It’s statistically proven that an impressive 83% of viewers in the UK choose their living room to watch their favourite series, films, sports competitions, and soap operas. With this in mind, we can totally understand how important it is to create the perfect living room setup to take their watching experience to new heights! And it’s not just about screen size, at least not entirely; it’s about crafting a cosy, inviting environment that can enhance anything you’re watching, with whomever you’re watching it.
In today’s blog, we’re not just sharing living room TV ideas; we’re providing expert advice! From picking the right TV model to the best sound system and lighting, we’re here to help you bring to life the ultimate viewing experience!
Choosing the Perfect TV: Model, Size, and Placement
Everything starts with choosing the right TV. With the myriad of alternatives on the market, you might feel either overwhelmed or spoiled for choice, depending on your situation. Since we know a thing or two about televisions, here are our key considerations.
- Models. OLED TVs and QLED TVs are currently the choices that everybody’s after. Their incredibly vibrant colours and deep blacks make them a standout pick, especially if visual quality is everything for you. OLEDs offer better viewing angles and superior contrast, while QLEDs are known for their fantastic brightness.
- Resolution. 4K TVs are the standard now, with their extremely crisp, detailed images; however, if you want to future-proof your setup, consider an 8K TV, even though the content is still catching up.
- Size matters. Now, the rule of thumb is that the TV should be proportional to the room size and viewing distance. We don’t want to turn this into a math exercise, but here’s a handy formula to get the right screen size. Divide the viewing distance (in inches) by 1.6 and then get the ideal TV size.
- Wall mounting. Mount the TV at eye level when seated to guarantee the most comfortable viewing. If wall mounting isn’t an option, consider a stylish, sleek TV stand that complements your room’s decor!
Comfort First: the Best Seating Arrangements
We all know it: it’s all about comfort and atmosphere. Whether you watch your favourite content alone with your family or with large groups of friends, no perfect TV setup is complete without comfortable seating. So, let’s start with the sofa. If you have a large living room, you should opt for a sectional model, as it can seat more people and offers flexibility in arrangements. If, instead, we’re talking about smaller spaces, a cosy loveseat or a couple of recliners might be the best choice. The key is to choose seating that provides good back support and durable, easy-to-clean fabric, which is important, especially if you have kids or pets.
Also, don’t forget about out-of-the-box seating ideas! Colourful, soft floor pillows or even a trendy bean bag can add an element of fun and offer extra seats when you have guests over. Make sure you arrange your seating so that everyone has a clear view of the TV without straining their necks, angling chairs slightly or using swivel chairs to achieve this.
The icing on the cake? A well-placed coffee table for drinks or an ottoman as footrests for some extra comfort.
Sound Matters! The Importance of Surround Sound Systems
Every watching session should be a feast for the eyes and ears. That’s why sound and the most advanced sound systems are incredibly important to achieve an immersive experience!
While most modern TVs come with decent-to-great built-in speakers, they can’t compare to the extreme richness and depth of a surround sound system. Start by choosing between a 5.1 system, which typically features five speakers and one subwoofer, or a 7.1 system, which includes two additional rear speakers and offers a sound field. Also, be mindful of where you place the speakers; this aspect is super relevant for achieving the best sound quality!
- The centre speaker should go directly above or below the TV. The front left and right speakers should be at an equal distance from the device and angled towards the viewer.
- Rear speakers should be placed behind the seating area, at ear level, to create a rich surround effect.
- Subwoofers can be positioned anywhere in the room; however, they often work best when in a corner or against a wall.
We understand this could lead to running wires everywhere, so perhaps you’d like to consider a wireless system to keep your space clutter-free.
How to Set the Mood with Ambient Lighting Solutions
You might be surprised at how lighting can elevate watching your content by creating the right atmosphere, so you should pay attention to it. Too much can cause glare on the screen, while too little can strain your eyes, so your goal should be striking the ideal balance.
Start with dimmable overhead lights. Generally, ceiling fixtures with a dimmer switch allow you to adjust the brightness according to the time of day and the type of content you’re watching.
Accent lighting can also improve the whole experience. For instance, you could go for LED strips behind the TV or under the shelves to create a soft, indirect light that reduces eye strain without reflecting on the screen. Floor lamps are equally handy as they can direct light exactly where you need it. Smart bulbs are also a great addition, as they can be controlled remotely and set to different colours and intensities, allowing you to customise the lighting to match your mood or the film genre you’re watching!
The Future is Here with Smart TV Integration
Finally, why not integrate smart technology into your living room? Smart TVs are the hub of modern functional setups, with their innovative features such as streaming apps, voice control, and compatibility with other smart devices in your home. For instance, brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony offer models with built-in assistants like Alexa and Google Home Assistant or feature their proprietary systems.
We’re sure that with our recommendations, you’re ready to enhance your watching experience! Now, you need the right television. Whether you’re looking for the latest OLED or QLED, a sleek wall-mounted option, or a smart TV with all the bells and whistles, at Cheap TVs, we’ve got you covered.
We offer a fantastic selection of the most modern cheap TVs on the market that’ll fit any living room, regardless of its size and style. Check out our TV sale clearance, pick your model, and contact us for advice. Let us help you transform your living room setup with a TV that perfectly complements your home!
