What is the Actual Process from start to finish for my bespoke project?

You visit our luxurious showroom in Yarm Look at our vast range of kitchens Consider the styles, colours, ranges, handles, functions, appliances that inspire you. We discuss what you need from your kitchen (this can vary enormously - from very specific requests to build a dining style table as opposed to a breakfast bar, customised storage, what kind of cabinets and cupboards work best for you, what you are trying to achieve in your dream kitchen). We also take care to understand and work within your budget We come to your home and take a full and detailed measurements We double check the brief.. again.. just to be sure Make completely sure we understand the boxes you need to be ticked We create a 3 D (CAD) personalised, illustrated design of your dream kitchen, complete With your styling, finish, colours etc. We take you through the customised and bespoke kitchen plan and when you are happy We agree a fitting date with our experienced fitting team

What types of kitchens do you offer – and how do I choose the right one?

At Barker & Co, we offer a full range of modern kitchens, traditional kitchens, and contemporary kitchens, all tailored to your specific needs. Choosing the right kitchen depends on your personal style, how you use your kitchen day-to-day, and the existing style of your home. If you prefer sleek lines and minimal fuss, a modern or contemporary kitchen may be ideal. For a warm, cosy, and timeless look, a traditional kitchen is often the best choice. We’ll walk you through every option in terms of layout, kitchen doors, kitchen worktops, and storage to help you make an informed decision. Our team in Stockton and Middlesbrough is happy to guide you through samples and examples at our showroom so you can see materials and finishes in person. No matter your choice, every kitchen is designed to be functional, stylish, and built to last.

How long does a kitchen installation usually take from start to finish?

Every kitchen project is unique, but a typical installation with Barker & Co usually takes between 2 to 4 weeks from the start of fitting to completion. This timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the design, whether structural changes are involved, and the availability of materials such as custom kitchen worktops or bespoke kitchen doors. Before we begin, we’ll give you a full project plan with estimated timelines so you know exactly what to expect. The design and planning phase is usually completed in a few weeks, giving you time to explore options and finalise your kitchen layout. Once we start on site, our fitters work efficiently and with care, keeping disruption to a minimum. We pride ourselves on clear communication and tidy workspaces. Whether you're installing modern kitchens, traditional kitchens, or contemporary kitchens, we manage everything from delivery to fitting to ensure your project runs smoothly and on schedule.

Can I customise the kitchen layout and features completely?

Yes, absolutely—every kitchen we create is 100% bespoke. At Barker & Co, we believe no two homes or customers are the same, so we offer full flexibility in your kitchen layout, features, and finishes. Whether you want an open-plan modern kitchen, a classic galley-style layout, or a cosy traditional kitchen with lots of storage, we’ll design around your space and lifestyle. You’ll have full input on all details, including cabinet style, kitchen doors, colours, lighting, appliances, and kitchen worktops. We can incorporate clever storage, smart technology, and unique design features to make your kitchen truly personal. We work closely with you during the design phase to understand how you cook, entertain, and move around your kitchen so we can build something that feels natural and intuitive. Whether you're in Stockton or Middlesbrough, our expert design team will help bring your dream kitchen to life—from concept to completion.

How Much Space Do I Need For A Media Wall?

Media Walls - The Barker & Co Way

Media walls have become one of the most popular living room upgrades in recent years. They offer a sleek and stylish way to integrate your television, storage, lighting, and even an electric fire into one beautifully designed feature. At Barker & Co, we design and install bespoke media walls that not only enhance the appearance of your living space but also maximise functionality.

But one of the most common questions we’re asked before a project starts is, how much space do I actually need for a media wall? The answer isn’t the same for everyone, as it depends on your room size, what features you want to include, and how you plan to use the space. In this blog, we’ll explore all the key considerations to help you understand what’s required—and how you can still enjoy the benefits of a media wall even if your room isn’t large.

Media Walls in Stockton and Middlesbrough: A Growing Trend

At Barker & Co, we’ve seen a significant increase in demand for living room, bedroom and even kitchen media walls in Stockton and Middlesbrough, especially from homeowners looking to modernise their living rooms without a full renovation. Media walls are no longer reserved for luxury homes or large open-plan spaces. Thanks to clever design and custom installation, they can be tailored to suit a wide range of room sizes and layouts.

Whether you live in a townhouse in Middlesbrough or a semi-detached in Stockton, a media wall can be built to match the exact width and height of your available space. The key is working with a team that understands both the aesthetic and functional aspects of the design. That’s where our bespoke approach makes a real difference. We don’t use pre-made units or one-size-fits-all solutions. Every project is measured, planned, and installed to suit your individual room, needs, and lifestyle.

Understanding the Basics of Media Wall Dimensions

Before we look at how much space is needed, it helps to understand the typical components of a media wall. Most media walls include a central space for a flat-screen TV, often mounted flush to the wall for a clean look. Below or around the TV, you might find shelves, cupboards, or a recess for an electric fire. Some designs incorporate LED lighting, built-in sound systems, or display units.

The average TV used in media walls is between 55 and 75 inches, and the media wall itself often spans a width of around 2.5 to 4 metres. The height usually extends from floor to ceiling, but this can be adjusted to fit a particular feature wall or alcove. Depth is another factor to consider. A typical media wall is around 30 to 40 centimetres deep to accommodate cables, storage units, and fire inserts, though this can be made slimmer in smaller rooms.

Planning for Small and Large Living Rooms

One of the biggest misconceptions about media walls is that they require a huge living room. While it’s true that large, open-plan spaces can accommodate dramatic feature walls with expansive shelving and large fireplaces, smaller rooms can benefit just as much from a more compact and well-thought-out design. In a small to medium-sized living room, you might opt for a narrower media wall that focuses on housing the TV with a few floating shelves or slimline base units for storage. These designs are typically no wider than 2.5 metres and can be made shallower to avoid encroaching into the room too much.

This helps maintain floor space while still delivering a stylish focal point. For larger spaces, we have more freedom to include wider cabinetry, recessed electric fires, decorative niches, and ambient lighting. In these cases, a media wall can stretch across an entire wall, incorporating hidden storage and open shelving to display books, artwork, or personal items. We can also build around existing room features, such as alcoves or chimney breasts, to maximise space and symmetry.

Fireplaces, Sound Systems, and Other Additions

A key decision that affects how much space your media wall will need is whether or not you’d like to include an electric fireplace. These are often installed below the TV to create a cosy and visually balanced feature. While most modern electric fires are slimline and don’t require much additional depth, they still influence the overall layout.

If you’re planning to include a soundbar or a full surround sound system, you’ll also need to consider speaker placement and ventilation. Built-in speaker grilles or acoustically transparent panels can be incorporated without compromising the design. Storage units can be designed to hold consoles, Sky boxes, streaming devices, and even gaming accessories—all concealed neatly behind custom cabinetry.

Every element you add to your media wall will slightly increase the required width and depth. That’s why it’s so important to work with a designer who can plan these features into your wall without overwhelming the room. At Barker & Co, we take care of all the details, from cable routing and ventilation to positioning for the best sound and viewing angles.

Space Between the Media Wall and Seating Area

Another important factor to consider is how much clearance you’ll need between the media wall and your seating area. As a general rule, the ideal viewing distance for a 55 to 65-inch TV is between two and three metres. If your living room is on the smaller side, we can adjust the media wall dimensions accordingly to maintain comfort and functionality.

This is where wall-mounted TVs really shine. By mounting the screen directly to the media wall and recessing it slightly, you can reduce visual bulk and make better use of the room’s depth. Slimline shelving and wall-hung units also help to free up floor space, giving the impression of a more open layout—even in a compact room.

Our goal is always to balance visual impact with practical flow. A media wall should feel like a natural part of the room, not something that dominates the space. We consider the position of doorways, windows, and radiators, ensuring your new feature wall fits comfortably into the room without obstructing movement or natural light.

Creating a Seamless Look That Works With Your Room

When designed properly, a media wall doesn’t just hold your TV—it enhances the overall design of your living room. That’s why we take time to coordinate finishes, colours, and textures with your existing décor. Whether you want a painted finish to match your walls, a warm woodgrain for a traditional feel, or sleek matt panels for a modern touch, we’ll help you choose materials that suit your home.

In Stockton and Middlesbrough, we’ve worked on everything from modern new-builds to older terraced properties, and we always tailor the design to suit the age and character of the home. Our team ensures that the scale, proportions, and details are all carefully considered, so the finished media wall looks like it was always meant to be there.

We also hide all cables and components within the wall, keeping things neat and easy to access when needed. Whether you’re going for a subtle look or a bold statement, our custom-built media walls are designed to add long-term value to your home and lifestyle.

Making the Most of Awkward or Unused Spaces

Not every room has a perfect blank wall waiting to be turned into a media feature. Some homes have awkward alcoves, low ceilings, or unusual layouts that make it difficult to install standard furniture. That’s where bespoke design comes into its own.

At Barker & Co, we’ve created media walls that wrap around chimney breasts, fit into corners, or span the space between two windows. We can build asymmetric designs or introduce different depths across the wall to create layered, architectural interest. Even if you don’t have a large wall available, we can often design something creative and compact that still offers storage and style.

If you’re unsure whether a media wall would work in your home, we offer design consultations where we’ll assess your space, listen to your ideas, and offer tailored advice. With the right design, even the most challenging spaces can become beautiful focal points.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About Size—It’s About Design

The question of how much space you need for a media wall doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all answer. It depends on your room, your preferences, and how you plan to use the space. The good news is, with a bespoke solution from Barker & Co, almost any room can benefit from a media wall—no matter the size or shape.

We work across Stockton and Middlesbrough creating tailored media walls that combine smart storage, stylish design, and modern living in one seamless installation. If you’re thinking about adding a media wall to your home, get in touch with our team today. We’ll help you explore your options, measure your space, and create a solution that looks amazing and fits perfectly.