For some, ending a hectic day by watching television in the comfort of bed is non-negotiable. It’s a chance to binge-watch buzzy shows (America’s Got Talent, anyone?) or escape for a while with a feel-good Hallmark movie (the summer schedule is out now, by the way).
Believe it or not, there’s a cohort of talented interior designers who think certain TV models detract from a bedroom’s overall design aesthetic — not to mention they can potentially wreak havoc on one’s sleep routine.
The case for skipping a TV
“The focal point in any bedroom should be the bed,” says designer Rayman Boozer. “The chronic issue with televisions is that when they are off, which is most of the time, they look like black boxes. Unless your decor theme is black and white or some combo of black and another color, that black box is distracting. That said, I don’t think watching TV in bed is wrong. Now, we have other options like laptops and iPads, which don’t need to be displayed or integrated into the decor.”
For San Francisco-based designer Regan Baker, it’s also about how a television’s presence can impact the true purpose of the space. “It’s intended to be a peaceful and serene place, where you’re able to prioritize rest, respite and sleep,” Baker says. “TVs in the room make it hard to activate that serene environment and can take away from your ability to prioritize sleep on a day-to-day basis.”
Designer Marie Cloud agrees. “I firmly believe that the bedroom should be a sanctuary dedicated to rest, relaxation and intimate moments,” Cloud says. “Introducing a TV into this sacred space can disrupt the tranquility and purpose of the room. The bedroom should be a haven where one can unwind, sleep peacefully and foster personal connections without the distractions of screens. By keeping the bedroom TV-free, we honor its true essence, ensuring it remains a retreat that nourishes both body and spirit.”
But there are exceptions…
On the other end of this bedroom design debate, designers acknowledge that TV models have come a long way. People no longer have to settle for unsightly brands in their spaces. Since its release in 2017, Samsung’s impressive The Frame TV has been all the rage in the design world. When it’s not in use, you can showcase a piece of art from a particular period, artist, color scheme, you name it. “I personally love getting cozy in bed at night and watching a show before I fall asleep, so I can’t judge my clients if they want a TV in their bedroom,” says designer Kirsten Blazek, who regularly recommends The Frame TV to clients. “The Frame has a very slim profile and a variety of wood and color options to choose from that frame it. The end result is a television that looks more like art than a regular television.”
Designer Karen Nepacena, who is lauded for her ability to “merge beauty and practicality” also appreciates the Frame TV. “We’re actually putting more TVs in bedrooms now that people don’t feel like they see a big black box as an eyesore,” Nepacena says. She reveals that quality TVs and entertainment centers are especially important to clients who value high-definition and beautiful cinematography. “They almost want movie theater-quality,” she says.
But be warned. That model, and many like it, are pricey. When the experts in our Good Housekeeping Institute Media and Tech Lab tested it first-hand, they found that if you’re not planning on using it to display artwork, it might not be worth the price tag.
How to make it work
Regardless of whether a designer thinks a TV is a good choice, one thing is undeniable: most of their clients want them.
“Despite the taboo around showcasing TVs in bedrooms, the reality is that 90% of our clients desire them. Personally, I cherish the simple pleasure of unwinding in bed with a good show,” says Ali Budd, star of Hulu’s House of Ali and principal designer at Ali Budd Interiors.
Ways to integrate a television into your bedroom more seamlessly:
- Be intentional about the design. Ali stresses that TVs should be woven into a room as seamlessly as possible. “Just as you would carefully integrate a TV into your family room, the bedroom can also benefit from thoughtful design considerations: optimal height, concealed wiring and sleek aesthetics.”
- Carve out a dedicated spot for it, if possible: “Create a specific zone or concealed sitting area that can be used for watching TV and that is not in close proximity to the bed,” Baker says. “This will keep a clear distinction between where you relax and enjoy TV, and where you rest and sleep.”
- Think of ways to hide it. “I think it’s personal, but from a design perspective, there’s definitely ways to hide them,” says designer Libby Rawes. Boozer has a chic way to keep TVs under wraps. “Use a TV lift cabinet at the foot of the bed, which seamlessly reveals and hides the screen; these models often come unfinished, so you can choose your own great paint color!”
Bottom line? While I’m personally opposed to TVs in bedrooms (it just doesn’t work for my family and I take my Zzs too seriously), it all depends on your lifestyle and sleep habits.
Monique Valeris is the home design director for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital. Prior to joining GH in 2020, she was the digital editor at Elle Decor. In her current role, she explores everything from design trends and home tours to lifestyle product recommendations, including writing her monthly column, “What’s in My Cart.”
