Built-In vs. Freestanding Media Walls

If you’re thinking about adding a media wall to your home, one of the first decisions you’ll face is whether to go for a built-in or a freestanding option. While both can be beautifully designed to fit into your space, the right choice really depends on your layout, lifestyle, and how you use the room.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences between built-in and freestanding media walls and help you figure out which one suits you best.

What Is a Media Wall, and Why Go Bespoke?

At its core, a media wall is a purpose-built feature that brings together your television, audio system, storage, and often decorative shelving or lighting into one design. It creates a focal point in the room and hides all the clutter,  think no trailing wires or mismatched cabinets anymore.

Going bespoke means the piece is designed specifically for your home: your dimensions, your lifestyle, your interior style. And that’s where the question of built-in vs. freestanding really begins.

Built-In Media Walls: Seamless and Permanent

Built-in media walls are integrated directly into the fabric of your home. They often stretch from floor to ceiling, wall to wall, and can be designed to completely enclose the television and associated tech. The finish is clean, architectural, and permanent.

This approach works especially well in new builds, renovated homes, or open-plan spaces where a flush, uninterrupted look is part of the aesthetic. It’s also ideal when you want to make use of recesses, alcoves, or uneven walls, turning awkward corners into something functional and stunning.

That said, built-in media walls require a bit more commitment. You’ll need to plan for design time, and the installation will take longer to complete. It’s worth it, but it’s not a weekend project with the planning involved.

• Seamless finish that looks part of the architecture
• Custom-fit to any space or wall recess
• Ideal for open-plan and contemporary homes
• More permanent and not designed to be moved
• May involve more prep and installation time

Download Your Free Media Wall Buying Guide

Discover the Art of Media Walls: Download our FREE Media Wall Guide and unlock the secrets to selecting the perfect bespoke media wall for your home. Get expert tips, insights, and guidance to ensure a seamless and rewarding experience as you embark on your bespoke furniture journey. Don’t miss out – claim your guide now!

Freestanding Media Walls: Flexible and Stylish

Freestanding media walls offer all the custom craftsmanship of a built-in, but with more flexibility. These are standalone pieces of furniture designed to house your tech and storage — just without being fixed directly into the structure of the house.

They’re perfect if you’re in a period home, a rented space, or simply don’t want to commit to something permanent. You still get the benefit of hidden cabling, purpose-built proportions, and high-quality materials — but with the option to reposition or even take it with you if you move.

Visually, a freestanding media wall can lean more toward traditional furniture in form — something like a beautifully made sideboard or a cabinet with shelving above. But it can also be designed to match modern spaces, with clean lines and minimal fuss.

• Can be repositioned or taken with you if you move
• Ideal for renters, listed buildings, or flexible spaces
• Still fully bespoke and built around your AV setup
• Slightly less seamless than built-ins
• Easier to install with minimal disruption

So… Which One’s Right for You?

There’s no wrong choice, only the one that best suits your home and your habits.

If you’re mid-renovation and dreaming of a clean, architectural finish, a built-in media wall might be just the thing. It creates a strong focal point, maximises space, and becomes part of the room itself.

On the other hand, if your space is already finished or you want the option to change things around in future, a freestanding piece gives you style and flexibility without compromise on design.

• Renovating? → Built-in may be the better fit.
• Renting or moving soon? → Freestanding gives flexibility.
• Love clean lines and minimalism? → Built-in delivers a seamless look.
• Want a showpiece that can move with you? → Go
• freestanding.

A Word from Dean

“We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether it’s built-in or freestanding, every media wall we make is tailored to the person, the room, and how it’ll be used. The right choice comes from asking the right questions, and we’re here to help guide that conversation.”

Next Steps

Still unsure which route to take? We’d love to talk it through with you. Every project starts with a conversation, no pressure, just ideas and possibilities.