How to Choose a Timeless L-Shaped Wooden TV Stand

Measure Your Television

Because the TV stand must support your television and other media components, it should be sturdy and safe. Make sure you measure your television before shopping for a TV stand, so you'll know how large the piece should be to accommodate the TV's size.

Many people mistakenly measure the height and width of a television to determine its size; however, TVs are measured diagonally. For more accurate sizing, you should measure from the top left-hand corner of your television to the bottom right corner, including the TV frame. You can also consult your TV manufacturer's website for full specifications.

If you don't have a flat-screen or plasma TV, you should also measure your television's depth to make sure it will fit safely and entirely on the TV stand without any part of the TV hanging over the front, back or sides. Your TV stand should extend 2"-3" beyond the width of your TV. If your TV is wider than your stand, it can pose a safety hazard.

Decide Where Your TV Stand Will Go

Before selecting a TV stand, it's important to consider the room's layout to ensure the best, most comfortable viewing possible.

• Best Position for Viewing

If possible, center the television and stand in front of the largest seating area in the room.

You'll also want to determine how far the TV will be from your sofa or armchair. Most audio/visual experts agree that you should leave plenty of space between the viewer and the TV for the most enjoyable watching experience and prevent eye strain.

Most audio/visual professionals recommend that you sit at a distance that is 2-3 times the diagonal width of your TV. For a 65" TV, this means a viewing distance of approximately 192".

• Location of Outlets and Connections

If you have cable or Wi-Fi connections that attach to your TV, choose something that will fit on the wall close to where they're located. It is possible to relocate cable by running it through the wall or under the carpet. However, with the right positioning, there is no need for this additional, bothersome step.

• Avoid Windows

When deciding where to position your TV stand, you should also consider the placement of the room's window. You don't want to place your TV directly in front of a window, as the glare can interfere with your ability to see the picture on your TV. Also, putting furniture, like a TV stand in front of windows, blocks natural light from entering the room.

Determine the Best Size for Your TV Stand

Ultimately, your TV needs to be sturdy and large enough to accommodate your television's size and fit with the room's scale. A TV stand that dominates a room can make television viewing more difficult.

Once you've decided where you want your TV and stand to go, measure the width and depth of that floorspace to calculate the maximum size your piece can be and still fit in the space you've allotted.

The height of your TV stand is a particularly important consideration. To avoid eye muscle strain from having to look up at the screen, the lower half of the television should be level with your line of sight when you're seated on your preferred chair or sofa to create a 30° viewing angle.

Determine Your Storage Needs

More than a traditional TV console table, L-Shaped TV stands often offer additional storage options. Adding an L-shaped component adds additional space for storage to reduce clutter in your home or display your favorite treasures.

When choosing your piece, keep your AV storage needs in mind and opt for a unit that can comfortably house any cable modems, satellite receivers, game consoles, or Blu-ray players you connect to your television. Then, consider any additional items you'd like to store in the TV stand, like movies, games, or books.

L-shaped TV units can feature both open and closed storage options. If you'd like your items to be clearly visible or displayed, you may opt for glass front cabinets or open shelving. This option also helps create the illusion of extra space in your room, making it an excellent choice for compact living areas.

If you'd prefer to close the door on the clutter, you may prefer a stand with solid doors or drawer space to stash remotes and other small items.

Determine Your Home's Design

Once you have all the logistics out of the way, you can have some fun. There is no limit to the design options available for TV stands designs of wooden material. Wood is an excellent choice for furniture for both its durability and versatility.

Any time you're adding a new piece of furniture to your home, you want to make sure it complements pieces you already have. While you don't have to match every piece of furniture in your home to the next, the general aesthetic should be relatively consistent throughout the house.

If your home style is modern and contemporary, you may prefer minimalistic furniture pieces with clean lines. For example, a sleek, teak TV stand would be a perfect complement to a mid-century modern inspired room. If your home vibe is more casual and traditional, you might choose an L-shaped oak TV stand with a softer profile.

The Wrap Up

With countless options for purchasing a TV stand design that is wooden, the choice can seem overwhelming. Following some of these primary considerations for size, functionality, and design should help you through the process. Don't be afraid to have some fun choosing a piece that best reflects you and your lifestyle.