Decorating & Design
August 5, 2020
Rainy Day? Here Are 40+ Of The Best Places To Kick Back & Watch TV!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
After a long day of Zoom meetings, the only thing we want to do is sink into this chenille-covered sofa and binge watch episodes of Grace & Frankie. The graphic pops of black paired with crisp cream, white and beige makes the TV seamlessly blend into the high-contrast space.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
French doors and transom windows flood this generous living area with natural light.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Set within a black wall-to-wall console unit, this big screen TV has a barely-there appeal.
An industrial pendant light, low sofa and soft carpeting come together to create an intimate space by designer Nam Dang-Mitchell.
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.