Styling the Media Wall Built-In
One of my favorite things in our entire house is the media wall built-in down in our basement. It was something I dreamt about way before we ever even bought the house–I knew exactly what I wanted it to look like. I can remember meeting with our contractor and describing to him in an excessive amount of detail what I envisioned. Thankfully he wasn’t too annoyed with me and they were able to bring my vision to life. But I have to admit, it’s been a tricky spot for me to style. Admittedly, I’m not the best when it comes to shelf decor. That kinda thing has always been a bit of a humdinger for me, but I’m getting the hang of it. So I thought today it would be fun to share styling the media wall built-in!
So the best system I’ve found when styling the media wall built-in is by creating balance from one side to the next. I’m usually a big fan of symmetry, but too much of that can be boring. So I try to balance each side by texture, height, and color. I used a lot of greenery, wicker, and pops of black here.
Remember that old antique typewriter I found years ago?! I love her in this spot. And I love all the pops of black happening here too–the pair of candlesticks, black books, black frame on the Bible hymn, and of course the black typewriter.
Over here I used several family photos, a bamboo bowl, wicker tray, faux greenery, old books, and that adorable black mirror.
Styling shelves kinda feels like a form of artwork. It’s definitely a personal thing and everyone does it a bit differently. But the cool part is there’s no right or wrong way to do it. At least that’s how I look at it! Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this closer look at our media wall built-in. And maybe even got a few ideas for your own home! xo
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The Comments
Tammy Ganci
Love Love Love!!!!!! Its beautiful!!!!! My new house is starting to look like yours and I could not be any happier. Mine is at the Jersey shore so I have farmhouse mixed with coastal. My question to you is where did you find the black tripod lamp in your basement family room? I love it and have the perfect spot for it.
Have a blessed day,
Love your blog friend
Tammy
Sarah
> Tammy GanciAh that’s so cool, Tammy! Love that. Thank you for being here!
Darlene Moore
Hey Sarah, I absolutely love your style. However, since you ask your followers on your decor, I do have one comment. Honestly, I think your TV is too small for that space. It seems to be drowning with everything around it. Sorry…just my opinion.
Sarah
> Darlene Moorehaha you’re probably right!
Elaine MacDonald
> SarahNo, I think the TV is just the right size!
Sarah
> Elaine MacDonaldwell thank you Elaine!
Suzee B
You did good! It’s beautiful. I especially love the shelf with the typewriter. ❤️
Sarah
> Suzee BThat’s my favorite part, Suzee!
Jill Olesh
Wow! Love everything in this room!
Sarah
> Jill OleshThank you so much Jill!
Anna Lancaster
> Jill OleshLove the built-in, would like something similar in my livingroom.Have a blessed day.
MARIA
Hello Sarah,
You have a beautiful home. Where did you get your media wall built ins if you don’t mind saying?
Thank you!
Sarah
> MARIAWe had them custom built. I designed it!
Dot
Good morning!
Your media center looks wonderful! Happy to see the old typewriter is back!
Was looking at your curtains from Target. Your stripes are at the top and the Target ad has stripes at the bottom. Is it possible to hang them either way? Just curious!
Sarah
> DotYep, you can hang them either way!
Maureen
Have you considered using some art? Like small pics or family pics in pretty frames. I like it but I feel it could use some personal warmth. Using some of your kids art or such would add personality. I enjoy your blog and your home is beautiful!
Sarah
> MaureenHi Maureen, I do have three family photos on the right side.
Heather
Looks fantastic, Sarah! I’m paying close attention to this, because we will start building a new house in the new few months and I’m hoping to have similar built-ins for our family room ❤️
Diane Bristow
I love it! I picked up a few ideas I am going to try in my new house. Thank you for inspiring me.
Gloria Rivenbark
I love the room. I do have a question. I love the big square ottoman, especially the legs. Where did you find that?
Sarah
> Gloria RivenbarkThat’s from Arhaus!!
Kara
I would love to know the dimensions of your built in cabinetry.
Donna Pack
Love this especially the greenery and pops of black
Miechell
I love your built-in’s and the whole space! You did such a wonderful job!!
Sarah
> MiechellI appreciate that, thank you so much!
Kristine
What a fun and happy room you’ve created. It’s borgasmorg feast for our eyes! Usually it’s fun to shop your posts even if I don’t buy anything.
Any chance the wooden tray on the ottoman is also a Target find?
Thanks for keeping me looking forward each week!
Sarah
> Kristinehaha you’re so kind Kristine! And yes, that tray is from Target. Here’s the link: https://rstyle.me/+cnrwUssP6M4Xx8NYrImptg
Lisa
Your home is beautiful! I love how you decorated your media wall. I have one similar in my home and would love to use the open weave baskets with books. Do you mind sharing where you got the baskets? Thanks!
Kimberly Lynn Spalding
Do you have the link for the ottoman? Thank you!
Leslie Stedman
Hi Sarah, I love the way you styled your built in shelves. I too love symmetry and tend to get overwhelmed with it, so I intend to use your method when I revise mine soon. I have a typewriter similar to yours but it’s not as clean! Just wondering what you used to clean yours. I was thinking air in a can…thanks Sarah, Leslie
Dave Raje
Nowadays people don’t use old typewriters anymore. I’m glad to see that you still keep it.