How To Choose A TV Stand

Console

Many contemporary styles of TV stand have a console design. Consoles are low line, elongated units, usually with legs, that have ample surface space on top and shelves in the center.

Entertainment Unit

An entertainment unit is ideal for movie buffs and gamers as it incorporates your sound system, digital players, and multimedia storage unit the stand. These units are typically larger than other stands, with some spanning an entire wall. Usually, the  TV is mounted in the center of the unit. It has cabinets and drawers below and shelving on either side.

Floating Stand

The latest innovations mean that TVs are lighter, which means many people are choosing to mount their TVs directly to the wall rather than using a stand. However, the stand is often placed underneath for storage. A floating stand is a wall-mounted unit designed to complement your mounted TV. They typically feature an open shelving design and are made from ultra-lightweight materials.

TV Armoire

Perfect for hiding away your TV when not in use to preserve the aesthetic of your home, a TV armoire is a throwback to more traditional styling when the TV was not the focal point of the living area. Armoires are usually large with ample storage for both the TV, digital players, and multimedia items.

Corner Stand

A corner stand is the best space-saving solution for small homes. It has a  compact design that fits perfectly into the corner of any room, making use of wasted space. They are available in a wide variety of styles to suit your storage, display, and decoration needs.

There are two important measurements to take when choosing the size of your TV stand: the minimum width and the viewing height.

Measure Your Space and TV

The size of your TV is measured diagonally while the width of your stand is measured horizontally. This means that your 50" flat screen may not fit on a 50" TV stand. Finding the correct width of your TV stand is not only about aesthetics; using a stand that is too small for your TV is also a hazard and increases the risk of tipping.

To find the perfect TV stand that accommodates your TV but also leaves ample space for digital players and other accessories, you need to measure both the size of your TV and the space you have available.

• Measure your TV from the edge of the frame to the edge of the frame on the other side to find the width. Add 2" to the TV width to find the minimum width of your TV stand.
• Ideally, you want your stand to have between 4-6 inches on either side of the TV to accommodate accent pieces, lighting, or multimedia items. However, you also need to consider the space limitations of the room.
• Measure the space you have designated for the stand and add 6" of clearance on either side to allow for access to cables.

Find the Right Viewing Height

The center of the TV should line up with your eyes when you are seated on your sofa.

• Measure from the floor to your eye level while seated.
• Then measure the height of the TV from the base to the top.
• Subtract half the height of the TV from your seated height to find the right height for your TV stand.

This measurement can differ depending on how close or far you sit from your TV. The recommended ideal viewing distance isapproximately twice the size of your TV screen. For example, if you have a 60" TV the best viewing distance would be 120" away.

• Wood

Solid wood is a great option to add warmth and texture to your room. TV stands made from solid wood are typically sturdy and long-lasting, and they come in a wide range of painted and stained finishes to match your home's aesthetic.

Choose hardwood such as oak, teak, or maple for better quality construction and longevity and opt for dark finished in traditional or transitional homes, and lighter finishes for a contemporary or country style living room.

• MDF

MDF is a manufactured wood that is an affordable alternative to solid wood. Made from layers of wood glued together, MDF is a sturdy material that gives the appearance of wood grain without the weight. It is the perfect choice for wall-mounted units or consoles.

Choose an MDF unit with clean lines and a neutral finish for your Scandi living area or look for a piece that features wainscoting and shiplap paneling for a farmhouse-style home.

• Metal

Metal is a great low-maintenance option that offers exceptional durability and stability. Look for stands with metal frames in heavy-gauge steel, iron or aluminum, and avoid tubular styles because they have a lower weight capacity. Ensure the metal has a powder-coating or rust-resistant finish to prevent corrosion.

Metal stands are an excellent option for industrial or modern urban homes but can also add rustic appeal to a farmhouse or country home.

• Glass

Tempered glass gives your TV stand an open, bright look that can make a small room appear larger and is ideally suited to displaying decorative items. Glass TV stands are perfect when combined with a metal frame in a high-gloss finish to add a little retro charm to your home.

In addition to finding a stand that coordinates with your home's style, look for a piece that offers features that enhance its functionality.

Storage options such as adjustable shelves allow you to store a variety of items, while slots for multimedia items keep your DVDs and CDs organized. Choose a stand that offers cable management features to organize cords and wires for an uncluttered living area.