If you’ve spent any time scrolling through home design inspo recently, you’ve probably seen a fair few media walls. Sleek TVs sunk into stylish feature walls. Flickering electric fires glowing just underneath. Built-in shelving showing off perfectly placed books, candles, and the odd trendy vase.
Media walls are everywhere. But as trends move faster than a cat up a tree these days, you might be wondering: are media walls still worth it in 2025?
Short answer? Absolutely — but they’re changing.
Here’s why a well-thought-out media wall still makes sense this spring, and how to get it right if you’re planning one.
Why Media Walls Took Off in the First Place
The idea behind a media wall is simple: combine your TV, fireplace, storage, and decor into one neat feature. Instead of the TV feeling like it’s just plonked on the wall, it becomes part of the room’s design.
Done well, a media wall creates a clean, stylish focal point. It pulls the living space together. It hides the tangle of cables we all hate. It gives you somewhere to show off a few nice things without adding random furniture into the mix.
And let’s be honest — with tellies now measuring about the size of small cars, pretending the TV isn’t a big deal in the living room is a bit ridiculous. Media walls embrace it, and make it look good.
How Media Walls Are Evolving in 2025
In the early days, media walls often followed a very particular template: big TV, linear electric fire underneath, glossy white or grey panels. Job done.
But tastes are shifting. People want media walls that feel warmer, more personal, less showroom. Think:
- Textured finishes like microcement, wood panelling, or plaster.
- Built-in shelving for books, art, and personal treasures — not just a row of corporate-looking decor items.
- Mixing open & closed storage — some hidden cupboards for the boring stuff, some open shelves for character.
- Deeper colours — navy blues, olive greens, charcoal greys — giving the wall depth and mood.
The goal now isn’t just a slick “show home” look. It’s to create a proper feature that feels part of your home, not like it’s been airlifted out of a furniture shop.
What to Think About Before Installing a Media Wall
It’s easy to get carried away by Pinterest boards, but a good media wall needs a bit of planning:
1. TV Size and Position
Start with the telly. It’ll dictate a lot. Ideally, you want the centre of the screen to be at seated eye level — not so high you get neck ache five minutes into Match of the Day.
If you’re adding a fire underneath, you might need to compromise slightly, but don’t shove the TV right up by the ceiling. It’ll drive you mad long-term.
2. Electric Fire
Electric fires are the most popular choice for media walls because they don’t need chimneys or flues. You just need access to power.
There are lots of styles — slimline, deep, realistic flame effects, even ones with crackling sound options if you want a full sensory experience. Choose one that matches the width of your TV nicely to keep things balanced.
3. Wall Depth
A media wall isn’t just a layer of plaster. It usually involves building a stud wall to recess the TV & fire.
Allow enough depth — usually at least 300–400mm — for everything to sit flush. This can impact the room’s layout, so check you’re not squashing your space too much.
4. Storage
This is your chance to hide the messy stuff — consoles, routers, Sky boxes, speaker cables. Build in cupboards if you can.
Open shelving is brilliant for personality, but don’t overdo it — too much open shelving can make things look cluttered fast.
5. Materials and Style
Paint, wood slats, stone cladding, microcement, even exposed brick — media walls have come a long way. Match your materials to the rest of your room. A cool, industrial look? Microcement or brick. A softer, homely space? Warm timber or painted panelling.
Common Media Wall Mistakes to Avoid
- TV too high — Your neck will not thank you.
- Tiny fire under a giant TV — Looks weirdly disproportionate.
- Over-styling — Keep the shelves natural, not like a branch of Homesense exploded.
- Ignoring sound — Make sure your speakers have breathing room or proper placements if you care about audio quality.
How Much Does a Media Wall Cost?
Like anything bespoke, prices vary. A basic DIY media wall could cost a few hundred quid in materials. Depending on size and materials, a professional install with electric fire, custom shelving, and full finish can range from £2,500 to £6,000+.
Always budget a little extra for hidden costs — electrics, TV mounting brackets, better-quality paint or cladding.
Why Spring Is the Perfect Time
Spring is a natural time to rethink spaces indoors. You’ve not got the heating blasting full-time anymore, so there’s less disruption during the install. Plus, sort it now and your living room will be ready for those slightly drizzly British summer evenings when you still want somewhere cosy to watch a film.
Sort your media wall now, and by Autumn, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Media walls aren’t going anywhere — but they are growing up. In 2025, it’s not about building a carbon copy of the neighbour’s setup. It’s about creating something personal. Functional, stylish, and — crucially — a space that actually feels like home.
Done right, a media wall isn’t just a trend. It’s the new heart of the living room.
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