… it’s… gasp… a TV.
We were originally anti-TV-in-the-bedroom, so we know it’s not for everyone (and it’s downright sinful to some) but we only have one TV in our entire house – in the living room – and this guy was just sitting unused in the playroom (ever since we upsized the living room one since he wasn’t large enough to actually see from the sofa)… so we’ve gone and changed our minds. Haha. There’s actually a real reason behind the decision: more and more we’ve been thinking about how we have issues with work/life balance and it’s hard for us to “shut off.” Which is why we always end up working on the couch with our laptops and the TV on in the background. But a TV in the bedroom could become a no-work-and-no-multi-tasking spot – so we wouldn’t allow any laptops or work to take place in the room and we could actually concentrate on our favorite shows.
Just pure relaxation and zombie-apocalypse/Dexter viewing. What can I say, that’s our idea of a hot date. And I know there’s an old saying that a TV in the bedroom might keep you from… ahem… other activities. But we figure if things like caring for a toddler, renovating rooms, writing a book, and maintaining a blog don’t get in the way, that’s nothing a little TV in the bedroom could change. Aaand, now I’m blushing. Moving on.
Not gonna lie, it sounds downright heavenly to wake up on a lazy Sunday and watch a movie in bed with the bean instead of sitting on the sofa and immediately snapping into “we should be working” mode and grabbing our laptops.
And let’s just say a wall with a dresser and a TV are straight up spa-like when compared to this ridiculously cluttered before:
So I returned from all of our tour flights with a fire burning under my buns to whip the wall that we stare at every. single. night. into shape. The first step was just putting things where they actually belonged (books we had read went under the built-ins in the dining room with the rest of our collection, empty boxes got broken down and stashed in our recycling bin, the lamp moved back to where it should be, etc).
Then I moved our mid-century side tables (remember we phased them out here?) into the guest room. Now that we yard-saled the old dresser that was in there we have a completely bare wall – and two of them next to each other actually look like a console against it. I owe you guys a picture, but it definitely works for now. We don’t know if we’ll eventually use them in Clara’s big girl room, so we’ll have to keep you posted.
Anyway, once those were out of the way we could properly center the dresser (which was one of the only secret book projects that we paid for and kept since we were so in love with it – you might recognize it from this video). It sits directly across from our bed – for our prime viewing pleasure – and then we just plopped the old too-small leftover living room TV on the top.
So far, it totally works for us. Wait, except not literally. It’s not actually hooked up to cable or anything yet, so… womp-womp. Nothing to watch. Maybe I’ll “dude, get on that” in a week or two (returning from tour stuff + Thanksgiving week = too much going on to sit on hold with Verizon). Perhaps I’ll have the patience next week?
Oh and I’ve heard that it’s bad feng shui to sleep across from a TV or a mirror, but we actually slept facing a giant floor length mirror for a few years at our first house and didn’t have issues sleeping or anything like that- thank goodness. So maybe we’re immune? Haha.
Honestly, my favorite thing about the dresser actually being centered and cleared of clutter is that I get to put cute little jewelry dishes up there (which tie into the color of the rug, you know, because I’m coo-coo-for-stuff-like-that).
Also hanging out up there: wood blocks in our initials and our favorite number. Oh yeah, this stuff makes my day, guys. #noshameinmygame
So that’s where we are. Slowly inching towards a bedroom that looks less blank-wall-here, cluttered-junky-wall-there. We’ll let you guys know how the whole TV thing goes once it’s up and running. Who knows, we might end up never using it, hating it and removing it, or pretty much deciding we should never leave our room! Mostly I’m just excited that we can share photos of one of our favorite book projects on the blog. Yeehaw.
Do you guys have TV’s in the bedroom? I’m dying to know the breakdown (is it 50/50? way more than not? very rare indeed?) but the last time we embedded a poll it crashed our site, so we’ve cobbled this tiny poll together over on Facebook so if you feel like playing along or checking out the tally, click here. Can’t wait to hear where you guys land!
Psst- Have you guys seen baby Weston yet? It was so exciting getting the call in the middle of the night that he came into the world safely and all was well with Katie and the fam. Clara loves him already – and after I showed her a picture in the morning she lovingly said “I want to bother him.” Cute, right?
I have a ridiculous CRT TV in my bedroom (will upgrade eventually) that is not always on, but in my case it’s strangely comforting to me and I can sometimes fall asleep to it when the volume’s low. Hop in bed, turn it on, and wind down! Doesn’t necessarily interfere with other adventures either!
We’ve always had a tv in our room and it works for us. My husband watches tv and I read before bed and its a “no work, only relaxation” room for us too. And watching tv while folding laundry makes that chore a little more tolerable.
We have always had a TV in the bedroom, but we never end up watching it! If we put something on, we generally fall asleep five minutes into the movie.
We have a nice TV in the bedroom and we rarely use it. But it is nice to have it. If the hubs is watching sports and I want to catch up on my DVR then we have 2 TV’s. It has never affected our sleep or taken over our lives haha. You deserve a nice place to relax and watch your shows with no obligation to work, so ENJOY!!!
When we got married we were very much anti-tv-in-the-bedroom people. But once we saw how nice it was to watch a movie in bed every once in a while, we changed our minds. The TV in the living room still gets a lot of use though.
When my boyfriend and I shared a room in an attic together, we had both of our desktop computers (with 24″ monitors) AND a 32″ TV. Then it got upgraded to a 40″ TV, and the 32″ became a second monitor for my Boyfriend. It was cramped, but it was AWESOME being able to play video games from the bed, or watch movies together before going straight to sleep.
Now, we have the space to do without, and we don’t watch much TV anyway (mostly Netflix) and I’m happy having it all separate, even if our living room is FREEZING.
I am anti-TV-in-the-bedroom, but only for myself. I know that if I did have one in the bedroom I would spend way too much time watching it. I probably spend too much time watching the one in the living room as it is. But there have definitely been times when I’ve been sick or just totally exhausted that I would have loved to watch something in bed instead of on the couch. In those situations I usually use my laptop but it’s not the same.
My dad LOVES to buy TVs so he got us one for our bedroom when we moved into our house. The only time we used was when I was in there folding & putting away laundry and wanted some background noise. So, when my husband wanted to do P90X, he took it the garage along with an old DVD player. It never made it’s way back.
I have to say I love having a TV in the bedroom. I am a sports widow and would never have survived the past 14 years with my dear husband if I didn’t have a TV to watch something besides ESPN. And I have several guilty pleasure shows that I don’t want to torture him with so it works both ways. We do watch some great shows together (like Walking Dead). It’s a balance. Everyone is happy. No need to feel guilty.
I haven’t had the opportunity to look at the YHL book yet (although it’s on my Pinterest board labeled “HINT HINT HUSBAND” so hopefully he gets the hint) but I’m a bit obsessed over the painted dresser. SO cute, and such a fun twist on painting/upcycling an old dresser all one color. I just LOVE it… and now I’m on Craigslist trying to score my very own project. Thanks again (as always) for the inspiration. Have a great Thanksgiving!
Aw thanks Ashlie! You’re so sweet!
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I’m a couple and family therapist and I am always telling people to practice good sleep hygiene (i.e. the bedroom is only for sleeping and… well… you know), but I have to admit, there is something very satisfying about laying in bed and watching a show or movie every now and again :-) Enjoy! P.S. Love the book. I purchased it at the West Elm Chicago signing but could not wait in the line to see you! Sads. But, congrats you two!
Aw thanks Rachel! So glad you love the book!
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I love having a tv in my bedroom! Soo nice to just watch a little something to unwind from a long day.
No tv in the bedroom, but we don’t really watch it, so it’s not an issue. BUT–I want those end tables/nightstands that you moved to your guest room! Sigh, I guess I have to keep haunting CL. Love the new look!
surprisingly, we haven’t owned a tv (even in the living room) since me and my husband have been married (two and a half years)! Its actually really nice. Though, the office is in the living room so we still get our movie/show fix every now and then.
We have one in our room and actually kind of forget its in there every once in a while. Then some random night we will be all “Lets watch a movie in the bedrooM!” Like it is a big deal. It is also perfect for those snuggle nights with the kiddos when it is later than they should be up but want a little more time with them. Hey technically they are in a bed, right?
Side note: just made may way cover to cover on the new book! I love it. So many wonderful things in there. You guys are truly an inspiration by keeping things real. Great job!
Aw you’re so sweet Brooke! Thanks for the kind words!
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We actually don’t own a TV at all… not really a “permanent” thing, just sort of one of those in between things. I imagine eventually we’ll get one for the living room, and one for the bedroom. My husband and I love watching movies/TV together… it generally actually CAUSES conversation between us (yes, we’re the annoying people who talk during all the movies) so we don’t see it as a hinderance to our relationship. :)
p.s. On Sunday, I was telling my friend about your book – she doesn’t read the blog – and then she told me yesterday that she actually bought the book for her mother for her mom’s birthday. She said that your book “seemed the least intimidating and based on a house and the most fun and simple”. I told her that was exactly what you were going for!
p.p.s. Weston is so, so adorable. The hubby and I were keeping an eye on the Bower’s instagram uploads through the whole thing!
Aw that’s so sweet about your friend! Makes me so happy!
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Sex sex sex. See, there. Now it’s out there and said. (I’m not being bold because it’s a blog, if you said that in person I would have said, “You mean sex? You can say it.”) Haha. It’s wonderful that you aren’t letting other things get in the way of it – there’s no shame in that. It’s good stuff, let’s just be honest here.
On another note, we are definitely no TV people. We had it in our first place together and I wasn’t a fan so I’ve put my foot down about it in our house now. Though, in the room we’re staying in while we renovate the TV can be seen from the bed. So *sometimes* as a treat we’ll turn the tv so we can watch it from bed. It’s like a renovation-treat to get through it all!
Haha, you’re hilarious Heather. And I love your little TV from bed loophole! Ha!
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But it’s so much more fun to beat around the bush Heather!
I was anti-Tv in the bedroom for a long time, but finally caved because the hubs is a much lighter sleeper and often needs some TV to fall asleep. Now, I love it, it makes our Homeland/Sons of Anarchy/Boardwalk Empire/Dexter/Walking Dead (we may have an addiction!) viewing sessions so much cozier and intimate. From one convert to another…happy watching!
We have one TV in the house, and it’s in the family room. I don’t plan on changing that anytime soon.
We’re the no-TV type. We don’t really watch much TV, and I grew up without one, so I’m more likely to take my Kindle to bed with me. :) But it certainly isn’t something you have to justify. If you want it, you get it!
Btw, I absolutely love your book. You’ve turned me from the kind of person who says, “Ooh, that looks hard and I’d probably make a mess”, to the kind of person who tackle things without fear. YAY! Thank you.
Aw, so glad you’re enjoying the book! That makes us all grinny and weird.
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The dresser looks great with that gradient paint! And I think it’s fine to have a TV in your room, if you want to. :) Question – I clicked the old bedroom side tables post referenced here, and I love that little white dresser/cabinet thing under the window! Do you mind sharing where you got it?
That was from jossandmain.com a while back! Hope it helps!
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I used to be anti-TV in the bedroom and would watch things on the laptop if I needed to be in bed, but I’m starting to switch over and contemplate getting a small one for the bedroom.
Everyone lives his/her own life and does what’s best, so if it works for you- kudos. If not, as you noted, changes can always be made.
For us, we don’t have a TV, but we affectionately refer to a TV as a GDNB (so as to not offend others). GDNB= G*d Damn Noisy Box which is from Robert Heinlen’s Stranger in a Strange Land.
Sometimes we do curl up on the couch and watch a show on hulu on the laptop, but most often the hub is writing and I’m providing feedback at night. Sometimes we’re working out together. It works for us.
Happy Early Thanksgiving to you and all!
We have a TV in the boudoir. It’s more like a dinosaur than a TV – I’ve had it since I was 16, and I’m in my 30s now. But, hey, it works. I especially love having it during baseball season…husband watches the game downstairs, and I go upstairs, chill in bed and watch the Housewives rip eachother’s weaves out. Marital bliss :)
We were talking about this gorgeous dresser in line for the book signing in Dallas…it makes me want to Craigslist my dresser, buy one from the thrift store and do this!
In other news, I won the autographed lacquer tray from the raffle at West Elm. I got the email yesterday and may or may not have squealed at my desk. So excited to get it in the mail!
Wahooo! So glad! Congrats Amanda!
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PS: LOVE the dresser in there.
We used to have one in our bedroom and I liked watching it while I folded laundry or cleaned, but then it died and we haven’t replaced it. We haven’t missed it at all, but then again, we really don’t watch that much TV. I totally understand your reasoning and bet it works out great for you as a relaxation zone! Love the dresser, BTW.
We have a tv in the bedroom upon my husband’s request…it is only 20 some-odd inches and he keeps threatening to upgrade as he can’t read the game scores or see the blades of grass during football games haha! But I must say that these days (preggo with numero 3) it is nice when the boys wake up and come running into our room on the weekend for a cuddle and cartoon watching! This way mama gets to “sleep” a bit longer:) Enjoy your new tv set up…I love the dresser by the way!
Clara – we all want to bother him!
On the TV note, I wouldn’t mind a TV in our bedroom, but my husband doesn’t want it (seems like we’ve reversed roles here). We don’t have cable but watch lots of movies and netflix and I think it’d be cozy to have a movie night in bed once in a while :). Also nice when you’re sick and bed ridden!
My husband HAS to have a TV in our bedroom. I would prefer not to have it and don’t turn it on when he works late. So there’s not even consensus in our house! I will be interested to check out your poll…
We dont have a tv in our bedroom, but that’s just us. My husband isn’t the lay in bed type so when I’m feeling lazy I’ll just watch on my laptop while he’s up and about in another room ;)
I absolutely LOVE the dresser! It looks AMAZING!
And that Katie is one strong lady! Can’t believe she squeezed out a 10 lb baby!
We use to have a tv in the bedroom, but we got rid of it when we ditched cable. Heck, we had 4 tvs at one time (family room, bedroom, basement and workout space). Now, we only have 1 that gets local channels and one that is used for working out! The others weren’t digital and had to go!
We have a tv in our bedroom, but no where else in the house. At our old house, we had a tiny tv just in our bedroom, and then I won a 42-incher! We had that in the living room, and then when we upgraded to our new house, we ditched the small one and just have the new one in our bedroom.
I wouldn’t mind having a tv in our lower-level rec. room/bar area, but for now, we’re doing just fine with just the tv in our bedroom!
I swear the Bowers have babies on everyone’s minds. I was staring at the letters on your dresser going… Sherry, John, Clara, 7, B? B? Baby????? Oh, yeah Burger.
Hahahahahaahhhah!
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I think it looks great! I’ve coveted that dresser since you first showed it here in book sneak peeks and got all googly-eyed in love with it in the book.
And my husband and I have had a TV in our bedroom for a while, and haven’t had any fengshui problems or, uh, other (ahem) problems from it. It’s been helpful for I-just-want-to-finish-this-Law-&-Order-SVU-episode-and-then-get-RIGHT-TO-BED kind of feelings. And for when we both have something we want to watch live that conflict (like the Tony Awards keep being on during the NBA Finals). So enjoy the second TV! It’s fun, and makes a room feel kind of hotel-y– in a good way!
Is it wierd that we Don’t have a TV in the house? Technically we still watch movies (Or Magic School Bus episodes for the kiddos) occasionally on a laptop. But it is nice Not having to figure out how to decorate around A tv.
That actually sounds awesome! Go you!
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Not sure how your cable company works but if it’s just a cable line I don’t think its too hard to wire it yourself. I know my grandpa did it for us whenever we wanted a tv in a new room. I think he used a coat hanger to pull it up through the wall. Google it! lol
I love that dresser! We are definitely pro-tv in bedroom. I always had one in my bedroom growing up and I still love having it. I find it helps me turn my brain off before bed. We don’t have our cable attached to it, just the Wii so we can watch Netflix.
We had one in our room last year when I was on bed rest with our baby girl. I had pre-elampsia and my blood pressure would only stay in control if I watched “The Office” all day long (not kidding), so I was parked in front of the tv in our room for the better part of a month. After the little lady was born though, I never watched the tv in there so it’s been moved to the office for my husband to use as a computer monitor.
I don’t know if it affected our sleeping or not- I once fell asleep in the bath tub during a tornado warning (with sirens going and everything), so not much interrupts my sleep!
(and I’m dying over your dresser! I may need to ombre the one I’m repairing…)
No TV in our bedroom. We used to have a computer, but not anymore. One night I woke up to the faint sound of people cheering and clapping, which in my semi conscious state COMPLETELY FREAKED ME OUT. Turns out that we had the computer on a website for the royal wedding (Will and Kate swoon) and they had just begun driving through the streets of London. Yeah, no more of that.
Every time I see that dresser it makes my fingers itch to do it to ours.
Hahahahahahahah!
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I’ve only ever had one tv in the entire house, so I’m strictly “no tv.” We watch too much as it is now- let’s not multiply it! Haha!
No TV in my bedroom (the living room is enough for me) but I do sometimes watch shows on my laptop in bed.
WE have but one tv in our house, and it’s not hooked up to anything. So we can only watch Netflix and stuff through Playon, but only because of our Wii. And we’re not buying a second Wii. I’m not against tv’s in the bedroom, but for us it would be impractical. Can I just say that I love love love your style and how you manage to seamlessly pull everything together. I’m always amazed at the next thing you come up with and hope someday I’ll be able to pull it all together. Today I dismantled my 6 year old’s bed and gave it to the 3 year old because we just finished building a loft bed (which will be a bunk bed soon) for the 6 year old and her 10 year old sister. I’m so excited!!
Wahoo! That sounds amazing! Congrats Katie!
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We have a TV in our bedroom and love it – especially for watching the Daily Show at night and cartoons on Saturday morning :) Have you thought about some old fashioned bunny ears which now get you HDTV stations, etc. just not cable which is probably what you are hankering to watch. We might do that for a TV in our guest room down the line.
Ooh didn’t even think about that! Thanks Melissa.
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I am mixed on the TV. It’s awesome to relax and chill in bed and watch TV shows but it’s soooooo tempting to just never move from bed, ever. But, overall, having a no-work-zone (my partner owns his own business, so it’s never “off”) is awesome; I highly recommend it!
We have a tv in the bedroom but we use the living room tv more.
I LOVE your dresser – it is the perfect piece to do the ombre with.
We do the same thing – sit on the sofa with the tv babbling on in the background, while we both work or surf, occasionally chatting or IMing each other, because it’s funny to IM lovey notes across the room. <3
But….An important thing to remember (so you don't feel like you are breaking any huge unwritten laws) is that your home IS your workplace!! So sure, you would totally feel like you have to kick it into work mode once you step out of your bedroom and into your "office". Making your personal space a place for rest and focus on your family and each other is an awesome idea!!
I finally got a nice flat screen for our bedroom, and when we are up there in bed watching tv together, it's nice dedicated us time. We chat, snuggle, giggle, and act like married people, and there are no laptops involved. It's a beautiful thing!!
Oh – and I love the dresser, it turned out great!!!
Ok, now Im oversharing, we have a tv in, are you ready?
Kitchen, Livingroom, M Bedroom, M bathroom, Exercise room and my husband has a man room.
So I totally think one in the bedroom is ok. I like to watch just before bed, it relaxes me.
Hahaha! I love a good over-share!
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TV in the bedroom all the way. It’s just a way to wind down and relax before sleep. We’ve always had it in there and I wouldnt be without it. Welcome to the dark side. Hahahaa.
Hahahah! I love it. We are rebels now.
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When The Ex and I bought our first house, I tried the whole no-tv-in-the-bedroom thing and I hated it. For a year and a half until we sold that house. Now, there is very definitely a tv in the bedroom, and it’s MY tv. No kids shows DVR’d on it, and since they have all but commanded full control of the living room tv, that’s a-ok with me. It’s my downtime, time to decompress after they’re asleep.