Media Wall Ideas: 10 Looks for Your Living Room

A media wall turns a plain living room wall into the focal point of the whole room. Your television, an electric fire, lighting and storage all come together in one clean, built-in feature, with the cables hidden away. Whether you are planning a full bespoke build or looking for a quicker ready made option, these media wall ideas will help you picture what is possible in your home.

1. The classic: fire below, TV above

The most popular layout for a reason. A wide inset electric fire sits at seating height with the television mounted above it, both framed in one smooth plastered panel. Keep equal margins either side of the fire and screen for a balanced look, and choose a fire a little wider than your television so the two feel like one design. Our media wall electric fires come in a wide range of widths to suit everything from a 43 inch screen to a cinema-sized one.

2. Panoramic fire for a long, low look

If you have a wide wall, a panoramic fire stretches the flame picture across the room and makes the space feel bigger. Models such as the Escea LE1550 (1613mm wide) or the DRU Virtuo 180 Evolve (1815mm wide) create a real statement in open plan living spaces.

3. Fluted or slatted wood panelling

Vertical oak or walnut slats either side of the fire add warmth and texture, and they soften the sound in rooms with hard floors. Pair natural wood tones with a dark glass fire for a calm Scandi feel, or with a white frame for something lighter. The Celsi S1600 White and Oak Media Wall Suite gives you this look ready made, with acoustic oak panelling already built in.

4. Stone, slate or marble effect

For a more dramatic finish, clad the fire surround in stone or slate effect panels. Darker textures make the flames glow even brighter in the evening. If you like this look but do not want a bespoke build, the Celsi S1250 Cupria Slate Media Wall Suite pairs rich black and copper slate tones with integrated storage and a dedicated recess for your television.

5. Floating shelves and alcove niches

Recessed niches either side of the television are perfect for books, plants and speakers, and they help a wide wall feel balanced rather than empty. Floating shelves below the fire keep the floor clear and make the whole feature look lighter. Plan these at the framing stage so they line up neatly with the fire and screen.

6. LED strip and spot lighting

Warm LED strips hidden in shelf recesses or around the TV panel create a soft glow that makes the media wall look finished at night. Small downlights above the niches highlight your favourite pieces. Choose a warm white light to match the colour of the flames, and put the lighting on a dimmer so you can set the mood.

7. Corner and peninsula fires

Two sided and three sided fires are designed to be seen from more than one angle. Fit one on the corner of a media wall, or in a peninsula wall that divides a living room from a dining area, so the flames can be enjoyed from both sides. The Aurora Inferno 750 and Aurora Inferno 1500 both come in 1, 2 and 3 sided versions.

8. Small room media wall ideas

A media wall works in smaller rooms too. Keep the build shallow, choose a slimmer fire and use lighter colours so the wall does not dominate. The Flavel Flamonik Rapture is just 110mm deep and 643mm wide, and the Focal Point Sasanoa comes in 40, 50 and 60 sizes, both well suited to bedrooms, snugs and compact lounges.

9. A ready made media wall suite

Not everyone wants builders in for a week. A media wall suite gives you the fire, the surround and a space for the television in one finished piece, so you get the media wall look without the stud work, plastering and decorating. Browse our media wall suites to compare sizes and finishes.

10. Storage built into the wall

Hidden cupboards at the base of a media wall keep consoles, set top boxes and remotes out of sight. The Aurora Aries XL Media Wall Electric Suite includes two integrated cupboards with a floating design and a concrete effect finish, which makes it a practical choice for a busy family room.

Planning tips before you start

• Choose the fire first. Every fire has its own dimensions and ventilation needs, so the aperture should be built around your chosen model, not the other way round.
• Check the depth. Measure how far the wall will be built out and compare it with the depth of the fire.
• Plan the power. You will need an electrical supply inside the wall for the fire, plus sockets for the television and any lighting. A qualified electrician should handle any new wiring.
• Follow the clearances. Check the manufacturer guidance on the gap between the fire and the television above it.

For more detail on sizes, depths and running costs, read our media wall fires guide, and if you are budgeting, see how much a media wall costs in the UK.

Want it done for you?

We supply and install media wall fires and suites across London and Essex. Just fill in the short form on our media wall installation page and a member of our team will call you back to talk through your ideas and arrange a free quote.

Media wall ideas: questions

What is a media wall?

A media wall is a built-in feature wall that houses your television, usually with an electric fire below it, plus optional shelving, niches, storage and lighting. Everything sits flush in the wall with the cables hidden.

Do you need a chimney for a media wall fire?

No. Media wall fires are electric, so there is no chimney, flue or gas supply needed. That is why they work in flats, new builds and rooms with no fireplace.

Can you put a media wall in a small room?

Yes. Choose a shallow build, a slimmer fire and lighter finishes so the wall does not overpower the room.

Is there an alternative to building a media wall?

Yes. A ready made media wall suite gives you the fire, surround and TV space in one finished unit, without the building work.