Many people often make use of the spacious area next to the television to display items; however, there are certain things that are absolutely unsuitable to place there.

Although nowadays most of us own mobile phones and use them in our free time, the television is still considered an essential appliance in many households. Every home typically has a dedicated spot for the TV, often in the center of the living room, occupying a large space. Surrounding the TV, there are usually cabinets or shelves for storage, helping to optimize the available space.

No matter how wealthy you are, never place these 4 items next to your TV if you don’t want to suffer losses.

In reality, no matter how spacious the area around your TV may be, it’s best not to place the following four things nearby. If you already have them there, you should move them away as soon as possible.

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Item 1: Water-containing objects

Water is something we frequently need in daily activities. For convenience, many people place teapots, cups, or bottles of water close at hand, sometimes even right next to the TV.

In fact, this practice is harmful to the lifespan of your television. Water often comes with humidity, and hot water in particular produces vapor. When the vapor rises, it can seep into the TV.

As an electrical device, all parts of the TV need to remain dry. Exposure to water or humid environments makes it much more prone to damage.

In fact, not only water bottles, kettles, and electric pots but also items such as aquariums and potted plants should not be placed near the TV for long periods. Otherwise, the TV’s lifespan will be shortened, costing you money for repair or replacement.

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Item 2: Dust covers

Our televisions are particularly prone to dust accumulation after long exposure to air. To prevent this, many people cover the screen with a dust-proof cloth, believing it not only keeps the TV clean but also looks tidy.

However, this is not a good idea. TVs generate heat while in use, and that heat needs to dissipate. Covering the set with a cloth hinders ventilation, trapping heat inside. If the TV runs at high temperature for extended periods, it becomes much more likely to break down.

Therefore, you should only use a dust cover when leaving home for a long time and the TV won’t be used. Under normal circumstances, it’s better to keep the television in a dry, ventilated, and clean environment.

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Item 3: Communication devices

After use, many people casually place their mobile phones next to the TV. In fact, this is not advisable. Both TVs and phones are devices that transmit and receive signals, which can interfere with one another. In severe cases, this may even damage the internal components of the TV.

For example, when a phone nearby receives a call, the television screen may show static or slight distortions. This is signal interference. Therefore, it’s best not to place communication devices near your TV.

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Item 4: Sharp tools

It is also unwise to place sharp tools such as scissors, hammers, or screwdrivers next to your TV. These tools are very hard and sharp; even a light accidental bump could damage the screen.

Over time, TV screens have become larger, thinner, and more expensive, making them more vulnerable. Even a small scratch can lead to costly repairs.

For this reason, you should never keep sharp objects next to the television. Families with small children, in particular, need to take extra precautions for safety.

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Additional Notes for Placing a TV in the Living Room

Choosing the right position
If your space already has focal points such as artwork or a window with a beautiful view, the TV can compete for attention and create visual clutter. To avoid this, consider placing the TV on a wall perpendicular to the window or artwork. This allows multiple viewing angles while keeping the room organized and harmonious.

Arranging the seating area
The seating for watching TV should be spacious and positioned at a comfortable distance. According to viewing distance formulas, you should sit at least 2.5 meters and at most 3.3 meters away from the screen.

Concealing wires and connections
A low cabinet under the TV with holes at the back can help conceal devices like cable boxes, speakers, and wiring. Using semi-transparent cabinet doors makes it easy to operate devices with a remote control. Alternatively, you can run the wires inside the wall and position outlets behind the TV.

Managing light
Lighting is especially important for TV viewing areas. Avoid placing the TV in direct sunlight, which can cause glare. If the room remains too bright, use blackout curtains or thicker drapes to control the light.