What a media wall is
A TV media wall is a false wall built a short distance in front of an existing one. The new structure creates depth for a recessed television, a slot for a soundbar, shelving niches and sometimes space for an electric fire insert or concealed lighting. Cables run inside the frame, so the finished wall shows the screen and the shelves without wires trailing to the floor.
Because it is built to the room, a media wall can fill a whole chimney breast wall or simply frame the television with a pair of shelves either side. The style can be plain and modern, or panelled to suit an older house.
How a media wall is built
The structure is usually a framework of timber or metal studs fixed securely to the floor, ceiling and existing wall. Extra noggins are added wherever the television bracket, shelves or heavy items will sit, giving solid timber to fix into. The frame is then clad with plasterboard or MDF, depending on the finish wanted, and the joints are taped, filled or caulked ready for decoration.
- Setting out the height of the screen so it sits comfortably at eye level from the sofa
- Framing recesses for the TV, soundbar and any fire insert to the right sizes
- Building in shelving niches or display alcoves
- Leaving access points for cables and future changes
- Boarding, filling and preparing for paint
Hiding cables and planning electrics
Planning the cable routes before the boards go on is what keeps a media wall tidy for years. Conduit or a clear void is left between the television position and the area where boxes, consoles or routers will sit, so leads can be swapped later without opening up the wall.
Any new sockets, spurs or lighting inside the wall are electrical work rather than carpentry. Electrical work is carried out by an NICEIC registered electrician through our electrical service, so sockets behind the screen and switched lighting in the niches can be arranged as part of the same project.
Finishing the wall
Once the structure is up, the surface is filled, sanded and painted, either to match the rest of the room or in a contrasting feature colour. Shelf edges and recesses can be lined with timber for a crisper look. Because the same business handles the decorating, there is no wait for a second trade before the room is usable again.
Is a media wall right for your room?
A media wall works best on a wall without doors or windows, with enough floor depth to give up a little space to the new structure. Where there is already a chimney breast, the alcoves either side may suit alcove shelving and cupboards instead, or a combination of the two.
If you are thinking about a media wall, send us the details for a free quote, ideally with a photo of the wall and the size of the television you plan to use.