A TV unit that's too small makes even a good TV look awkward, and one that's too big eats into the room. The maths is simple, though. You need the TV's actual width rather than its screen size, plus a couple of other measurements.
TV size is measured corner to corner
A 55 inch TV is 55 inches across the diagonal of the screen, not across the width. The actual width is smaller. These are approximate widths for standard widescreen TVs with a slim bezel, with the unit width we'd suggest for each:
| TV size | TV width | Unit width |
|---|---|---|
| 32 inch | about 72cm | 90cm or more |
| 43 inch | about 96cm | 110cm or more |
| 50 inch | about 112cm | 120cm or more |
| 55 inch | about 123cm | 140cm or more |
| 65 inch | about 145cm | 160cm or more |
| 75 inch | about 168cm | 180cm or more |
The rule most people go by is a unit at least as wide as the TV, and ideally 15cm to 30cm wider so the screen doesn't look like it's hanging over the edges. Your TV's manual or the manufacturer's website gives its exact width if you want to be precise.
Check where the feet go
This catches a lot of people out. Many TVs now stand on two feet near the outer edges instead of one stand in the middle. On a 65 inch TV the feet can be well over a metre apart, so the top of the unit has to be wide enough to hold them, and deep enough too. If your TV has a central stand, you have more freedom.
Then check the weight. Listings give the largest TV each unit suits and, on most, the load the top will take. The 147cm rattan TV cabinet, for example, takes TVs up to 65 inches and is rated for about 45kg, so you can compare that with your TV's weight.
Height and depth
In a living room, a unit between about 40cm and 60cm high puts the middle of most TVs close to eye level from a sofa. A taller unit suits a bedroom where you watch from the bed.
Depth depends on what's going inside. Around 35cm to 40cm takes a Sky box, a games console or a soundbar comfortably. Leave space at the back for plugs and cables, and for air around anything that gets warm.
Floating TV units
A floating TV unit screws to the wall with nothing on the floor. It makes a small room feel bigger, lets you pick the exact height, and you can hoover underneath it. It also pairs well with a wall-mounted TV, with the cables dropped down behind the unit.
The same sizing rule applies. The walnut floating TV unit comes in 120cm and 140cm, suits 50 to 60 inch TVs, and has two cupboards and two open sections. For a big screen, the 178cm floating TV stand suits 65 to 80 inch TVs.
Fixing matters with a floating unit. Solid walls take ordinary plugs and screws. On plasterboard, use proper cavity fixings, which the walnut unit includes, or screw into the timber studs. Stay within the weight limit on the listing: the 180cm fluted floating TV unit, for instance, is rated for 20kg on top, so check your TV's weight against it.
No room for a unit
If there's no wall space for a cabinet, a TV floor stand holds the TV on a column with a small base, and many are on wheels. The floor TV stand with hidden wheels takes 40 to 75 inch TVs and moves easily between rooms.
See every TV stand and unit we stock. Delivery is free to the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, and most orders arrive in 3 to 7 days.