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Floating tv units have become one of the most popular interior design choices across UK homes, and it’s easy to understand why. They combine style, practicality, and a clean, contemporary aesthetic that suits both small and large living rooms. Whether you’re redesigning your lounge, upgrading your media setup, or simply looking to create more space, floating tv units offer a surprisingly powerful way to elevate the entire feel of your home.

This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about floating tv units: what they are, why they’ve become so popular, how to choose the right one, storage and cable solutions, installation considerations, styling ideas, and the common mistakes to avoid. The goal of this article is to help UK homeowners make an informed and confident decision when selecting and installing floating tv units.

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What Are Floating TV Units and Why Are They So Popular?

Floating tv units are wall-mounted media consoles designed to hold your television accessories, hide cables, and provide practical storage while appearing visually weightless. Unlike traditional floor-standing TV cabinets, these units do not rest on the ground. They are securely mounted to the wall, which creates a sleek, elevated look.

Over the past decade, floating tv units have surged in popularity across the UK for several reasons:

• They maximise floor space in both small and large rooms.

• Their minimalist style complements modern interiors.

• They hide clutter and cables for a clean, streamlined appearance.

• They fit well with mounted TVs, soundbars, gaming consoles, and home cinema setups.

• They create an airy, open feel that makes a room look bigger.

As open-plan living becomes more common and UK homeowners lean towards minimalist, Scandinavian, and contemporary designs, floating tv units have become a staple in stylish home décor.

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The Biggest Advantages of Floating TV Units for UK Homes

Floating tv units are more than a trend—they offer real functional benefits that make them a smart investment for any home. Below are the most impactful advantages for UK living spaces.

1. They Save Valuable Floor Space

One of the biggest challenges UK households face is space. Many UK homes, especially older terraced and semi-detached properties, have limited lounge areas. Floating tv units save floor space by eliminating bulky cabinets, making the room feel larger and less crowded.

Because they sit off the ground, you can place additional décor, small storage baskets, or even a robot vacuum underneath without obstruction. This is particularly useful for:

• Compact living rooms

• Flats and apartments

• Open-plan kitchen-living areas

• Homes with narrow layouts

The visual spaciousness they create immediately transforms the room’s atmosphere.

2. They Offer Flexible Height Positioning

Unlike traditional TV stands, floating tv units allow you to choose the exact height that works for your viewing preferences. This gives you far greater control over ergonomics and room design.

Common installation heights include:

• Eye level when seated (most popular)

• Slightly higher for open-plan spaces

• Lower for a minimalist cinematic feel

Being able to customise the height also makes floating tv units a great solution for households with children, as you can mount the unit out of reach.

3. They Provide Hidden Cable Management

One of the biggest frustrations in any media setup is cable clutter. Floating tv units usually include built-in cable holes or channels behind the unit to hide:

• HDMI cables

• Power leads

• Console wires

• Wi-Fi extenders

• Soundbar cables

This results in a clean, premium finish that instantly upgrades the look of the room. Hidden wiring is also safer, especially if you have pets or young children.

4. They Create a Modern, Minimalist Aesthetic

Floating tv units bring a distinct sense of sophistication. Their sleek lines and clutter-free appearance naturally enhance the room’s visual balance. Whether your interior style is contemporary, industrial, Scandinavian, or luxury minimalist, a floating unit integrates effortlessly.

Homeowners often use them to create a central focal point or zone within the living room, especially when paired with:

• A wall-mounted TV

• Ambient LED lighting

• Modern décor accents

• A feature wall or media wall

5. They Improve Cleaning and General Maintenance

Because floating tv units do not touch the floor, hoovering and mopping become easier and quicker. Dust no longer gathers around awkward cabinet legs, and cleaning underneath is effortless. This small advantage becomes a large convenience over time.

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Choosing the Right Floating TV Units: A Complete Buyer’s Guide

Selecting floating tv units requires careful consideration. The goal is to match the unit to your room’s size, your storage needs, and your overall interior style. Below is a detailed framework to help you choose the perfect design.

1. Measure Your Space and TV Size Accurately

Your starting point should always be measurement. A floating tv unit should complement the size of your TV, not overpower it.

General guidelines include:

• The unit should be at least as wide as the TV.

• Ideally, the unit should extend 10–20 cm beyond each side of the TV.

• Leave enough wall space for accessories or future upgrades.

Measure:

• The width and height of your TV

• The wall area where the unit will be mounted

• The space needed for cables and ventilation

Also consider room flow—ensure the unit will not interrupt doors, walkways, or radiators.

2. Choose the Right Material Finish

Floating tv units come in a wide range of finishes, and the right choice can either blend into your décor or become a standout design feature.

Popular finishes include:

• Matte finishes for understated modern looks

• High gloss finishes for a sleek, reflective aesthetic

• Wooden textures for warmth and natural tones

• Concrete-effect finishes for industrial environments

When choosing a finish, consider:

• Wall colours

• Flooring tones

• Existing furniture

• Lighting conditions

For example, high gloss finishes reflect light well and can brighten darker rooms.

3. Consider Storage Requirements

One of the biggest benefits of floating tv units is extra storage. Think about what you need to store:

• Consoles and gaming devices

• Remote controls

• DVDs or accessories

• Soundbar or speaker systems

• Wi-Fi routers

• Decorative items

Storage options typically include:

• Drop-down doors

• Push-to-open drawers

• Open shelving

• Hidden compartments

If you prefer a clutter-free look, opt for concealed, push-to-open doors.

4. Ensure Weight Capacity and Strength

Not all floating tv units are built the same. You must ensure your chosen unit can safely support the items you plan to place on or inside it.

Check the maximum load capacity and consider factors such as:

• Wall type (plasterboard, brick, concrete)

• Mounting brackets included

• Weight of consoles, décor, or speakers

Proper installation is essential to prevent sagging or damage.

5. Pick a Style That Complements Your Home

Design plays a major role in how floating tv units impact a living space. Popular styles in the UK include:

• Minimalist Scandinavian

• Modern luxury

• Natural woodgrain

• Industrial dark finishes

• Two-tone contemporary combinations

The best design is one that enhances your interior rather than competing with it.

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Installation Tips for Floating TV Units

Installing floating tv units correctly ensures both safety and aesthetics. Here are the most important tips UK homeowners should follow.

1. Identify Your Wall Type

Floating tv units require a strong wall. Brick and concrete walls provide the most secure installation, while plasterboard walls require specialised fixings.

If installing on plasterboard:

• Locate the studs for maximum support.

• Use heavy-duty plasterboard anchors if studs are not available.

• Avoid overloading the unit.

If unsure, consult a professional installer.

2. Plan Cable Routing Before Drilling

Before you drill any holes, plan where your cables will run. This prevents awkward gaps or visible wires later.

Options include:

• Concealed cable channels

• Surface trunking painted to match the wall

• Running cables through the wall cavity where permitted

Planning ahead ensures a clean, streamlined finish.

3. Use the Correct Fixings

Always use the appropriate screws, anchors, and brackets recommended by the manufacturer. Improper fixings can compromise safety and stability.

4. Check Level Carefully

Floating tv units must be perfectly level, as even a slight tilt will be noticeable once installed. Use:

• A high-quality spirit level

• Marked guide lines

• Two people for installation

Patience during this stage makes a significant difference.

5. Allow for Ventilation

Electronic devices generate heat, so ensure proper airflow around consoles, routers, and media boxes. Avoid over-packing cabinets to prevent overheating.

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Styling Ideas: How to Make Floating TV Units Look Exceptional

Once installed, floating tv units can become the focal point of your living room. Here are some styling tips to create a visually stunning setup.

1. Add Ambient Lighting

LED lighting strips behind or underneath the unit add depth and a contemporary touch. Soft lighting enhances your media experience and creates a premium look.

2. Use Symmetry Where Possible

Pairing the unit with matching décor pieces on either side can create a balanced composition. Examples include:

• Decorative vases

• Candle sets

• Small plants

• Sculpture pieces

Symmetry helps the TV area look intentionally designed.

3. Incorporate Wall Art or a Feature Wall

Floating tv units pair beautifully with:

• Painted feature walls

• Textured wallpaper

• Wooden cladding or panelling

A stylish backdrop elevates the entire unit.

4. Integrate a Soundbar Seamlessly

If you use a soundbar, position it either directly below the TV or within the unit’s shelf space. Ensure it has adequate ventilation and remains unobstructed.

5. Avoid Overcrowding

While floating tv units offer storage, resist overloading the surface with décor. A clean, minimalist approach typically looks best.

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Cable Management Solutions for Floating TV Units

One of the biggest reasons homeowners choose floating tv units is their ability to conceal cables. Below are the most effective cable management solutions.

1. Built-In Cable Ports

Most units include pre-cut cable ports at the back, allowing wires to pass through directly to the TV or power outlet.

2. In-Wall Cable Routing

Where permitted, feeding cables through the wall cavity creates a fully invisible cable solution. This is ideal for premium home cinema setups.

3. External Cable Trunking

If wall routing is not possible, slimline trunking painted the same colour as your wall offers an affordable, discreet alternative.

4. Multi-Device Power Organisation

Use:

• Cable ties

• Velcro straps

• Cable sleeves

• Hidden extension blocks inside the unit

These create a clean and safe setup, avoiding tangled wires.

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Floating TV Units for Small Rooms vs Large Rooms

Floating tv units adapt well to both small and large UK living spaces, but the approach differs slightly depending on room size.

Small Rooms

For smaller rooms:

• Choose compact, streamlined designs.

• Opt for lighter colours to enhance brightness.

• Use minimal décor to maintain openness.

• Prioritise units with concealed storage.

Floating tv units are ideal for flats, townhouses, and areas with limited floor space because they instantly open up the room.

Large Rooms

In larger rooms:

• Consider longer, statement-style units.

• Use a textured or darker finish for contrast.

• Add symmetrical décor for balance.

• Pair the unit with a larger, wall-mounted TV.

Large living rooms benefit from the presence and scale of wider units, helping anchor the TV to the wall.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Floating TV Units

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your installation looks stylish and functions properly.

Choosing the Wrong Size

A unit that’s too big overwhelms the room; too small and it looks disproportionate.

Ignoring Weight Capacity

Some homeowners overload units unintentionally—always check the maximum load.

Incorrect Mounting Height

Installing too high or too low negatively impacts viewing comfort.

Poor Cable Management

Visible wires ruin the entire aesthetic.

Overloading the Surface

Too many decorative pieces create a cluttered look and reduce the minimalist appeal.

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The Future of Floating TV Units in UK Homes

Floating tv units are becoming a long-term staple in modern UK interior design. As home entertainment systems evolve and more households mount their TVs on walls, floating units will remain a go-to solution for stylish, functional living spaces. They offer the perfect balance between design and practicality while supporting contemporary technology setups.

Their popularity is expected to grow further, especially as more homeowners embrace:

• Minimalist home design

• Space-saving furniture solutions

• Smart home setups

• LED-enhanced media walls

Floating tv units are not just a décor trend—they’re an investment in a cleaner, more organised living space.

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Final Thoughts: Are Floating TV Units Worth It?

Absolutely. Floating tv units offer a rare combination of style, practicality, and versatility that suits almost any UK home. Whether you want to declutter your living room, create a modern entertainment area, or maximise space in a small flat, these units provide a powerful solution.

They enhance the look of your living space, improve cable organisation, and allow customisable installation height. With the right choice, proper installation, and thoughtful styling, floating tv units can completely transform your TV area into a sleek, modern focal point worthy of any beautifully designed home.

If you’re looking for a functional, elegant, and space-saving upgrade, floating tv units are one of the smartest investments you can make for your living room.