What’s one thing about your spouse or significant other that drives you crazy?

For me, it’s hubby’s obsession with TV. And not just watching it. He’s obsessed with televisions in general.

I’m talking huge…no, I mean MEGA huge, with all the newest technology, the best and biggest screen, the most pixels – I can’t even begin to list all the ways he loves televisions.

I think it ultimately stems from the type of childhood each of us had.

Growing up, we only had one television in our home and we almost never watched it.

Instead, I remember playing with friends outside and riding bikes for hours on end. From sunup to sun down. And whenever I was inside, you could usually find me nose deep in a good book.

Not surprisingly television has never really been a must-have for me.

Hubby, on the other hand, grew up in Canada.

Summers there were beautiful, but the rest of the year he had little choice but to play inside.

It was during these long stretches of time spent being cooped up indoors that his love for movies, sitcoms and everything television-related grew.

Today, it’s almost like he collects them. If he could put them in every room, he would.

The problem is, when I was working on my own home, I didn’t want TVs to be a focal point.

So this was a huge frustration for me.

Until I figured out a few creative ways to compromise. Here’s what I did (and what you can do too if you’re in the same boat).

Tuck them into an Antique Armoire

This is my number one, go-to solution to avoid having the television be a focal point in my home.

You will love the look and surprising functionality of a gorgeous antique armoire to store your TV and all the accessories that go with it.

I certainly did in my home. Hubby wanted a huge TV in our bedroom, which I was not very keen on at all.

However, I was able to find a gorgeous old French country style armoire in the prettiest shade of soft blue.

It was the perfect solution – he got his television and I didn’t have to sacrifice the look and feel of the room.

Armoires are one of my favorite pieces of antique furniture. And since they’re the perfect size to store large televisions, they’re the perfect piece to take over the spotlight.

Instead of designing around the television you can incorporate a lovely armoire to build your design around.

Available at Village Antiques

Available at Village Antiques

The details, the carvings, the colors and more will help you add personality into any wall space.

Add Them into a Bookshelf

When hubby decided he wanted to buy the largest TV yet, I was in the process of mapping out our family room. This time he was going bigger, so I had to really put on my thinking cap.

I’d already been considering the possibility of adding bookshelves in that room.

Once I knew he wanted to supersize his television, I redesigned the bookshelves to include a spot for the TV. I also added cabinetry below so he could store his components and equipment.

Available at Village Antiques

Is it still huge? Yes, but you don’t notice it as much. Instead, your eyes are drawn to the other things around the television. I consider that a win in my book!

Oh, and keep in mind – you can build this in like I did, or get a ready-made bookshelf to recreate the same look.

Position Your TV above Something Bigger

When you can’t get away with one of these two options, another creative idea is to put your television above something that’s bigger.

This helps balance the wall, and make the TV less of a focal point.

For instance, you can do this with your fireplace mantle like we did here.

Available at Village Antiques

Don’t have a fireplace? No worries! You can quickly achieve the same result with a beautiful antique or French style buffet, like one of these.

Doing this makes the room feel more complete, and that beautiful fireplace, mantle or buffet becomes the focal point.

So what do you think? Which one of these solutions is your favorite? Leave a comment below and let me know!

The Verma family has enjoyed the long lazy days of summer and endless movie-and-Scooby-Doo-watching in all of the rooms I’ve shared with you today.

And though school is just gearing up, we are looking forward to sneaking in a little more of this past-time. (So, I guess hubby doesn’t drive me that crazy after all!)

Wishing you and your family all the best this school year!

With love,

Amitha