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Rainy Day? Here Are 40+ Of The Best Places To Kick Back & Watch TV!

By Victoria Christie & Amanda Tucci On

If bad weather ruins your warm-weather plans, don’t fret.

These family rooms with ample seating, plush pillows and generously-sized televisions are just the ticket to the perfect evening in! So grab your popcorn, get comfortable and click through for inspiration!

No place to mount your TV? Take a page from Les Ensembliers’ handbook and place it on an easel. In their charming coach house sitting room, the design duo made sure the screen wouldn’t block the fireplace or the cherished knick knacks on display in the open shelves.

  • Photographer André Rider
  • Designer Richard Ouellette & Maxime Vandal, Les Ensembliers

House & Home December 2018

With ample light coming through the black-framed windows in this farmhouse living room, this warm and inviting hangout is a go-to spot for spending quality time with family. Wrap yourself in a nubby throw and turn on a comforting rom-com.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Susan Burns

House & Home June 2020

This grand family room is a serious showstopper! Between the open shelving and glass-fronted cabinetry, marble fireplace surround and plenty of sink-in seating, we would have a hard time finding an excuse to get off the couch.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Erin Feasby & Cindy Bleeks, Feasby & Bleeks Design

House & Home April 2019

Inspired by this modern cottage‘s lush surroundings, large windows frame the view outside, while a grand stone fireplace and Belgian linen-slipcovered sofas play up the organic feel of the space. A roaring fire and TV makes this the perfect spot to kick back year-round.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Architecture by Akb Architects

House & Home July 2019

If you’re lucky enough to be surrounded by nature, it’ll be hard to keep your eyes on the TV. This lounge area within a principal bedroom is the ultimate serene escape — and the perfect place to stream a live meditation to get your zen on.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Sloan Mauran

House & Home August 2019

Despite being in the middle of nature, next to a crystal-clear lake and lush trees, sometimes, you just want to watch your favorite show indoors! This cozy living room has plenty of appeal, thanks to two spacious sofas and worn-in black leather armchairs. Take your pick!

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Lorraine Franklin; Architecture by Nelson Kwong & Neal Prabhu, nkArchitect

House & Home July/August 2020

In designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski’s cozy getaway on Lake Huron, a palette of soft blue and creamy white paired with nautical touches set the stage for this sweet living room. Plus, a small TV is essential for when the storm clouds roll in and you have to stay inside.

  • Photographer Patrick Biller
  • Designer Tiffany Leigh Piotrowski

House & Home July 2019

Who would pass up an opportunity to relax on vintage loungers by Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams while you watch reruns of The Golden Girls and place your movie popcorn on an purple ostrich skin–covered side table? Not us!

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Denise Zidel & Stephanie Lees

House & Home February 2019

No TV? No problem. Use a blank wall to your advantage with a projector to stream the next hockey game! Art curator and homeowner Pamela Meredith’s media room is a cheerful gathering place for just that. “It’s the kids’ domain, and that’s one of the reasons I chose such bright, fun colors,” she says.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Architecture by Superkül

House & Home January 2020

You’ll want to kick back in this bold blue kitchen‘s seating area (right, not pictured), complete with a crackling fire, colorful jute rug and TV built into the island — it’s also a great way to keep the little ones entertained while the adults whip up dinner.

  • Photographer Sian Richards
  • Designer Emily Griffin

House & Home November 2019

Just because you’re using a room to catch up on the latest Netflix reality series (Selling Sunset, anyone?), doesn’t mean you can’t bring the style. In this luxe family room, a Bianco Dolomiti Venato marble fireplace surround, curvaceous armchairs and architectural coffee table exude fashionable flair.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Carey Mudford & Erin Coe, CMID Design; Architecture by Lorne Rose Architect

House & Home December 2019

Homeowner Ali Yaphe is a master of mixing pattern and color. In her global-inspired living room, a sleek TV quietly sits atop the fireplace, making room for the zig-zag drapery and South African souvenirs on the bookshelf to truly shine.

  • Photographer Stacey Brandford
  • Designer Ali Yaphe & Mazen El-Abdallah

House & Home February 2019

In the 2020 Princess Margaret Lottery Showhome‘s great room, a coffered ceiling and black rattan pendant prevent the TV from commanding all of the attention when it’s not turned on. A generous sofa encourages friends and family to gather around.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Sarah Baeumler

House & Home May 2020

At first glance, this monochrome living room seems simple, but take a closer look and you’ll notice the subtle intricacies that make the design so special. Vented cladding — made of stained white oak — covers the marble fireplace and frames the TV, and hits of unfinished wood feel elegant yet earthy.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Montana Burnett

House & Home March 2019

Rainy day movie marathons are made even better when you can prop your feet on a leather ottoman and snuggle up next to a roaring fire. An extra-large TV means the whole family won’t miss a second of the action.

  • Photographer Donna Griffith
  • Designer Barbara Purdy

House & Home April 2020

This laid-back lounge area presents itself as the hub of the home, with a mix of seating and soft, unfussy textures, including the velvety blue ottoman.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Rachel Fox

House & Home March 2016

A family-sized sectional means there’s room for everyone to sit and watch the game in this cozy den. A built-in shelving unit (far right) conceals messy cords and other TV components.

  • Photographer Janis Nicolay
  • Designer Kyla Bidgood

House & Home March 2017

To update their family room, homeowners Ellen and Sam Webster painted out the original cherry panelling in favor of a glossy blue-grey hue. “We took some time considering whether or not to paint over the panelling, but in the end, we decided that we wanted the family room to have a more contemporary feel,” explains Ellen.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Kim Lambert

House & Home February 2015

With four children, homeowner Karine Borris knew her living room needed ample seating. A durable leather sofa, velvet armchairs and daybed (background, right) create a family-friendly zone.

  • Photographer Maxime Desbiens
  • Designer Melanie Cherrier

House & Home June 2017

Because the TV (not visible) in this media room faces the window, designer Jay Hodgins hung thick cotton-linen drapes to shield the sun and stop sound from bouncing off.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Jay Hodgins

House & Home March 2015

H&H design editor Stacey Smithers used pattern and vintage pieces to layer charm and personality into the media room above her garage. “I knew it would be the perfect place to kick back and watch TV, and just hang out,” she explains.

Watch the full video here.

  • Photographer Jason Stickley
  • Designer Stacey Smithers

Who wouldn’t love to binge watch their favorite show in this luxe basement? The gorgeous onyx fireplace served as the jumping off point that influenced many of this lounging area’s finishes.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Cindy Bleeks and Erin Feasby, Feasby & Bleeks

House & Home April 2017

In this comfortable family room, a built-in unit made of rift-cut white oak conceals the TV when not in use. A large coffee table anchors the seating.

  • Photographer Colin Way
  • Designer Nam Dang-Mitchell

House & Home March 2016

For homeowners Michael and Ann Soltis, a bright living area where the whole family could congregate was at the top of their wish list. A mix of eclectic finds and classic pieces give the space a relaxed, welcoming look.

  • Photographer Tracey Ayton
  • Designer Michael and Ann Soltis

House & Home Mary 2016

Low-slung furnishings and a neutral palette direct attention toward this loft’s unique architectural features, including the dramatic arched windows. Multiple seating areas and shag carpeting make catching up on your favorite show a cool and comfortable affair.

  • Photographer Monic Richard
  • Designer Julie Charbonneau

House & Home February 2012

A spacious sofa, set of linen armchairs and oversized rug come together to create an inviting sitting area in this sleek Vancouver loft. A sputnik pendant light adds a dash of whimsy overhead.

  • Photographer Tracey Ayton
  • Designer Greer Nelson and Jamie Hamilton, Oliver Simon Design

House & Home March 2017

French doors and transom windows flood this generous living area with natural light.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Cindy Bleeks

House & Home April 2016

A clean white envelope and large linen sofa make this light-filled family room perfect for watching TV. Royal blue accents add an extra layer of style and sophistication.

  • Photographer Virginia Macdonald
  • Designer Robyn Young

House & Home August 2014

In Cameron MacNeil’s own Toronto living room, a 7′-long William Birch sofa spans the wall opposite the TV and floating storage console. Glass doors on the back wall keep the space well-lit throughout the day.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Cameron MacNeil

House & Home June 2016

A walnut half-wall creates a warm backdrop in this sunken living room by Katherine Yaphe. Patterned and bright-colored pillows energize the otherwise neutral space.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Katherine Yaphe

House & Home April 2012

To bring his vision of an “adult rec room” to life, designer Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz outfitted this entertainment space with posh accents and a statement sofa.

  • Photographer Anastassios Mentis
  • Designer Brendan Kwinter-Schwartz

House & Home May 2015

Designer Samantha Farjo kept comfort and function at heart when designing this modern family room. Twin large sectionals means there’s room for everyone to gather, while matching drum tables are perfect for keeping drinks and snacks nearby.

  • Photographer Alex Lukey
  • Designer Samantha Farjo

House & Home January 2016

Designer Tommy Smythe maximized the functionality of a standard bookcase by allocating space for a small TV. A daring black and white color scheme gives this room a dramatic appeal.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Tommy Smythe

House & Home January 2012

This monochromatic great room is all about stylish function. Plush, oversized ottomans offer comfort and act as coffee tables, while sofas covered in washable fabric means there’s no fear of spills.

  • Photographer Angus Fergusson
  • Designer Erin Feasby and Cindy Bleeks, Feasby & Bleeks

House & Home March 2014

A monolithic Cambrian stone fireplace lends visual weight to this modern living room, but is balanced by soaring windows on either side. Low-profile furniture heightens the scale of the back wall.

  • Photographer Donna Griffith
  • Designer Ali Yaphe and Mazen El-Abdallah

House & Home January 2014

Two contemporary, origami-like coffee tables add a shot of playful energy into this otherwise traditional family room. “We love the juxtaposition of traditional and contemporary — it’s what makes this house so interesting,” explains homeowner Lisa Diamond Katz.

  • Photographer Michael Graydon
  • Designer David Katz and Lisa Diamond

House & Home January 2015

A barnboard-clad ceiling gives Michelle Donnelly and Mark Puchala’s family room rustic appeal, while a plush sofa makes it a favorite hangout spot for the entire family.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Brock James, LGA Architectural Partners

House & Home May 2016

Set within a black wall-to-wall console unit, this big screen TV has a barely-there appeal.

  • Photographer Valerie Wilcox
  • Designer Stephanie Pellatt, Pivot Design; Leanne Tammaro and Adolphina Karachok, Designtheory

House & Home April 2017

An industrial pendant light, low sofa and soft carpeting come together to create an intimate space by designer Nam Dang-Mitchell.

  • Photographer Colin Way
  • Designer Nam Dang-Mitchell

House & Home March 2013

This large sofa is a favorite hangout spot in designer Ines Mazzotta’s own home. To visually balance its weight, Ines created a gallery wall with a series of striking artwork.

  • Photographer Robin Stubbert
  • Designer Ines Mazzotta

House & Home June 2017