They are found in every home, often in several rooms. They are so commonplace that we don’t even notice them. But when it comes to selling your home, a large TV screen can end up being an eyesore that distracts potential buyers. Sales of big screen TV’s are increasing in Spain every year. Now more than ever, it’s vital to consider how this trend might negatively affect the sale of your property.
Choose your TV based on the Size of the Room
It may seem like bigger TV screens are automatically better than smaller ones. However, the OCU (Organisation of Consumers and Users) recommends choosing a television with a screen size appropriate for the room in which it will be used. A huge screen in a small room not only overshadows the room’s design, but you’re not getting the full picture. Fortunately, there’s a simple calculation to choose the perfect TV size. The distance between the TV and the viewer should be 2-3 times the screen size in inches:
- Less than 1.5 metres away, choose a TV between 40 and 46 inches
- Between 1.5 and 2 metres away, choose a TV between 46 and 55 inches
- Between 2 and 3 metres away, choose a TV between 60 and 85 inches
- At 3 metres away or more, choose a TV of 85 inches or more
With this simple calculation, you’ll no longer have to second-guess which size to choose for your home. However, if you’re thinking about selling your home, it might not be the best time to change your TV! So with that in mind, here are some tips to disguise large TVs in any room.
Create an Accent Wall
Any home staging professional will tell you that a foolproof technique to make your home more attractive to buyers is to paint the rooms white, or in light, neutral colours. However, a massive black screen on a white wall can really draw attention, and not in a good way. If your television is positioned on a small wall, an interesting option could be to create an accent wall, painting it in dark colours like slate grey or chocolate brown. This way, you’ll create a modern, elegant look while simultaneously drawing attention away from the TV.
One is Enough!
It’s becoming increasingly common for the TV to not be limited to just the living room. Especially in family homes, everyone has their own Netflix account, and their own TV in their bedroom. Some even like to watch TV in the kitchen while cooking — nothing unusual about that! But if you want to sell your apartment fast, you need to learn the first rule of home staging. Each room should have a clear purpose.
Bedrooms should be an oasis for relaxation and rest. The kitchen is where we gather as a family to enjoy meals and create memories together. Neither of these spaces need a TV to fulfil its function (in fact, it would be counterproductive). And in the living room, you can create a cosy atmosphere with a few simple details. Decorate the sofa with a selection of soft throws and cushions, and place a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table next to the remote. This way, you’ll encourage potential buyers to imagine a family movie night. Who wouldn’t fall in love with such a scene?
Plants Are Your Allies
A well-placed plant can bring any space to life. Plants have been scientifically proven to bring feelings of relaxation and positivity (two emotions closely related to the likelihood of making a purchase). But they can also serve to distract from anything we want to downplay, in this case, the television. Surrounding the TV with striking plants distracts the eye and enhances the perceived value of the property. And if you’re not a plant expert, don’t worry. These days, artificial plants are hyper-realistic and nearly impossible to kill!
A Potential Work of Art
In empty homes, the best and simplest option is to remove the TV and replace it with a piece of artwork that matches the room’s style. Or alternatively a large mirror that will bring in more light. However, if you’re not moving until after the sale, you won’t want to be without a TV during this process. Fortunately, there’s another option: turning your TV into a work of art.
The Samsung Frame is the first television on the market designed to transform into a piece of art. In standby mode, it can display a large selection of images from international museums, with a matte display to avoid glare. It also has a motion sensor, so it only displays the image when people are in the room. Plus it adjusts the brightness based on the ambient light. However, these benefits come at a cost, as a Samsung Frame can cost up to double the price of its standard range. So unless you plan to use it in your new home, we wouldn’t recommend buying it solely to help with selling. And honestly, it’s not necessary, as you can achieve a similar effect with any Smart TV quite easily.
Our Low Cost Alternative
Many Smart TVs have an integrated screensaver option. So you just need to upload the image file you want to display to a folder in the file app (Amazon Fire for Fire TVs, Google Photos for Chromecast or Roku TVs, and iCloud for Apple TVs). You select that folder for the screensaver function, and you’re good to go.
But if you don’t want to get too technical, we’ve created a playlist on our YouTube channel with a selection of static videos, each featuring carefully chosen works of art. You just need to ask your estate agent to select the video (preferably the same one used for the professional photos in the listing) and hit play as the buyers arrive. And since homes are sold using all five senses, each video includes a classical or lo-fi music soundtrack that creates a welcoming atmosphere (though if you prefer the viewings without music, simply mute the video). Each video lasts 1 hour and 27 minutes: long enough to make a great first impression on potential buyers, and short enough to avoid screen burn-in that could damage the TV if a static image is left for too long. (We always recommend checking the manufacturer’s recommendations to avoid any issues.)
To ensure a quick sale at the best price, it’s essential to consider every detail. It can sometimes feel overwhelming, but remember you can always rely on a professional home stager’s services to take the stress off. But keep in mind that staging your property is one of the most important techniques for selling your home. With these simple tips, rather than being distracted by a television, potential buyers will be impressed by a picture-perfect home!
