Best TV Stands With Hutch

TV stands are usually made of either manufactured wood or solid wood. These materials are both highly durable and aesthetically-pleasing to blend in with a range of interior décor.

• Manufactured Wood

Manufactured wood is made of wood that is glued together instead of being cut from a solid piece. Despite this, manufactured wood can be very durable if it is finished properly. It is generally less expensive than solid wood and may be painted or given a faux wood finish.

• Solid Wood

Solid wood is less common because of how heavy and expensive it is. It makes stunning heirloom pieces and may be the best option if the rest of the living room is furnished in solid wood. Oak and walnut are popular wood options because they are strong and durable.

The best style for you will depend on the rest of the furniture in your living room. You'll want to coordinate the TV stand and hutch with the rest of the furniture. Otherwise, it will stick out and give the room a disjointed look. These are the three main styles that apply to TV stand hutches.

• Traditional

Traditional furniture designs use crown molding and other European flourishes to create a regal air. They often use walnut and other woods with rich, deep colors, but may also use antique ivory paint. Claw and bun feet, brass handles, and solid cabinet doors are other common style features.

Styling tip: Pair a large ivory traditional hutch with classic leather furniture, an antique rug, and hardwood floors. You can also match a traditional walnut hutch with white upholstered sofas with wood trim.

• Contemporary

A contemporary TV stand with hutch may be rectangular, with simple shelving and drawers. Colors include gray, white, black, and neutral tans. It may have metal accents or cabinet handles and will be utilitarian yet stylish in appearance.

Styling tip: Try a simple contemporary gray hutch with sky blue sofas and a slate gray rug. If you have a black and white theme and have white walls, try a white hutch to keep it from overwhelming the rest of the room

• Modern

Modern furniture uses curves and geometric shapes and is more likely to use glossy finishes or glass. Hutches in the modern style may include glass shelves or all-glass cabinet doors. They also may be available in a wider variety of colors.

Styling tip: A modern TV stand and hutch can be styled similarly to a contemporary one. Look for an oak hutch to pair with light blue and white decor for an airy, sunlit feel. A hutch with glass shelves and doors will also pair well with a glass coffee table.

TV stands with hutches are usually at least 54" wide to accommodate both the TV and the shelves on either side. Widths of 72" or more are common, especially as TVs grow larger.

The TV stand section of the hutch needs to be large enough to fit your TV. You'll want at least 4 inches of room around each side of the TV to allow you to reach cables and other parts as necessary. The manufacturer of the TV stand will recommend a maximum TV size but double-check this with your measurements.

You'll also need enough space for video game consoles, DVD players, cable boxes, and speakers. Measure your largest pieces of equipment, then check to ensure there are shelves and cabinets in the hutch that can hold them. Be careful to check individual shelf weight limits as well as the overall hutch's weight limits.

The base of the TV should be between 27" and 36" off the floor to facilitate comfortable viewing. Any higher or lower than that may cause viewers to strain their necks while trying to watch. The TV screen should sit at or just below eye level, so you may need a higher or lower TV stand depending on how large the base of the TV is.

Keep in mind that reaching the top shelf of a hutch can be difficult. If you want to use the top shelf for short-term storage, choose one that's within arm's reach. Hutches that are more than 72" in height will be a challenge for shorter people.

Shelves, drawers, and cabinets are standard features in TV stands with hutches; however, specific storage can vary.

• Some hutches include a drawer specifically sized to hold DVDs and video game cases. It may even have a plastic insert with individual slots to store each one. These can be a huge help for families with a lot of movies and games.
• Cable management ports are common, but some individual shelves or cabinets may not have them. Check how many ports a hutch has before buying it.
• Glass shelves make a classy addition to modern hutches. Although they're fragile, they're great for displaying lightweight ornaments.
• Built-in shelf lighting helps keep the contents of shelves visible. It's especially helpful for deep, dark-colored hutches.
• Cabinet doors sometimes have glass windows for visibility. This helps make it easier for remote controls to communicate with cable boxes and other devices.
• Most TV stand hutches do not have locking cabinets, and childproofing is minimal. If safety is a concern, look for cabinets with handles, as these are easier to childproof.

Some TV stands with hutches must be assembled from a kit with screws and individual shelves. Others are already mostly or fully assembled when they are delivered. Unassembled kits are typically less expensive, especially in delivery costs.

Large TV stands require more assembly, but this can vary widely between brands and styles.

Also, remember to install anti-tip anchors that attach to a nearby wall if you live in an area with earthquakes or have small children in the home. Some hutches include these anchors, while others require you to buy them separately.

• Manufactured wood and solid wood are both excellent options for hutches. However, solid wood will generally be heavier and more expensive.
• The hutch style should match the rest of the room décor. Traditional, modern, and contemporary styles all use different silhouettes and shapes, so coordinate carefully with other furniture.
• TV stands with hutches can be 72" tall or wide, and sometimes larger. Make sure to get one that's large enough for both your TV and electronics. The TV should sit at eye level, with its base on a stand that's between 27" and 36" high.
• Storage features can include glass shelves and cabinet doors, built-in lighting, DVD drawers, and cable management ports.
• Assembly is a major concern for cheaper TV stands. If you want to avoid time-consuming and challenging assembly, you may have to buy a more expensive set or opt for professional installation.