11 Unexpected Ways to Make Your Home Feel Like a Set from Your Favorite Show

By Ellie — ON Jul 07, 2025

Have you ever wished your home could capture the magic of your favorite TV show? Whether you love the cozy charm of sitcom living rooms or the dramatic flair of fantasy sets, it’s easier than you think to bring that feeling home. With a few creative touches, you can transform your space into a place that feels straight out of a hit series. Here are 11 unexpected ways to make your home feel like a set from your favorite show.

1. Play With Lighting for Instant Atmosphere

Lighting is the secret weapon of every great TV set. It shapes the mood, highlights your favorite features, and makes everything look more inviting.

Layer your lighting: Combine overhead lights, table lamps, and floor lamps to create depth and warmth. This makes your space feel dynamic and welcoming, just like a well-designed set.
Install dimmers: Dimmers let you change the mood in seconds. Whether you want bright energy for a party or a soft glow for movie night, you’re in control.
Add accent lights: String lights, LED strips, or fairy lights add a touch of whimsy. Use them around shelves, under cabinets, or behind your TV for a subtle, cinematic effect.

2. Mix Furniture Styles for Character

TV show sets rarely match everything perfectly. Mixing different furniture styles adds personality and makes your home feel lived-in.

Blend vintage and modern: Pair a retro coffee table with a sleek sofa for a timeless look. This creates visual interest and echoes the unique style of many TV homes.
Use statement chairs: A bold armchair or quirky ottoman can become a focal point in your room. It’s a simple way to add character and spark conversation.
Embrace mismatched items: Don’t worry about everything matching. Mixing patterns, textures, and colors gives your space a collected-over-time feel.

3. Add Conversation-Stopping Decor

Every TV set has at least one piece that grabs your attention. These items make your space memorable and tell a story about your style.

Display a replica from your favorite show: If you love anime, a display piece inspired by your favorite series can be a real showstopper. Samurai Sword Store offers display swords, including wooden katanas for training and iconic pieces from anime. For fans of One Piece, their Zoro swords from kanuswords.com are bold and authentic, perfect for a dramatic display.
Hang large art pieces: Oversized prints or abstract canvases can turn a blank wall into a stunning focal point. Choose art that reflects your favorite TV moments or moods.
Use oversized mirrors: Mirrors make rooms look larger and brighter. They also add a touch of drama, much like the glamorous sets you see on screen.

4. Create a Feature Wall for Instant Impact

A feature wall draws the eye and sets the tone for your space. It’s a classic trick used by set designers to add depth and interest.

Paint one wall a bold color: Choose a deep blue, emerald green, or even black for drama. This makes your room pop and feels straight out of a stylish TV set.
Try patterned wallpaper: Wallpaper with geometric, floral, or textured designs brings personality and flair. It’s an easy way to make a statement.
Use removable decals: If you like to change things up, decals let you experiment with patterns and designs without commitment.

5. Style Bookshelves Like a Pro

Bookshelves in TV homes are never just for books. They’re filled with objects that tell a story and add visual interest.

Mix books with decor: Add framed photos, small plants, and collectibles between your books. This creates a layered, lived-in look.
Stack books in different ways: Place some books upright and others flat. This breaks up the monotony and adds depth to your shelves.
Add shelf lighting: Small LED spotlights or fairy lights can highlight your favorite items and add a soft glow.

6. Bring in Unexpected Textures

Texture makes a room feel warm and interesting. Mixing materials adds depth and keeps your space from feeling flat.

Layer rugs: Place a small, patterned rug over a larger neutral one for a cozy, eclectic vibe. This trick is often used on TV sets for comfort and style.
Mix fabrics: Combine velvet pillows, linen throws, and leather chairs to create a tactile, inviting space.
Add natural elements: Wood, stone, and woven baskets bring warmth and authenticity to your home.

7. Personalize With Photos and Art

Photos and art make your space feel personal and full of memories, just like the homes of your favorite TV characters.

Create a gallery wall: Mix framed photos, art prints, and mementos for a wall that tells your story. This is a go-to trick in many TV homes.
Display candid shots: Everyday photos feel more authentic than posed portraits. They add warmth and personality to your space.
Rotate your artwork: Change out your art and photos seasonally or whenever you need a refresh.

8. Make Room for Entertaining

TV show sets are designed for gatherings. Create spaces in your home that invite people to come together and have fun.

Set up a bar cart: A stylish bar cart with your favorite drinks and glassware makes any room feel ready for a party.
Arrange seating for conversation: Place chairs and sofas so people can face each other. This encourages connection and makes your space feel more inviting.
Add extra seating: Poufs, ottomans, or floor cushions give guests a place to relax and add a casual vibe.

9. Play With Color Schemes

Color can completely change the feel of a room. Use it to set the mood and reflect your favorite TV show’s style.

Choose a signature color: Pick one color to repeat throughout your space in pillows, rugs, or artwork. This creates a cohesive look.
Use contrasting hues: Pair bold colors with neutrals for balance and visual interest.
Try dark colors for drama: Deep, moody tones can make a room feel cinematic and exciting.

10. Add Quirky Props and Accessories

Props are what make a TV set feel real and memorable. They hint at the characters’ interests and add a sense of fun.

Display unique finds: Vintage cameras, globes, or a retro telephone can add personality and spark conversation.
Incorporate playful touches: A neon sign, funky lamp, or oversized clock brings a sense of whimsy to your space.
Rotate your props: Change out accessories seasonally or whenever you want a new vibe.

11. Create Cozy Nooks for Every Mood

TV show homes always have a cozy spot for relaxing or having heart-to-heart talks. These nooks make your space feel inviting and lived-in.

Set up a reading corner: A comfy chair, soft throw, and side table can turn any corner into a perfect spot for unwinding.
Add window seats: If you have the space, a window seat with plush cushions is a dreamy addition.
Use canopies or curtains: Create privacy and drama with a canopy bed or curtains around a small nook.

With these unexpected ideas, your home can feel just like the set of your favorite show. It’s all about the details—lighting, color, texture, and a few bold choices. Whether you want cozy, dramatic, or playful, you can create a space that feels like it belongs on TV. Start experimenting, have fun with the process, and let your home become the star of its own story.