The Trendy TV Accent Wall Idea That Will Take Your Space To The Next Level

As the living room's focal point, the TV deserves extra attention. We don't mean you need to up your viewing habits but rather that you should put in the time to give the media center the best appearance possible. With a carefully designed entertainment wall, you can create a truly welcoming space that will make movie night all the more enjoyable for your family and guests. And easily enough, it takes only a few strips of wood and a creative mindset to make a sophisticated display you'll be proud to show off.

Slat walls are one of the hottest trends in modern media rooms. They add a sleek, sophisticated character to the space and integrate the TV into the room's decor. Sharp lines work well with narrow TV frames, making for an attractive, cohesive layout. Some panels even add acoustic properties, making your TV not only look great but also sound better. You can work this hack into myriad design schemes, from mid-century to contemporary to biophilic interior decor. Take a look at your space and consider these tips, tricks, and methods to craft a unique design that will do wonders for your living room.

Slat walls consist of narrow strips, giving pattern and texture to the area behind the TV. You'll see them running in vertical or horizontal configurations, each having certain benefits for the room. Run parallel slats vertically to make the ceiling seem higher or horizontally to widen the room's appearance. For added effect, you can make some slats shorter or longer in staggered designs. Or, you could go off the beaten path and branch them off into randomly angled patterns. There's no wrong way to do it as long as you measure correctly and accurately space your pieces for a clean look.

If you're doing an arrangement of parallel lines, begin your slat wall by removing the baseboards and painting the wall. Measure the coverage area behind the TV, and calculate the number of slats you'll need and the spacing between them. Grab some furring strips, and cut them to size as needed. Paint or stain the slats before putting them on the wall. Use a level to ensure your first slat is straight, and nail it into place with trim nails. If you're renting, you can stick the strips to the wall with double-sided adhesive strips. Use spacers to arrange the subsequent slats and maintain even gaps between them. Fill the nail holes with putty, and paint them to match. Finish by setting up your TV.

Nowadays, you can make your TV wall's fluted appearance as simple or complex as you want. Plenty of DIYers have taken this timeless aesthetic to new heights with clever upgrades. At the same time, numerous products make slat wall installations a snap, and achieving a professional appearance takes little time and zero guesswork. Home improvement stores like Home Depot also carry pre-fashioned fluted panels, and they may go the extra mile and cut them to size for you! Need something more budget- and DIY-friendly? Swap the real thing for slatted-wall wallpaper that goes up quick and easy. With removable, peel-and-stick wallpaper products, even renters can effortlessly have a trendy TV accent wall without risking their security deposit.

Real wood slats and panels are still the ideal solution because they offer tons of options to enhance the design. Use the strips to hide cords for a slick wireless appearance, or add onto the wall for enhanced interest. For instance, TikToker @nicshomedecor offered an inspiring display using an MDF backing and hidden LEDs for an illuminating showcase. 

Angular backdrops deliver another creative direction with limitless possibilities. The designers at TikTok channel @theboardroomaccentwalls used black and gold slats to cast dynamic shadows and vivid highlights across the space. It takes only simple color and shape combinations to add all kinds of intriguing enhancements to the entertainment experience. Measure your TV wall, and plan how you want to make this stunning display complete your room.