TV Stand Designs: How to Choose the Right One
Let’s stay in.
From the morning news to movie night, a TV is often the focal point in a living room. Along with holding your TV, a TV stand also balances the space and can act as a storage space and a place to show off decor. With all the TV stand designs available, the selection process can be a little overwhelming. Our guide offers advice to help you find the perfect TV stand for your family. Use our table of contents to jump to the section you want to read most.
TV Stand Types
TV Stand Design Features
TV Stand Styles
Important Considerations
Finding the Right Fit: TV Stand Sizes
TV Stand Types
When looking for different TV stand options, the two most common types are TV stands and entertainment centers. The two are similar but have a few key differences that set them apart.
TV Stand: TV Stands are simple, console-style tables or cabinets that act as a base for a TV. They often have cabinets, drawers, or shelves below for storage. They are low-profile and don’t take up much wall space. TV stands come in a wide variety of styles with different features, such as barn doors or glass cabinets, to suit your preferences.
Entertainment Center: Entertainment centers are larger than TV stands and often take up most of the wall. They typically have shelves that surround the TV and have plenty of space for storing games and displaying keepsakes. Because of their size, entertainment centers are great for families that need a lot of storage, but they are not ideal for small spaces.
Barn Doors: Sliding barn doors add a touch of farmhouse charm while being practical for easy access. They can often be adjusted to tuck the TV away when not in use.
Piers: Piers are added shelving units that are attached on both sides of an entertainment center for added storage. They create a symmetrical look that is perfect for any style.
Hutch: Hutches surround the TV compartment with shelving units and cabinets that can be used to store any consoles, media players, games, or tech accessories. The shelves are great for decorating with books, photos, and baskets.
For a farmhouse design, choose a TV stand that highlights the natural finish of the wood and offers plenty of storage for a practical and lived-in look. Fill the extra space with greenery or try barn doors to add some farmhouse flair.
Opt for a dark wood TV stand with detailed and ornate finishes for a timeless design. Choose a stand with glass-front cabinets and adjustable shelves to manage clutter with little maintenance. Add a vase with florals for an elegant touch.
Pick a light-colored, white wood TV stand with open shelving or glass cabinets for an airy, coastal feel. Incorporate natural textures with rattan baskets or seaside-inspired decor.
For a rustic-style living room, go for a TV stand with a distressed wood finish and industrial-inspired details, such as burnished metal hardware or open storage. Complete the look with a stack of books and warm brass accents.
Important Considerations
Finding the Right Fit: TV Stand Sizes
The size of a TV stand can quickly alter a space, whether it be too big or too small. We’ve listed some tips below to help you find the best fit.
After evaluating the size of your living room, start with measuring the height and width of the TV as well as the diagonal measurement. Then measure the space to see where you plan on placing the TV stand. Consider the depth of the TV stand and the amount of wall space the stand and TV will take up. Ideally, your TV shouldn't block any windows or hit shelving.
Width: We suggest choosing a TV stand that is at least 2 inches wider than the base of the TV. If you want space for decorative items or books, make sure to find a TV stand with extra room on both sides.
Height: It’s important to place your TV at a height that is naturally comfortable. As a guideline for the correct height, the center of the screen should be at eye level while sitting down. For more control and extra surface space, mount the TV on the wall at your desired height.
Distance: We recommend placing your TV at a distance that is about 2x the diagonal length of your TV for the best viewing experience.
Placement: Think about the layout of the room while placing the TV stand. It’s best to avoid placing it too close to direct sunlight in order to prevent any daytime glare.
Expert Tip:
You can also use your diagonal TV measurement as an easy way to find a TV stand size.
Consider Storage Needs
Keep storage in mind while browsing for TV stand designs. If you have a lot of consoles or electronics, look for a stand with cable management that allows you to hide cords. Keep clutter organized with TV stands with drawers and cabinets. Or opt for open shelves or cubbies to fit gaming consoles, media players, and sound systems.
Think About Assembly
Assembling a large piece like a TV stand could take a few hours and require various tools. If you don’t have the time or space to put a TV stand together, look for ones that arrive at your home fully assembled.
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