Unlike traditional TVs that fade into the background when turned off, lifestyle TVs offer a visual upgrade even when they’re idle. Gone is the big, blank, black rectangle. Lifestyle TVs replace these with artwork or personal photos, adding personality and warmth to any space when they’re not actively in use. For those who want their tech to fit well with the look of your home, lifestyle TVs offer a fresh alternative. Thanks to models like Samsung The Frame and Hisense CanvasTV, lifestyle TVs are gaining popularity.
But what is a lifestyle TV, exactly? A TV that looks like a picture frame? A TV with art display? This guide breaks down everything you need to know. From key features to trade-offs, we’ll help you decide if a lifestyle TV deserves a spot on your wall, or in your gallery.
What is a lifestyle TV?
A lifestyle TV is a television designed to do more than just play your favourite shows, movies, video games, and other streaming, disc-based, or broadcast content. It’s crafted to enhance your space from a design perspective, too. These TVs are created with aesthetics top of mind, offering sleek, slim profiles. They often feature picture frame-like bezels and have dedicated artwork display modes that show artwork with a matte finish that mimics the look of a traditional painting. In short, they’re built to look like part of your room’s decor.
Rather than dominating the room, a lifestyle TV blends into it. Many can display curated artwork or personal photos when not in use, effectively transforming the screen into a digital picture frame. With customizable frames and mounting options, they can suit anything from minimalist condos to cozy cottage-style spaces and even larger living rooms.
Key features of lifestyle TVs
Let’s dig into what makes these TVs different from your standard flat screen.
Design aesthetics
This is the real star of the show. Lifestyle TVs offer slim, wall-hugging profiles that mimic the look of real framed art. Some even include interchangeable bezels in a variety of colours and finishes. Choose the one you want to match your TV to your furniture, your mood, or your seasonal decor.
In art mode or ambient mode, the screen displays paintings, photography, even animated designs that bring the wall to life. This turns your TV into a beautiful conversation piece. With some models, you can sign up to a subscription to access classic works of art, like with the Samsung Art Store. But you can also display your own creations.
Functionality
Don’t let the design-forward approach fool you. Lifestyle TVs still come with many of the same smart features and high-quality image processing you’d expect in a high-quality television. Most models include 4K (or higher) resolution for sharp, detailed visuals. They support major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Prime Video. Many are also compatible with voice assistants such as Alexa or Google Assistant, so you can control your TV hands-free.
Samsung’s The Frame, for instance, uses QLED technology, which delivers vibrant colours and deep contrast, which is perfect for both movie nights and art displays.
Versatility
This is where lifestyle TVs shine. Whether you live in a small condo or a large suburban home, they offer flexibility in design and usage. You can mount them flush against the wall like art, display family photos in rotation, or stream the latest blockbuster, all from the same device. Their dual role as both an entertainment system and design piece makes them an efficient and elegant addition to any space.
Benefits of owning a lifestyle TV
If you’re tired of clunky, traditional screens taking away from your room’s aesthetic, these TVs offer a fresh alternative.
Aesthetic integration
Because lifestyle TVs are designed to look like artwork or design elements, they blend seamlessly into your home. They elevate the space visually, whether they’re turned on or off. You don’t have to feel like the TV is hogging valuable wall space or clashing with your carefully chosen decor.
Space efficiency
By serving both as a TV and as a decorative feature, lifestyle TVs eliminate the need for additional wall decor or artwork. This is especially useful in smaller rooms or multipurpose spaces like dens and offices, where every square inch counts.
Personalization
From changing the frame colour to choosing what art appears on your screen, lifestyle TVs allow for a level of customization traditional TVs just can’t match. Whether your vibe is modern, rustic, boho, or eclectic, you can make the TV reflect your personal style. For example, the Hisense CanvasTV lets you add your own photos too, so it’s great for displaying family moments or your own photography.
Popular lifestyle TV models:
Samsung’s The Frame series
One of the most recognized lifestyle TVs available today is Samsung The Frame. Designed with the aesthetics of a real picture frame, The Frame doubles as an art display when not in use, offering both style and substance in a single package.
Available sizes and configurations
The Frame is available in a variety of sizes from 32″ to 85″. This wide range means there’s a size that’s just right for every room. A 32″ model might be perfect for a bedroom or office, while a 65″ or 75″ version can elevate the visual experience in larger living rooms. The massive 85″ option is ideal for home theatres or expansive open-concept spaces.
Each size also supports customizable bezels in finishes like white and brown, allowing you to tailor the TV’s appearance to your space. It’s a small touch that makes a big impact.
Samsung has new, refreshed The Frame models for 2025, including the Samsung The Frame Pro, with new QLED displays, a new Wireless One Connect Box, anti-reflective matte display, 144Hzs refresh rate, ultra-slim design, and new Samsung Vision AI features.
Key features of The Frame TV
What makes The Frame so appealing? It’s not just the looks; it’s also the features that let you get the best of both worlds.
- Art Mode: Displays artwork or photos when you’re not watching TV. You can subscribe to Samsung’s Art Store or upload your own.
- Matte display: The screen has an anti-reflection, low-glare coating that mimics the look of real canvas. This also helps eliminate glare.
- Customizable bezels: Snap-on frames let you change up the look with ease.
- QLED Technology: It offers bright, vibrant colours and 4K resolution thanks to Quantum Dot technology. The latest models have an improved display.
- Slim fit wall mount: The Frame sits nearly flush with the wall for that true picture-frame feel.
Hisense Canvas TV
Another standout in the lifestyle TV category is the Hisense CanvasTV. Hisense brings its own unique spin with an art-focused display aiming to provide gallery-like aesthetics along with smart TV functionalities.
Available sizes and configurations
The Hisense Canvas TV is available in multiple sizes like 55″ to 65″ making it suitable for everything from stylish apartments to expansive living areas. It comes with interchangeable magnetic frames available in finishes such as walnut, teak, and white.
Key features of the Hisense CanvasTV
The CanvasTV brings a lot to the table—and the wall—especially for users looking for a seamless fusion of design and functionality.
- Art mode: Its digital gallery lets you display curated artwork or your favourite personal photos.
- Edge-lit technology: Edge-lit provides even, bright illumination for an immersive picture from corner to corner.
- QLED display: It offers lifelike colour and crisp detail with a QLED display featuring 4K Ultra HD resolution.
- Smart platform: Powered by Google TV, the Hisense Canvas supports voice commands via Google Assistant and offers a broad range of apps including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
- Motion detector: The screen automatically turns on when it senses someone nearby, helping conserve energy when the room is empty.
Considerations before purchasing
While lifestyle TVs offer plenty of visual charm, there are a few things to keep in mind before you buy.
Cost
Because of their premium design and display features, lifestyle TVs usually come at a higher price point than traditional models with similar screen sizes. You’re paying for both form and function, which makes sense if design is a big factor in your buying decision.
Feature trade-offs
Some lifestyle TVs may not offer the same advanced specs as top-tier home theatre models. For example, you might not get the highest refresh rates or the most cutting-edge gaming features. The latest The Frame models, however, do rival many other premium TVs in this department. If you’re a hardcore gamer or cinephile, however, you’ll want to weigh your priorities. When it comes to features and specs, consult our 4K TV buying guide and TV buying guide to learn what specifications will be most crucial for you.
Compatibility
While these TVs are built to blend in, it’s still important to measure your space and consider how the TV will look. Make sure the size, bezel colour, and wall-mount setup match your existing decor and layout.
Art mode TVs for design-conscious viewers
If you’ve been dreaming of a TV that blends with your decor, lifestyle TVs like Samsung The Frame and Hisense CanvasTV might be exactly what you’re looking for. They combine cutting-edge tech with sophisticated design, making them ideal for homes where style and function go hand-in-hand. Lifestyle TVs are perfect for design-forward viewers, homeowners with limited space, and anyone who wants their screen to add to their room, not take away from it. Whether you’re watching a movie or admiring Monet, these TVs prove that technology can be even more beautiful than you imagined.
Ready for spruce up your entertainment space? Explore our wide array of lifestyle TVs at Best Buy Canada.
This article was drafted using AI technology and then reviewed, fact-checked, and revised by a member of our editorial team.
