How to Choose the Right TV Stand: Size, Style & Storage Guide
A TV stand is more than a piece of furniture that holds your television. It can become the visual centerpiece of your living room while providing valuable storage for media devices, gaming consoles, books, and decorative items. However, there are so many sizes, styles, materials and designs that it can be overwhelming to find the right TV stand.
The best TV stand should complement your television, fit comfortably within your room, offer enough storage, and match your interior style. Whether you are furnishing a new home or upgrading your entertainment area, this guide will help you understand what to look for when choosing the perfect TV stand.
Measure Your TV and Available Space
Measure your television and the space where you want to place the television before going shopping to buy a TV stand. This is among the most significant steps since a stand that is too small may appear unbalanced and a stand that is too big may make the room appear crowded.
Not the size of the screen but the width of your TV. An example of this is a 55 inch TV which does not always have to be 55 inches across. The real width is based on the design of the television and the bezels.
Preferably, select a TV stand that is broader than your television. A broader stand produces a more balanced look and provides you with room to have speakers, decorations or other entertainment accessories.
The area of the wall or the floor where the stand is to be placed should also be measured. Create a spacious area around the furniture to avoid the space being crowded. Do not forget to consider doors, windows, outlets, and walkways in the calculation of the appropriate size.
Choose the Right TV Stand Height
Your TV stand height is the determining factor of your comfort when viewing. When the television is too high or too low, you might need to lean your head too long and this may be uncomfortable.
One of the best rules to follow is to have the center of the TV screen at eye level when sitting. The optimal height may differ with your sofa, chair and your preference.
Take into account the height of the TV itself and the height of the stand. When you have a large screen television, it might be uncomfortable to install the TV on a very tall console.
Low profile TV stands are trendy in contemporary living rooms since they make the rooms look sleek and streamlined. The taller entertainment centers can be effective in cases where more storage or shelving is required.
Match the TV Stand to Your Room Style
The TV stand must fit with your existing furniture and overall interior design. Consider the colors, materials, shapes and finishes already in your room.
In case of a contemporary living room, you can think of a TV console that is minimalistic, has clean lines, neutral color, and is simply designed. Mid-century modern rooms tend to be very attractive when they are wooden-finished, with tapered legs, and warm colors.
When your home is traditional or farmhouse-inspired, you can go with a wooden TV stand, with detailed doors, textured finishes, or traditional hardware. Combinations of metal and reclaimed or natural-looking wood can be used in industrial interiors.
Another consideration is color. A black television stand can be used to produce a bold and sophisticated appearance whereas white or light-colored furniture will help to make a small room look brighter. Natural wood finishes are warm and compatible with numerous decorating styles.
Consider Your Storage Needs
One of the biggest advantages of a TV stand is the storage it provides. Consider all the things you will be required to have close to your television before deciding on a design.
When you have a streaming device, game console, soundbar, Blu-ray player, or cable box, find open shelves where you can easily access them and where there is proper ventilation. Electronic appliances have the potential to produce heat and therefore enclosed areas with poor ventilation may not be the best.
Remote controls, gaming accessories, DVDs, controllers, and other items can be stored in cabinets and drawers. When you like a tidy and neat look, select a TV console with both open shelving and closed storage.
In smaller rooms, a small TV stand with smart storage will fit the available space without crowding the room. The bigger entertainment centers can be more suitable to families that have a large media library or a variety of devices.
Select Durable and Suitable Materials
The material of your TV stand affects its appearance, durability, maintenance, and price. Popular options are solid wood, engineered wood, metal and glass.
Solid wood is strong and has a classic look, however, it may be costlier and heavier than others. Engineered wood has the ability to offer good finishes at a cheaper cost and comes in numerous styles.
Metal TV stands have the potential to offer great durability and a modern or industrial look. Modern entertainment furniture frequently incorporates glass, but it might need more frequent cleaning and is not as practical in a home with young children or pets.
In comparing materials, take into consideration the frequency of use of the furniture and the general atmosphere of your house. A sturdy television stand is an excellent investment since it should be able to hold your television and other equipment safely over a period of years.
Check Cable Management and Ventilation
An elegant television stand would soon be cluttered when cables are scattered all over. Cable management is thus a great attribute to be taken into consideration when purchasing an entertainment console.
Find TV stands that have cable holes or openings at the back. These properties enable power cords and device cables to be passed through in a tidy manner and keep them orderly.
Ventilation is equally important. Gaming consoles, receivers, and streaming devices generate heat when used. Excessive heat can be avoided by using open shelves or well-ventilated compartments.
Another thing to do is to check the position of your electrical outlets before placing the TV stand. It can be a good idea to plan the cable routes ahead of time to make your entertainment area look cleaner and easier to maintain.
