What Your Favourite TV Shows Can Teach You About Decor

Have you ever watched a television show and found yourself more captivated by the furniture than the plot? You're not alone. Television and film sets are more than just backdrops—they're carefully crafted spaces designed to convey mood, character, and even social status. And these fictional interiors often sneak their way into our real-life homes.

From sleek, modern apartments in legal dramas to cosy cottages in period series, the sets of our favourite shows influence our interior choices far more than we might admit. The colours, layouts, and furnishings we see on screen—yes, including that ever-present grey sofa—can subtly shape our own tastes and trends.

In this article, we’ll explore the ways pop culture and television shape interior design decisions. You’ll discover how and why certain styles become popular, what it takes to recreate them, and the surprising power of visual storytelling in everyday design. Whether you're a superfan of British dramas or a casual Netflix scroller, there’s a good chance your next home inspiration will come straight from your screen.

The Role of Set Design in Shaping Interior Style

Television set design is a subtle but powerful force in shaping how we perceive space, style, and comfort. While most viewers focus on plotlines and performances, the environments in which characters live, work, and socialise play a significant role in storytelling—and often, in inspiring real-world design trends.

More Than Just Background

Set designers work meticulously to craft interiors that reflect a character’s personality, lifestyle, and even emotional state. A detective’s flat might be sparsely decorated with utilitarian pieces, suggesting a solitary and practical existence. In contrast, a family sitcom might feature warm, lived-in furnishings that evoke familiarity and comfort. These details aren't random—they’re intentional, and they shape how we respond to what we’re watching.

Over time, viewers unconsciously absorb these visual cues. The clean lines of Scandinavian-inspired interiors or the layered textures of rustic kitchens become associated not just with characters, but with certain feelings or aspirations. Suddenly, a room style seen on screen feels relatable or aspirational in real life.

Visual Trends That Catch On

A clear example of this influence is the consistent appearance of grey furniture across various genres. From gritty crime dramas to upscale comedies, grey sofas, armchairs, and sideboards have become mainstays. Why? Because grey is adaptable. It can feel modern or traditional, warm or cool, depending on how it’s styled.

But grey is just one piece of a bigger puzzle. Set design introduces trends like:

• Open-plan living, as seen in countless modern dramas and reality shows
• Minimalist shelving, often found in thrillers and legal shows to convey order and control
• Maximalist, eclectic rooms in fantasy or period pieces that hint at creativity or chaos

These visual styles make their way from the screen into Pinterest boards, Instagram posts, and eventually, living rooms across the country.

The Emotional Connection

One of the most compelling aspects of television design is its emotional resonance. When you binge-watch a series, you start to build a connection with the characters—and by extension, their homes. You begin to admire their bookcases, their coffee tables, even the cushions on their settee. That emotional bond drives people to imitate those interiors in their own homes, hoping to capture a bit of that character’s essence or lifestyle.

In this way, interior design on screen becomes more than just art direction—it becomes part of our personal narrative.

Iconic Interiors That Influenced Real Homes

Some TV shows become so culturally significant that their sets take on lives of their own. These iconic interiors often reflect broader design movements, but their reach extends far beyond the screen. They inspire trends, shape consumer tastes, and sometimes even define entire eras of home styling.

Monica’s Flat in Friends

Arguably one of the most recognisable interiors on television, Monica’s apartment in Friends remains a source of inspiration even decades after the show first aired. With its deep purple walls, distressed furniture, and layered textiles, the flat wasn’t conventionally "perfect"—but it felt real. The mix-and-match aesthetic resonated with young adults trying to furnish their first flats with hand-me-downs and bargain finds.

Subtle elements, like the oversized coffee table and the vintage-style kitchen, became visual cues for casual, homey spaces that prioritise comfort over coordination. Grey furniture wasn’t the star here, but similar neutral tones were used to anchor the more eclectic colour choices, setting a precedent for combining bold walls with subdued furnishings.

Don Draper’s Apartment in Mad Men

Mad Men sparked a mid-century modern revival that swept through homeware shops, design magazines, and furniture catalogues. Don Draper’s Manhattan apartment embodied sharp lines, rich woods, and statement lighting—elements that many viewers saw as aspirational.

In the UK, this translated into a resurgence of teak sideboards, low-profile sofas, and muted tones. The use of grey in particular surged, offering a neutral base for accent colours like mustard, burnt orange, or navy—an aesthetic still popular in urban flats and contemporary developments.

The Crawley Estate in Downton Abbey

While not everyone can (or wants to) replicate Edwardian opulence, Downton Abbey brought period design into popular conversation. It sparked a renewed interest in antiques, layering, and decorative detail. Heavy drapes, carved furniture, and statement wallpaper crept back into modern interiors—often blended with modern elements for a timeless appeal.

Though overt luxury was the visual focus, many contemporary interpretations simplified this style with neutral backdrops, including pale grey furniture that mimicked the grandeur without the clutter.

Fleabag’s Café and Flat

Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag gave us interiors that were understated, urban, and quietly expressive. Her character’s flat was small but intentional—decorated in a way that mirrored both detachment and emotional complexity. Industrial elements like exposed brick were balanced with soft textiles and neutral-toned furniture, making it one of the more realistic portrayals of millennial city living.

For many viewers, it felt achievable—small-space living that didn’t sacrifice personality. The prominence of soft grey tones and simple forms helped highlight emotion and intimacy without visual chaos.

Why Certain Colours Keep Showing Up on Screen

While every colour on a TV set is chosen with intention, some hues crop up far more often than others—and it’s not just by chance. Set designers favour specific shades because they support storytelling, enhance lighting, and reduce distraction. One of the most consistently used tones? Grey.

The Psychology Behind Neutral Palettes

Colours influence how we feel, whether we realise it or not. Bright colours might signal energy and chaos, while darker tones suggest depth or intimacy. But neutrals—especially grey—tend to convey balance, calm, and modernity.

On screen, grey acts as a visual neutraliser. It lets other elements in the scene take precedence—be it a dramatic argument or a significant prop—without competing for attention. For that reason, grey furniture often becomes the base layer in living rooms, kitchens, and even bedrooms across genres.

What’s more, grey is a safe bet. It avoids emotional extremes, making it perfect for sets that need to feel lived-in without becoming a character in themselves.

The Lighting Factor

Cameras don’t always treat colours the way the human eye does. Bright whites can overexpose, while bold reds and yellows may appear too saturated under certain lighting. Grey, however, holds up well under most filming conditions. It reflects just enough light to avoid making a room look flat, but absorbs enough to keep things from feeling stark.

This quality makes grey furniture a favourite for daytime interiors, evening scenes, and transitions between light sources—all common challenges for cinematographers and production teams.

Set Designers Love Its Flexibility

One of grey’s biggest appeals in set design is its versatility. It can shift from cool to warm tones depending on what surrounds it. That adaptability makes it a chameleon across genres:

• In crime dramas, grey can make a room feel gritty or austere.
• In romantic comedies, it can read as soft, urban, and stylish.
• In family shows, it blends into a more neutral, accessible environment.

This flexibility extends to props, wardrobe, and accessories. Set designers can introduce a wide range of additional colours—teals, oranges, pastels—without worrying about clashes, because grey provides a steady backdrop.

Grey in the UK Context

In British productions especially, grey often reflects realism. Many British homes on screen feature muted colour palettes, not as a design statement, but as a reflection of daily life. Weather, architecture, and cultural taste all lean towards understatement, and grey furniture fits naturally into that ethos.

It’s no coincidence that series like Doctor Foster, Happy Valley, or Luther feature interiors grounded in greys and dark neutrals—they reinforce the mood, match the setting, and reflect the tone of British realism.

Recreating the Look at Home Without a Hollywood Budget

Seeing a gorgeous interior on screen can spark a strong urge to redecorate, but translating that cinematic style into your own home can feel daunting—especially if you're working with a modest budget. The good news? You don’t need studio money to channel a screen-worthy aesthetic. With a bit of strategy, attention to detail, and resourcefulness, you can bring elements of your favourite TV interiors into your own space.

Start with the Core Elements

Before you rush to redecorate, take a moment to study the key features of the space you admire on screen. Is it the open-plan layout? The colour palette? The lighting? Identify the core components and prioritise what matters most.

Often, the most noticeable features are:

• A cohesive colour scheme, often grounded in neutrals like grey furniture
• A standout statement piece—such as a retro armchair or a bold rug
• Clever use of lighting to create warmth and intimacy

Once you know what you're drawn to, focus your budget and energy there rather than trying to mimic every detail.

Choose Accessible Furniture Alternatives

You don’t need to shop at high-end retailers to find stylish pieces. Many budget-friendly UK retailers offer modern, grey-toned furniture that echoes TV-style sophistication without the price tag. Look for:

• Flat-pack furniture with clean lines and muted colours
• Second-hand options through local selling groups or apps like Vinted, Gumtree, or Facebook Marketplace
• Small businesses offering handcrafted or upcycled items with personality

Grey furniture, in particular, is widely available and easy to match with both bold and understated accents.

Accessorise with Intention

TV sets often appear richly layered—but this doesn’t mean cluttered. Accessories are used sparingly but strategically to tell a story. You can achieve this effect by choosing accessories that reflect your personality and enhance the overall mood.

Consider adding:

• Cushions in contrasting textures (e.g., velvet or knit)
• Art prints inspired by your favourite characters or themes
• Table lamps or floor lights to soften the space

These finishing touches can dramatically alter the feel of a room—without requiring structural changes or significant expense.

Embrace Imperfection

Remember, the magic of many TV interiors lies in their relatability. Monica’s flat had mismatched chairs. Fleabag’s walls weren’t perfectly painted. These imperfections make spaces feel lived-in and authentic. Instead of aiming for showroom perfection, let your personality shape the space.

Mix modern and vintage. Let a scuffed table tell its story. Use what you already have and layer thoughtfully. Your home doesn’t need to be a replica—it just needs to evoke the feeling that inspired you in the first place.

How to Translate On-Screen Interiors into Real-Life Style

Once you've identified the design elements you admire, the next step is turning inspiration into action. But how do you move from admiring a fictional character’s flat to creating a cohesive space in your own home? It’s not about copying—it’s about translating those aesthetics into something that suits your lifestyle.

Observe the Details and Define the Mood

Rather than focusing on an entire room, break down what draws you to a particular space. Ask yourself:

• What feeling does the space create—calm, excitement, nostalgia?
• What colours dominate the room?
• Are there patterns or textures that stand out?
• Is the furniture oversized and plush, or minimal and structured?

By identifying the emotional and visual cues, you can define the mood you’re trying to achieve. If it’s the sense of calm from a Scandinavian-style set, then grey furniture, warm wood tones, and soft lighting may help capture that same energy.

Adapt to Your Space and Layout

What works on screen doesn’t always translate directly into real rooms—especially in UK homes, where space can be limited. For instance, the average floor area of homes in urban areas is approximately 80 square metres, while rural homes average around 123 square metres. However, you can still incorporate stylistic choices in ways that suit your environment.

For example:

• A compact grey sofa with slim arms can mimic a minimalist aesthetic in a smaller lounge.
• Use mirrors or lighter-toned rugs to open up darker or tighter spaces.
• Wall-mounted lighting or floating shelves can recreate a clean, open feel without encroaching on floor space.

Rather than trying to "fit" a look into your home, tailor the inspiration to suit your floorplan and daily habits.

Combine Style with Functionality

On-screen interiors often prioritise aesthetics, but real life demands function. That stylish coffee table in a period drama might be completely impractical in a household with toddlers or pets. So choose pieces that offer beauty and purpose.

Here’s how to strike that balance:

• Opt for storage-friendly furniture that blends into the style.
• Use washable fabrics or slipcovers for a family-friendly version of a high-end look.
• Incorporate multipurpose items, like sideboards that double as desks or bar carts.

Designing around your actual needs ensures your space remains stylish and liveable.

Make It Personal

The most compelling TV interiors reflect a character’s personality—and your home should do the same. Don’t be afraid to deviate from the script. Mix in items that mean something to you: travel souvenirs, family photos, handmade pieces, or quirky collectibles.

Grey furniture can be an excellent neutral base for showcasing bolder or more sentimental items. It allows your décor to evolve without needing a total reset, mirroring the adaptability of on-screen sets that change with each scene or storyline.

Conclusion: Bringing Cinematic Style into Everyday Spaces

Television has a remarkable way of slipping into our subconscious—not just through its stories, but through the spaces where those stories unfold. The interiors we see on screen often become more than visual props; they shape our ideas of beauty, comfort, and self-expression. From Monica’s eclectic flat to the polished precision of Don Draper’s apartment, these spaces teach us how design can tell a story—and inspire our own.

Grey furniture, with its consistent presence across genres, is a perfect example of how a simple design choice can carry emotional and stylistic weight. Its flexibility, neutrality, and understated elegance make it a common thread between cinematic fiction and domestic reality. But while it’s easy to admire what we see on screen, the real magic lies in interpreting that inspiration in a way that’s authentic to you.

The next time you find yourself admiring a TV set, ask: what draws me to this space? Is it the colours, the textures, the layout—or how it makes me feel? That’s your starting point. From there, you can build a home that reflects both your personality and your imagination—without needing a Hollywood budget.

Because at the end of the day, great interior style isn’t about recreating a fantasy. It’s about using what inspires you to create a space that feels right for your own story.