What to Put on the Sides of Your TV Stand: Clever Ideas to Balance Style and Function

Your TV stand is the heart of your living room, but the empty spaces flanking it often feel like missed opportunities. Do you fill them with decor? Add storage? Or keep it minimalist? The answer depends on your space, lifestyle, and the story you want your room to tell. Let’s rethink those neglected zones and turn them into intentional, eye-catching elements that enhance your setup—without overwhelming it.

Before diving into decor, decide whether you want symmetry or an eclectic mix. Symmetrical setups (matching items on both sides) create calm and order, ideal for traditional or modern spaces. Asymmetrical pairings, like a floor lamp on one side and a plant on the other, add dynamic energy to eclectic or bohemian rooms. Whichever you choose, aim for visual weight balance. For example, a chunky bookshelf on the left can offset a tall plant on the right.

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If your living room doubles as a playroom, home office, or entertainment hub, storage is your best friend—but it doesn’t have to look utilitarian.

1. Slim Cabinets or Sideboards
Opt for narrow cabinets (10–12 inches deep) with closed storage to hide board games, tech gadgets, or kids’ toys. For a cohesive look, match the cabinet finish to your TV stand. IKEA’s BESTÅ series, for instance, offers modular units that blend seamlessly with most stands. Add woven baskets or decorative boxes on top for remote controls or chargers.

2. Floating Shelves with Purpose
Install staggered floating shelves to display a mix of functional and decorative items. Style them with:

· Top shelf: A trailing pothos plant or minimalist sculpture.

· Middle shelf: Stacked coffee table books or a small speaker.

· Bottom shelf: A woven basket for throw blankets or magazines.

3. Vertical Bookcases as Room Dividers
In open-concept spaces, tall bookcases flanking the TV stand can subtly zone the area. Use the lower shelves for storage (think: baskets for shoes by the entryway) and the upper tiers for decor like framed photos or ceramic vases.

Your TV is the star, but the sides of the stand deserve supporting roles that enhance the scene.

1. Plants: The Ultimate Space Enhancers

Plants add life, color, and texture. Choose varieties based on your space:

• Low light? A ZZ plant or snake plant thrives in dim corners.
• Small spaces? A petite succulent in a handmade pot adds charm.
• Drama seekers? A 6-foot fiddle leaf fig makes a bold statement.

Pro tip: Elevate plants on wooden stools or metal stands to draw the eye upward.

2. Lighting That Sets the Mood

Lighting can transform the vibe of your TV area:

• Arc floor lamps: Position one behind a reading nook for evening coziness.
• Plug-in wall sconces: Ideal for renters; they add ambient light without hardwiring.
• LED strip lights: Stick them to the back of the TV stand or shelves for a cinematic glow that reduces eye strain during movie nights.

3. Art and Sculptures That Spark Conversation

Skip generic wall art and lean into pieces that reflect your personality:

• Gallery ledge: Display a rotating collection of small paintings, vintage plates, or kids’ artwork.
• Sculptural accents: A abstract metal piece or hand-carved wooden bowl adds texture.
• Functional art: A decorative tray propped against the wall doubles as a remote holder.

If your home includes tiny tornadoes or curious pets, durability and safety matter.

1. Soften Sharp Corners

Place rounded poufs or ottomans near the TV stand to cushion falls. Fill them with toys or blankets for easy access.

2. Secure Tall Items

Anchor top-heavy floor lamps or bookcases to the wall with anti-tip straps. For decor, opt for unbreakable materials like resin vases or faux plants.

3. Hidden Toy Storage

Use benches with lift-up seats or storage cubes to stash toys quickly. Label bins with chalkboard tags for easy cleanup.

Tailor your choices to your home’s aesthetic:

• Modern Farmhouse

Left side: A rustic ladder shelf with woven baskets and a galvanized steel lantern.

Right side: A linen-upholstered stool under a framed botanical print.

• Mid-Century Modern

Left side: A teak sideboard with a vintage record player and a fiddle leaf fig.

Right side: A tripod floor lamp and a curved ceramic vase.

• Minimalist Scandinavian

Left side: A floating shelf with a white ceramic vase and a stack of neutral-toned books.

Right side: A sleek black floor lamp and a sheepskin rug draped over a wooden stool.

Even great ideas can flop if they ignore these pitfalls:

• Overcrowding: Leave breathing room between items. A cluttered space feels chaotic, not curated.
• Ignoring Scale: A tiny trinket next to a massive TV stand disappears. Balance sizes—e.g., pair a large plant with a substantial lamp.
• Forgetting Function: That chic marble sculpture might look great, but if it’s constantly in the way of the coffee maker, rethink it.