Media wall trends for 2026 — what's actually selling

From microcement-finished surrounds to backlit timber slats. What we're being asked to build right now.

Media walls have moved from feature to expected — most living-room renovations now build one in. Here's what's coming through the workshop.

Backlit timber slats

Vertical slatted timber surrounds — walnut, oak or fluted oak — with concealed LED behind. Sophisticated, warm, and the slat profile hides the slight irregularities a flat panel would expose.

Microcement-finished surrounds

A more architectural, less "joiner-y" look. We build the carcass and a specialist applies the microcement finish. Heavy, dust-free finish that photographs beautifully.

Concealed everything

Soundbars hidden behind acoustically transparent fabric. Electric fires recessed flush. Cable management routed inside the carcass to the floor. The cleaner the look, the more carpentry it takes.

Integrated storage

Two-thirds of media walls we build now have full-width drawers or cabinets below — for AV equipment, blankets and toys. Push-to-open hardware keeps the front face clean.

What to ask for

Wait for the joiner to scribe — don't accept a freestanding unit. Insist on cable management before the design is signed off. And don't undersize the fire if you're putting one in. A 1500mm-wide fire in a 4m wall looks lost; go 1800mm minimum.