With so many options for TV units available today for different sizes, styles, and functionality, choosing the right one for your needs can be challenging. This is your ultimate guide to measuring your space, figuring out what dimensions matter, and everything in between.
What Size Should my TV Unit be?
Room Size Considerations
One should take measurements of the space in which the TV unit will reside before buying a TV unit. This is important because the presence of a TV unit that is either too big or too small for a room can make the area feel cluttered or empty. Take the length, width, and height measurements of the area to have a clear idea of the available space.
Don't forget to consider space for movement and viewing comfort when measuring. The TV Unit should not intrude on pathways or seating areas, nor disrupt any movement through the living room. If your living area is a smaller space, think of having a 2 since they are made to fit neatly inside the corners and maximise your floor space with many options for storing and showing things.
TV Size Compatibility
The other is your TV size. A way to do this is to measure the diagonal size of your TV display in inches from one corner to the opposite. This makes it possible for the TV Unit to accommodate your TV if it is placed on a stand instead of being wall-mounted. In other words, take a unit larger than a few inches wider than your TV as it provides more stability besides offering proper ventilation for the TV.
When choosing the right dimensions for your TV cabinet, consider these three main categories:
- Compact TV Unit (81 cm / 32” to 109.22 cm / 43”): Ideal for smaller TVs, particularly in bedrooms. With a sleek design, sturdy construction, and ample storage, it’s easy to place without taking up too much space.
- Medium-sized TV Unit(109.22 cm / 43” to 140cm / 55”): Perfect for living rooms or larger bedrooms. These stands offer a good balance of space and storage, making them suitable for most TVs.
- Large TV Unit(140 cm / 55” to 190.5 cm/ 75” and larger): The go-to choice for creating a comprehensive entertainment centre in your living room or spacious office. These stands provide ample storage for devices and an organised way to conceal wires and cords. As a significant piece of furniture, they showcase your style and make a bold statement.
For instance, if you have a 140 cm (55-inch) TV, a stand measuring between 145 cm (57-inch) and 165 cm (65-inch) will fit perfectly, giving you a bit of extra space. For a more dramatic look, you can opt for a 203 cm (80-inch) stand.
For smaller TVs and tighter spaces, a 101.5 cm (40-inch) stand works well for a 109 cm (43-inch) TV.
Key Dimensions for TV Units
When choosing a TV unit, three important dimensions must be considered: Width, height, and depth. Let's have a look at all of them:
Width
The width of your TV unit is directly proportional to the size of your TV. As already said, the unit should be wider than your TV to ensure a firm basis and allow proper air circulation.
In addition to the TV, consider the storage space you require. If you intend to keep a media player, game console, or other electronic items in your TV unit, then opt for TV units with shelves or 2.
Height
The height of your TV unit will then influence the general view. Ideally, the centre of the screen of your television should be at your eye level when seated. For general comfortable viewing, a height of around 42 inches (106.68 cm)is commonly recommended although this might vary depending on your seating arrangement.
If you have a low-profile sofa or chairs, then a lower TV unit of around 16–24 inches would be more pleasant to view.
For higher seating such as a sectional sofa or an armchair, you should be looking to get a taller TV stand of around 24–36 inches. This will allow the positioning of the TV at the correct height.
Depth
TV Units offer a wide range of depths, commonly between 12 to 20 inches. Because the depth ensures a place to organize cables for storage, it is crucial. A deeper unit allows more room for arranging devices, sound systems, or decorative items. However, they will occupy more floor space. If you have several electronic appliances or need ample room for media storage, look for a unit with more depth. Units featuring built-in cable holes at the back or a provision of a back panel can also help organize many cables and keep the space clean.
Popular Styles and Their Dimensions
The general theme in your room and your style choices will determine the type of TV unit you desire. Let's understand some common styles of TV units along with their general dimensions.
Modern TV Units
- Dimensions: Modern TV units are leaner and more minimalist in design and are always between 50 to 80 inches wide, depending on the size of the TV. Such units can be clean-lined with open shelving and high-tech finishes glass or metal.
- Design Features: Most modern TV units include spaces for storage of electronics, media players, and remotes, but they ensure a minimalist impression with an emphasis on open space.
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Industrial TV Units
- Dimensions: An industrial-style TV unit is generally larger and ranges between 60 to 80 inches in width. It can combine metal and wood for this rustic yet contemporary look.
- Design Features: Exposed metal frames along with distressed wood make these units the epitome of style and functionality.
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Minimalist TV Unit
- Dimensions: Designed to be minimal and simple, minimalist unit widths range from 48 to 60 inches.
- Design Features: The TV stands incorporate clean lines and minimal clutter. Common features are storage options for media and wires, yet their simplicity with a fluid layout makes them streamlined.
Traditional TV Units
- Dimension: Traditional TV units are commonly wider and more ornate in design. Their sizes range from 60 to 80 inches wide. Among these styles, one may find oak TV units and french TV units with elegant detailing and solid woodwork.
- Design Features: These tend to have sufficient storage capacity and add a warm, classic look to the room.
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Measuring Tips
How to Measure Accurately
Measuring for the unit requires a measuring tape as well as dimensions for the proper width from your TV screen. After that, record the space available in the room that takes into account the width, height, and depth of the actual unit.
Clearance Space
Leave enough clearance space around the TV unit to allow for ventilation and not to overcrowd the room. At least 2–4 inches of space on each side and behind the unit is allowed to ensure adequate airflow and easy access.
Cable Management Solutions
Look for units that have a built-in cable management solution such as cable holes or hidden compartments. This will help keep your living space clean and free from a mess of tangled cords.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While aesthetics are important, one should ensure that the TV unit can fit comfortably in your room and doesn't overwhelm the space. If you have multiple devices or media, consider a TV unit with great storage space or extra shelves.
Conclusion
Ready to find the ideal TV Unit for your space? Explore a variety of options at Choice Furniture Superstore. Also, don’t miss out on our black friday TV unit deals for great savings on high-quality furniture. Happy shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size TV unit do I need for my living room?
Measure your room's length, width, and height, then choose a unit that fits comfortably without blocking pathways or seating areas. For most living rooms, a medium-sized TV unit (109–140 cm) offers the best balance of space and storage, whilst smaller bedrooms work well with compact units (81–109 cm).
How much wider should a TV unit be than my television?
Your TV unit should be at least a few inches wider than your TV on each side to ensure stability and proper ventilation. This prevents your TV from overhanging the edges and allows air to circulate around the back of the set.
Should I get a corner TV unit for a small bedroom?
Yes, corner TV units are excellent for smaller spaces as they fit neatly into corners and maximise floor space whilst providing storage and display options. They're ideal for bedrooms or compact living areas where space is at a premium. Browse our TV unit collection to find corner options that suit your needs.
How do I measure my TV to find the right unit size?
Measure the diagonal screen size of your TV in inches from one corner to the opposite corner. This measurement helps you choose a unit large enough to safely accommodate your TV whilst leaving room for ventilation on either side.
What's the difference between compact, medium, and large TV units?
Compact units (81–109 cm) suit smaller TVs in bedrooms, medium units (109–140 cm) work for most living rooms and larger bedrooms, whilst large units are ideal for spacious rooms with bigger TVs. Each category balances screen size, room dimensions, and storage needs.