10 Tips to Styling an Entertainment Unit

Entertainment units are often a key piece when it comes to designing your living room. Whether you choose to buy a gorgeous TV unit or opt for a built-in, entertainment units will play a major role in your living room. Plus, as these pieces serve both functional and aesthetic purposes the way you style your entertainment unit can also significantly impact the overall look and feel of your space. From TV placement to accessorising with decorative elements, we’re walking you through 10 styling tips to create a cohesive and stylish entertainment unit.

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Image credit: SMUB Studio | Rex Whiticker      

1. Balance and Proportion is Key to Styling an Entertainment Unit  

The first rule of styling an entertainment unit is to create balance. Your television will most likely be the largest element and should be centred on or above the unit to create symmetry. From here, you can then add decorative and functional elements to help balance the space. Visual weight is key to remember and books, art pieces, and vases often work well for this. The trick is not to overwhelm the entertainment unit with additional pieces but to use them as a way to balance and create interest. 

Tip: Use the ‘rule of thirds’ to create harmony. Divide the space into three sections and arrange items in clusters to avoid a cluttered look.

Looking for more living room ideas? Discover Fireplace Design Ideas for a Chic and Cosy Living Room.

Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling 

Image credit: HAAUS. | Villa Styling 

2. Incorporate Personal Touches to Your Entertainment Unit

An entertainment unit is the perfect place to showcase your personality and unique preferences. Integrating personal items like family photos, or antiques can add a sense of warmth and individuality to the space. Plus, you can tell a story with these pieces, such as large stylish books on subjects you love or decor pieces you bought overseas. Its the perfect way to make the space individually yours. 

Tip: Choose photo frames that match your colour palette and overall design style to keep the look cohesive.

Laya Villa B Living Spaces created by Comma Projects on Style Sourcebook.

Organic Living Room created by Sofia Mort on Style Sourcebook.

3. Layer Heights and Textures on Your Entertainment Unit

A visually aesthetic entertainment unit often involves varying heights and textures. We recommend combining short and tall items like books, vases, and candles for a more dynamic look. Play with textures too—mix together different variations such as wood and fabric accessories to add depth and contrast. Adding natural textures like ceramic pots or rattan baskets can soften the hard lines of electronics and bring a touch of nature into space.

Tip: Place taller items at the ends of the unit and gradually reduce the height of items as you move toward the centre to guide the eye naturally.

Image credit: Comma Projects | Alyne Media 

4. Introduce Greenery on Your Entertainment Unit

Plants are a wonderful way to add life and freshness to an entertainment unit. From lush potted plants to stylish Palm Springs-inspired cacti, greenery helps soften the area and bring in an organic touch. Choose plants that thrive indoors, such as a fiddle leaf fig, snake plant, or trailing pothos, which will add height and movement.

Tip: If caring for real plants isn’t practical, high-quality artificial plants are a great alternative and can still provide that vibrant green touch without the maintenance.

Image credit: @villa.ta.lumi | Monica Strickland Photography 

5. Declutter and Simplify Your Entertainment Unit

One of the most common styling mistakes is overcrowding the entertainment unit. Avoid this by keeping only a few key accessories on display. Minimalism is key for creating a polished and sophisticated look. Use baskets or chic storage boxes to keep remote controls, cables, and other items hidden from view. This also makes it easier to clean around the unit - it’s a win-win! 

Tip: When in doubt, less is more. Start with a few items and add gradually, but stop before the unit feels overwhelmed.

If you’re searching for the perfect piece of furniture for your living room, why not look into Bouclé Sofa Ideas?

Image credit: Breeze House

6. Lighting Matters When It Comes to Entertainment Units

The lighting around your entertainment area is also so important to consider. Ambient lighting from floor lamps, wall sconces, or LED strips can dramatically enhance the appearance of your unit. Plus, the right piece can make for a stylish addition to the space. Incorporating soft, indirect lighting will highlight your styled elements and create a warm, inviting atmosphere, especially for movie nights. We're loving this lamp featured with the Otis TV Unit from Lounge Lovers.

Tip: For a modern touch, consider installing LED light strips under the shelves or behind the TV for an extra layer of ambience.

Image credit: Otis TV Unit from Lounge Lovers

7. Use Artwork and Mirrors When Styling Your Entertainment Unit

It wouldn’t be a styling article without the mention of artwork and mirrors! These pieces are perfect for adding character to your entertainment unit. A large framed print above the TV can create a statement, while smaller pieces on the shelves add depth and interest. Alternatively, mirrors can be used to reflect light and make the space feel larger, especially in smaller living rooms.

Tip: Choose art that complements your interior style and colour scheme. Black-and-white photography can offer a sophisticated, timeless appeal, while bold abstract art works well in contemporary spaces.

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Image credit: AHProjects | Nira Creative 

8. Match the Entertainment Unit to Your Home's Style

Your entertainment unit should complement the rest of your home's design aesthetic. If your home leans towards coastal, consider incorporating lighter tones and textures like whitewashed wood and rattan cupboards. For a more industrial look, opt for black metal accents and raw wood finishes. Matching the unit to the surrounding décor ensures that it doesn’t feel out of place but rather integrates seamlessly with the room's vibe.

Tip: Colour is key—stick to a palette of two-three shades to maintain consistency throughout the room.

Need inspiration for your home’s interior design style? Be inspired by the Mediterranean.

Portsea Home created by Flawless Interiors Melbourne on Style Sourcebook.

Neutral Tones created by Velar Interiors on Style Sourcebook.

9. Seasonal Entertainment Unit Refreshes

Just like any other part of your home, your entertainment unit can benefit from seasonal updates. During spring, incorporate lighter colours, fresh flowers, or pastel ceramics. In winter, opt for darker, moodier accessories like charcoal vases or bronze candle holders. This can help to keep your space stylish and fresh without too much hassle.

Tip: You don’t have to completely overhaul the unit for each season. Swapping out a few key items will keep the area looking fresh without a major effort.

Image credit: Furnishd | Dylan James 

10. Consider Open vs Closed Shelving on Your Entertainment Unit

When choosing an entertainment unit, think about whether you want open or closed shelving. Open shelving gives you more opportunity to display decorative items, but it can also be tricky to maintain, as it requires regular dusting and tidying. Closed cabinets allow for hidden storage, which is ideal for keeping things tidy and out of sight.

Tip: If you’re drawn to open shelving but need storage, mix both—use closed compartments for unsightly items and keep open shelves for displaying beautiful accessories.

Image credit: Brewer Architects | Tom Ferguson 

Styling an entertainment unit is a great way to express your personal style while maintaining a functional living space. If you’re feeling inspired to begin styling your entertainment unit, living room space, or even your entire home, why not head over to our mood board tool? 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you style a TV entertainment unit?

Styling a TV entertainment unit involves balancing function with style. Begin by centering your TV and accessorising the surrounding space with complementary items. Use the ‘rule of thirds’ to group decor, such as vases, books, or plants, in clusters for a cohesive look. Incorporate personal touches like framed photos and vary the heights and textures of accessories to create visual interest. Keep the area decluttered by utilising closed storage for cables and remotes.

What should I put on the sides of my TV console?

The sides of your TV console are ideal for adding symmetry and height. Tall items like floor lamps, potted plants, or narrow bookshelves can help balance the space. You could also hang artwork or install floating shelves to hold smaller decor like candles, framed prints, or books. Ensure the accessories complement the overall style and colour palette of the room for a harmonious look.

What is a floating entertainment unit?

A floating entertainment unit is a wall-mounted console that doesn’t touch the floor, giving the illusion that it’s “floating.” This modern design feature frees up floor space, creating an open and airy feel in your living area. Floating units are perfect for minimalists, offering a sleek, streamlined look while still providing storage. They come in a range of styles and finishes, from wood to gloss, allowing you to personalise them to match your home’s aesthetic. Plus, they help conceal cables and wires for a clean, clutter-free appearance.

How do you style a room with a TV on the wall?

When styling a room with a TV on the wall, balance functionality with aesthetics. Surround the TV with framed artwork, floating shelves, or decorative wall panels to create a gallery effect. Incorporate nearby furniture, like low consoles, to provide storage and display space for accessories like books, plants, or sculptures. Position a stylish rug and cosy seating to anchor the room, ensuring the TV remains the focal point without dominating the entire space.