screen size would be 40 inches, with a maximum recommendation of 60 inches. Technically, you could install an 85-inch screen, but this would likely strain the eyes and create a less comfortable viewing experience.
Projectors and Home Cinema Setups
Projectors require a slightly different calculation, as they create an entirely different viewing experience. The screen’s height, multiplied by a factor of 1.5 to 2.5, determines the optimal viewing distance.
For instance, if you have a 6-metre space, you could accommodate a projector screen around 3 metres wide and 1.7 metres high. Understanding the spatial limitations ensures a well-balanced cinematic experience.
Integrating the TV into Joinery
Beyond size, placement is crucial. A well-designed interior should incorporate a television without it dominating the aesthetic. Joinery plays a key role in achieving this integration.
If you are designing a media wall, consider the viewing distance and adjust the carpentry accordingly. For example, if your ideal TV size is 60 inches, your joinery should frame it appropriately. But beyond width, height matters too—a television positioned too high or too low can cause neck strain, diminishing the comfort of the space.
A general guideline is to position the centre of the screen around 100–110 cm from the floor, ensuring an optimal viewing angle when seated.
Concealing the Television
While some prefer to make the television a design feature, others seek to hide it when not in use. There are multiple ways to achieve this:
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Dark Joinery – A dark wood or painted backdrop can help a black screen blend in seamlessly, reducing its visual impact.
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Sliding Panels – If space allows, panels can be designed to slide horizontally, covering the TV when it’s not needed.
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Vertical Covers – If wall width is limited, consider a panel that lowers from above to cover the screen.
Mirror TVs and Disguised Screens
There are also innovative solutions where a TV doubles as another feature. Mirror TVs, for example, remain hidden when switched off but become visible when activated. While a fascinating concept, the technology behind them still has some limitations, particularly regarding image clarity.
A more successful alternative is Samsung’s ‘The Frame’ TV, which transforms into a framed artwork when not in use. Available with customisable bezels, it can resemble a decorative piece rather than a screen.
I recently integrated this concept into an office project where multiple framed artworks adorned a feature wall—one of them discreetly housed a television. The result was a multi-functional display wall that looked cohesive and sophisticated.
TVs in Bedrooms – To Include or Not?
Bedrooms often present a dilemma when it comes to televisions. While some insist on having one, others prefer to keep the space screen-free. If a TV must be included, three main integration methods exist:
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Foot-of-the-Bed Cabinets – TVs can be hidden within a custom-built bench at the foot of the bed, rising mechanically when needed. However, these units tend to be quite high, potentially disrupting the aesthetics of the room.
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Under-Bed Lift Mechanisms – Some solutions allow a TV to slide out from beneath the bed and rise into position. However, these mechanisms take up storage space and require complex installation.
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Ceiling Drop-Down Screens – In some cases, a retractable screen concealed in a false ceiling can descend when needed. While this is more common in home cinema settings, it can be an option for bedrooms with no available wall space.
Alternatively, projectors can be a more discreet option, projecting onto a blank wall or drop-down screen without the bulk of a television unit.
A Shift in Trends
Interestingly, the need for televisions in certain spaces has declined in recent years. A decade ago, it was essential to include TV points in master en-suite bathrooms so people could watch the news while getting ready. Now, with smartphones, tablets, and podcasts, these installations have become largely obsolete.
Similarly, many contemporary homes feature fewer televisions overall, reflecting a shift towards multi-purpose media consumption rather than dedicated viewing spaces.
Real-Life Project Examples
In my work, I have experimented with various solutions for integrating televisions:
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Living Room Joinery – I have designed countless media walls where TVs are seamlessly built into bespoke cabinetry, either exposed or concealed behind sliding panels.
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Bedroom Integration – While I’m not a fan of foot-of-the-bed units, they remain a popular choice for clients who prioritise functionality over aesthetics.
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Home Cinemas – In one case, a cinema room featured a large glass partition overlooking a staircase. Since a projector wasn’t ideal for this setting, we installed a drop-down television screen that descended from the ceiling.