TV furniture and TV units – how to find the right piece
- What is a TV unit?
- The right size
- The format: wall-mounted, freestanding, open or closed?
- The material
- Designing your TV wall
- Summary
TV furniture comes in different forms: TV cabinets, TV tables, TV racks, TV benches and low TV units. Discover modern TV furniture and TV units for your living room at Connox, with practical cable management or wall mounting.
1. What is a TV unit?
A TV unit is a low sideboard, usually 25 to 50 cm high. Because it is so low, it is often used as TV and media furniture. That's why low sideboards often have practical cut-outs at the back or other cable management solutions.
2. How big should a TV unit be?
Before you buy, measure how much space you have in total. Also think about which devices you want to store in the TV unit.
How high should a TV unit be?
As a rule, when you sit on the sofa and look straight ahead, the upper third of the screen should be roughly at eye level. Place or mount the TV according to your height, the height of the sofa and the size of the TV.
The TV unit should always be wider than the TVso that the proportions look balanced.
"As a rule of thumb when choosing TV furniture: the larger the TV, the lower and wider the unit should be. Allow for at least 20 centimetres of overhang on each side – whether it's freestanding or wall-mounted." – Viktoria, interior expert
As TVs get bigger, it can be worth choosing a modular furniture system where you can define the dimensions yourself . If the TV unit is more than 2 metres wide or the TV is larger than 70 inches, a modular system is the best choice.
For example, Stacked 2.0 by Muuto or the Montana Mini cabinet module series let you configure a shelving unit from modules to suit your needs.
3. TV units: wall-mounted, freestanding, open or closed?
Freestanding: Most TV units stand on the floor, either on a solid base or on legs. A TV unit on castors is easy to move (1) – ideal if you like to rearrange your home or move your TV around.
Wall-mounted (3 and 4): A wall-mounted TV unit creates a particular sense of lightness. The biggest advantage is that you can easily mop or vacuum underneath it.
A TV stand (2) is another open, light-looking alternative. Its frame lifts the flat-screen TV off the floor.
Closed: integrated drawers and doors keep things tidy and provide storage space. Closed cabinets make players, DVD cases, all kinds of cables and even remote controls simply disappear.
Separate CD and DVD shelves offer an ideal way to organise and display your collections.
Open: An open TV unit lets you display your hi-fi system and TV, ready to use at any time. To avoid a tangle of cables, there are also decorative cable management solutions.
Many models combine open and closed modulesto offer both space for a hi-fi system, receiver or other technology and closed storage.
4. The material
Make sure the TV unit is designed to bear the weight of the TV if the TV will stand on it.
Metal: If the TV stands directly on the unit, choose a sturdier option, for example in metal. Metal is not only sturdy but also easy to care for and looks modern.
Wood: TV units are traditionally made of wood, for example oak. Units with semi-transparent woven elements look a little lighter and airier than solid furniture.
A fabric cover feels soft and looks more homely. The fabric also absorbs some sound.
5. Designing your TV wall
It's not just a question of how to combine your TV and TV furniture, but above all how to design the wall around the TV.
One option is to paint the wall in a dark shade such as black or grey. You can also choose TV furniture in the same shade. This creates a cohesive look, and the TV visually blends into the wall.
Another option is to paint the wall dark like the TV and then choose TV furniture in a clearly contrasting colour. This accent creates an eye-catcher on your living room wall.
Another idea is to frame the TV with shelves and modules. The result is not only an attractive media wall but also space for books, photos and other personal items.
Alternatively, you can hang a simple shelf above the TV and add decorations and plants for a homely feel.
6. Summary
- The mounting height of the TV depends on your height, the seat height and the size of the TV
- The TV unit should always be wider than the TV – allow for at least 20 centimetres of overhang on each side
- A modular furniture system lets you configure a shelving unit and its dimensions from modules
- TV units can stand on the floor on a solid base or on legs. You can easily mop or vacuum under a wall-mounted TV unit
- Media furniture provides space for electrical devices. Integrated drawers and doors keep things tidy. Many models combine open and closed modules
- With wooden TV furniture in particular, make sure it is designed to bear the weight of the TV. Metal is the sturdier material in this respect
Buy designer TV furniture online at Connox – your benefits at a glance
- High-quality original TV furniture from top design brands
- Personal support from our customer service team
- Fair delivery costs
- Secure payment thanks to SSL encryption
- Delivery in just a few working days
Shopping advice at Connox
Would you like to buy a TV unit online but need some help? Our customer service team is always happy to help. We'll support you with advice while you shop, make recommendations and answer your questions quickly. Then simply sit back and have your chosen item delivered straight to your door.
