How to Style A TV Unit

Taking centre stage in any living space, the TV makes for a main focal point that draws the eye into any room. It’s the element that furniture is arranged around and a place where the household regularly gathers from movie nights to everyday entertainment. But it's the entertainment unit beneath it that often gets overlooked, typically functioning as a practical piece of furniture, as opposed to something purposefully designed for the space.  

But with a couple of simple tweaks, styling your TV unit can shift the entire look and feel of your space, making it an easy and low-cost way to refresh your living room. From layout and lighting tips to TV unit styling ideas that work in real Australian homes, our TV unit guide walks you through how to bring your living space together like an interior designer.  

 

Choose The Right TV Unit Style First  

Before you can start styling your TV unit, consider the entertainment unit itself. Its shape, finish and storage functionality are key factors that will help you make the right styling decisions for your home.  

Some of the most popular TV unit styles in Australia include: 

• Low Profile TV Units - This minimalist design focuses on clean lines and handle-free units that suit apartments, small spaces and contemporary homes. Our Mason TV unit suits this aesthetic.  
• Fluted/ Reeded Timber Front TV Units - This organic modern style includes textural detailing, making it ideal for Japandi-inspired interiors. Our Emery Panel entertainment unit is an ideal choice. 
• Mid-Century Modern TV Units - With tapered legs and walnut tones, a mid-century modern TV unit is warm and timeless. Our Osaka unit is a popular choice in this style. 
• Dual Tone TV Units - A mixed material TV unit features contrasting panels or two-tone colour blocking for depth and dimension. Our Murphy TV Unit is a standout piece in this style. 
• Statement TV Units - Allow a colourful TV unit to become the sole focus by making a statement with its colour, and keep styling minimal. Our Eros TV unit fits the bill for this theme. 

 

Find The Right TV Unit Size For Your Space 

Something many forget to take into consideration when styling a TV unit is sizing. Good styling always comes back to proportion, and the ⅔ design principle is a great rule of thumb when determining the right TV unit size for your space. Aim for your TV unit size to fit two-thirds of the wall width, while your TV should fit two-thirds of the entertainment unit for a balanced look and feel.  

Use this as a guide to help find the right size TV unit for your space: 

• Under 55” TV suits a TV unit around 150-180cm.  
• A 55” TV suits a TV unit around 170-185cm.  
• A 65” TV suits a TV unit around 178-190cm. 
• A 75-85” TV works better with a wider TV unit over 200cm. 

Stye Tip: Don’t forget to consider the shelving of your entertainment unit. Open shelving allows room for display, while closed storage keeps things tucked away. A mixture can give you the best of both worlds, providing more flexibility without sacrificing simplicity. 

 

How to Style TV Unit Shelves Like a Designer

Following a few simple rules can make all the difference when properly styling TV unit shelves. The most impactful design principles include: 

• The 2/3 Rule - Use this rule for sizing, spacing and proportions. 
• The 3-5-7 Rule - Group objects in odd numbers. 
• The Skyline Effect - Vary heights to avoid a flat look. 
• Visual Balance - Offset the weight of the TV by distributing decor asymmetrically. 
• Negative Space - Leave room for the eye to relax. 
• Layered Textures - Balance hard surfaces with soft materials. 
• 3-Colour Palette - Helps keep everything cohesive and calm. 

Wall-Mounted vs. Stand: How It Changes Your Styling  

Where your TV sits has a big impact on your entire entertainment unit styling approach. Whether you mount your TV to the wall above your entertainment unit or utilise the TV stand to sit it on top of the unit will result in different styling touches. 

If your TV is standing on the unit, our styling tips include: 

• Focus on the space on either side of the screen. 
• Use height to frame it (like a lamp, plant or vase cluster). 
• Stack books to lift smaller objects. 
• Keep the area directly in front of the TV clear. 

For homes that have a wall-mounted TV, our styling tips include: 

• Use the gap between the top of the unit and the bottom of the screen as a key compositional space. 
• The surface of the unit becomes solely for styling (and storage).  
• A lower or floating unit pairs well, and cable management becomes much simpler.  

Style Tip: To ensure everything feels balanced, the unit should always be wider than the TV. 

What to Put on a TV Unit  

When styling a TV unit, the best items to add are simple and repeatable. Some key decorative pieces include: 

• Books - Stacked horizontally as a base for smaller objects or play around with vertical placement. 
• Plants & Greenery - Ideal for adding softness to the area. For balance, match the plant height to adjacent objects. 
• Vases & Vessels - Use items of a varied height to create texture or a single statement vase to make visual impact. 
• Candles - Ideal for adding warmth and ambient light to the space. 
• Framed Photos & Art - Try leaning photos/ art instead of hanging for a more relaxed (and easy-to-update) feel. 
• Baskets & Lidded Boxes - Use on open shelves, or to conceal remotes and other cords neatly. 
• Small/ Decorative Mirrors - These items add depth, reflect light and make spaces feel larger. 
• Soundbars - Style your soundbar as part of the composition instead of trying to hide it. 

 

Styling Your TV Unit By Type  

The ideal style of your TV unit depends on its configuration. Learn how to arrange your TV unit based on popular Australian designs: 

• Minimalist Floating TV Units - Opt for restrained decor and under-shelf LEDs, making negative space the hero and focusing on the gap between the TV unit and screen. 
• Lowline Credenza & Long TV Units - An off-centre or wall-mounted TV works well. Balance with a tall floor lamp or leaned artwork.  
• Open Shelf TV Units - Apply the 3-5-7 rule, using varying heights across the shelves. Use at least one basket/ box per shelf to break up the display. 
• Closed Cabinet TV Units - Style the top surface with a couple of bold items to keep the look clean. 
• Mixed Open & Closed TV Units - Use open shelves for a curated display and closed cabinets for any clutter. 

 

TV Unit Styling for Your Aesthetic  

When thinking about how to style an entertainment unit, let your overall style guide your choices. This helps to ensure the unit’s theme blends well with the wider space and home as a whole.  

Discover our ideal design tips to suit your style: 

• Scandi & Minimalist - With a white or light natural timber TV unit, opt for maximum negative space, one or two plants and a neutral palette. Our Zack (Natural) is a popular minimalist-style TV unit. 
• Mid-Century Modern - A walnut TV unit can be paired with warm earthy tones, retro ceramics, stacked books and a warm amber lamp. Our Osaka (Walnut) fits well in this style. 
• Coastal - Use light natural finishes, rattan, beach ceramics and greenery. Our Osaka (Natural) is a perfect addition for this aesthetic. 
• Bold & Eclectic - Colour-forward TV units can be coupled with metals and natural materials, making it a great option for renters. Our Eros (Sage Green) TV unit is a standout pick. 
• Warm Rustic & Farmhouse - This TV unit style includes timber-look finishes, earthy tones, woven textures, candles, and dried floral. Our Canyon (Large) suits the warm rustic/ farmhouse aesthetic. 

Lifestyle & TV Unit Styling  

Styling should be a fun task, but your space must work well for how you live. For families with kids and pets, it’s a good idea to keep fragile items out of reach. Opting for TV units with closed storage and laminate or sealed timber units for easy-clean finishes. Anchoring the TV unit to your wall can also help keep things safe for kids and pets. Mocka includes wall-anchoring instructions with all entertainment units. 

For smaller spaces (including apartments) or renters, try to maximise vertical space with floating shelves or even a slim bookcase. Free up more floor space by mounting the TV unit to the wall or opting for a floating unit.  

Leaning art or mirrors is another good way for renters to style, as it avoids drilling and putting holes in the wall. Using adhesive cable clips, velcro ties, and peel-and-stick feature wall treatments are all renter-friendly as well. 

Seasonal TV Unit Styling  

A fun way to get into the spirit of a new season is to refresh your entertainment unit styling. This includes swapping key decor when the seasons change. Warm tones, candles and dried botanicals work well for Autumn and Winter, while brighter ceramics, greenery and lighter linens pop in Spring and Summer. 

Small changes can make a big difference! Something as simple as rotating the cushion and throw colours to updating coffee table book covers or even switching baskets can shift the whole look without too much effort. 

For major events like Easter and Christmas, add a festive touch to your TV unit with garlands, candles, string lights and more. Aim to keep things minimal so your decor doesn’t block sensors or overpower the overall theme in your space. 

 

Styling The Space Around Your TV Unit  

While most styling guides focus on the unit itself, the wall around your TV unit plays a big role as well! Your creative output is usually dictated by the amount of space you have to work with, so your styling solution should take that into consideration. 

Artwork with cabinetry next to the TV tends to work well when it’s sized proportionally and spaced correctly. A gallery wall (using mirrors and photos) around the TV can help it feel more integrated in the space. While floating wall shelves add height and help create more room to style.  

Still stuck? A feature wall can make all the difference. This can include slatted timber panels, a deep painted colour and more. For those renting, opt for peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable paint and adhesive panels.  

Set the Mood with Lighting in Your TV Unit Styling  

Lighting can be an effective way to bring ambience to styling a TV unit in your space. It can soften the look and make your room feel warm and welcoming. Layering multiple lighting options together, like table lamps, floor lamps and candles, can also create an atmospheric mood to your living area.  

Some of our recommended choices for TV unit lighting include: 

• Floor Lamps - Add a floor lamp beside the unit to add height and warmth. 
• Table Lamps - A table lamp on the unit surface creates an ambient glow at eye level. 
• LED Lighting - Lighting behind the TV helps to reduce eye strain and adds ambience. 
• Under-Shelf Lightning - LED strips under shelves help to highlight styled objects. 
• Candles & Fairy Lights - Creates a softer, more relaxed feel. 

Using Mirrors in Your TV Unit Styling  

Mirrors are an easy way to create a unique feel for your living room. Leaning a mirror rather than hanging it helps keep things feeling more relaxed. Consider placing the mirror to one side, as it helps to add depth without needing to compete with the TV. 

Using mirrors when styling entertainment unit spaces also helps to reflect natural light, which can be especially useful in smaller areas. Don’t forget to think about the frame of the mirror as well! The frame should match the finish of the entertainment unit or other tones used in your room. 

TV Unit Cable Management for a Cleaner Look  

Clean lines can make a significant difference in styling your entertainment unit. If you can, opt for a TV unit with a cable hole at the back. This makes it easy to thread cords and ensure they are out of sight. Using velcro cable ties can also help to bundle cables more easily as well. 

Use adhesive to neatly stick cables along skirting boards, and try to match the colour to the wall or skirting. Decorative boxes or trays can also be used on open shelves for remotes and other accessories. 

Devices inside closed cabinets should have enough airflow. For long gaming or streaming sessions, remember to leave the doors open to help prevent overheating. If your TV is wall-mounted, this usually eliminates most visible cables, so you’ll likely already have a clean look! 

 

Common TV Unit Styling Mistakes to Avoid  

While how you style your TV unit is completely up to you, if you want to make the most of your space, try to avoid these common mistakes: 

• Overcrowding the space. 
• Keeping everything the same height. 
• Using the wrong-sized decor for the space. 
• Forgetting to style the wall. 
• Matching everything too closely. 
• Blocking airflow or sensors. 
• Choosing a unit that’s too narrow. 

 

Style Your TV Unit Like A Designer With Mocka 

A well thought-out TV unit styling approach is one of the simplest ways to shift the entire feel of your space (and you don’t even need to renovate!). Starting with the right unit is the first important step, then layer with your chosen decor, mirrors, lighting, and more. Keep things simple and focus on what works well for your everyday life. 

Ready to style with purpose? You’ll need a TV unit first! Explore Mocka’s range of beautiful entertainment units today. 

 

How to Style a TV Unit FAQs  

What do you put on a TV unit to make it look nice?  

Keep things simple. A mixture of books, plants and a few decorative items should do the trick. 

 

What is the 2/3 rule for TV unit styling?  

The 2/3 rule is a proportion guideline. The unit should be two-thirds of the wall, and the TV should be two-thirds of the unit. 

 

What is the 3-5-7 rule in decorating?  

The 3-5-7 rule is about grouping items in odd numbers. It helps to create a more natural look in your space. 

 

Should a TV unit be wider than the TV?  

Yes. Having a unit that is wider than the TV helps the setup feel more grounded and balanced. 

 

What should I put on the wall above my TV unit?  

Artwork, shelves or a gallery wall all work well. Keep your styling aligned with the TV rather than a full wall. 

 

What lighting works best around a TV unit?  

A mixture of lighting works best. This includes soft ambient lighting and subtle accent lighting. 

 

How do you style entertainment unit shelves without looking cluttered?  

Use fewer items, less is more! Don’t be afraid to leave some empty space on your TV unit. 

 

How do you style the sides of a TV unit?  

Add height with a lamp or even a plant. This helps to frame the TV and soften the edges. 

 

How do you hide cables on a TV unit?  

Use cable holes, ties and other simple storage hacks. This keeps everything out of sight, creating a clean look. 

 

Is it better to wall-mount a TV or sit it on the unit?  

Both are viable options. Wall-mounted TVs do offer more flexibility, but either can look balanced when styled properly. 

 

What is the difference between a TV unit and an entertainment unit?

They’re often used interchangeably, and there isn’t much difference between the two. However, entertainment units may include more storage. 

 

What size TV unit do I need for a 65-inch TV?  

For a 65” TV, a 178-190 cm-sized unit would work well. 

 

What size TV unit do I need for a 75-inch TV?  

For a 75” TV, a wider unit, usually over 200cm, should make everything feel properly proportionate.  

 

Do entertainment units need ventilation for consoles?  

Yes. Ventilation helps prevent overheating and keeps your devices running smoothly. 

 

Should I anchor my TV unit to the wall?  

For families with young kids and pets, anchoring your TV unit to the wall is generally recommended.