In brief: Plan the layout, build the frame, add panels and finish the surface.
A media wall brings your TV and storage together while keeping cables out of sight.
Choose the size, materials and features to suit your room.
Why build a TV wall?
A DIY TV wall can be tailored to your room and personal style.
Choose the dimensions, materials and budget that work for you.
Hide cables inside the wall and add practical storage.
Helpful tip
Gather your tools, screws, wall plugs, glue and filler before you start.
Planning your media wall
Careful planning helps you avoid mistakes.
Dimensions
Measure the wall and your devices, and leave enough space for ventilation.
Position the centre of the screen at eye level, usually 100 to 120 cm high, and sketch a plan.
Materials
Use sturdy 40x60 mm timber for the frame.
MDF gives a smooth finish, OSB has an industrial look, plasterboard blends into the wall, and wood adds warmth.
Tools
Gather a screwdriver, drill, saw, spirit level, tape measure, square, pencil, stud finder, screws, wall plugs, glue and filler.
Automation magnifies both efficiency and inefficiency.
Step by step: Build the frame
The frame supports the panels and the devices mounted on the wall.
Fixing the frame
Locate the wall studs and screw the vertical timber securely in place.
Add horizontal timber at the top and bottom, with supports every 60 cm.
Important
Check for electrical wires and water pipes before drilling. Use a detector and avoid any marked areas.
Choosing the wall depth
Allow 10 to 20 cm for the TV mount and devices. Add spacers and connect them to a front frame.
Planning spaces for the TV and devices
Attach the bracket to reinforced crosspieces. Add shelves, cable openings and outlets. You can find suitable TV wall mounts and accessories for specific requirements. The right wall mount keeps your TV securely in place.
Fit the panels and hide the cables
With the frame in place, your project is starting to take shape. The panels enclose the structure and create a smooth surface ready for finishing. Accurate cuts are essential at this stage.
Cutting and fitting the panels
Transfer the measurements of each surface to your cladding panels, such as MDF. Mark the cut-outs for the TV, soundbar, shelves and cable outlets. Use a jigsaw for rounded or complex cuts and a handheld circular saw with a guide rail for long, straight cuts.
Fit the largest panels first and secure them to the frame with countersunk screws. The screw heads should sit below the panel surface so you can cover them with filler. Work from the largest areas to the smallest.
Managing the cables
Before fitting the final panel, install the cables. Feed all the cables you need through the cavity in the frame. Run power cables for the TV and other devices, HDMI cables from your source devices to the TV or AV receiver, and network cables if needed. Plan ahead by fitting one or two extra empty conduits or cables for future devices. Bundle the cables with cable ties to keep everything tidy inside.
Pro tip
Fit a switched power strip inside the media wall so you can disconnect all your devices from the mains with one switch. This saves energy and makes it easy to turn everything off. Plan how you will reach the switch, for example through a discreet flap or open shelf.
Finishing and design: Add the final touches to your media wall
The basic structure is complete. Now you can add the details that give your media wall its character. A smooth, clean finish helps create a professional look.
Filling and sanding
Fill all the screw heads and joints between the panels with filler. Apply it, smooth the surface and let it dry completely. You may need to apply a second coat, as filler can shrink slightly while drying.
When the filler is dry, sand the filled areas and the whole surface until smooth. Start with medium-grit sandpaper, such as 120 grit, and finish with a finer grit, such as 240 grit. A smooth, dust-free surface is essential for a good paint or lacquer finish.
Paint, wallpaper or a wood effect?
There are plenty of ways to finish the surface. If you plan to paint it, apply a primer first. Primer helps the surface absorb paint evenly and improves adhesion. Then use a fine foam roller to apply two or three coats of your chosen paint for a smooth finish. You could also wallpaper the wall or cover it with decorative panels in a wood or stone effect. The right power strips and wall mounts are also important when setting up your shelves.
Adding indirect lighting
Indirect lighting can make your media wall stand out. Self-adhesive LED strips work well for this. Install them behind the TV for an Ambilight effect or along the edges of the projecting frame. Their warm, diffused light creates a cosy home cinema feel and can reduce eye strain while you watch TV. LED strips with colour-changing settings and a remote let you adjust the room’s ambience whenever you like.
The essence of interior design will always be about people and how they live. It is about the realities of what makes for an attractive, civilized, meaningful environment, not about fashion or what's in or what's out.
Once the surface and lighting are finished, your project is ready. Mount the TV, connect your devices and enjoy the result. You have created a practical feature that also gives your living room a distinctive focal point for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What type of wood is best for a TV wall?
- Sturdy spruce or pine battens work well for the frame. MDF panels are ideal for the visible cladding because they provide a smooth surface for painting. OSB panels create an industrial look, while solid wood panels add a warm, high-quality finish.
- How high should a TV be mounted on a media wall?
- The bottom edge of the TV should be at eye level when you’re sitting on the sofa. As a general rule, the center of the screen should be around 100 to 120 cm high. Measure your seating position and adjust the TV height to suit you and help prevent neck strain.
- How deep should a media wall be?
- The depth depends on your devices and TV wall mount. Allow at least 10-15 cm of depth to make room for the frame, cables, outlets and ventilation for your electronic devices. Measure your deepest device (e.g. AV receiver) and allow a little extra clearance.
- How do I hide cables in a DIY TV wall?
- Run the cables through the cavity between the existing wall and the media wall cladding. Add empty conduits or cable channels to the frame. Cutouts behind the TV and other devices let you route cables out of sight from one device to another.
- Can I attach a media wall to a plasterboard wall?
- Yes, but take extra care. Anchor the media wall frame directly to the studs behind the plasterboard. Use a stud finder to locate them, and use heavy-duty hollow-wall anchors or toggle bolts for added stability.