Technology and tranquillity: How to incorporate a TV in the 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 if 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. 

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)

Source: Healthline

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!

If you’re considering getting a television for your bedroom, you may want to consider investing in a modern TV bed, which features an integrated TV in the footboard. 

TV beds are a great solution for those who like technology but are concerned about having to compromise on style. Plus you can enjoy your favourite shows from under the duvet. Result! 

What are the other benefits of TV beds?

• The TV raises to your perfect eye level, reducing aches and pains from straining your neck.
• When you’re done watching, your TV will be discreetly tucked away and out of sight when guests come to stay.
• You can control your TV with a wireless remote, so there’s no heavy lifting involved. 
• Since they’re available in sizes from single to king and in a variety of stylish fabrics, you can choose a bed that’s in keeping with the rest of your bedroom design.
• Choose from different screen sizes and surround sound options to tailor your viewing experience. 

Check out our full range of innovative TV beds. 

If you’re not quite ready to commit to a TV bed but still want to enjoy television in your bedroom, there are so many ways to incorporate one into your bedroom design, without creating an eyesore. First things first: consider your TV placement.

Eye level alignment

Making sure your TV is at eye level is super important. Not only is it more enjoyable to watch from this height, but it’s crucial for your health. If your TV is too high, too low, or at a funny angle, it could cause neck aches if you find yourself straining. Comfort is key, after all.

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.”

Consider distance

The distance of your TV from your bed (where we assume you’ll be watching from) is equally important. Too far away and you could strain your eyes, and too close could be just as damaging. 

We’d recommend positioning your TV at least a couple of metres away from you. Of course, the distance may well depend on the size of your screen. Generally speaking, the larger the TV, the further away you should sit from it. 

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.

Nobody wants a huge TV unit that takes up half the room – especially in the 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…

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 Nebula Ottoman TV Bed Frame has impressive built-in LED lights (with over 200 settings!) so you can set the mood to your liking. Just imagine a Star Wars marathon here, it’d be like watching from your very own spaceship!

So you want a TV in your bedroom but you’re worried about it ruining your bedroom aesthetic? No fear. We’ve got tonnes of tips and tricks to help make your TV look as chic as possible.

Frame your TV with artwork 

For those of us who don’t want to splash out on a TV that turns into a work of art (you know the ones…), we have some creative tips for you. 

With a little artistic flair and clever picture placement, you can create a beautiful TV wall. Simply frame your television screen with different pictures, posters and prints and you’ll seamlessly integrate your TV into a work of art. 

Depending on your room decor, you might want to choose a particular colour scheme for your prints and matching frames, or perhaps you want a more eclectic vibe? We love a mix-and-match of different frames in all shapes and sizes for a more rustic look. Whatever you choose, make sure to pick art that feels like you. DIY has never looked so good!

Hide away accessories

Whilst you may be okay with displaying your screen in your bedroom, nobody wants to see lots of messy wires everywhere. To solve this issue, hide the chaotic clutter of wires and spare remote controls somewhere out of sight.

If you have a media cabinet, this is the perfect place to store all of your tech accessories. Alternatively, a smart tech bed keeps all unsightly cables cleverly tucked away inside the frame, incorporating style and tech functionality. 

If you’re working with a wall mount, you might want to get creative by tucking the wires behind the screen and storing away your accessories in a cupboard or drawer until you need them. You could even invest in some drawer organisers to keep everything as neat as a pin.

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.