Choosing the Best TV Unit for Your Living Room

The right TV unit does far more than hold your television. It anchors your seating, tidies away cables and often becomes the visual centre of the whole room. Get it wrong, though and you're left with a wobbly, small stand or a bulky piece that swallows the space.

This guide is for anyone shopping for a living room TV unit and unsure where to start. You'll learn how to measure your space, match the unit to your television’s size, get the viewing height right and pick a style that suits your room. Here are the key takeaways:

• Size and height matter more than looks alone.

• Measure before you shop, every time.

• The best TV unit balances storage, style, and comfortable viewing.

Your TV unit works hard. It supports the weight of your television, houses your media gear, and ties the living room together. A poorly chosen unit can leave your setup feeling cramped or unbalanced.

The best television setups start with the right base. A well-scaled unit keeps your screen at a comfortable height, hides messy cables, and gives you handy storage. It's a small decision that shapes how you enjoy the whole room.

Never buy on a whim. Grab a tape measure and note down these three things first:

1. Wall width where the unit will sit.

2. Available depth, so it doesn't jut into walkways.

3. Height clearance, especially if you're wall-mounting the TV above it.

Mark the footprint on the floor with painter's tape so you can picture the real size. This quick step saves plenty of returns and regret.

As a rule of thumb, your TV unit should be wider than your television for a balanced look. Aim for a unit that extends at least 15 cm past each side of the screen.

Here's a quick guide:

Use these as a starting point, then confirm against your own measurements.

Comfort comes down to eye level. When you're seated, the centre of the screen should sit roughly at eye height, usually around 100–110 cm from the floor for most sofas.

Too high, and you'll strain your neck looking up. Too low, and you'll slouch. If you're wall-mounting the television, factor the unit's height into where the screen lands.

The gap between your sofa and screen affects both comfort and picture quality. A common guide is to sit about 1.5 to 2.5 times the screen's diagonal away from the TV.

• A 55" TV suits a viewing distance of roughly 2–3.5 metres.

• A 65" TV works best from around 2.5–4 metres.

Position your unit so it fits this distance naturally. If your seating is close, a lower, slimmer unit often feels better.

There's a style for every living room. The main options include:

• Lowline units: Long and low, ideal for modern spaces and larger TVs.

• Entertainment units: Taller pieces with plenty of storage for media and display.

• Wall-mounted units: Floating designs that free up floor space and feel airy.

• Corner units: Handy for smaller or awkwardly shaped rooms.

A quick note on buffets and sideboards

Some people repurpose a buffet or sideboard as a TV stand, and they can look lovely. That said, there are two catches worth knowing. First, they usually lack cable management holes in the back, so leads can be tricky to route neatly. Second, they're often taller than a traditional TV unit, which can push your screen above a comfortable viewing height. If you love the look, browse hall and console tables for slimmer alternatives, or stick with a purpose-built unit for easier setup.

A tidy living room starts behind the screen. The best TV units help you hide the mess.

• Closed cabinets conceal media boxes and clutter.

• Cable cut-outs let you route leads out of sight.

• Open shelves suit soundbars, consoles, and decor.

Think about what gear you own, then choose a unit that stores it neatly. Cable holes are a small feature that make a big difference.

Material affects both look and practicality. Common choices include:

• Timber: Warm, sturdy, and suits many styles.

• Engineered wood: A budget-friendly, versatile option.

• Glass and metal: Sleek and light, great for modern rooms.

Consider your household too. If you have young kids or pets, a hard-wearing surface and rounded edges are worth prioritising.

Your TV unit should feel like part of the room, not an afterthought. Match it to your existing furniture and palette.

• Modern rooms suit clean lines and lowline shapes.

• Coastal or Scandi spaces work well with pale timber.

• Classic interiors pair nicely with rich, warm woods.

Browse the full living room range to see how different pieces work together.

Should Your TV Unit Be a Focal Point or Blend In?

There's no single right answer here. It depends on the effect you want.

• Make it a feature: Choose a striking colour, material, or shape that draws the eye.

• Let it blend in: Pick tones that match your walls and other furniture so the TV takes centre stage.

If your living room TV is the main event, a subtle unit keeps the focus on the screen. If you want a designer look, a bold unit can carry the room.

Set a realistic budget before you fall for a piece online. Prices vary with size, material, and features like built-in storage.

A few tips to spend wisely:

• Prioritise sturdiness for a heavy television.

• Factor in storage needs rather than just width.

• Balance style with everyday practicality.

Investing a little more in a solid, well-sized unit often pays off in comfort and longevity.

Frequently Asked Questions