Bring Your Kitchen to Life With Clever Ways to Add a TV
With the rise of streaming entertainment and internet-connected devices, adding a television to the kitchen has become an increasingly popular way to enhance this busy household space. Whether catching up on shows as you cook dinner or streaming a new recipe tutorial, a kitchen TV offers convenience and functionality. Done right, it can even elevate your kitchen's style. Read on for clever tips to seamlessly incorporate a TV into your kitchen design.
A thoughtfully placed kitchen TV provides entertainment and connectivity without disrupting the room's flow or purpose. When determining placement, first consider the dimensions of your available space and average viewing distance to select the right screen size. Typically a 24-32 inch TV is ideal for most kitchens. Next, choose a mounting spot that avoids high heat or splashes, like near the stove, while still allowing sufficient airflow around the TV. Outlet accessibility for power cords should also be top of mind.
Creative Mounting Options for Any Kitchen
Depending on your kitchen's layout, there are numerous creative ways to mount your new TV. A popular choice is installing it on the wall above the refrigerator or nearby cabinets. For a more integrated look, consider tucking it inside a customized wall nook or niche trimmed with molding. Corner mounting takes advantage of unused space, while centering it above the sink backsplash provides a streamlined built-in effect. Under-cabinet installations keep the TV out of the way but still viewable from certain vantage points. For more flexibility, TVs can rest on shelves, media carts or stands that move as needed.
Maximize Viewing and Visibility
When determining the best spot, consider sight lines from cooking, dining, and entertaining areas to optimize viewing. TVs mounted high on the wall or above cabinetry ensure visibility from across the room. If placing it lower near a breakfast bar or table, be sure to account for potential obstructions. Optimal viewing angles range between 15 to 30 degrees. Avoid awkward side angles that cause distortion.
Blend It Stylishly Into Your Design Scheme
A TV doesn't have to look out of place in your elegant or rustic kitchen if styled properly. Choose a screen size and position that complement your existing layout and furnishings. A wall-mounted TV can mirror the height and centering of surrounding cabinetry to look built-in. Opt for a low-profile mount to push it just an inch or two off the wall. Surround your TV with visually appealing backdrops like textured stone or marble wall tiles, rich woodgrain cabinetry or contemporary color-blocked paint.
Enhancements That Take Your Kitchen TV to the Next Level
To create a more immersive, high-tech experience, consider incorporating these enhancements:
- Surround sound speaker systems
- Smart TV capabilities like integrated voice assistants
- Multi-room audio/video streaming to outdoor areas or living spaces
- Integration with other smart kitchen appliances
By wiring your indoor and outdoor spaces for sound, you can enjoy seamless audio visual experiences and your favorite playlists anywhere. Additionally, today's smart TVs and appliances allow for convenient voice-controlled access to recipes, playlists and more with just a verbal command.
Safety Should Be Paramount
While a kitchen TV offers many benefits, safety should also be kept top of mind. Allow adequate ventilation around the TV to prevent overheating. Mount it at least 18 inches from the stove or any appliance that emits heat or steam. Use a strap to securely fasten it to the wall, and consider an automatic shut-off sensor when not in use. With some preventative measures, you can install a TV in your kitchen worry-free.
Some traditionalists argue a TV has no place in the kitchen. But for those desiring more connection and convenience, the benefits tend to outweigh any drawbacks. Mounted tastefully and in the optimal spot, a kitchen TV can provide entertainment and assistance without detracting from form or function. With the kitchen being the heart of so many homes, it makes sense to embrace technological enhancements like TVs that reflect the way we cook, dine and gather today. Add a splash of style and practicality to your kitchen with a cleverly positioned television.