Are media walls still in fashion?
Choosing whether to install a media wall in your home is no small decision. With the growing number of design trends emerging, evolving and disappearing once more, it’s natural to feel uncertain about whether a media wall will hold its appeal in the long term.
A media wall isn’t as simple as a piece of furniture - it's a statement, a combination of technology and design that becomes the focal point of any room. Because of this, it can feel like a daunting prospect - even though it has the potential to pull all the details of a room together.
In this article, we explore whether media walls are still a fashionable choice, weighing the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about this bold design feature.
Are media walls going out of fashion?
Some design trends come and go, while others stay the course and become a timeless feature of interior design. Media walls fit in the latter category.
They might not be quite as common as they were when the trend was at its peak, but media walls remain a popular choice for those seeking the perfect balance between style and practicality. At its heart, a media wall is all about providing a sleek and organised solution for housing TVs, sound systems and more - and that still appeals to the modern homeowner.
But no trend stays exactly the same forever, and media walls have adapted to suit evolving tastes and needs. These days, tech is slimmer than ever and minimalism is having its moment - so media walls are becoming sleeker and more ‘invisible’ to match. Features often include:
Recessed lighting
Flush-fitted units
Uncluttered designs
Hidden compartments
Premium finishes that complement rather than contrast the surrounding décor.
Rather than going out of fashion, media walls are changing to meet new demands - taking advantage of their own versatility to remain popular as trends develop all around. While floating TV units and open shelving offer great alternatives, media walls continue to stand out for their ability to provide a bespoke, built-in aesthetic that speaks of luxury in leisure.
Does a media wall add value to a home?
The answer to whether or not any interior design project will add value to your home lies in its execution. Media walls are no different.
Done well, a media wall represents a structural improvement to the room which adds practicality and style - and may even bring purpose to an awkward space. For buyers, this means a sleek entertainment set-up that’s ready to use from day one and - crucially - solves problems.
What does this mean? Well, moving into a new home comes with lots to do, from sourcing furniture to arranging rooms and even redecorating. A media wall can provide at least one aspect of the home that doesn’t need work and actually fulfils several needs. For example, it can:
Make setting up TVs and other entertainment equipment simple, so new owners can relax and destress after a hard day’s moving
Provide lighting solutions that support a cosy, home-like atmosphere from the get-go
Offer storage for bulky items like gaming consoles, media collections and other electronics so these can be unpacked and situated without hassle.
Plus, a media wall gives the room a ready-made focal point that new owners can build off for their own interior design - particularly when neutral finishes and colourings are used. This can all make a property stand out in a competitive market - whether you’re selling or letting.
If you’re looking to understand whether a media wall will give good return on investment, there are multiple things to consider. These include:
Your own enjoyment of the feature - this is especially important if you’re not planning to sell for several years
Resale value - a media wall often won’t be added as a line item by lenders or surveyors, but may help to justify your asking price to buyers or tenants
Marketability - a neutral, well-built media wall can give strong first impressions to buyers and may result in more viewings, more offers and a quicker sale.
Are media walls a good idea?
Of course, no one interior design feature is right for everyone, and media walls are no exception. While they’re one of the most customisable installations available, the choice is all about knowing what’s best for your space and lifestyle - not just what looks good in a magazine.
Here are some of the key considerations that can make or break a media wall in your home:
Room size
Compact rooms can sometimes feel overshadowed by large media walls, especially in smaller properties like flats or two-bed terraces. Dual-use rooms such as kitchen/diners run the risk of feeling overcrowded with a media wall added. Conversely, in overly large rooms, a media wall might look isolated and insignificant if not designed to prevent this.
Your home’s character
Media walls are typically sleek and smart, associated with clean lines and more expensive city-centre properties. In more rural or traditional homes, media walls can look out of place if they don’t conform to the overall style of the property.
Future-proofing
A media wall that doesn’t anticipate and accommodate replacing your tech with newer models will quickly become a hindrance. Plan for larger screen sizes, additional cable conduits, increased storage needs and more electrical outlets to help your media wall keep up with your evolving requirements.
Polarising design choices
If reselling, markets suggest that divisive finishes can reduce return on investment by as much as 30 to 50%. Even if you don’t intend to sell, be sure to consider how your tastes may evolve and how willing you are to redecorate if the initial colour no longer appeals.
None of this is to say that you can’t have a media wall under these conditions - some of the most striking design choices come from having to be a little more creative. But if you’re on the fence about the decision, it’s well worth understanding the challenges you may face.
Media walls remain a stylish and functional addition to many homes, offering a combination of aesthetic appeal and practicality. While they may not be for everyone, they continue to provide a sophisticated entertainment solution for many homes across the UK.