Ideas for placing a TV in your bedroom

Does a TV belong in the bedroom or not? It’s long been debated. Whilst many sleep experts advise against clocking up hours of screen time before bed, it seems that most of us do it anyway…

In fact, according to our 2024 UK Sleep Survey, over half (52%) of us Brits like to cosy up in front of the TV before they go to sleep each night. Busted!

In this blog, we explore whether it’s a good idea to have a TV in your bedroom. Plus, we share our best bedroom ideas on where to place your TV, whether you prefer to display it proudly or cleverly conceal it. We’ve even got tips for fitting a TV into a small bedroom without it taking over your space.

Should I have a TV in the bedroom?

Whether you’re tuning into the nightly news, binge-watching the latest hit show on Netflix, or playing an 8-hour-long white noise YouTube video to help you drift off, there are hundreds of reasons why you might want a TV in your bedroom. But what do the experts say?

As you might have guessed, watching TV can keep the brain stimulated long after you’ve switched it off. So naturally, many health experts are against it. According to Healthline, “Sleeping with your TV on can reduce the sleep you get, interrupt your body’s melatonin production, keep your brain overstimulated, and lead to long-term health effects.” Yikes!

On the flip side, the experts did find some reasons as to why going to sleep with your TV on may not be that bad:

• TVs can act as white noise, which can aid sleep
• Familiar sounds (like your favourite shows) can also help people drift off
• Comforting shows can help to reduce stress and anxiety
• TVs give off less blue light than other devices (such as phones, tablets and laptops)

At the end of the day, designing a bedroom that suits you and your bedtime rituals is equally important. Amanda Gibby Peters, Founder of Simple Shui™, told Homes & Gardens: “Essentially, if you love your space, enjoy good rest, and have a healthy, happy relationship(s), there is no reason why you should forsake the television. Similarly, if a TV is a source of comfort during a stressful time and can help lull you back into restorative sleep.”

The reality is that it’s less about having a TV and more about how you use it, setting clear boundaries so it doesn’t disrupt your sleep or relationship with any fellow sleepers. So, if having a TV in your bedroom helps you slip into a deep slumber, or if watching your favourite comfort shows in bed makes you happy, then you should follow your heart and install that telly!

The benefits of modern tech beds

If you want the cinema experience without the clutter, a TV bed might be the answer. The screen rises from the footboard to eye level at the touch of a button, then tucks away when you’re done. No wall drilling, no wires on show, no furniture hogging floor space. They come in sizes from single to king and a range of fabrics, so you can match your bedroom style.

Check out our full range of innovative TV beds.

Clever TV placement tips

Not ready to commit to a TV bed? No problem. There are plenty of ways to add a screen without it taking over the room. The golden rule: mount or position your TV so the centre of the screen sits at eye level when you’re propped up in bed. Too high or too low and you’ll end up with a stiff neck.

The tech whizzes at Elite AV Services say: “Ideally, the centre of the screen should be at or just below the viewer’s eye level when seated. […] Calculate this by measuring the distance from the floor to your eyes while sitting. Use this measurement to determine where on the wall your TV should go.”

Interested in the exact science of viewing distances? Our friends at LG have pulled together a handy table of the optimal viewing distances for different TV screen sizes.

Concealed storage solutions

Nobody wants a huge TV unit that takes up half the room, especially when you’re working with a small bedroom. Luckily, there are many slim, ergonomic designs on the market which allow you to enjoy your favourite shows without worrying about your TV overpowering your space.

Wall-mounted systems

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to display a TV in your bedroom is by mounting it on a wall. Not only does this cut out the cost of buying new furniture, but it’s actually a great way to keep your bedroom looking clutter-free, as it clears up surface space.

Media cabinets

Wondering where to place a TV with no wall space? No problem. There are plenty of purpose-built media cabinets that are designed specifically to house your TV. With so many different designs on the market, you can choose a media cabinet that’s in keeping with your overall bedroom aesthetic. Whether that’s a rich mahogany mid-century style for a retro look or a modern glass one for a contemporary feel.

You could even install a bespoke wall unit to seamlessly hide away your TV amongst your wardrobe and shelving, like this…

Creating the perfect atmosphere with light and sound enhancements

To create the ultimate cinema experience right from your bedroom, pay attention to the sound. Soundbars and speakers are great add-ons to elevate your TV. Or, why not treat yourself to atmospheric surround sound? Our Yokohama Velvet-Finish Ottoman TV Bed Frame features top-of-the-range Dolby Atmos surround sound, perfect for immersive movie nights or blasting your favourite album.

Or, if you really want to level up your viewing, consider using light enhancements. Our X Rocker Nocturna Gaming TV Bed has impressive built-in LED lights which illuminate the headboard and footend so you can really set the mood. Just imagine a Star Wars marathon here, it’d be like watching from your very own spaceship!

TV ideas for small bedrooms

Working with a compact space? You’re not alone. Figuring out where to put a TV in a small bedroom can feel like solving a puzzle, but there are plenty of clever solutions that won’t leave you feeling cramped.

Make use of corners and walls
That awkward corner you’ve been ignoring? It might just be the perfect spot for your telly. A corner TV mount with a swivel arm lets you tuck the screen out of the way while still getting a great viewing angle from bed. Wall mounting works brilliantly too, freeing up floor space entirely.

Choose the right screen size
Bigger isn’t always better. For bedrooms where you’re sitting around 6-8 feet from the screen, a 32″ to 43″ TV tends to hit the sweet spot. Anything larger can feel overwhelming in a smaller room. The same logic applies to your bed. If you’re not sure what size will leave enough room to move around, our bed and mattress size guide can help.

Or let your bed do the work
Remember those TV beds we mentioned? They’re particularly brilliant for small spaces. No floor space sacrificed, no wall space needed, and many come with ottoman storage underneath. If you’re working with a box room or compact bedroom, it’s worth a look. For more options, check out our guide to space saving beds.

Making your TV look aesthetic

So you want a TV in your bedroom, but you’re worried about it ruining your bedroom aesthetic? No fear. A few simple tricks can help your screen blend in rather than take over.

Choose a frame that fits your style
Some modern TVs come with customisable bezels or “frame” modes that display art when not in use. If that’s not in the budget, opt for a slim-framed TV in black or white to match your room’s colour scheme. It’s a small detail, but it makes a difference.

Hiding the clutter
Nobody wants cables trailing everywhere. If you’re wall mounting, run wires behind the screen or through cable trunking. For freestanding setups, a media unit with closed storage keeps remotes and cables out of sight. TV beds are the tidiest option of all, with everything hidden inside the frame.

Like any piece in your bedroom, choosing the right TV model and how to style it depends entirely on your personal taste and how you want your room to look. After all, your bedroom is your special space to relax and unwind, so it needs to align with your aesthetic.