Centrepieces that are both practical and aesthetic.
TV consoles are a functional mainstay in any home. They help with cable management, serve as storage units for Wi-Fi routers and more. But more than utility, a TV console can also contribute to the aesthetic of your living room – whether it’s integrated into your TV feature wall or as a standalone piece of furniture.
In this article, we take a look at design ideas for built-in TV consoles, and how they can take your space to the next level.
1. A low TV console on the floor, so your home looks more spacious
View this project by Mr Shopper Studio
Singapore’s GDP may be one of the highest in the world, but its average ceiling definitely isn’t. With BTO ceilings at 2.6m high (and condo ceilings typically between 2.8m to 3m), many homes make use of a low TV console so that the ceiling appears taller than it actually is.
In turn, this makes the living room feel less claustrophobic.
View this project by Fifth Avenue Interior
As can be seen from these examples, this design trick works for virtually any interior style, from modern luxe to wabi-sabi.
There’s one caveat though: you’ll need to mount your TV on the wall in order for it to be at eye level.
2. A floating console for a sleek, clutter-free look
View this project by Project L Studio
Should you prefer for your TV console to be a little higher, you can likewise opt for a slim console, but mount it on the wall instead of placing it on the floor.
View this project by A Square Space Design
Aesthetically, it lends a modern, sophisticated look to your living room. Practically, you won’t have to bend down as much just to access its contents.
3. A console that doubles as a swivel TV partition
View this project by Ideal Haus
Partitions are a good way to demarcate zones while keeping the communal area open. But rather than merely divvying up a space, make your partition pull double duty as a swivel TV setup, with a console below.
That way, you get to watch your favourite shows from both the dining and living areas.
4. A TV console built in as a wall niche
View this project by Mr Designer Studio
Wall niches lend a gallery feel to your interior. At the same time, they provide neat, recessed storage for things like soundbars, gaming consoles and photos of your favourite memories.
View this project by Darwin Interior
But of course, you aren’t limited to small rectangular ones. Go big with a large niche, or play with organic shapes for an eye-catching TV feature wall.
The downside to such a TV console niche, however, is the limited amount of storage it'll give you. So, do think twice if you intend to have a fair bit of stuff kept below your TV.
5. An open shelving system to display your collectibles
View this project by ELPIS Interior Design
Not everyone’s a fan of the uber-clean aesthetic though, and we get it. In fact, having things out in the open can be a great way to add character to your home, whether via memorabilia, your library of books, or anything that’s on brand for you, really.
In this charming mid-century modern living room, an open shelving system was designed specifically to house a TV on one shelf, followed by ‘console shelves’ below.
Note: Just be prepared to do light feather dusting on a regular basis if you’re going with such a design!
6. A TV console integrated into floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, for maximal storage
View this project by Supersketch Designers
If the two ideas above were too extreme for you, there’s always a middleground of full-height cabinetry that’s a combination of open and closed shelves.
View this project by Forefront Interior
Given that built-in cabinets are made-to-order, you can customise them in any configuration and colour palette you want, according to your specific needs and preferences.
7. A TV console with panelling that matches your interior
View this project by Rezt & Relax Interior
Taking you back in time to the Victorian era (sans the TV and other modern tech), this resale flat’s TV console panelling was chosen to match the wainscoting of its living room walls.
Put another way, it’s a textbook example of how even tiny details can make a space feel well-planned and intentional. After all, visual harmony ranks as one of the most important factors in good interior design!
8. A TV console that extends out to a bay window
View this project by Le Interior Affairs
To some, a bay window is a ‘useless’ feature in a home that takes up precious floor space — and one they didn’t even ask for!
If your living room happens to come with one, we’d suggest incorporating it into your interior design, like having your TV console levelled and extended towards it.
View this project by Paddry Interior
On the flipside, others love the idea of having a bay window so much, they get their interior designers to create one. The grass is always greener on the other side, right?
Notice how the connected floating TV console in this BTO uses the same laminates to give a cohesive look, while the bay window doubles as additional seating and storage for the owners.
9. A TV console with staggered height for visual interest
View this project by Yang's Inspiration Design
Lastly, we end things off with some sagely interior design wisdom: basic practical necessities can sometimes lead to unexpected design highlights.
In this instance, the need for different shelf heights led to a creation of a staggered TV console, in turn setting it apart (albeit its simplicity) from your run-of-the-mill TV consoles.