Keeping Your Living Room Tech Free

Keeping Your Living Room Tech Free

For most of us, the ideal living room would be somewhere that the whole family can come together to relax and spend quality time together, as well as being somewhere that can play host to social gatherings and cosy get-togethers when required.

The problem is, the living room is also often the designated spot for all manner of home technology, from televisions and entertainment units, to games consoles. However, it is possible to keep your living room tech free without stepping back in time — we show you how.

1. Create a ‘technology den’

Whilst it might be not be possible for all of us to dedicate an entire room to entertainment and technology, when you really look at the layout of your home, you might find that you can carve out some space solely for this purpose. Do you have a garage that is currently used as a dumping ground? Consider converting it into a snug or technology den instead in order to keep your living room tech free.

Converting a garage usually won’t require planning permission unless you live in a Conservation Area or in a listed building making this a popular way to gain extra living space. If you are in desperate need of storage and are reluctant to sacrifice the entire garage, think about keeping the front section of the garage for storage and convert just the rear of the space.

2. Zone It

If you have no choice but to use your living room as both a relaxing space as well as a technology zone, it really does pay to divide the space up into zones. Whether you have a small living room or an awkwardly shaped room to work with, it can be done.

If you are lucky enough to have a fireplace, aim to group your seating around it to create a cosy space that encourages a feeling of togetherness and conversation. In the absence of a fireplace, use a piece of statement furniture such as funky coffee table, a stunning view of the outside, or an eye-catching piece of artwork as your focal point.

Use a large sofa as a room divider and keep the space behind it for home office equipment, games consoles and the like. Alternatively, a double-sided fireplace, shelving unit, even a console table, will all work as visual divides, separating the space into ‘sanctuary’ and ‘entertainment’.

Lighting can also be used to zone the living room. Keep lighting soft and soothing in the areas you want to keep tech free, using a combination of floor and table lamps and wall washers set on dimmers, and keep brighter task lighting, such as spotlights, for the entertainment zone.

3. Clever Storage Units

Never underestimate the power of clever storage units. A good TV stand, entertainment unit or console is worth its weight in gold. The best living room storage will be capable of keeping wires hidden from view, have plenty of shelving options for your various remote controls etc. and also add to your interior style. Entertainment cabinets that be closed up when not in use are ideal in smaller spaces where you want the television to be hidden from view when not in use. Alternatively, opting for a stand-out TV stand in a bright colour or pattern can detract attention away from the fact that it is housing all sorts of unsociable technology.

4. Look Up

Short on floorspace in which to create your tech free haven? Look up. Have you considered a mezzanine level in which to create a high-level relaxation area, or perhaps you have a loft that could be converted to play host to all your entertainment needs?

5. Or Down…

Basements are the idea spot for dens or home cinemas, so if you are lucky enough to have one then be sure to use it — and keep your living room tech free. Split level layouts also work well — use one level for your sociable living space and create a step down into the more tech focused space — or, better still, design in a sunken seating area reserved just for socialising.