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Design: Emily Henderson, Photo: Sara Tramp

No matter how much square footage you're working with, whether you're buying or renting, or if you currently have a show you're binging on Netflix or not, a media room is a must in any home. By definition, it's a multipurpose space, outfitted with a TV and surrounded by cozy seating.

But for those who enjoy watching movies with family or congregating with friends on game day, this room is more like a hub for memory making. The only problem is this central gathering space can often end up feeling cluttered and looking dowdy. The good news is we have plenty of inspiration to make your media room feel like a high design space, no matter how many lazy days you plan to spend in there.

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Invest In The Perfect Coffee Table

Design: Mindy Gayer Design; Photo: Vanessa Lentine

The look of a coffee table can change the look of any room, so it's always important to settle on the right one. However, when it comes to a media space, you're going to want to find one that's just as beautiful as it is functional. A large coffee table provides plenty of surface space to set out snacks for guests and family.

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Set The Mood (Lighting)

Design: Mindy Gayer Design; Photo: Lane Dittoe

Lighting is everything in any room, but this rings especially true in a media room. The statement pendants in this space provide plenty of light (perfect for game nights) and make the room look so expensive. Tip: Install a dimmer to set the mood for movie nights and cozy evenings in.

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Create A Hangout That Inspires Connection

Design: Dan Rak Design; Photo: Ryan McDonnel

No media room is complete without a large flatscreen TV, but that doesn't mean it must remain the space's only focal point. Having furniture that faces the center of the room—like a couch and adjacent accent chairs—inspires guests to engage in conversation rather than just watch television.

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Don't Get Hung Up On Square Footage

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

The concept of a media room might seem like a sprawling space with theater-sized projectors and rows of recliners, but even the tiniest space can feel like the perfect place to catch up on your favorite shows. This nook of a TV room feels cozy and not the least bit cramped, and we're attributing it to the dark jewel-toned color palette.

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Keep Design In Mind

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

Media rooms of today aren't like the dark, mismatched basement gathering spaces of before. You can create a space that feels beautiful and luxe, even with an oversized TV positioned right above your gorgeous mantel. The white frame in this living room above the fireplace is actually a television that doubles as an art piece. It sets the space when you want to catch up on your shows and looks inconspicuous when you don't.

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Work The Necessities Into Your Décor

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Zeke Ruelas

If you're afraid of making your current TV look like an eyesore in your new media room design, work it into your décor like a pro. We love how this space perfectly fits a flatscreen in as a part of a stylish gallery wall.

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Hide Your Flatscreen

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

If having your TV on display at all times isn't your style, consider transforming a vintage writing hutch into a media center that hides your flatscreen when you're not catching up on your favorite shows.

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Consider Blackout Curtains

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Zeke Ruelas

There's nothing worse than taking the weekend off to catch up on your favorite series, only to be interrupted by a massive glare on your TV. Swap your sheer white curtains for a blackout version instead. You'll get the privacy you need, and you won't have to put off binge-watching until after the sun goes down.

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09 of 20

Incorporate Other Forms Of Media

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Zeke Ruelas

It's called a media room, after all, so stock bookshelves with board games, magazines, and books to entertain the entire family after you've all caught up on that series you've been watching.

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Install A Projector

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

There's no better way to maximize your media room than to install a projector for larger-than-life screenings. The best part is you can easily roll up the screen when you're not using it and have your sophisticated living space back at any time.

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Make Use Of Your Credenza

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

Half the battle of making a media room look beautiful is keeping it neat and organized. Keep your space looking tidy and modern when you pack all clutter and unsightly items (like DVD cases, toys, remote controls, and wires) in a stylish credenza.

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Know Your Needs

Christina Kim

If you're looking to stream all the sports events in a single room all at once, having more than one (or three) TVs might be your best bet. However, that doesn't mean you can't be mindful of how you install your setup. We love how this space neatly and artfully displays their various flatscreen sizes.

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Consider Alternative Layouts

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

Before you go hanging your flatscreen over your mantel, evaluate your space, and consider alternative layouts. The obvious choice isn't always the best one for your space.

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Don't Forget The Bar Cart

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

You'll be doing plenty of entertaining in this room, so there's no better room to include a fully-stocked bar cart. Keep various liquors, mixers, and pretty glasses on hand to satisfy all your guests from game night to movie marathons.

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Create Clean Lines

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

Nothing screams high design in a space more than clean lines. We're drawn to the symmetry, and 90-degree angles in this space, which proves less is almost always more.

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Try A Neutral Color Palette

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

Create a sanctuary for your series-viewing pleasure when you dress up a bright white canvas with neutral colors, natural materials, and plenty of greenery.

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Maximize Seating And Surface Spaces

Design: Mindy Gayer Design; Photo: Lane Dittoe

If you're planning to entertain in your media room (Who are we kidding? of course you are!), be sure to have plenty of seating options and places to set down personal items. Think big, comfy sofas, loungers, ottomans, and side tables to accommodate all your guests.

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Warm Up Your Space

Design: Pulp Design Studios; Photo: Stephen Karlisch

If your budget allows, adding a fireplace can cozy up even the most modern of spaces. This is just the upgrade you need to make all your guests feel right at home.

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Hang Your TV On A Swivel

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Tessa Neustadt

If you've decided to hang your TV off to the side, be sure to install it on a swivel mount so you can position it just right when it's time to tune in.

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Load Up On The Textiles

Design: Emily Henderson; Photo: Sara Tramp

At the end of the day, the goal when decorating a media room is creating a space that scores high on the cozy factor. Loading up on the textiles—via a rug, curtains, tons of throw pillows, and blankets to cozy up under—will instantly make a room feel cozier and more inviting.