TV rooms don't have to sacrifice style

Prime TV time is fast approaching: fall premieres, football, not to mention all that binge-worthy streaming content. It's understandable if you've had a hard time tearing your eyes off the screen, but let the reason be what's playing and not that the TV has become an eyesore.

You don't have to sacrifice style just because a room has a TV in it. Seating, storage and artwork can all help. We asked interiors experts to weigh in with their advice for mastering all that media.

If you don't want the TV to be the main attraction, a room has to have another showstopper. Designer Emily Johnston Larkin of EJ Interiors in Dallas relies on artwork to do the job.

Installing the TV off center also helps.

"There's no reason a formal living room can't both be functional and pretty," Larkin said. "We add TVs all the time to these types of spaces to add an aspect of livability to a space."

She said it's crucial to have enough seating in any room with a TV. While a sectional can be perfect for lounging, if you're after a more formal look, consider doubling up on sofas.

"We love a room with two parallel sofas because it gives the opportunity for two people to lie down facing the TV," she said.

But that doesn't mean that you have to let it take over the room, said Abbe Fenimore of Studio Ten25.

"Make it feel like it belongs," she said.

If your TV takes its place over a cabinet, styling with books and personal and decorative objects will help balance the big black box above it. Just be sure not to cover the screen or sensors, Fenimore said.

And if the only place for a TV is over a fireplace, consider camouflage: dark paint, wallpaper or wood accents.

"The look is clean and modern, and the TV doesn't look so stark on a plain wall," the Dallas designer said.

"Take the design up a notch by lining the back of the built-in with a fun wallpaper or fabric," she said.

Additional lighting is always a good idea.

When designing the built-in, Hewett keeps doors in mind as a way to hide unsightly electronics, kids toys and board games.

"I know it's tempting when you're designing a TV room to head straight for the Barcaloungers, but thankfully there are many more stylish options out there these days," said Tara Lenney, who relies on furniture that does double duty.

Consider a sleek, low-profile sofa with back cushions that lift up to headrest height. Opt for pieces upholstered in performance fabric so you don't have to worry about inevitable spills. An upholstered cocktail ottoman gives you a place to put your feet up or hold your snacks for a night of binge-watching, said Lenney, of Tara Lenney Design, Dallas.

Style it simply: Lenney sticks to a few books and a plant.