Media walls have become one of the most popular home upgrades across the UK, and for good reason. They bring the TV, electrics, shelves, and often a fireplace together into one clean feature wall. The result is a modern focal point that looks built-in and clutter-free.

Table of Contents

If you’re researching media wall cost UK, you’re not alone. Homeowners want to know what a realistic budget looks like before choosing materials, size, or fireplace style. In 2025, most professionally built media walls cost £2,000 to £4,500, depending on the design, width, materials, and electrical work involved.

This guide gives you an honest, detailed breakdown of real prices, hidden costs, and the factors that installers use to calculate your quote. Whether you’re planning a simple bedroom setup or a full-width living room feature, here’s exactly what to expect.

What Is a Media Wall?

A media wall is a built-in feature designed to hold your TV, electrics, shelving, and optional extras like LED lighting or an electric fireplace. It uses studwork to build depth, allowing cables and sockets to sit neatly out of sight. The result is a clean, modern wall that replaces bulky furniture and removes messy wiring.

Media walls come in all styles — from simple TV-only layouts to full-width designs with storage, a fireplace, and premium finishes. If you’re still exploring ideas, our media wall ideas for UK homes can help you visualise different styles before planning your budget.

How Much Does a Media Wall Cost in the UK (2025)?

Most professional builds fall between £2,000 and £4,500, but there’s a wide range depending on what you choose:

Small media walls: £1,200–£2,500
Medium living room walls: £2,500–£4,500
Large or bespoke designs: £4,500–£8,000+

Smaller bedroom setups usually involve a basic frame, plasterboard, paint, and a TV bracket. Larger living room builds often include a fireplace, lighting, alcoves, or stone-effect finishes, which raise costs.

Installers also vary in pricing depending on their experience, region, and what’s included in the quote, so understanding the components is key.

Full Media Wall Cost Breakdown

Here’s how each part of a media wall contributes to your final price.

1. Studwork and Framework

Most builds start with timber studwork. This creates the structure your TV, fireplace, and shelves sit inside. Once the frame is built, installers add plasterboard, tape and joint, and a smooth plaster finish.

Typical cost for framing and finishing: £900–£1,800

The depth is usually between 20–24 inches, which allows enough space for cables, sockets, and the fireplace body.

2. Plastering & Paint Finish

A clean plaster finish brings the wall together. Most homeowners choose a simple painted look, which is the most affordable option.

Standard paint finish: £150–£300
Feature paint or textured finish: £250–£500
Stone cladding or brick slips: £80–£150 per m²

Textured or stone-effect finishes instantly make the wall feel premium but add material and labour costs.

3. Shelving & Storage Features

Floating shelves, alcoves, or full storage cabinets can raise your quote depending on the amount of joinery involved.

Basic shelves: £80–£150 each
Alcoves: £300–£600 per alcove
Cabinetry: £500–£1,500

Open shelving is the most cost-effective, while closed cabinets give a cleaner, furniture-style look.

4. Lighting & Electrical Work

Lighting adds a modern look and improves depth in alcoves or around the TV. The electrical work behind the wall is one of the most important cost factors.

Typical costs:

LED strips: £100–£200
Spotlights or downlights: £40–£120 per light
Additional sockets or fused spurs: £80–£150 each
Cable routing, trunking, or circuit changes: £200–£500

All electrical work must comply with the UK Building Regulations, as outlined on the official GOV.UK website.

5. Electric Fireplace Costs

Adding a fireplace is one of the biggest upgrades. Budget models start cheap, but mid-range and premium units increase the total significantly.

Fireplace prices in 2025:

Budget electric fire: £300–£600
Mid-range model: £600–£1,000
Premium integrated fireplace: £1,000–£1,500
Fireplace installation: £200–£400

Electric fireplaces are also energy-efficient. According to the Energy Saving Trust, they typically cost only a few pence per hour to run.

If you want inspiration, explore layouts with fireplaces using a media wall with a fireplace.

What Affects Your Final Media Wall Cost?

Your installer will consider several factors when building your quote. Here are the biggest ones:

Wall Size and Layout

A wider wall needs more timber, plasterboard, plaster, and labour. Every extra metre usually adds £500–£1,000 to the total.

Material Selection

MDF, plasterboard, and paint are affordable. Stone-effect cladding, hardwood, or textured finishes are the more premium choices.

Fireplace Type

More realistic flame effects, heating modes, and larger widths raise the price.

Electrical Complexity

Older homes may need new sockets or circuit changes, especially if a fireplace requires its own spur.

Design Features

Curved edges, alcoves, floating cabinets, and lighting features all add time and cost.

Where You Live

Builders in London and South East England often charge more than installers in the Midlands or North.

Hidden Costs Homeowners Don’t Expect

Many quotes look affordable until a few overlooked items come up during installation. Here are the common hidden extras:

Uneven walls that require prep (£150–£400)
Extra sockets if you add gaming consoles or soundbars later (£80–£150 each)
Routing cables through older walls (£100–£250)
Upgrading electrics if the fuse board is outdated (£300–£1,000)
Stronger studwork for very large TVs (£50–£150 extra timber)

Planning these early keeps your final bill predictable.

Cost Mistakes to Avoid

Homeowners often overspend because of a few common missteps. Avoid these to stay on budget:

Choosing expensive materials before finalising your layout
Adding too many alcoves or shelves that don’t suit the room
Forgetting that fireplaces take up internal depth
Underestimating electrical costs
Not asking what “finishing” includes in your quote

Most installers price differently, so always compare what each quote includes, not just the number.

DIY vs Professional Media Wall Costs

A DIY build can save money, but it requires accuracy, planning, and safe electrics.

DIY Cost Range: £700–£1,600

This includes studwork, plasterboard, plaster materials, paint, lighting, and basic electrical parts. If you’re considering building part of it yourself, review this practical guide on how to build a media wall to compare DIY vs hiring a professional.

When DIY Isn’t the Best Choice

Professional installation is worth the cost if:

You’re adding a fireplace
You want a flawless plaster finish
Complex electrics are needed
Your wall spans 3 metres or more

A professional team also completes the job faster — usually in 3–5 days.

How Long Does a Media Wall Take to Build?

A standard build takes 3–5 days, depending on complexity:

Day 1: Studwork + electrical first fix
Day 2: Plasterboard + framework
Day 3: Plastering
Day 4: Sanding + paint
Day 5: Lighting + TV mounting + finishing touches

Large bespoke walls may take 6–8 days, especially when stone cladding or custom cabinets are included.

How to Get an Accurate Media Wall Quote

A clear plan helps avoid unexpected costs. Here’s how to get a realistic quote:

1. Create a Simple Wish List

List your must-haves:

TV size
Fireplace type
Shelves or alcoves
Lighting
Finish type
Viewing different options in our media wall ideas for UK homes can help.

2. Request Multiple Quotes

Get at least three quotes from local specialists.
Ask each installer:

What materials are included?
Does the price include plastering and paint?
Are electrical upgrades part of the quote?
Does the fireplace price include installation?

3. Add a 10–15% Cushion

This covers minor electrical changes or extra materials that come up during the build. To confirm compliance, UK homeowners often use contractors registered with NICEIC, the leading electrical safety authority.

Final Thoughts

A media wall is one of the strongest home upgrades you can make, offering a clean, modern design and better use of space. With most UK builds landing between £2,000 and £4,500, your final cost depends on size, materials, electrics, and any added features like a fireplace or storage. Planning clearly and comparing detailed quotes will help you build a feature wall that suits your budget and your home.

FAQs About Media Wall Costs UK (2025)

1. What is the average cost of a media wall with a fireplace?

Most homeowners spend between £2,800 and £4,500, depending on the fireplace model and the wall width.

2. Are media walls expensive to run?

Electric fireplaces are low-cost to operate and often cost only a few pence per hour, based on figures from the Energy Saving Trust.

3. Do media walls add value to homes in the UK?

Yes. They improve room aesthetics and reduce clutter, which increases perceived value and buyer appeal.

4. Can I build a media wall in a small living room?

Yes. Smaller designs are more affordable and work well in compact homes. Bedroom media walls often start around £1,200.

5. Do media walls require planning permission?

No. They’re internal features. Only electrical work must follow Part P safety rules.

Media Wall Cost UK 2025: What You’ll Really Pay