Posted by Wall Panels World on 4th Apr 2025

Panelling Behind Your TV | Creating A Modern Media Wall | Inspo

TV Wall Panelling

Panelling behind a TV can transform your living space, adding depth, texture, and style to your media wall. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential considerations for creating a stunning feature wall that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

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Modern TV wall panelling with wooden slat panels in a contemporary living room

Why Panel Behind The TV?

Wall panelling behind a TV can transform your living space, adding depth, texture, and style to your living room wall. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential considerations for creating a stunning TV wall that enhances both aesthetics and functionality.

Why Consider TV Panelling?

  • Elevates room aesthetics
  • Improves acoustics
  • Provides opportunity for creative lighting
  • Conceals cables and equipment
  • Creates a focal point in your space

Acoustics

When installing panels behind your TV, consider their impact on room acoustics:

Pro Tip: Acoustic Balance

Consider using a mix of absorptive and diffusive panels to create a balanced acoustic environment. This approach can significantly enhance your audio experience without sacrificing style.

Remember: The goal is to improve sound quality, not create a recording studio-level environment. Subtle acoustic treatments can make a big difference without overwhelming your design.

Lighting

Ambient Lighting

Soft, indirect lighting can enhance the atmosphere and reduce eye strain when watching TV. Consider installing dimmable wall sconces or LED strip lighting around your panelling.

LED Strips

LED strips behind the TV or along slat panel edges can create a dramatic effect. Opt for colour-changing LEDs to match your mood or content.

Key Lighting Considerations

  • Ensure lights don't cause glare on the TV screen
  • Use warm white (2700K-3000K) LEDs for a cosy atmosphere
  • Install lighting with separate controls for flexibility
  • Consider smart lighting options for easy integration with your home system

How to Choose Suitable Panels

Material

Consider wood, MDF, PVC, or fabric-covered panels. Each offers unique aesthetics and practical benefits.

Texture

Smooth panels offer a sleek look, while textured options add depth and interest to your wall.

Size

Consider the scale of your TV and wall. Large panels can create a dramatic effect, while smaller ones offer more design flexibility.

Installation

Some panels require professional installation, while others are DIY-friendly kits. Factor this into your decision.

Colour Selection

Choosing the right colour for your TV panelling is crucial for creating a cohesive look:

Room Harmony

Consider your room's existing colour scheme to ensure the panelling complements your space.

Mood Setting

Dark colours can create a cinematic feel but may make the space feel smaller. Light colours can brighten the room and make it feel more spacious.

Timeless Appeal

Neutral tones like grey offer versatility and timeless appeal, allowing for easy updates to your decor over time.

Colour Selection Pro Tip

Test paint samples or panel colours in different lighting conditions before making a final decision. What looks perfect in daylight might appear quite different under evening ambient lighting or when your TV is on.

Click for a quick colour test method
  1. Paint large swatches (at least 1ft x 1ft) on poster board
  2. Hang these swatches on your wall at different times of day
  3. Observe how the colours look in natural light, artificial light, and with your TV on
  4. Take photos to compare and make your final decision

Mounting Considerations

TV Mounting Options

  • Mount TV directly to the wall behind panels
  • Use a floating shelf or media unit
  • Consider an articulating mount for flexibility

Important Safety Note

Ensure your wall can support the combined weight of the TV and panelling. Consult a professional if unsure.

Remember: Safety should always be your top priority when mounting heavy items like TVs and panels.

Substrate Mounting Considerations

When mounting your TV onto a substrate instead of directly onto the panelling, consider these factors:

  • Substrate material (e.g., brick, drywall) should be sturdy enough to support the TV
  • Ensure proper ventilation to prevent overheating
  • Plan for cable management to maintain a clean look
Click for cable management tips
  • Use cable raceways that can be painted to match your panelling
  • Consider in-wall cable management systems for a completely hidden look
  • Group cables together with velcro ties or spiral cable wraps
  • Plan for easy access to cables for future upgrades or troubleshooting

Frequently Asked Questions

How does panelling fit behind a TV unit?

Panelling behind a TV unit is typically installed directly onto the wall or a prepared substrate. It's designed to provide a decorative backdrop that enhances the aesthetic of the living room. Depending on the style, panelling can also be used to conceal cables and other electronics for a cleaner look.

How to hide my TV behind a sliding panel?

Hiding your TV behind a sliding panel involves installing a track system on which the panel can move. The sliding panel should be lightweight yet sturdy enough to cover the TV when not in use. This setup allows you to maintain a clean, stylish look while keeping your TV hidden when not in use.

Do I mount the TV onto the panel or on the substrate?

The decision to mount the TV onto the panel or substrate depends on the strength and thickness of the panel. Typically, it's safer to mount the TV directly onto the substrate (like brick or drywall) to ensure it can support the weight. Decorative panels can be used as covers, but they might not have the structural integrity needed for direct mounting.

How do the panels affect ambient TV lighting?

Panels can influence ambient TV lighting by either diffusing or reflecting light. Textured panels might soften the light, reducing glare, while smooth, glossy panels could reflect light more intensely. It's important to consider the material and finish of the panels to ensure they complement your TV lighting setup.

Transform Your TV Area

Panelling behind your TV creates a focal point in your living space while adding texture, depth, and style. By considering acoustics, lighting, panel selection, colour, and mounting options, you can create a media wall that's both functional and visually stunning.

Whether you prefer the warmth of wood, the sleekness of PVC, or the textural interest of 3D panels, there's a panelling solution to match your design vision and enhance your viewing experience.

Ready to Transform Your TV Wall?

Browse our complete collection of wall panels and find the perfect option for your TV area.