Interior design for a home focuses not only on the layout and functional distribution of the home, but also on the selection of furnishings and accessories. The wall system, or fitted wall, belongs to this second category.
Sturdy, versatile, and striking, the fitted wall is one of the most popular solutions for completing a room, thanks to its ability to enrich and fill space without any effort.
The living room wall system is a fundamental piece of furniture as it combines multiple functions in a single piece: a bookcase, a sideboard, and even a TV stand.
Wall systems have seen a huge boom in recent years, leading furniture manufacturers to include them in their collections. Originally designed to organize office and workspace spaces, fitted walls are now finding their way into private homes, thanks primarily to their functionality.
This is changing the philosophy of furnishing. The furniture is no longer the center of the design concept, but rather its functionality and ability to adapt to needs. First you think about how to occupy and use the space and then what it should be like and how it should appear: surfaces, shelves, containers and shelves.
Features of the living room wall unit
Thanks to this shift in design philosophy, wall units have taken on a prominent role in living spaces, thanks in part to their unique features. Among their key characteristics is their sturdiness, thanks to the materials used—predominantly wood and metal—but also to the construction method employed. In most cases, these systems are based on a panel onto which the various elements are attached and secured, whether wall units, shelves, or open or closed shelving.
The second defining characteristic is their versatility. Wall units can adapt to any style and size. Modularity and the ability to create custom-made walls allow for a variety of solutions depending on your needs: alternating open and closed elements, or floor-to-ceiling or low-ceiling solutions. It’s all about understanding the intended function of the furniture.
The third defining characteristic of this solution is its ability to combine aesthetics with functionality. The wall system was created with the goal of maximizing the use of the wall and its available space. Properly organizing a wall unit allows you to incorporate both complementary functions, such as a bookcase and TV stand, and different functions, such as a small wardrobe or study area, into a single element. All this is framed by a unique aesthetic that blends seamlessly with the surrounding space, uniting the various functions in a single unit.
The versatility of the wall unit: fixed or modular
As mentioned, there are different wall system solutions, depending on space, size, function, and style. However, we can begin by classifying wall systems into two categories: fixed or modular.
Fixed Wall Systems
The first solution is based on the choice of a single model, consisting of a single piece of furniture fixed to the wall. This solution is probably the most classic version of this piece of furniture and also the most cost-effective. A fixed wall system, in its simplest form, consists of four basic elements: a low storage unit, positioned in the center and topped by small shelves, a sideboard on either side, and a free central compartment used for the television. The fixed wall system has a compact and imposing effect.
Modular Wall Systems
The second type of wall system, the most commonly used, is the modular or sectional wall. This is composed of different individual modules that can be combined and broken down into multiple solutions. Even in this solution, a basic solution can be identified consisting of at least four elements: a low TV stand, storage units, and a shelf. Being modular, the composition is more flexible both in terms of elements and their arrangement.
Floor-standing, suspended or semi-suspended wall unit
A second classification for choosing the solution best suited to your needs is between a free-standing, suspended, or semi-suspended unit.
Floor-mounted wall unit
The free-standing wall unit means that all its components rest directly on the floor, like a fixed wall. The material and color used in this solution are of great importance, as the result is a sturdy and impressive piece of furniture.
Suspended wall unit
A suspended wall unit means that all its components are not resting on the floor, but are fixed directly to the wall. In this case, the type of wall to which it is attached is crucial. If the wall is a perimeter wall and therefore load-bearing, there are no fastening issues; however, if it is plasterboard, stability issues are likely to arise.
Semi-suspended wall unit
To overcome these problems, the third type comes into play: the semi-suspended wall. It offers the perfect compromise between the two solutions just described, featuring some elements suspended and others resting on the floor. This solution is probably the most widely used due to its wide range of possible configurations. It can accommodate many more elements of varying sizes and shapes. It’s also an excellent space-saving solution.
Walls equipped according to style
A third classification of wall units is defined by the style of the room. We can identify four types of wall units: classic, modern, Nordic, and industrial.
The classic wall unit features elegant and imposing furniture with rigid, regular lines. The effect it creates on the living room space is that of a sober and orderly composition.
The modern wall unit gives the living room a fresher and cleaner look. It is characterized by furniture with clean, elegant, and simple lines. They often combine light, glossy elements with dark, opaque elements to create solid-empty and light-and-shadow effects.
The third solution is the Nordic-style wall unit. In this case, the final effect is a natural look. For this reason, light-colored wood is used, complemented by beige or white elements. In addition to its natural look, the Nordic wall system must be functional and practical, often combined with modular elements.
The final category is the industrial-style wall unit. In this case, the materials used are wood and metal, giving the furniture a minimal yet well-balanced design. Mainly used for an urban look and those who prefer dark colors like gray and black. The effect it creates in the living room is that of a sturdy piece of furniture with regular, geometric shapes.
The custom-made wall unit
A separate category, yet one that is increasingly gaining popularity, is that of custom-made wall units. Just like custom kitchens and wardrobes, living room walls can also be designed and engineered specifically for this purpose.
Drywall is the best ally for this solution. Its versatility makes it a valuable addition. Creating a drywall unit is a unique and inimitable solution that reflects and meets all the needs of everyday living. This material allows the unit to take on any shape and size, adapting perfectly to the available space. Drywall units are typically built around a central compartment dedicated to housing the television, around which shelves are arranged. These shelves can be arranged in a regular and modular fashion, giving the drywall a more traditional and regular shape, or a more modern look, with shelves of varying sizes and layouts, often featuring curved lines. These solutions often include shelves dedicated to housing the fireplace.
The advantages are many: it’s an economical material, easy to work with, versatile, timeless, and above all, it allows for useful space-saving solutions.
Like all things, it also has its disadvantages: plasterboard wall units are designed for life. Replacing, modifying, or adding elements is difficult. This is why it’s essential to carefully design them from the start, carefully addressing the client’s needs.
Tips for furnishing the living room with a wall unit
To choose the right composition without making mistakes, just follow a few simple tips and tricks.
Room Size
The first thing to consider is the size of the room where you want to install the wall unit. If the room or the length of the wall you want to dedicate to this type of furniture is small, it’s best to avoid excessively deep and overly structured solutions. This will make the space appear even more cramped and gloomy. It’s better to choose a more linear solution with fewer elements. Conversely, for larger spaces, it’s easier to play with volumes and shapes without overwhelming the surrounding environment.
Keep in mind the style of the home and the desired result.
Designing this furnishing accessory requires time and energy. It must be carefully planned to avoid disastrous final effects. It’s essential to consider the style of the surrounding environment and the desired effect.
Focus on Colors
A third aspect to consider is the color choice, which is made only after the design is complete. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution; common sense rules apply. Our advice is to focus on contrasting colors to ensure a better interplay of volumes and solids and voids. Alternatively, if you don’t want to go too bold with color, choosing classic, basic colors like white and shades of gray or brown will achieve the desired effect without making mistakes.
Combining Different Materials
Especially for modern-style wall units, using different materials is possible and recommended. The best combination, in particular, is wood and metal. The combination of the two materials accentuates the alternation of solids and voids and, above all, makes a generously sized composition feel lighter and more airy. Here too, controlling the colors and combinations is essential to creating harmony with the rest of the room.
Don’t underestimate the versatility of the element
As mentioned, one of the hallmarks of a wall unit is its versatility. For this reason, it’s important not to underestimate the multitude of functions encompassed by this element. A wall system shouldn’t be thought of simply as a bookcase or TV stand, but rather as a piece that, depending on the family’s needs, can transform into a study corner or temporary office. These are all features that must be carefully considered and designed from the outset, with the goal of making a wall system functional, not just aesthetically pleasing.
It’s clear that the living space is a space for living and multifunctional. This is why wall systems are so successful. But to be successful, they must be designed and engineered by professionals, combining both aesthetic and functional aspects, tailoring them to the client’s specific needs.