Choosing a Wall Color for a Flat-Screen TV

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When choosing a wall color for a flat-screen TV, consider the following:

1. Contrast: Opt for a color that provides contrast to the TV screen, such as a lighter or darker shade than the TV itself.

2. Neutral tones: Neutral colors like gray, beige, or white are safe choices as they don’t compete with the TV and create a balanced backdrop.

3. Accent wall: If you want to add some visual interest, consider painting one wall a bold or vibrant color, while keeping the other walls neutral.

4. Lighting: Take into account the lighting in the room as it can affect how the wall color appears. Test different colors under different lighting conditions before making a final decision.


Flat-screen TVs have become a common feature in many homes, and where they are placed can affect the viewing experience. In the past, dark-colored or wood-grain entertainment stands were used to optimize screen visibility by reducing glare. However, with TVs now being mounted on the wall, it is important to choose the right backdrop color to enhance your television time.

Why Opt for Dull and Dark Colors

Dark walls, such as charcoal, navy blue, or black, tend to blend in with the TV screen due to their lack of vibrancy. This minimizes visual disturbance and distractions, allowing you to focus on the screen. In addition to color, the sheen of the paint or wallpaper is also important. Opt for matte paint or shine-free wallpaper, like natural grass cloth, to prevent unwanted reflections from windows, light bulbs, or the screen’s brightness.

Muted Colors for a Subtle Effect

If dark shades feel too gloomy, you can choose a muted or toned-down color for the wall behind your flat-screen TV. Muted hues have a subtle, barely noticeable effect, allowing the TV’s picture to stand out more. In a media room or living room, colors like umber, mid-brown, sage, steel blue, or gray won’t overpower the TV.

Integrating the TV into the Room

If you want to cleverly incorporate your flat-screen TV into the room, you can use color tricks. Paint the walls in neutral colors like tan, white, or pale gray. Then, create a band around the room or just behind the TV using painter’s tape. Fill in the taped outline with black paint to create contrast and blend it with the black TV, making it less noticeable. Alternatively, you can group the TV among black frames or black-and-white artwork to make it blend in.

Bright Colors with Curtains

If you prefer a bright color on the wall behind your TV, you can use curtains to hide the hue when needed. Stack back dark or muted-colored curtains along the length of the wall when the TV is turned off, and then close them for better screen visibility when it’s on. Another option is to hang curtains from the ceiling in front of the TV to minimize its impact on the overall design when it’s not in use. The softness and density of the curtains also help absorb sound, reducing any echo caused by the volume or a surround-sound system. Painting the ceiling black can further enhance a bright wall and reduce reflection from a white ceiling onto the screen.

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