20 Ambient Videos That Will Transform Your Living Room Into A Relaxing Getaway

You may have become acquainted via Netflix, but the first “fireplace for your TV” actually dates back to 1966, and was a simple seventeen second video loop filmed at the Gracie Mansion.

Ambient video has come a long way since it’s inception, with smart TVs, streaming platforms, and ASMR trends converging into the ultimate audio-visual relaxation experience.

Perfect for reading, studying, folding laundry, or any other day-to-day household tasks, an ambient video can provide that background noise, set a calming tone, or transport you to a far-off destination.

Whether you love the great outdoors, spooky scenes, Victorian decor, or warm cozy settings, we’ve curated a best-hits list for every category. Check out the favorites below, and feel free to bookmark for your next cozy day in!

If you want to become one with nature

Ambient video is at it’s very best with a real-world scenic destination. Brought to you in 4K, this stream will put you right in the heart of a forest without having to hike or encounter any wild animals!

One great approach to ambient video is searching for specific seasons. Whether you want to lean into the season you’re currently in, or escape the summer heat or winter cold, all you have to do is type into the search bar. This autumn river is a favorite year round, but even more so when the pumpkin spice hits the shelves.

If you like spooky weather

Ambient video perfectly captures the coziness of listening to a thunderstorm from the safety and comfort of your home. This video can let you recreate that experience on demand, whenever the mood strikes. Grab a blanket and a book, curl up, and enjoy!

If you’re a horror aficionado, Edgar Allen Poe fan, or simply get really jazzed for Halloween year round, this ‘Spooky Night’ will be the perfect aesthetic while you unwind and relax, and is great with a side of hot chocolate or apple cider.

If you’ve ever wondered what it was like to be a pirate, but don’t ever actually want to set foot on a boat, this video is perfect for you. Dark, moody, mysterious, and tumultuous, it can add some drama to your living room without spending a dime!

If you’re into dark academia and gothic manors

This is for my girlies who read Wuthering Heights a time too many in high school or college. If you want to write some really tortured poetry, or just text the group chat with a little background noise, this one will do just the trick for you.

A little more elegant than it’s predecessor, I’d call this one the Jane Austin of ambient videos, but unlike her protagonists, you won’t have to share this sitting room with annoying or snooty relatives or acquaintances.

If you were a hardcore Belle stan as a child, or perhaps still are, this wall to ceiling library scene will let you live out your adult dream from the comfort of your own couch, and allow you to be as grumpy or as stubborn the Beast. It’s your castle and you can do what you want.

If you love a good detective story, and long for some mansion vibes that feel like someone was or definitely will be murdered within it’s walls, this video has you covered. Just grab your deer stalking cap and magnifying glass.

If you want to leave the country without needing your passport

If you love the look of the English countryside, but also hate getting mud on your shoes, this is definitely the ideal way to experience the moorlands. You can skip the wellies and just stay for the birdsong.

Heading further east to Syria, we have this great Ottoman courtyard that transports you not only across the globe, but back in time to the 18th century. That shared indoor/outdoor feel will reach through the television screen and breathe fresh air into your home.

If you loved Murder On The Orient Express, but Googled how expensive it’s real life counterpart is, this video is for you. Sip a cup of tea or glass of sherry, and pretend to be the heiress to a European export fortune. The world is at your fingertips!

If you’re looking for cozy vibes

If you want to pretend you’re in a coffee shop, without packing up all your stuff and actually heading to one, this video is perfect for you. Especially for all the work-at-home homies who need both their screens to get the job done.

If you ever dreamt of a cozy Never-ending Story-esque attic, but never had one growing up, you can relive the adventure and mystery without any of the asbestos via this YouTube video.

We have another more modern library, with bright tones from a cozy fireplace and lamp. Perfect for those moments you want to put your head down and get work done, with a little background noise to put you in the zone.

Maybe you want to brighten things up even more, with a daytime scene. This cozy tea room is very Anne of Green Gables meets Little Women and will set the scene for a tea party solo or with friends. Just make sure you cut the crusts off the sandwiches.

This is the reading nook you’ve seen a million times on HGTV, but don’t have the patience or budget to install in your own home. Just thank the internet for bringing the views and soundscape into your home without needing a trip to Home Depot.

We can’t forget about the fireplaces

Combining some of the best elements of our other videos, and zeroing in on a single focal point, this fireplace gives you the perfect view of moorland heather and foggy skies.

If you love a campfire, but don’t have anywhere safe to set one up in your backyard, or just don’t want to deal with the smell afterwards, this is the perfect replacement. And you can’t beat the combo of crackling flames and running water.

Sometimes simple is best. This fireplace is realistic, clean, and attractive, and perfect for anyone who doesn’t have one in their home for real. Plus you never have to hire a chimney-sweep!!