How to Plan a Media Wall: Ideas, Measurements, TV Size, Storage & Cables

If you’re planning a media wall, the difference between “looks great” and “works brilliantly” comes down to the prep. This step-by-step guide walks you through media wall ideas, measurements, TV sizing, storage planning, sockets and cable routes - with a simple checklist you can copy. For a broader overview covering costs, design ideas and future trends, see our complete media wall guide

Planning checklist
TV sizing & layout
Cable routing
Made-to-measure UK

Looking for a made-to-measure media wall?

Explore our media wall entertainment units - made to order in the UK and backed by a 15-year guarantee.

Before you start: the 3 decisions that make everything easier

Where you’ll sit most often (this affects TV height and viewing comfort).
What needs to be stored (devices, games, books, documents, décor).
How you want the wall to feel (clean and minimal vs. more display shelving).

“The easiest media walls to live with are the ones planned around real routines: where you sit, what you use daily, and what you want to keep out of sight.”

Adrian Hobson, Head of Digital, Online Bedrooms

Step-by-step: how to plan a media wall (properly)

Step 1: Measure your wall (and note the awkward bits)
Measure the full width and height, then record anything that impacts the layout: skirting boards, coving, sockets, radiators, doors and windows.
Step 2: Decide your TV position (height and viewing distance)
Mark the TV’s rough position with painter’s tape. Aim for a comfortable viewing height based on your sofa and how you naturally sit.
Step 3: Plan “device homes” (so cables don’t take over)
List every device you’ll use. Decide where each item will live and ensure you can still reach power, ports and remotes.
Step 4: Allow ventilation for anything that runs hot
Consoles and set-top boxes need airflow. If you’re housing devices inside cabinets, plan ventilation so the setup stays reliable.
Step 5: Future-proof for upgrades
TVs rarely get smaller. Build in breathing room around your current screen and plan cable routes so you can upgrade later.
Step 6: Choose the storage balance (open vs closed)
Closed cabinets keep things looking calm. Open shelves are great for décor. The best layouts usually use a mix of both.

Copy-and-use media wall planning checklist

Tip: Copy this into Notes, Google Docs or email it to yourself.

Room + wall

Wall width: ____ mm / cm
Wall height: ____ mm / cm
Skirting/coving details noted
Sockets location marked
Obstructions (radiator/door/window) noted

TV + devices

TV size (inches): ____
Future upgrade allowance planned
Devices list (console/box/soundbar/router): ____
Ventilation considered for hot devices

Storage + finish

Closed storage needed for clutter
Open shelving needed for display
Finish preference: ____
Lighting wanted (yes/no): ____

Common planning mistakes (and how to avoid them)

Building tight to the TV - leave room for airflow and future upgrades.
Forgetting device access - you still need to reach plugs, ports and remotes.
Underestimating storage - plan for what you actually use daily.
Ignoring sockets - cable routes are easiest to solve at the planning stage.

Design a bespoke media wall

Explore our made-to-measure units—manufactured in the UK and backed by a 15-year guarantee.

Planning FAQs

What is the best height for a TV on a media wall?

Place the centre of the screen roughly at seated eye level. measure from where you actually sit before fixing the position.

How much space should I leave around a TV on a media wall?

Leave clearance for airflow, cabling and future upgrades rather than building tightly around your current TV dimensions.

Do media walls need ventilation?

Yes — especially for consoles or AV receivers inside cabinets to prevent heat build-up.

Next in the series: a UK cost breakdown (what affects price, what to prioritise, and how to budget sensibly).