Media walls continue to evolve as TVs get larger, homes become more multifunctional, and people expect furniture to work harder for longer. This guide looks ahead to the media wall trends shaping 2026 - focusing on design, technology and how to future-proof your layout. For a complete overview of planning and costs, see our media wall guide.
- 2026 trends
- Future-proof design
- Home & business
- UK interiors
Trend 1: Bigger TVs demand better planning
Screen sizes continue to increase, and by 2026 the “large TV” will be the default rather than the exception. The key shift is that media walls are no longer built tightly around today’s screen - they’re planned with upgrade space built in.
- Extra clearance around the TV opening
- Cable routes that allow easy screen swaps
- Layouts that still look balanced if the TV grows
“The biggest trend we’re seeing is people designing for the TV they’ll buy next, not the one they own today.”
Trend 2: Cleaner, calmer media wall layouts
Visual calm is becoming more important in both homes and workspaces. In 2026, media walls are moving away from over-segmented designs and towards simpler, more intentional layouts.
What’s increasing
- Symmetrical layouts
- Fewer visual breaks
- Hidden storage for clutter
What’s declining
- Overloaded open shelving
- Built-in features with no clear purpose
- TVs boxed in too tightly
Trend 3: Storage that adapts over time
Media walls are expected to last years, not seasons. That’s driving demand for storage that can evolve - accommodating new devices, changing routines, or even a switch from home use to business use.
- Adjustable internal shelving
- Cabinet layouts that work for multiple device types
- A balance of open and closed storage
Trend 4: Lighting as a supporting feature, not the focus
Integrated lighting remains popular, but it’s increasingly treated as an enhancement rather than the centrepiece. The best designs use lighting to support the layout, not distract from it.
Trend 5: More media walls in professional spaces
Media walls are no longer just for living rooms. In 2026, they’re increasingly used in boardrooms, showrooms and hybrid spaces where presentation and storage need to coexist.
“In business settings, the goal is clarity - the screen feels intentional, the storage disappears, and the focus stays on the message.”
How to future-proof your media wall now
- Design with upgrade space built in
- Prioritise layout and storage before finishes
- Choose durable materials and a long guarantee
- Opt for made-to-measure where walls aren’t standard
Design a future-ready media wall
Explore our media wall entertainment units - made to measure in the UK and backed by a 15-year guarantee.
Want the full picture? Read our media wall guide.
Next in the series: media wall ideas by room type — living rooms, bedrooms, boardrooms and showrooms.
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