Essex homeowners typically have two main choices when designing the perfect entertainment setup: a traditional TV stand or a built-in media wall.
TV stands have been a long-lasting choice, often among the first items purchased when moving into a new home. Despite this, media walls have become an increasingly popular alternative for those looking to maximise their space and create a sleek, integrated look.
Both have advantages; depending on your current needs, one may seem the better option. Let’s compare the benefits and limitations to help you decide which is right for your home.
What’s the Difference Between a Media Wall and a TV Stand?
TV stands are freestanding pieces of furniture that hold televisions, consoles, sound bars, and other media accessories and decorations. Because they are freestanding, the lounge area or living room layout often changes according to their position.
For example, a TV stand in the corner often dictated where sofas are placed for a better viewing experience.
On the other hand, media walls are a built-in feature that incorporates your TV, storage options, and additional design elements into a seamless, custom unit. They’re designed to fit the exact dimensions of the selected space, providing a clutter-free solution to bulky furniture.
Common additions to media walls include integrated shelving, ambient lighting, and fireplaces.
The Pros and Cons of a Media Wall
The Benefits of a Media Wall
A media wall undeniably offers an aesthetic and functional advantage, which is precisely what makes it a popular choice in Essex. But what other benefits do they have?
Maximised Space
A media wall is built into the wall, creating an open, spacious feeling in the room. Because devices can be stored within the wall, it omits the need for additional furniture or shelving, which you may need depending on your TV stand.
Clutter-Free Design
Wiring, cables, and accessories are all concealed within the media wall. This ensures a clean, streamlined appearance and is undoubtedly our favourite part of building a media wall.
Bespoke Customisation
As media walls are bespoke, they can be installed to your exact style and storage needs. We offer various options, including built-in shelving, LED lighting, integrated sound systems, and custom drawers, which gives them a heightened level of uniqueness compared to other options.
Enhanced Property Value
If you’re looking to sell your Essex home in the future, a media wall can be an excellent investment. It adds a premium feel to the living space and can increase buyer appeal. It can also be a prime attraction during viewings.
The Drawbacks of a Media Wall
While a media wall offers numerous benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks.
Installation Requirements
Media walls will require professional installation unless you plan to take a DIY approach. Similarly, due to their complex nature (depending on requirements), designs may need to be drawn up to ensure a seamless build. This means that you can’t set a wall up within minutes like you would with a TV stand.
Less Flexibility
Media walls should be considered permanent fixtures. While they can be moved, doing so is not easy. It will require a professional to remove and reinstall them, often making additional amends to the structure necessary to fit a different space or room.
The Pros and Cons of a TV Stand
Pros of a TV Stand
The pros and cons of TV stands are almost opposite to those of media walls.
They can be easily moved and are often easy to pick up for most people, allowing you to change your layout on the fly and experiment with different TV positions. They’re generally more affordable due to their non-bespoke nature and don’t require a professional to install.
Cons of a TV Stand:
Unlike media walls, TV stands 9 times out of 10, will take up valuable floor space and attribute to a more cluttered feeling within a room. As it’s freestanding, wires are often exposed. This can be amplified if the stand hosts multiple consoles or entertainment devices, which can sometimes be a fire hazard with the numerous cables lying on the ground or hanging from the edges of the stand.
Similarly, TV stands have limited storage options compared to media walls, requiring additional shelving around the room or cabinets to house required items. An often overlooked element in this comparison is the requirement to house additional devices or systems without dedicated spacing.
Soundbars must rest on the front of the TV stand, and external lights must be stuck to or wrapped around the structure to create the desired effect.
Why More Essex Homeowners Are Choosing Media Walls
We’ve seen media walls spike in popularity across Essex in recent years, most notably in new-build homes, modern apartments, and open-plan living spaces.
That said, they have also become popular with older Essex homes, particularly when finding a well-fitting TV stand for a less conventional living room or bedroom layout is challenging.
Similarly, if you own your home, media walls are an exceptional way to solidify your entertainment experience, improve your quality of life by reducing clutter and integrating systems, and make a sound investment if you may sell in the future.
It also can’t be overlooked that minimalist interiors are rising. Reduced visible clutter and seamless storage solutions are core elements of these design changes. Many Essex homeowners opt for open-plan living, where TV stands often conflict with the overall aesthetic goal.
How to Upgrade from a TV Stand to a Media Wall
Working with experienced professionals is essential for homeowners looking to move away from a freestanding TV stand and invest in a custom-built media wall.
At Ward-Smith Interiors, we specialise in bespoke media walls that fit seamlessly into your home. Whether you’re looking for integrated storage, concealed lighting, or a statement fireplace, we can create a media wall that enhances functionality and aesthetics.
If you are considering making the switch, book a FREE consultation today and let our team design a stunning, space-saving media wall tailored to your Essex home.
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