Bespoke Media Walls in Southport
Framed, boarded, wired and skimmed in one go — TV recess, linear fire, alcoves and lighting, set out so nothing shows that should not.
Bespoke Media Walls in Southport
A media wall replaces the TV-on-brackets-with-cables-everywhere arrangement with something built into the room: a recess sized to your screen, usually a linear fire under it, alcoves either side, and every cable and socket hidden inside the wall.
The reason they either look superb or look homemade is set-out. Screen size, seating height, fire opening, socket positions and lighting all have to be decided before a single board goes on, because afterwards it is a demolition job to change any of it.
Set-out is the whole job
We start from the screen and the sofa. Recess depth comes from the bracket you are actually using, recess height from where your eyeline lands when you are sitting down, not standing up looking at a wall.
Then the services: the bracket backing board, power and HDMI inside the recess, the feed for the fire, and any lighting into the alcoves. All of it goes in at frame stage while the wall is still open, which is why the finished thing has no visible trunking anywhere.
Fires, alcoves and lighting
Electric linear fires need a specific opening size and clearances, and those come from the manufacturer's figures for the exact model you are buying — not an approximate hole that gets adjusted later. Pick the fire before the frame goes up.
Alcoves either side give the wall its symmetry and are where most of the character comes from. They can be squared and simple, stepped, or run full-height, with LED strip set into the returns so the light washes down the back rather than glaring out at you.
Boarded, beaded and skimmed to a finish
Once it is framed and wired, the wall is boarded, every arris beaded and every joint taped, then skimmed flat. On a media wall the edges are everything — a recess return that is not straight is glaringly obvious once the TV is lit and the room lights are low.
It comes back to you ready for decoration. Some people paint it to match the room, others go darker on the media wall alone so the recesses read deeper. We are happy to talk through what tends to work before you commit.
When to consider bespoke media walls
- Cables and a soundbar on show under a wall-mounted TV
- A chimney breast alcove arrangement that wastes the space around it
- Wanting an electric linear fire built in rather than standing in front
- A long blank wall in a knock-through with nothing to anchor it
- Needing storage or display alcoves that look built-in, not bolted on
- A new build or extension where the room has no focal point yet
Our work — bespoke media walls
Before and after
Full-width media wall, six alcoves
The same wall boarded with beads set, then skimmed flat ready to decorate.
Media wall with TV and fire recess
Frame, backing board and socket set out first, then boarded and skimmed.
Questions we get asked about bespoke media walls
How long does a media wall take?
Most are a few days from framing to finished skim, plus drying time before you decorate. A full-width wall with several alcoves, lighting and a fire opening takes longer than a single recess. The electrical connection itself is a separate visit by an electrician.
Do I need to buy the TV and fire first?
You need the exact dimensions of both before we frame, and in practice that means choosing them. Fire openings and clearances are model-specific, and a recess built to a guess is either too tight for the screen or leaves a visible gap around it.
Can you hide all the cables?
Yes, that is most of the point. Power and HDMI run inside the wall to the recess, and the feed for the fire and any lighting goes in at frame stage. We leave the wall wired and boxed ready for a qualified electrician to connect and certify.
Will it take the weight of a big TV?
Yes, when it is framed for it. The bracket fixes into a backing board or noggins set at exactly the right height, not into plasterboard. Tell us the screen size and bracket at the start and the frame is built round it.
Can a media wall go on a chimney breast?
Often it is the ideal place, because the alcoves already exist and give you the symmetry for free. If the flue is still live or the fireplace is being kept, that changes what can be built and where the fire can sit, so it needs looking at first.
Do you decorate it as well?
We hand it over skimmed and ready to decorate, which most people prefer so the wall can be painted at the same time as the rest of the room. Give the fresh plaster time to dry fully before the mist coat goes on.
What customers say
4.7 out of 5 from 12 reviews on Google. Every review below is verbatim from that profile.
Anthony's just finished skimming the lounge. He prepared it all thoroughly and was so conscientious throughout. He arrived punctual in the mornings and never stopped until it was finished. He's done a brilliant job the room looks immaculate. He left it so clean and tidy afterwards. We would recommend him to anyone.
Anthony has done a fantastic job on our rendering. Excellent communication from start to finish and has always been responsive. He has turned up every day early and has left the place spotless. Couldn't fault the service and would use again and recommend to others. Thank you so much.
Anthony rendered the gable wall and single storey kitchen of my house. He did an excellent job of the work. Anthony fully explained the process and where he was up to as it progressed. He made sure that surrounding area and walls were protected from any debris or render during the process and did an excellent job of cleaning up both as it progressed and at the end. Anthony was also a pleasure to deal with as a tradesman. In addition his price was really competitive compared to other renderers who quoted. When I get the rest of the house re-rendered I will certainly be using Birkdale Plastering and Rendering.
I recently had the front of my house rendered by birkdale plastering and rendering, and couldn't be happier with the results. From start to finish Anthony was professional, friendly and highly skilled. The quality of the rendering is outstanding, giving my home a fresh, modern look. Anthony paid great attention to detail, kept everything tidy and completed the job on time. If you're looking for expert rendering services I highly recommend birkdale plastering and rendering. Fantastic workmanship and excellent customer service. Thank you Anthony!
Anthony did an amazing job re-rendering our bungalow. The finish is flawless, and our home looks brand new! Professional, tidy, and efficient from start to finish. Highly recommend Birkdale Plastering and Rendering. Thanks again!
Anthony is prompt, professional and friendly in nature. He arrived when he said he would and completed all plastering work to an excellent standard. He also did an amazing job with my coving. I would 100% recommend him for all plastering work 😊 ...
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Read moreGet a free written estimate
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. You will get an honest assessment and a written price, with no obligation and no pressure.
Get in touch
Tell us what the walls are doing and we will come and look. Free written estimate, no obligation.
- Phone 07923 545449
- Email anthony9thompson@yahoo.co.uk
- Address 2 Sheepfold Cl., Southport PR8 6RL
- Opening hours Every day, 7am – 8pm