Your TV unit is often the largest piece of furniture in your living room and frequently serves as the visual focal point of the space. Choosing one that harmonises with your interior design style isn't just about aesthetics—a well-matched TV unit ties the room together, while a mismatched one can make even well-designed spaces feel disjointed. This guide explores the major interior design styles popular in Australian homes and the entertainment furniture that best complements each.
Identifying Your Style
Before selecting a TV unit, take stock of your existing décor. Look at the furniture you already have—your sofa, dining table, coffee table, and other pieces. Consider the finishes, colours, and forms that dominate. Even if you haven't consciously chosen a design style, patterns will emerge that point toward one of the categories below.
If you're starting fresh or renovating, consider which style resonates with you. Browse design magazines, Pinterest boards, or home design websites to identify spaces that feel right. Your gut reaction to certain styles reveals your preferences more reliably than any quiz or guide.
Scandinavian Style
Scandinavian design—often abbreviated to "Scandi"—dominates Australian interiors and for good reason. Its emphasis on light, functionality, and warmth suits our lifestyle and climate beautifully.
Style Characteristics
- Light timber tones, particularly oak, ash, and birch
- Clean, simple lines without ornamentation
- Functional design where form follows function
- White and neutral colour palettes with occasional colour accents
- Tapered or turned legs that elevate furniture
- Natural materials and textures
Matching TV Units
Scandinavian-style entertainment units typically feature:
- Light oak, ash, or white finishes
- Simple geometric forms
- Slender tapered legs that create visual lightness
- Mix of open and closed storage
- Minimal hardware (often push-to-open mechanisms)
Two-tone designs combining white surfaces with light timber are particularly popular and versatile. These bridge modern white interiors with the warmth of natural wood.
Keep your TV unit's surface relatively clear in Scandinavian spaces. One or two carefully chosen decorative items maintain the uncluttered aesthetic that defines the style.
Modern and Contemporary
Modern and contemporary styles embrace current design trends with sleek, forward-thinking aesthetics. While "modern" technically refers to mid-20th-century design, in common usage both terms describe clean, current, unfussy styling.
Style Characteristics
- Clean geometric lines and smooth surfaces
- Minimal ornamentation
- Neutral palettes with bold accent colours
- Mix of materials including glass, metal, and high-gloss finishes
- Technology integration
- Open floor plans and multifunctional spaces
Matching TV Units
Contemporary entertainment units often feature:
- High-gloss finishes in white, black, or grey
- Floating/wall-mounted designs
- Integrated LED lighting
- Tempered glass elements
- Hidden storage with push-to-open doors
- Cable management systems
Matte black finishes have gained popularity as an alternative to high-gloss, offering a sophisticated look that shows fewer fingerprints and dust.
Industrial Style
Industrial design draws inspiration from factories, warehouses, and urban lofts. It celebrates raw materials and exposed construction, creating spaces with character and edge.
Style Characteristics
- Exposed brick, concrete, and metal
- Raw, unfinished materials
- Metal framing and hardware
- Dark colours: black, charcoal, deep brown
- Reclaimed and weathered wood
- Visible bolts, rivets, and construction details
Matching TV Units
Industrial entertainment units typically feature:
- Metal frames—often black iron or steel
- Reclaimed timber or distressed wood shelving
- Pipe-style construction elements
- Open shelving rather than closed cabinets
- Minimal design letting materials speak
- Mesh panels or wire basket storage
Key Takeaway
Industrial style works best when furniture looks sturdy and substantial. Lightweight or delicate pieces feel out of place in this aesthetic.
Traditional and Classic
Traditional style draws on historical design, creating elegant spaces that feel established and refined. It suits period homes and those who appreciate timeless elegance over current trends.
Style Characteristics
- Rich, dark timbers like walnut, mahogany, and cherry
- Ornate details and craftsmanship
- Symmetrical arrangements
- Antique or antique-inspired pieces
- Pattern use in fabrics and rugs
- Formal furniture arrangements
Matching TV Units
Traditional entertainment units might include:
- Rich timber finishes: walnut, mahogany, or cherry stains
- Panel detailing on cabinet doors
- Raised profiles and traditional mouldings
- Decorative hardware: brass or antiqued pulls
- Glass-fronted cabinets for display
- Substantial proportions that convey quality
Hampton-style entertainment units—white with traditional moulding and sometimes louvred doors—bridge traditional and coastal aesthetics and are extremely popular in Australian homes.
Coastal and Beach House
Coastal style captures the relaxed atmosphere of Australian beach living. It creates light, airy spaces that feel like a permanent holiday.
Style Characteristics
- Light, natural colours: whites, creams, soft blues, and sandy neutrals
- Weathered and white-washed timber
- Natural textures: rattan, jute, linen
- Relaxed, casual atmosphere
- Nautical accents (used sparingly)
- Indoor-outdoor connection
Matching TV Units
Coastal entertainment units typically feature:
- White or white-washed finishes
- Light timber tones or driftwood effects
- Louvred doors or rattan panel inserts
- Weathered or distressed finishes
- Simple, unfussy shapes
- Open shelving for casual display
Minimalist
Minimalism strips design to its essentials, embracing the philosophy that less is more. Every element serves a purpose, and beauty comes from simplicity and space.
Style Characteristics
- Neutral colour palettes, often monochromatic
- Clean lines and simple shapes
- Uncluttered surfaces and spaces
- Hidden storage to maintain clean lines
- Quality over quantity
- Negative space as a design element
Matching TV Units
Minimalist entertainment units embody:
- Floating, wall-mounted designs that maximise floor space
- Streamlined forms without decorative elements
- Matte finishes in white, grey, or black
- Concealed storage that hides equipment and clutter
- Integrated cable management for completely clean lines
- Handle-free push-to-open mechanisms
True minimalism requires rigorous cable management and storage solutions. All equipment, remotes, games, and accessories need designated hidden homes, or the minimalist aesthetic is immediately compromised.
Mid-Century Modern
Mid-century modern—design from roughly 1945-1970—has experienced a major revival. Its organic shapes, functional design, and warm wood tones feel fresh and current while offering retro character.
Style Characteristics
- Organic curved forms combined with geometric shapes
- Warm wood tones, especially teak and walnut
- Tapered legs and elevated furniture
- Bold colour accents against neutral backgrounds
- Mix of natural and manufactured materials
- Function-driven design
Matching TV Units
Mid-century entertainment units often feature:
- Walnut or teak timber (or quality veneers)
- Signature tapered, angled legs
- Sliding doors with geometric patterns
- Slatted door fronts
- Mixed open and closed storage
- Organic shapes and rounded corners
Mixing Styles Successfully
Rigidly adhering to a single style can feel staged or sterile. Most attractive spaces blend elements from multiple styles. Some guidelines for mixing successfully:
- Maintain a dominant style: Let one style lead (70%) with accent pieces from another (30%)
- Find common threads: Pieces from different styles can work together if they share colour tones, material palettes, or proportions
- Contrast intentionally: An industrial coffee table against Scandinavian pieces can work if the contrast appears deliberate, not accidental
- Quality unifies: Well-made pieces from different styles coexist better than mismatched budget items
Practical Considerations
Style matters, but functionality remains paramount. As you narrow your choices based on style:
- Verify the unit fits your TV and equipment regardless of how good it looks
- Ensure adequate ventilation for electronics
- Consider maintenance requirements—high-gloss shows every fingerprint, weathered wood shows every mark differently
- Think about how the piece will age in your space over years of daily use
The perfect TV unit balances style harmony with practical functionality. When both criteria align, you've found furniture that will enhance your living space and serve you well for years to come.