Why Experts Think Having A TV In Your Kitchen Is A Mistake

It's no secret that technology is a major part of our daily lives. However, many experts still believe there are places in our homes that should be screen-free, and one such room is the kitchen. While it may not be the first thought when it comes to kitchen design, more people are incorporating a small screen in the room to watch the morning news with coffee or enjoy their favorite show while cooking. Though this may seem appealing to some, experts aren't sold on the idea of adding a TV to the kitchen because of design and social aspects.

Televisions in the kitchen don't have much aesthetic appeal, often creating a black spot in your design that takes the focus off of the more decorative elements. "I haven't seen a TV in a kitchen done well," interior designer Jessica Davis tells Southern Living, "and I feel like they should be relegated to lounge spaces. All the TVs I've seen in kitchens end up taking up counter space." Instead of having the TV playing the news or your favorite show, Davis believes that playing music in the kitchen while cooking and drinking a glass of wine creates a better environment.

For many homeowners, creating a beautiful kitchen is one of their goals. Since you spent so much time choosing and coordinating cabinet finishes, tile colors, and countertop materials, why would you want to ruin the design with what would essentially be a near-permanent black spot on the wall? And if the TV sits on the counter, it takes up valuable counter space that could be used for appliances or meal preparation. While some people may choose to conceal a television behind a cabinet when not in use, that can take up storage space that could have been used for dishes or supplies in a busy kitchen.

A television in the kitchen can also be a distraction while preparing meals. When cooking, it's best to be vigilant as you're often using tools and managing hot items. "I wouldn't suggest placing a TV in the kitchen as it's a distraction and could cause accidents," Gary J. Hawkes, a Feng Shui expert, tells Livingetc. "It's much better to be conscious and have a positive intention to impart into the food." You wouldn't want to be watching television while chopping vegetables and risk cutting yourself.

Televisions, at times, can be socialization killers. Though you may gather with friends and family around the TV to watch a movie or television show, you're often not completely present in the moment. You're watching a program and not entirely connected, even if you are taking moments to chat or discuss. Because of this, you'll want to keep televisions out of the kitchen since this room has become such a social space. "The kitchen is no longer a place just to cook," explains creative director Taliah Lowry to Byron Beach Abodes. "It's about creating spaces that invite people in to reconnect with the joy of making food, sharing a glass of wine, and chat[ting]." With a television in the kitchen, the family or guests you invite over will have all eyes on the screen rather than on each other. 

The kitchen can be a great place for bonding with friends, kids, spouses, or other family members. Even if you're cooking and your kids are in the kitchen telling you about their day, that's a social aspect that could be ruined if a TV was present. "[A television] takes away from the familial and conversational atmosphere that I always try to create in the layout and energy of the kitchens I design," says interior designer Bradley Odom to Southern Living. "The focus should be on the food and the family." Therefore, it's typically best to keep the television out of this room.