Let’s talk about TVs, or what I like to refer to as a designer’s nightmare. They keep getting bigger and bigger, and harder to incorporate into the design of the room. While I believe that designers have basically lost the battle on this one, I do think that a few helpful hints could improve the situation: for homeowners and designers as well.
- Keep screen size proportionate with room size. A TV screen size is best viewed based on how far the viewing is from the screen. You cannot have a giant screen and be sitting 5 or 6 feet away from it. Those giant screens are meant for large rooms where they are optimally viewed from farther away.
- Keep screens at eye level! This is a big one… the most common mistake made in homes today is mounting the screen above the fireplace, so you are forced to look up to view. This is the worst scenario ergonomically. Bad for viewing, bad for necks!
- Hide the screen if possible (sorry folks I am a designer, and I would be remiss if I didn’t end my post with this). Flat screens are taking over the universe… or at least the rooms they are in. No designer would intentionally make them the focal point, but in most cases of DIY placement, that is what happens. There are many clever ways to hide your TV screens when not in use. Yes, that will be a bit more expensive but make a major difference in the design of your room.
Think about it, and please don’t hesitate to contact me for suggestions!