How to hide the TV when it's not in use

People have a love affair with their electronics, which play an integral role at households across the globe. Statistics from Nielsen's Television Audience Report indicate that the average American household has 2.86 television sets, despite having just 2.5 people. It is also estimated that those in the U.S. will have watched the equivalent of 9 years' worth of TV by the age of 65. Canadians spend 1,500 hours each year watching TV, and 128,000 Canadians have a TV in the bathroom.

Though TVs are located throughout the typical household, homeowners don't always appreciate the look of a TV and how it fits in with their design scheme. That is why many seek ways to camouflage a television when it is not in use.

There are many ways to mask a television when not in use. Homeowners can explore different options, depending on their particular budget and the available space.

* Furniture: Television armoires and cabinetry are some of the most basic ways to hide a TV. The unit is housed behind doors that are closed when the TVis not on and can be opened and recessed when it's time to watch a show. These pieces of furniture can match other items in the room and create a flawless appeal.

* Cover up: Wall-hung flat screen televisions can be camouflaged with a piece of artwork or another wall decoration. Many times the TVis recessed into the wall, and the canvas or mirror is mounted on a device that can move it out of the way to reveal the screen.

* On the move: There are mechanisms that can lower or raise a TV from a hidden location, whether in the floor or ceiling. The TV can descend or ascend vertically, or a hinged device can flip the TV up or down, depending on need, much like a small LCD television that mounts on the underside of a kitchen cabinet.

* Under the bed: People have long embraced the under-the-bed storage options, but what about using that space for a TV? Homeowners who have $10,000 lying around can purchase a mounting device that stores the TV under the bed, and then raises it into position at the foot of the bed with the touch of a remote control.

* Track TV: With a system of trackwork, a television can swivel out of a hiding spot in a closet, cabinet or soffit and move into position on a pole connected to the track. Both manual and motorized tracks can be installed for a few hundred dollars.

* Canvas cover: A less expensive option than some of the motorized devices available, a shade or tapestry on a manual device (think the window shades that you tug and the shade rolls up onto itself) can also conceal a television. Lower or raise the shade as needed.

* Smaller scale: Smaller TVs are easier to camouflage. Think scale when placing a TV in a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen. Simple decor accessories may do the trick of hiding the TV from view.

Although most people can't get enough of their television viewing, the caveat is they don't want the television to be an eyesore when not in use. Different concealment strategies can help mask a TVwhen it is not in use. 

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