Why media walls aren’t tacky if they’re done right

Media walls are a hugely popular interior design trend in the UK right now – but they can be quite divisive. Whether it’s a case of differing tastes (or perhaps a little bit of envy creeping in occasionally), we know from comments on our social media posts that some people don’t like them. The accusation tends to be that media walls are tacky.

It might be a question of taste, but it’s also one of execution. There’s a big difference between a TV mounted above a fireplace and the latest purpose-built contemporary media walls. With the range of options now available, you can easily design and build a media wall that perfectly matches your style and your home.

With that in mind, we’re going to explore real opinions and current trends to show why media walls aren’t tacky if they’re done right.

Why do some people think media walls are tacky?

We’ve mentioned that some people claim that media walls are tacky – but why does a contemporary fireplace stir such strong opinions?

The first, and perhaps key, factor is that these opinions are mainly voiced online. Media walls are one of the biggest interior design trends of the TikTok era. This is important for two key reasons.

Firstly, as you’ll be well aware, people are more likely to voice strong, negative opinions online than they would face-to-face. Secondly, we all see far more of other people’s living rooms now than we’ve ever done before.

With that in mind, familiarity can breed contempt. People become overly accustomed to seeing media walls, and this eventually begins to irritate them. For some, media walls have become associated with what they perceive to be overly trendy interiors, such as grey decor and crushed-velvet soft furnishings.

Others claim that all media wall designs are the same, creating copy-and-paste living rooms that look identical. Some critics say that it’s the TVs typically featured in media walls that are tacky, usually either because they are too big or poorly positioned, especially when they are mounted too high on the wall.

But media walls can be designed or decorated in keeping with a household’s individual tastes. There’s no reason for them to look identical. And when you choose the right size TV for your media wall, you can ensure the design is in proportion and that the TV is well positioned.

In fact, a media wall is often a versatile, clean and practical modern fireplace and living room focal point. It’s often poor design and execution that create a tacky media wall, not the fact that it’s a media wall.

Are media walls outdated or going out of fashion?

While media walls have been around for a few years now, it feels like they’re evolving rather than going out of fashion. There is a case for saying that some of the original media walls from when the trend first started are becoming dated – and this can sometimes feel tacky.

But the latest media walls are fresher than ever. Recently, there’s been a clear shift towards more minimal, subtle designs that are better integrated within the room. Coupled with enhancements in the technology and design of media wall electric fires, media walls create an ultra-modern focal point within the room.

With that in mind, well-designed media walls arguably feel more modern and relevant than ever.

Are media wall still popular in the UK?

Yes, media walls are still incredibly popular in the UK. Google Trends data shows that searches for media walls in 2026 are up 20% on 2025 (which itself was up 30% on 2024). That’s backed up by our own evidence of the growing popularity of media wall fires and flat-pack media walls.

The demand for media walls remains particularly high in modern homes and new builds. This is largely because media walls complement the style and architecture of contemporary homes and can provide a much-needed focal point in new homes built without a traditional fireplace.

Media walls provide this central design feature, while also creating a practical element by adding storage space. This could be in the form of cupboards or drawers that make it easy to tidy away clutter, or open shelving to display ornaments, art or books. A media wall design also makes it simple to hide cables and create a seamless, clean, built-in look.

The popularity of media walls is driven by people with a clear vision of the type of home they want to create and how media wall design can help them to achieve that.

How to make a media wall look tasteful (not tacky)

Media walls only look tacky if you get the design wrong. There are a handful of design mistakes that can result in a media wall that feels tacky. The flipside of that is that getting a few key factors right creates a stylish, tasteful media wall. Here are some are the steps to take to create a media wall you can be proud of:

Choose simple, proportionate design

Overly complex designs and oversized units that are too big for the space they’re in are the biggest cause of dated and tacky media walls. Stick to simpler layouts that look modern but also timeless. Sometimes less is more.

Get the right TV height

Before finalising your media wall design, experiment with the position of your TV. Specifically, consider the correct height for watching TV comfortably from your sofa. TVs that are mounted high on the wall purely for visual impact often end up looking silly (and they don’t do your neck any favours).

This is one of the most common complaints among media wall detractors. Good design must work on a functional level as well as a practical one – and this certainly applies to media wall design.

Avoid oversized TVs

Unless you’re building your media wall in a cinema room, it’s often better to err on the side of caution when choosing your TV. TVs that are too large for the space can overwhelm the media wall and the room as a whole. The result can be unbalanced, sometimes comical proportions and a room that doesn’t feel comfortable.

Use subtle LED lighting

The start of the media wall trend coincided with the emergence of affordable, widely available LED strip lighting. Against that backdrop, some media walls went overboard with the LEDs.

Too much lighting can make your living room feel artificial or like a showroom. For most homes, subtle, warm lighting is best to accentuate the media wall and create a homely atmosphere.

Choose the right materials

Cheap finishes – or even the wrong finish – often make media walls look tacky. Higher-quality materials and better finishes create a premium finish and a cohesive look. Our high-quality self-build media wall kits are supplied primed and ready to add the finish that’s right for your home and its decor. This includes painting, wallpapering or panelling.

Curate your decor

Avoid filling your media wall shelving with generic decor. If your media wall looks like it’s been haphazardly decorated after a shopping spree at The Range, it makes the whole thing look mass-produced. Instead, opt for a restrained, curated approach.

Decorate your media wall with items with personal meaning that you’ve collected over time. These could be pieces you’ve collected on your travels, family items that have been handed down or handmade objects. Don’t rush to fill every space – the styling can evolve naturally over time. And, again, sometimes less is more.

Pros and Cons of Media Walls

Like any interior design decision, building a media wall has its advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the key media wall pros and cons:

Media wall pros

✓ Creates a fireplace and focal point
✓ Conceals cables and clutter
✓ Adds storage space
✓ Creates a premium look
✓ Can be customised to your room
✓ Maximises vertical space

Media wall pros cons

✕ Cannot move with you
✕ Poor designs can look dated or tacky
✕ Harder to change room layouts
✕ Requires upfront investment

Media Wall FAQs

What is a media wall?

A media wall is a custom-built feature wall that usually includes a TV, electric fire and shelving or storage space. Media walls create a streamlined and cohesive feature fireplace, which removes the need for freestanding TV stands and other bulky furniture to take up floor space in a room.

Are media walls chavvy?

No, media walls are not chavvy. But they can be decorated or executed in a way that looks chavvy. This can be the case when poor-quality, mass-produced or overly popular design or decor choices are made. When you choose a timeless finish, proportionate wall and appliance sizes, and personalised decoration, it’s easy to avoid any risk of your media wall looking chavvy.

Do media walls add value to a home?

Media walls add perceived value to a home. Since they are a popular and desirable design feature, building a media wall may help to sell your home by increasing its appeal to prospective buyers. But just like other built-in furniture, such as wardrobes or partitioned storage space, a media wall is unlikely to increase the asking price for your home.

Are media walls expensive?

No, media walls don’t have to be expensive. The cost of building a media wall varies dramatically based on the size and design of the wall, your choice of TV and electric fire, and how much of the work you’re able to do yourself.

The average cost of a media wall in the UK is around £2,500 to £4,500, with prices rising beyond that for bespoke features and premium finishes. For an inexpensive media wall option, you could consider a DIY media wall kit. This includes everything you need to build the wall from flat-pack, plus an electric fire, with prices starting from £990.

So, are media walls actually tacky?

No, there is nothing inherently tacky about media walls. They’re as good as their design. A media wall is a very versatile feature. It can be shaped and styled to be exactly what you want it to be, so there’s absolutely no reason for it to look tacky. Tacky media walls are the result of poor design choices, outdated styles or lack of consideration for the space.

The best approach is to look around, scroll through social media and get a better idea of what works in practice when building a media wall. To explore well-designed, well-proportioned and affordable media walls, take a look at our self-build media wall kits. Alternatively, browse our media wall electric fires to find the perfect centrepiece for your custom media wall.