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I’m originally from a small beach town in West Michigan, but I moved to NYC for college where I got my BS in Fashion Media from LIM College. Brooklyn is now my permanent home, where I love exploring celiac-friendly cafes or bakeries, and I’m constantly reading and bringing my…read more
I’m the Director of Shopping Content Strategy, overseeing all shoppable content across Apartment Therapy, The Kitchn, Cubby, and Dorm Therapy, which is a fancy way of saying I turned my online shopping obsession into a career. Off-duty, you can find me at vintage markets, poking…read more
A living room built around a television can gradually start to feel like a dedicated media room. When every cabinet, shelf, and piece of furniture serves the screen, the space can lose the warmth and balance that make it comfortable for everyday living.
The solution is not necessarily to make the television disappear. Instead, give technology an appropriate place while letting books, decorative objects, and other living room essentials remain part of the design.
Five practical considerations help achieve that balance: choosing suitable storage for electronics, selecting furniture that complements the room, managing cords, planning for changing needs, and avoiding unnecessary finishing projects. These principles apply regardless of the furniture system or layout.
Not every electronic device needs to be hidden, and heat generation matters more than appearance when deciding where equipment belongs. Lower-heat accessories are generally better suited for enclosed storage, while equipment that heats up during operation needs adequate ventilation.
Devices that run cool, a streaming stick, a cable box, a router, a soundbar remote, sit fine behind closed cabinet doors. Game consoles under load and AV receivers generate real heat and need either a vented cabinet or an added fan; BDI’s Corridor line and AC Infinity’s cabinet fans are built for that case.
Visual organisation is a separate consideration. Opaque cabinet doors remove their contents from view, while glass-fronted cabinets keep items enclosed but visible. Open shelving offers space for objects intended to remain on display, including books, photographs, and decorative accessories.
Before arranging equipment, homeowners can separate items according to their storage requirements. Remote controls and small accessories can occupy drawers or suitable enclosed compartments, while electronics that generate substantial heat need appropriately ventilated locations.
This approach also leaves more visible space for decorative elements. Books, artwork, and personal objects can share the room with technology without turning every shelf into equipment storage.
Storage arranged around a television should read as considered living room furniture rather than a rack designed primarily to hold electronic equipment. Matching finishes, balanced proportions, and a combination of storage and display areas help maintain that distinction. A coordinated wall system is one way to create that balance without making every piece look dedicated to the television.
The Martha Stewart Living Room Collection is a modular storage system from Flash Furniture, available in the Bedford and Lily Pond lines, that combines cabinets, hutches, and TV stands into a custom built-in look with solid wood frames, soft-close doors, and adjustable shelving.
The Bedford Set of 2 Modular Cabinets and Hutches in Bedford Gray stands 79.25 inches (about 201 cm) high, with tempered-glass Shaker doors and soft-close hinges that give the storage a more furniture-led appearance. The glass-fronted sections organise and display their contents rather than concealing them.
Its coordinated finish allows books, decorative objects, and everyday belongings to share the wall with the television without making the arrangement look entirely devoted to technology.
For households prioritising specialised equipment storage, the Salamander Synergy 603 offers a furniture-grade modular AV cabinet with dedicated AV engineering. That is a distinct consideration from choosing cabinetry primarily for its appearance within a living room.
A balanced arrangement also benefits from leaving some surfaces relatively clear. Not every shelf needs an object, and decorative pieces generally look more intentional when grouped rather than distributed evenly across every available space.
Visible cord clutter often comes from cables that have no planned route between devices, furniture, and power connections. Even a carefully arranged TV wall can look disorganised when loose cords cross open surfaces or hang beneath the screen.
The Bedford Set of 2 Modular Cabinets and Hutches supports a coordinated storage arrangement with matching cabinetry and hutches, allowing decorative objects and everyday accessories to occupy designated sections of the TV wall. Its hutches include rear cord management openings, giving cables a defined route behind the display area rather than leaving them to cross visible surfaces.
A practical arrangement starts by identifying where devices will sit and how their cables will reach the necessary connections. Excess cable length can be gathered using suitable organisers, while cable sleeves or channels help keep visible runs together.
Cords should not be pulled tightly across furniture edges or placed where they interfere with doors and drawers. Power cables also need to remain accessible and positioned according to the equipment manufacturer’s instructions.
Where possible, furniture can be positioned so that cable runs follow existing edges or remain behind the TV unit. Keeping nearby decorative surfaces clear of loose adapters and accessories helps the arrangement feel less dominated by technology.
A living room arrangement changes over time, so furniture that accommodates additional storage can reduce the need to replace an entire setup. New books, decorative pieces, and household accessories often require more space than the original arrangement provided.
The Bedford Set of 2 Modular Cabinets and Hutches, manufactured by Flash Furniture, a Ubique Group company, belongs to a coordinated modular system, with matching cabinet and hutch designs that support a consistent appearance as storage requirements change. The wider collection includes 2-piece through 6-piece configurations, allowing homeowners to plan around different wall sizes and furniture arrangements.
A 2-piece setup can expand to a 6-piece media wall without replacing the original pieces. Before expanding, homeowners should check the dimensions, finish, and compatibility of the intended additions to maintain consistent proportions across the wall.
Modular storage also offers flexibility in how different sections are used. One area might initially hold books and decorative objects, while another provides space for household accessories. Adjustable shelving can accommodate objects of different heights as those needs change.
Matching finishes and hardware help the expanded arrangement remain visually connected. The broader Bedford and Lily Pond lines offer six curated finishes for different interior colour schemes, which can help additions feel like part of the same arrangement. This is particularly useful when furniture is added gradually rather than purchased as a complete wall arrangement.
A finished furniture arrangement should not depend on extensive additional work simply to achieve a coordinated appearance. The amount of configuration, assembly, and modification required deserves attention alongside the design itself.
The IKEA BESTÅ 118-inch (about 300 cm) Media Storage Combination requires configuration and assembly, with the final arrangement depending on the components selected. The Martha Stewart Bedford pieces use structural solid wood rather than the particleboard and honeycomb-paper construction used in flat-pack systems.
Contempo Space semi-custom wall units follow a different process, requiring buyers to specify and configure the intended arrangement rather than selecting a single finished configuration. This approach provides another level of design involvement before the furniture reaches the room.
Ready-made modular cabinetry offers an alternative for homeowners seeking a coordinated appearance with no construction, cutting, trim, or painting. The furniture can arrive with matching finishes and proportions already established, avoiding the need for additional decorative modifications.
That does not mean the furniture arrives fully assembled. Some coordinated systems require adult assembly and ship in multiple boxes, so checking the instructions and dimensions beforehand remains important.
A comfortable TV-focused living room depends on more than where the screen sits. Suitable electronic storage, furniture-led design, organised cords, adaptable cabinetry, and manageable assembly requirements all contribute to a balanced space.
The goal is to let technology serve everyday living rather than determine the room’s entire appearance. Coordinated storage, considered proportions, and a mixture of display and practical surfaces help the television sit naturally within the wider interior.
Opaque cabinets conceal suitable equipment, while glass-fronted storage keeps contents visible. TVs can be integrated into surrounding furniture, but gaming consoles need adequate ventilation.
Opaque cabinets work for devices suitable for enclosed storage. Equipment that generates substantial heat requires proper ventilation, such as a vented cabinet or cooling fan.
Coordinated finishes, balanced proportions, and a mixture of closed and display storage create a more cohesive appearance. Keeping some surfaces clear also reduces visual clutter.
Yes. Coordinated furniture can require assembly without additional construction, cutting, trim, or painting. Assembly and decorative finishing are separate requirements.
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I take my shower time seriously. Between my busy schedule and a never-ending to-do list, those precious few minutes under the warm water are one of my favorite ways to unwind and squeeze in a little self-care. But as someone with sensitive, eczema-prone skin and naturally dry, curly hair, I’ve learned that what comes out of my showerhead matters just as much as the products I use once I’m in there.
That’s why I was excited to try the Weddell Duo Shower Filter. After using the original version for several weeks, I noticed a difference in how my skin and hair felt. Now that I’ve gotten a first look at the newly redesigned model — released just last week — I’m even more impressed with this little bathroom upgrade.
If you’ve never used a shower filter before, think of the Weddell Duo as a little extra protection between your showerhead and the water coming out of it. It’s NSF-certified (which means its gone through extensive testing and complies to strict standards set by the National Sanitation Foundation, or NSF International) to reduce contaminants like chlorine, PFAS, and particulates, which is especially appealing if you’re trying to be more mindful of what comes into contact with your skin and hair. What I love is that you don’t have to swap out your favorite showerhead or make any major changes to your bathroom to use it. It simply attaches to your existing shower setup, and its two replaceable cartridges can filter up to 10,000 gallons of water before it’s time for a refresh.
I actually started with the original Weddell Duo, but the brand just released a redesigned version on October 15 — and I have to say, it’s a nice little upgrade aesthetically. The horizontal shape feels sleek and unobtrusive, and the new design has a more polished look, thanks in part to its stainless steel reinforcement. It also comes in three colors: Arctic White (which I have), Black, and Petal Pink. The filtration performance hasn’t changed, which is worth noting if you already own the original, but the new replacement cartridges work with both versions. I love when a brand makes an update without making the product you already own feel obsolete.
First, let’s talk about the installation, because if you’ve read my reviews before, you know I’m not exactly the handiest person around the house. (Ha!) Thankfully, installing the Weddell Duo couldn’t be simpler. You just unscrew your existing showerhead, attach the filter using the included plumber’s tape, and screw your showerhead back on. The entire process took me just a few minutes, and I didn’t need a single tool.
I also love how easy it is to twist off the cartridges when it’s time to replace them. And unlike other shower filters I’ve tried in the past, this one hasn’t caused any noticeable drop in our water pressure. Trust me — nobody wants to sacrifice a good shower for better filtration.
What really sold me on this shower filter was how my skin and hair felt after I started using it. My skin is notoriously sensitive, and after a few weeks with the original Weddell Duo I noticed that it felt softer and more hydrated overall. My dry, frizz-prone curls also felt noticeably softer after wash days, which was a welcome surprise. Even my husband noticed a difference — and believe me, he’s not exactly someone who spends a lot of time thinking about skincare. That’s when I knew we were onto something! One important distinction: This isn’t a water softener, so it won’t remove the minerals that make our home’s water hard. But for me, filtering our shower water has been a worthwhile addition to my sensitive-skin routine.
I’ve always believed that making your home feel better doesn’t have to involve a major renovation or a big investment. Sometimes, the smallest upgrades make the biggest difference in your everyday routine. The Weddell Duo is one of those upgrades for me. It’s sleek, incredibly easy to use, and makes my daily shower feel like an even better act of self-care. My shower got an upgrade, and my skin and hair are enjoying the benefits. What’s not to love?
My apartment is a strictly “no outside shoes” home, which I love. However, I detest the line of outside shoes at my entrance. It’s not a great sight to be welcomed with as soon as you step inside.
So I’ve been looking for an aesthetically pleasing yet practical shoe organizer to place in my entrance foyer. I was specifically searching for a closed shoe organizer that isn’t too bulky and won’t crowd my small entryway. That’s when I found out that exactly what I was looking for was at Costco right now.
Spotted in a video by the Costco Twins, the Costco Bayside Furnishings Shoe Organizer is the slim storage solution I needed. It costs $229.99 online (but the twins found it for $199.99 in their local store) and comes in brown or black with two drawers and two hardware color options: brushed gold and brushed nickel. Made of oak veneer and poplar wood with a durable matte black construction, its dimensions are 36 inches wide, 12.2 inches deep, and 39.6 inches tall. This shoe rack offers room for up to 16 to 18 pairs of men’s size 13 shoes and features a removable and adjustable shelf for boots, alongside a bungee cord system that keeps every pair neatly in place.
It’s super easy to install, can be wall-mounted, and features two soft-close flip drawers with pneumatic assist to provide hidden storage in a slim, space-saving design. I adore this shoe organizer — it’s visually arresting, sleek, and functional all at once. Moreover, the brown finish perfectly matches the rest of my furniture, and I love that all the shoes stay completely out of sight.
If you don’t have a Costco membership or don’t happen to live near a Costco, then this tilt-out shoe cabinet from Wayfair is an excellent alternative that boasts a minimalist farmhouse design aesthetic. This shoe organizer is available in walnut or oak finishes and two sizes: 31.5 inches wide, 9.44 inches deep, and 37.79 inches tall, and 23.6 inches wide, 9.44 inches deep, and 37.79 inches tall.
It also costs less than the Costco one; it’s priced at just $123.99. You can’t go wrong with either pick — it’s just your preference on style and if you have a Costco membership or not. All in all, these shoe cabinets prove that keeping your entryway organized and stylish doesn’t have to break the bank.
Cullen Ormond is a writer based in New York City. When she’s not writing, you can find her curled up with a book (always open for recommendations, too!) or pushing her rescue pug, Peanut, in a stroller. In her dream apartment, there’ll be a conversation pit and lots of framed,…read more