Shelves next to the TV are my favorite trick for turning that big black rectangle into a cozy, styled focal point. With the right wood shelves and a little balance, you can get storage, display space, and serious living-room polish all at once.
Matching Floating Shelves on Both Sides
When I want a clean, classic look, I hang identical stacks of floating shelves next to the TV for instant symmetry. I’ve found three shelves per side is the sweet spot for styling without crowding the screen.
Might be a good match:
- Set of Wooden Floating Shelves: Recreate this symmetrical look by installing these wooden floating shelves on either side of your entertainment center.
- Small Potted Artificial Plants: Add a touch of greenery to your high shelves to soften the look without needing daily maintenance.
- Neutral Decorative Vases: Style your new shelves with textured or ceramic vases to add visual interest and balance the display.
Built-In Bookcase Towers
Nothing frames a screen like tall built-in shelves next to the TV, especially when they run close to ceiling height. I’ve built simple plywood towers with a face frame, and they hide clutter fast while making the TV feel intentional.
A few suggestions:
- Tall Narrow Bookcase: Frame your television with a tall, sleek shelving unit to create visual balance and maximize vertical storage.
- Decorative Dried Pampas Grass: Add texture and height to your display shelves or console with fluffy, natural dried stems in a vase.
- Woven Storage Basket: Keep cords and smaller items organized on open shelves using natural woven baskets for a tidy look.
Staggered Shelves for Easy Asymmetry
If your room feels stiff, stagger the heights so one side has two shelves and the other has three—still balanced, but not matchy-matchy. I’ve used this with floating shelves next to the TV and it instantly looks more collected and modern.
A few relevant products:
- Floating Oak Wood Shelves: Replicate this exact look by choosing warm, natural wood shelves that mount seamlessly for a clean, modern aesthetic.
- Minimalist Ceramic Vases: Style your new shelves with textured ceramic vases in neutral tones to add organic warmth without clutter.
- Picture Frames for Shelving: Create a personal touch by layering simple, black-framed artwork or photos on your staggered shelves.
Open Shelves Over Closed Base Cabinets
This is my go-to for real life: open shelving up top for decor and closed storage below for remotes, games, and cords. I’ve built simple box cabinets and topped them with shelves so the TV wall stays pretty and practical.
Maybe worth checking out:
- Wall Mounted Open Shelving Unit: Display your favorite decor and books stylishly with these modern, sturdy mounted shelves for your living room.
- Low Profile TV Media Console: Hide clutter and organize cables easily using a sleek, low-profile media cabinet with closed storage compartments.
- Decorative Woven Vase: Add natural texture to your space instantly by placing greenery or dried florals in a charming woven vase.
Rustic Reclaimed Wood Planks
For farmhouse vibes, I use chunky reclaimed wood shelves next to the TV with visible grain, knots, and saw marks. I’ve learned the secret is keeping the wood tone warm so the TV doesn’t feel like a cold hole in the wall.
These products might help:
- Chunky Rustic Floating Shelves: Add warmth and character to your wall by installing these thick, wood-textured shelves beneath your television.
- Matte Ceramic Vases: Style your new shelf with textured, neutral-toned ceramic vases to create a cohesive, modern farmhouse look.
- Dried Pampas Grass Decor: Bring a touch of nature indoors by arranging tall dried grasses in a vase for vertical interest.
Picture-Ledge Shelves for Layered Decor
Skinny picture ledges next to the TV let you lean frames and swap art without extra holes. I’ve styled mine with a couple frames, a small vase, and one trailing plant so the TV feels surrounded, not swallowed.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Floating Wood Picture Ledge: Install this minimalist shelf to easily display and swap framed art above your television without extra damage.
- Minimalist Wood Frames Set: Layer these simple wooden frames on your ledge to add personality and warmth to your media wall.
- Decorative Ceramic Vases: Add texture to your display by placing these small ceramic vases alongside your framed artwork for balance.
Corner Shelves That Wrap Toward the TV
If the TV is near a corner, wrap the space with corner shelves that aim toward the screen for a built-in feel. I’ve done this with simple L-brackets and stained boards, and it makes awkward layouts feel planned.
Useful items to consider:
- Tall Rustic Wood Corner Bookshelf: Maximize your vertical space and complement your TV area with a rustic, tall wooden shelving tower.
- Heavy Duty L-Brackets for Shelving: Create your own custom wrap-around corner shelves easily using these sturdy, industrial-style support brackets.
- Oak Finish Floating Wall Shelves: Install these oak-finished shelves to add warm storage next to your TV without occupying floor space.
Glass-Front Side Cabinets With Top Shelves
When you want display without dust chaos, try side cabinets next to the TV with glass doors and add a short shelf above each one. I’ve used this for pottery and books, and it keeps everything looking curated even on busy weeks.
Explore these options:
- Glass Display Cabinet: Protect your favorite books and decor from dust while keeping them visible with a glass-front storage display cabinet.
- Floating Wall Shelves: Install a simple floating shelf above your cabinet to create additional height and space for trailing plants.
- Decorative Ceramic Vases: Style your new shelves or cabinet top with neutral ceramic vases to add texture and artistic interest.
Narrow Vertical Shelves for Small Rooms
In tight spaces, I build skinny vertical shelves next to the TV so you get height without stealing floor space. Even a 6–8 inch deep shelf tower has saved me more times than I can count.
A few helpful options:
- Tall Narrow Wood Bookcase: Maximize vertical space with a slim wooden tower that adds stylish storage without cluttering your floor plan.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize cables and loose items neatly on your lower shelves using these textured baskets for a cleaner look.
- Ceramic Decorative Vase: Add a touch of elegance to higher shelves with a simple ceramic vase, perfect for dried flowers or greenery.
Fireplace Flank Shelves Next to the TV
If your TV sits above a fireplace, flanking the chimney with shelves next to the TV creates that cozy, balanced “media wall” look. I’ve added a chunky mantel and kept the side shelves lighter so the whole thing doesn’t feel heavy.
Some ideas to consider:
- Floating Wood Corner Shelves: Utilize vertical space efficiently by installing these minimalist floating shelves to display your favorite decor items stylishly.
- Decorative Dried Pampas Grass: Add natural texture and warmth to your shelving display with feathery, low-maintenance pampas grass stems.
- Modern Minimalist Ceramic Vase: Anchor your shelf styling with a sleek, neutral ceramic vase perfect for holding dried botanicals or standing alone.
Arched Shelf Towers for Soft Contrast
Arches are such a fun way to soften a rectangle-heavy wall, so I love arched shelf units next to the TV. I’ve built simple curved trim faces over basic boxes, and it instantly adds that custom, higher-end feel.
A few things you might like:
- Wooden Arched Bookshelf: Instantly soften your living room’s lines with this standalone arched unit that perfectly frames decorative items.
- Woven Storage Baskets: Organize clutter on lower shelves while adding natural texture that complements light wood furniture tones beautifully.
- Ceramic Vases Set: Style your new open shelving with minimal ceramic vases to create an elegant, curated look effortlessly.
Box Cubes in a Grid Beside the TV
A grid of cube shelves next to the TV gives you structure and lots of little styling moments. I’ve made cubes from plywood offcuts, and the repeating shapes make the TV look like it belongs in the composition.
These products might be useful:
- Vertical cube organizer unit: Maximize vertical space with a tall grid layout perfect for organizing decor and balancing your TV area.
- Decorative ceramic vases: Add pops of color and texture to your open shelving with modern, minimal vessels for a chic look.
- Small artificial potted plants: Bring fresh energy to your cube shelves with low-maintenance faux greenery that fits perfectly inside compartments.
Live-Edge Shelves for Natural Texture
For a wow-but-still-cozy twist, I mount live-edge shelves next to the TV so the organic line breaks up all the straight edges. I’ve finished mine with a matte oil so the grain glows without looking shiny.
Possibly helpful picks:
- Live Edge Floating Shelves: Instantly add rustic warmth to your wall with these organic wood shelves that highlight natural grain patterns.
- Matte Wood Oil Finish: Protect your raw wood shelves while maintaining a natural, low-sheen look with this easy-to-apply matte oil.
- Heavy Duty Floating Shelf Brackets: Ensure your new solid wood shelves stay securely mounted and level with these invisible, heavy-duty supports.
Integrated Log Storage Shelves Beside the TV
For a rustic statement, I’ve built tall cubbies for firewood as shelves next to the TV, especially when there’s a fireplace nearby. The stacked logs add texture and warmth, and they look like functional art.
A few choices to try:
- Tall Narrow Wood Shelf Unit: Replicate the vertical log storage look by choosing a tall, narrow wooden shelving unit for your own logs.
- Decorative Birch Logs: Fill your shelves with clean, pest-free decorative logs to instantly add that cozy, rustic texture without the mess.
- Rustic Woven Basket: Add extra storage and texture near your hearth with a sturdy woven basket, perfect for holding kindling or throws.
