TV Unit Buying Guide: Size, Height & Style - Everything You Need to Know

Every house will have its main room, known as the living room. In this room, the primary focal point will be the TV set. People may visit to watch movies, children can be seen coming from school to play games on the computer, or even individuals want to catch up with world events on the TV; people will be gravitating towards it. Similarly, the same amount of thought should be given to the TV furniture.

Choosing the right type of furniture for the TV is not easy unless a person feels overwhelmed with all the options available in the market. Buying an undersized cabinet to place the larger TV set is courting trouble since the TV might become wobbly and end up falling over. Another thing to consider will be choosing furniture with the correct height.

With this thorough guide, all of the uncertainty involved with making a purchase will disappear. We'll reveal the precise mathematics behind calculating the optimal width and height, analyze various materials, and assist you in selecting an appropriate design style to make your living room appear as if it was professionally furnished.

How to Measure Your TV Properly (A Common Mistake)

Before purchasing any furniture, one must know the exact size of their TV. However, this information is usually overlooked.

The problem with saying "I want a 65-inch TV" is that you will confuse its actual width. All TV sizes are calculated standwise from one corner to another; hence, the diagonal size of a TV can never be equal to the TV's physical width. For example, a 65-inch TV's physical width is 57 inches (145 cm).

If at all you are planning on purchasing such an item from the furniture stores that sell items for housing your "65-inch TV," then you can get a cabinet that has a width that matches exactly that of your television, that is, 65 inches or 165 centimeters, and that will give you space for your television to fit in without any problem whatsoever; however, you will find that you have just 10 centimeters more than the width of your television on either of the sides of the cabinet. 

To avoid making any mistake in measurements, use a tape measure to measure your actual television and its bezel frame.

The Golden Rules of TV Unit Size and Width

Having measured the exact width of your TV set, it will become possible for you to calculate what size the required unit should be bought. In order to get your TV set placed properly and have the most convenient arrangement in your room, you have to remember to avoid any sort of "overhang".

"Overhang" means that both ends of the TV set are longer than those of the furniture base which it stands on. It looks really funny to see such an arrangement, besides, it may become very dangerous. Anyone passing by the TV screen may touch it even lightly and your TV set will fall.

Rule of 20 Percent

In order to place the TV properly, the required unit should be at least 20 percent wider than the exact width of your TV set.

This is a quick guideline depending on the screen sizes of the television sets:

In case you have a huge wall to fill, you can go ahead and purchase a really long one. For instance, the 240 cm wide TV cabinet set beside a 65-inch TV screen looks really good, and there is enough space left on the shelves for decoration purposes.

Perfect Viewing Height

Many viewers experience neck discomfort when watching their favorite television series because their television is not correctly positioned. Your television stand determines your comfort levels while sitting on your couch.

The Eye-Level Formula

Once you sit down in your living room, the middle point of your television screen needs to align with your eye level. On average, an adult’s eye level while sitting on a sofa is around 105-110 cm above the ground.

Here’s how to determine the correct height for your cabinet:

1. Measure the vertical height of your television set, that is, from top to bottom. Let’s assume that it is 70 centimeters in height.
2. Find the center point by dividing the measured figure in half (35 cm).
3. From the recommended eye level (105 cm), subtract the center point (35 cm).
4. The resulting distance (70 cm) is the ideal height of your TV stand.

Standard Height Categories:

• Lowline Stands (40 cm to 50 cm in Height):

 Lowline stands are most suitable for large televisions (more than 65 inches). Due to the fact that such TVs require significant amounts of vertical space, they are designed to be situated closer to the floor to ensure that the center of the screen stays at eye level.

• Standard Stands (50 cm to 70 cm in Height):

 Such TV stands are suitable for mid-size TVs (up to 55 inches). They go well in a regular living room.

• Tall Stands (over 70 cm in Height): 

Tall TV stands are suitable for bedrooms since when lying in bed, the viewing height increases.

Wall-mounted Floating Cabinets and Freestanding Cabinets

Generally speaking, there are only two basic constructions in mind whenever one is thinking of buying a cabinet; first being wall-mounted cabinets and the second being freestanding cabinets.

Freestanding TV Cabinets

Perhaps, this is the most commonly opted choice when one opts for a cabinet. Due to the fact that it rests firmly on the ground, it can accommodate a great deal of weight. If you happen to be living in a rented apartment, then it would be better for you to choose this particular cabinet because there will be no need to make any holes in your landlord’s walls.

SearchFreestanding TV Cabinets

Wall-Mounted TV Units(Floating)

The floating TV unit is anchored onto the wooden wall beams of your home, hanging about 20 centimeters or 30 centimeters off the ground. The floating TV unit is excellent for cramped apartment and living room spaces. 

As the floor can be seen below the cabinets, it gives an illusion that the space is much bigger than what it really is. In addition, the floating unit allows the floor to be easily vacuumed. You have to ensure that the wall can support the cabinet and all its contents.

Wall tv unit

Calculating the Depth and Required Storage

Apart from the width and height, another important consideration when choosing the TV cabinet is its depth. Most conventional TV cabinets have a standard depth of 40cm-45cm.

Nevertheless, prior to purchasing any furniture, it becomes essential to identify what technology needs to be stored in it. To start, if the aim is to buy an old-fashioned receiver, the black box needed for such devices is pretty large in size and tends to generate considerable heat. Here, it is recommended to purchase a cabinet that is not only spacious (has shelves no less than 45 cm) but also has ventilation at the back in order to cool off electronic equipment and prevent its damage.

As for the modern solution like a soundbar, there are specific criteria to follow. Most of the users prefer to fix a soundbar at the top part of the cabinet, behind the TV screen. If the TV set is positioned on two legs rather than on a stand, the user must check whether the device can fit between the TV screen and remote control infrared sensor.

Pick either open or closed storage options. While open shelving works wonderfully if you are showing off your collection of coffee table books, it does make your ugly consoles and cable boxes visible to everyone and makes them dusty. On the other hand, closed storage solves that problem for you, but not if the doors are made out of solid wood, because they will stop your remote control from operating the television.

Selecting the Perfect Material for Your House

The type of material you use for the cabinet will influence its cost, longevity, and aesthetic appeal.

• Solid Timber: 

Oak, Walnut, Teak, and other hardwoods are the most durable building materials available. They add warmth and elegance to any living space. However, solid wood is extremely expensive due to the extra effort involved in crafting items made out of it, but they will withstand anything that comes their way for many years to come. Also, scratched furniture can be sanded back.

• Veneer Wood:

 It offers the elegance of solid wood at a considerably lower cost. A thin slice of wood is applied over a core made of either MDF or plywood. Despite being relatively light and inexpensive, it adds great value to the furniture it is used for.

"Veneer Wood" 

• MDF and Plywood:

 They have a veneer finish on top or are simply painted to enhance their appearance. It is the cheapest wood type, and there are countless color options available, ranging from matte black to brilliant white.

• Shelves of Glass & Metal: 

The shelves built with glass material supported by narrow metal strips may be termed very modern. These shelves will not obstruct any form of lighting to enter the room. Nevertheless, these shelves need regular cleaning because dust accumulates very quickly on them.

 "Shelves of Glass & Meta"

TV Unit Selection Depending on Decor Theme

It is important for a TV unit to fit in with the coffee table, sofa, and dining table.

• Modern/Moderne Interior Decor Theme: 

Modern interior decor theme consists of sharp angles, flat surfaces, and lack of adornments. Hence, for a contemporary interior decor theme, the most suitable TV unit will be a floating TV unit. This TV unit must not have any cluttering on its tabletop.

Modern/Moderne Interior Decor

• Hampton Interior Decor Theme: 

Timber furniture with a light color should be used with a light-grain pattern. It should have rattan furniture along with vertically paneled doors in your cabin. This interior decor theme involves timber furniture that is made from light materials.

• Industrial Interior Decor Theme: 

Industrial interior decor theme is known to be made up of natural finishes. The appropriate TV unit for an industrial interior design theme will be a wooden TV unit with an iron framework.

• Mid-Century Modern Interior Decor Theme:

The Mid-century modern interior decor theme is known to include timber furniture made before 1950-1960. It has short and tapered legs.

Cable Management: Disguising the Mess

A few black cables dangling down from your brand new, expensive looking TV cabinet will surely destroy its look. Hence, cable management becomes very important indeed.

While shopping for the unit, one should inspect its back panels. The perfect unit will have round holes pre-cut at the back of each shelf. Thus, all the power cables connecting your gaming consoles can easily be routed from the back of the furniture straight to the wall socket.

In case you decide to mount your television on the wall just above the cabinet, you'll face an open area for the cables coming from the back of the TV to the cabinet. If possible, one should try to route the wires inside the wall cavity. Otherwise, you may buy yourself a plastic cable cover in a hardware store. The cover should then be painted to perfectly match the color of your walls.

Connecting the Living Area Together through Divano

Choosing the right television cabinet depends largely on creating an optimal mix of appropriate size, storage capabilities, and interior design taste.

At Divano, we are delighted to have been the pioneers in turning houses into dream homes throughout Australia since 1996. As one of the best furniture providers in Sydney, our selection includes some of the finest eco-friendly pieces available today. The products that we offer are selected to ensure that our customers receive nothing but the best in terms of television units and other living room furniture that can enhance their home interior without stretching their budget too far.

Check Out our full range of furniture now!

FAQs

1. By what percent wider should be my TV unit compared to my TV?

Due to aesthetic and safety purposes, the cabinet where you should place your TV set should be not less than 20-25% wider than the actual TV screen.

2. Is it acceptable to install my 65 inch TV set on a 65 inches wide unit?

Avoid mounting your horse in this manner since it seems to be hazardous. The reason is that the base feet will go under the surface, but sides will stay against the cabinet’s walls. Even a slight push may make your TV fall down.

3. Should I mount my TV set on the wall or leave it on the unit?

If you choose to mount the TV screen on the wall, you will have a possibility to arrange your cabinet by decorating the surface with various lamps and decorations without fear of children pulling it by children. However, wall installation means doing some drilling while mounting on the stand leaves all cables hidden behind the screen.

4. What is the best way to pick the proper colors for my TV unit?

Check out other big wooden furniture that you already have in your living room like your coffee table or your flooring. It doesn’t mean that you must match them exactly; however, try to use a similar tone. Never mix cool grey tones with warm cherry red tones. If you are still confused about which color to choose, go with a safe black matte or bright white.

5. What is the recommended height of TV units for bedrooms?

Since you are sitting above a relatively tall mattress, you will have to raise your TV set in your bedroom. So, make sure to purchase a cabinet or tallboy with at least 70 to 90 cm height. Otherwise, you might need to bend your neck and look downwards all the time.