Is a TV that displays art worth it? Here’s my honest Samsung Frame TV review from the perspective of a home decorator who didn’t want to lose the decor space above the mantel.
You’ve likely seen the “picture frame” TV online — it shows artwork when it’s not being used as a TV. After living with the Samsung Frame TV for more than a year, I’m sharing a practical review: is the Frame TV worth it?
Short answer: yes. Long answer: yes — and here’s why.
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We’ve owned our Samsung Frame TV for over a year and it continues to be our favorite TV, even though there are other sets in the house. I waited to write this review because I wanted to live with it long enough to form a reliable opinion, and it has lived up to the hype for us.
It’s the TV we all gravitate to, whether we’re watching shows or simply enjoying the art display when it’s off.
Table of contents
- Our Story of Buying the Frame TV
- Putting a TV above the Mantel in the New House
- Decorating around the Frame TV on a Mantel
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Frame TV
- How do you get art on the TV?
- What size digital art works on the Frame TV?
- Do you have to have the Connect Box out in the open?
- Does it turn completely off? Does it emit light when off?
Our Story of Buying the Frame TV
We purchased the Samsung Frame TV while living in our previous home, not knowing we’d move later. We needed a smart TV upgrade from an old 32″ set we’d had for years. I wanted something that wouldn’t turn our wall into a black rectangle when idle — that’s how we landed on the Frame TV.
We chose the 55″ model because it fit our space perfectly. I’m not an electronics expert, but the picture quality is noticeably better than our old TV. More importantly for me, the Frame TV offers Art Mode: when the screen is not in use, it displays artwork or photos so the TV blends into the room like a framed piece.
A major selling point is the no-gap wall mount that allows the display to sit flush to the wall. The TV’s processing unit — the Connect Box — is separate and connects with a very thin cable, which helps create that gallery-like appearance.
Although the TV includes a no-gap mount, achieving a perfectly flush look can require a recessed outlet or perfectly flat wall. We didn’t recess our outlet, so the TV sticks out a fraction, but the mantel trim hides it nicely.
Putting a TV above the Mantel in the New House
Do you put the TV above the mantel or somewhere else?
In our new, smaller living room the only practical spot was above the mantel. For anyone facing the same dilemma, the Samsung Frame TV is a smart option because its art display makes the area feel intentional rather than awkward.
We’re happy we chose a size that complements the mantel. You can buy interchangeable bezel frames to change the look; we haven’t added one because the TV’s slim black edge blends nicely with our painted walls, but a lighter bezel is an option if you prefer.
We ran the cable behind the wall and stored the connect box inside a cabinet beside the fireplace so nothing is visible. If you plan to mount the TV, be prepared: hanging it is a two-person job and many homeowners hire a professional installer.
What is the Samsung Frame TV?
The Samsung Frame TV is a 4K television designed to resemble wall art when it’s not in use. It uses Art Mode to display curated artwork or your own images, and it has motion and ambient light sensors so it can dim or turn off automatically. While it’s still a backlit screen and won’t be indistinguishable from a canvas in close inspection, from typical living-room distance it creates a convincing framed-art impression.
You can buy decorative bezels to enhance the frame-like appearance. The combination of a slim profile, the optional bezel, and the ability to upload or buy art makes it an attractive choice for spaces where decor matters.
Decorating around the Frame TV on a Mantel
One of the biggest concerns with a mantel-mounted TV is how to decorate around it. Since the Frame TV displays rotating artwork, you can change the look seasonally or to match your decor. I typically keep the mantel simple — a symmetrical pair of small trees at the holidays, or minimal decor the rest of the year. Lighting, sconces, or moulding accents can help integrate the TV visually if you want more detail flanking the screen.
As a decorator, I appreciate that the Frame TV can evolve with our style simply by changing the art on-screen.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Frame TV
How do you get art on the TV?
A handful of images come preloaded, but many users expand their collection. The Samsung Art Store offers curated pieces for a subscription or purchase, but you can also upload your own photos and digital prints. Download the SmartThings app, ensure your phone and TV are on the same home network, and use the app to upload images. I keep a “TV art” album on my phone for easy access.
What size digital art works on the Frame TV?
For a full-bleed look without a digital mat, resize images to 3840 × 2160 pixels (4K). If your image is smaller, the TV may add a mat or crop it. Many sellers offer artwork specifically sized for the Frame TV to avoid this extra step.
Do you have to have the Connect Box out in the open/behind glass?
No. The Connect Box communicates wirelessly (an “invisible connection”) with the TV, so it can be tucked into a nearby cabinet as long as it’s reasonably close. That means you don’t need glass-front cabinets or an open shelf for the remote to work.
Does it turn completely off? Does it emit light when off?
Yes, the Frame TV can turn fully off. When off it appears black, with only a tiny indicator light visible. The motion and ambient light sensors can power it down after periods of inactivity, and it will wake when someone returns to the room or when you power it on manually.
Overall, we love our Frame TV. It’s the set we reach for most often and it blends functionality with style in a way that suits our home. If you’re debating whether to invest in a TV that doubles as wall art, and you care about how your living space looks when the TV is unused, the Frame TV is worth considering.
If you have more questions, feel free to ask and I’ll share what I’ve learned from living with it for over a year.
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