A TV on a sideboard can look intentionally styled instead of like a last-minute electronics drop zone.
Hide Cables Like You Mean It
The quickest way to ruin a TV on sideboard moment is dangling cords, so I drill a neat cable pass-through and run everything through a cable management channel. I’ve retrofitted older sideboards this way, and you’d never guess they weren’t made for a TV.
Some handy options:
- Desk Grommet for Cable Pass-Through: Create a clean exit for your cables by installing this simple grommet into any wooden sideboard surface.
- Self-Adhesive Cable Management Channel: Route messy cords neatly behind furniture or along walls with these easy-to-install, paintable concealers.
- Cable Management Sleeve Kit: Bundle multiple dangling wires into one sleek tube to instantly tidy up the look behind your TV.
Keep It Low and Long
My favorite TV on sideboard setup starts with a sideboard that’s wider than the TV, because that long, low profile instantly feels custom. I’ve built a couple extra-long sideboards from reclaimed boards, and they always make the whole wall look calmer and more “designed.”
A few helpful options:
- Mid-Century Modern Low Profile TV Stand: Create a grounded, spacious look by choosing a wide, low-profile console that anchors your entertainment area beautifully.
- Natural Reclaimed Wood Sideboard: Add warmth and texture to your living room with a natural wood finish that mimics a custom-built piece.
- Decorative Vase and Faux Eucalyptus Set: Balance your wide sideboard with simple greenery and textured vases to soften lines without decluttering the surface.
Wall-Mount the TV Above the Sideboard
When I mount the TV above the sideboard, I keep a small gap so the TV wall mount looks intentional and the top is still usable. I’ve done this in tighter rooms and it made the sideboard feel like a sleek console instead of a crowded stand.
Check if these fit your needs:
- Tilting Low-Profile TV Wall Mount: Secure your screen flush against the wall to create that clean, intentional gap above your sideboard.
- Wall Cable Management Kit: Hide unsightly dangling wires effortlessly to maintain the sleek console look you are aiming for.
- Minimalist Ceramic Vases: Style the usable space atop your sideboard with simple decor that complements your mounted TV setup.
Stand the TV Directly on the Sideboard
If you’re not mounting, I like setting the TV on the sideboard and keeping the rest of the surface simple so the screen doesn’t fight a bunch of clutter. I’ve used a low-profile TV base on wood tops, and it reads cozy and grounded when the scale is right.
These products might be useful:
- Modern Oak Wood Media Console: Anchor your living space with a warm, minimalist wood sideboard that provides ample storage and sturdy support.
- Ceramic Vases for Dried Pampas: Recreate this organic look by displaying dried botanicals in neutral, matte ceramic vases for added texture.
- Natural Dried Pampas Grass Stems: Add height and softness to your TV arrangement without cluttering the surface using fluffy dried stems.
Style a Simple Tray Next to the TV
I usually add a small decor tray on the sideboard beside the TV to corral remotes and a candle so it looks styled, not scattered. In my own living room, that one little “landing pad” keeps the TV zone tidy even on lazy movie nights.
Check these products out:
- Rectangular Wooden Serving Tray: Corral your living room essentials with a warm wooden tray to keep surfaces organized and visually appealing.
- Glass Jar Scented Candle: Create a cozy ambiance next to your TV by adding a simple, calming scented candle in glass.
- Small Wooden Nut Bowl: Add a functional yet stylish touch for holding snacks or small items with a natural wood bowl.
Go for Balanced Symmetry
For a classic TV on sideboard look, I place similar-height pieces on each side—like matching lamps or twin vases—so the TV feels centered and calm. I’ve turned scrap wood into two simple lamp bases before, and the symmetry made the whole wall feel instantly polished.
Products that could assist:
- Pair of Wooden Table Lamps: Create immediate symmetry by placing these matching wooden lamps on either side to frame your television perfectly.
- Mid-Century Modern Wood Sideboard: Upgrade your living space with a warm, natural wood console that serves as the ideal symmetry anchor.
- Small Woven Decorative Basket: Add texture to your display with a shallow woven tray, perfect for holding small greenery or remotes.
Build a Gallery Wall Around the TV
A gallery wall is my go-to move for blending the TV into the decor, because frames distract the eye from the big black rectangle. I’ve mixed thrifted frames with a couple wood-toned ones above a sideboard, and the TV suddenly looked like it belonged in the “art plan.”
Maybe worth checking out:
- Set of Wood Picture Frames: Create a unified look by grouping several light wood frames together for an effortless, curated wall display.
- Botanical Art Prints: Fill your new frames with natural, vintage-inspired botanical sketches to soften the modern look of your television.
- Large Dried Pampas Grass: Add vertical height and texture next to your sideboard with fluffy pampas grass in a woven basket.
Add Greenery to Soften the Screen
Putting a plant on the sideboard (or a tall one right beside it) makes the TV area feel alive and less techy, which I’m always chasing. I’ve used a trailing green plant in a chunky ceramic pot, and it’s the easiest way to warm up the setup fast.
A few choices to try:
- Minimalist Ceramic Planter: Choose a two-tone or neutral pot to house your greenery and add a modern touch to your sideboard.
- Artificial Potted Plant: Enjoy the lush look of greenery beside your TV without the maintenance of watering live indoor plants.
- Woven Storage Basket: Place a large textured basket on the floor nearby to organize throws or hide unsightly tech cables easily.
Use the Sideboard Storage on Purpose
I like assigning one drawer for remotes and one cabinet for the “ugly stuff,” because a sideboard is perfect for hiding the everyday mess that comes with a TV. In my own projects, adding a simple interior shelf has saved me from console-stacking chaos.
Consider these options:
- Woven Storage Baskets: Tuck away cables and toys instantly with natural woven baskets that add texture while hiding clutter effectively.
- Drawer Organizer Trays: Keep your remotes, batteries, and small tech accessories neatly separated inside drawers to stop the messy jumble.
- Cable Management Box: Conceal power strips and unsightly cords behind the scenes to maintain a clean, streamlined look around your TV.
Mix Wood Tones for Depth
A TV on a sideboard looks richer when you layer wood tones—like a warm wood sideboard with darker frames or a lighter-stained top. I’ve refinished mismatched pieces with stain samples until they played nicely together, and the contrast made the whole wall feel curated.
You might like:
- Mid-Century Modern Sideboard: Choose a warm-toned media console with contrasting grain patterns to instantly anchor your living room’s design scheme.
- Wooden Picture Frames: Add depth by placing artwork in frames that are a few shades darker or lighter than your furniture.
- Wood Repair and Stain Markers: Touch up mismatched vintage finds or blend different furniture pieces seamlessly with an easy-to-use stain repair kit.
Add Warm Accent Lighting
A small lamp on the sideboard or soft accent lighting behind the TV makes the setup feel cozy and reduces harsh screen glare. I’ve tucked a warm light strip behind the TV before, and it made late-night watching feel way easier on the eyes.
Items that may come in handy:
- Small Wooden Table Lamp: Introduce a natural touch to your sideboard and enjoy a warm, cozy glow during evening viewing.
- LED TV Backlight Strip: Attach these behind your screen to reduce eye strain and create soft, ambient lighting effortlessly.
- Smart Light Bulb (Warm White): Upgrade your existing lamp with a dimmable smart bulb to easily control the mood and brightness.
Try a Mirror or Leaning Art Behind It
If the TV sits on the sideboard, I’ll sometimes lean a mirror or a big frame behind it to add height and a layered, relaxed vibe. I’ve done this with a thrifted mirror and it bounced light around so well that the whole TV wall felt brighter.
Possibly handy products:
- Large Round Decorative Wall Mirror: Layer a round mirror behind your TV to create depth and bounce natural light around your living space.
- Large Framed Abstract Line Art: Lean a large, neutral-toned art print behind the screen to add height and a relaxed, curated aesthetic.
- Arch Shaped Wall Mirror: Choose an arched mirror to lean against the wall, softening the harsh rectangular lines of your television.
Make It Feel Built-In With Shelves
To make a TV on a sideboard look custom, I add floating shelves or slim bookcases on the sides so the whole wall reads like one unit. I’ve installed simple wood shelves above a sideboard and styled them with books and pottery, and the TV suddenly looked “planned.”
A few things you might like:
- Slim Oak Finish Bookcase: Frame your television setup with a tall, slender bookcase to create vertical interest and a balanced, cohesive look.
- Minimalist Wooden Floating Shelves: Install these simple wooden ledges above or beside your TV to display decor without overwhelming your wall space.
- Ceramic Vases & Dried Grasses: Style your new shelves or sideboard with textured pottery and pampas grass to add warmth and natural elegance.
Turn the Sideboard Into Seasonal Decor Space
I treat the sideboard under the TV like a mini mantel and swap in seasonal decor—branches, candles, dried stems, or a simple garland. I’ve done a cozy winter look with wood beads and greenery, and it made the TV wall feel festive without going overboard.
You might give these a try:
- Artificial Pine Garland: Add a lush, natural touch to your sideboard instantly with flexible greenery that looks timeless all winter.
- Wooden Bead Garland: Drape these natural wood beads over your greenery to add cozy texture and a relaxed, bohemian vibe.
- Taper Candle Holders: Elevate your display with elegant wooden candle holders that bring warmth and height to your seasonal arrangement.
Use a Corner Sideboard TV Setup
If your room layout is awkward, a corner TV on sideboard setup can be surprisingly elegant when the sideboard is angled and the decor is kept streamlined. I’ve built a corner-friendly top piece before, and it turned a dead corner into the most-used seat in the house.
Some ideas to consider:
- Corner TV Stand Cabinet: Maximize your floor space with a specially designed corner cabinet that fits snugly into unused nooks.
- Dried Pampas Grass Decor: Add a touch of natural texture and height to your sideboard arrangement with beautiful dried stems.
- Woven Ottoman Pouf: Introduce versatile extra seating or a casual footrest that complements a warm, wooden aesthetic perfectly.
Hide the TV With Sliding Wood Panels
For a true wow factor, I love adding sliding wood panels in front of the TV so it disappears when you’re not watching. I’ve made slatted panels from reclaimed boards that glide on simple hardware, and the sideboard wall instantly felt like furniture—not electronics.
May just do the trick:
- Sliding Barn Door Hardware Kit: Install this hardware to create smooth-gliding panels that easily cover your TV when not in use.
- DIY Wood Slats or Paneling: Use these wood strips to build custom, textured door fronts that match your existing furniture style.
- Solid Wood Sideboard with Storage: Start with a sturdy base like this sideboard to anchor your entertainment center and hide electronics.
Upgrade the Sideboard Top With Live-Edge Detail
If you want a statement piece, set your TV on a sideboard with a live-edge top or a subtle resin inlay so the wood becomes the star. I’ve poured a thin clear resin “river” into a top once, and everyone talked about the sideboard before they even noticed the TV.
Useful items to consider:
- Live-Edge Wood Slab: Create a stunning custom top for your existing furniture by finding a unique, natural wood slab.
- Epoxy Resin Kit: Pour your own clear river accent or seal a raw wood edge for a professional finish.
- Hairpin Legs: Complete your DIY sideboard project by attaching sturdy metal legs for a modern industrial look.
