At Dean Watson Bespoke Furniture, we believe your home deserves more than standard, flat-pack furniture. Every room should reflect your taste, lifestyle, and the way you use your space. That’s exactly why our custom-made media walls have become such a popular choice across the UK.
A media wall does more than hold your TV, it brings together your entertainment, storage, and style in one seamless design. But one question comes up time and again:“How deep does my media wall need to be?”
Let’s explore how to choose the right depth for your home and create a feature that looks stunning and works perfectly for your everyday needs.
What’s Inside a Media Wall?
When it comes to planning a bespoke media wall, depth isn’t just about the TV. It’s about everything that lives behind or around it. Before deciding on measurements, think about all the elements you want to include.
Here are some of the most common items that influence the overall depth:
Television – Modern TVs are much thinner than they used to be, but you’ll still need space for mounting brackets, cabling, and ventilation.
Soundbars and speakers – If you’re going for cinematic sound, you’ll want to allow enough space for speakers or an integrated soundbar to sit comfortably and look flush with the wall.
Media devices – Think Sky boxes, PlayStations, Blu-ray players, or amplifiers. These pieces of tech often need at least a few inches of breathing room and easy access for cables.
Cable management – A good-looking media wall hides wires completely. Enough depth ensures cables are routed neatly and kept out of sight, creating that clean, seamless finish.
Electric fireplace – Fireplaces add warmth and luxury, but they do need more space behind the surface to house the unit safely.
Storage and display – Many of our clients like built-in shelving for books, décor, or hidden storage for remotes and accessories. This can all affect how deep your media wall should be.
General Depth Guidelines
There isn’t one “right” depth for every home, it depends entirely on your layout and equipment. However, here are some general rules of thumb to help guide your design:
1. Slimline Setups (TV & small devices)
If your wall is only housing a TV and maybe a slim soundbar or streaming device, you can usually go quite shallow.
A depth of 8 to 10 inches (20–25 cm) is often enough. This gives room for mounting brackets and simple cable routing while keeping the wall sleek and minimal.
2. Standard Setups (TV, consoles, soundbar)
For most homes, a depth between 12 to 16 inches (30–40 cm) strikes the perfect balance. It provides enough room for most consoles, boxes, and speakers while still looking refined and in proportion to the room.
This range is also ideal for hiding cabling and ensuring everything has enough airflow.
3. Fire Feature Walls (TV with electric fireplace)
If your dream design includes an electric fire, you’ll need a bit more space. Most fireplace units require a depth of 20 to 24 inches (50–60 cm).
Some larger or feature models may even need up to 28 inches to fit safely and function correctly. This ensures the unit sits flush, performs well, and looks completely built-in.
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Beyond Measurements: Other Key Considerations
While depth is important, a truly successful media wall design depends on several other factors. At Dean Watson Bespoke Furniture, we take the time to consider every detail during your design consultation.
Your devices
We measure your exact equipment to make sure each piece fits perfectly — no guesswork, no wasted space.
Room proportions
The wall needs to suit your room. We make sure the size, height, and overall layout feel balanced with your surroundings, whether you have a large open-plan living space or a cosy lounge.
Ventilation and access
Your devices need room to breathe. Overheating can shorten their lifespan, so we plan for proper ventilation. We also ensure ports and cables are easily reachable for maintenance or upgrades.
Aesthetics
From the paint colour and finish to lighting and trims, your media wall should look like part of your home, not an afterthought. We help you choose materials that match your décor and create the right mood.
Future-proofing
Technology moves quickly. We design your media wall with flexibility in mind, so if you upgrade your TV or sound system in a few years, everything will still fit beautifully.
Made to Measure, Made for You
Many companies offer pre-made or “standard size” media walls, but a bespoke design is the only way to guarantee a perfect fit, in both function and style.
At Dean Watson Bespoke Furniture, every media wall we build is custom-crafted to suit your space. We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Instead, we take the time to understand how you use your living area and what you want from your setup.
We combine precision joinery, quality materials, and thoughtful design to deliver results that elevate your home — whether that means adding soft lighting, floating shelves, or hidden storage compartments.
Our team handles everything from concept and design drawings to installation, so you can relax knowing every detail is taken care of.
Choosing the Right Depth for Your Home
Here’s a quick summary to help you decide where your project might fit:
| Type of Media Wall | Recommended Depth | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Slimline | 8–10 inches (20–25 cm) | TVs and small devices |
| Standard | 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) | TVs, consoles, and sound systems |
| Fire Feature | 20–24 inches (50–60 cm) | Media walls with an electric fireplace |
| Large Feature Designs | 24–28 inches (60–70 cm) | Oversized fireplaces or complex setups |
Remember, these are just guidelines. The beauty of bespoke furniture is that it’s made to fit your exact space, not a generic template.
Ready to Build Your Perfect Media Wall?
If you’re thinking about adding a custom media wall to your home, we’d love to help bring your ideas to life. Whether you want a clean, modern look or a feature wall with real wow factor, our team will work with you every step of the way.
From the depth and layout to the finishes and lighting, we’ll create a piece that enhances your space, hides your cables, and showcases your personal style.
Get in touch with Dean Watson Bespoke Furniture today to start your design journey, and discover how a perfectly fitted media wall can transform your home.
