Upgrade Your Living Space with a TV Stand

1. Decide exactly where you're going to place your new TV stand

If you haven't already done so, you definitely want to figure it out before you're stuck with a TV stand that doesn't fit a specific corner.

In what room are you going to place it? And where exactly?

• We don't recommend placing it in front of a window, as the backlighting will create unpleasant reflections;

• The best place is usually the middle of your seating area or, if you're trying to save space, a well-lit corner;

• You must also ensure that you leave plenty of floor space between the actual TV and where you'll be sitting: for a smaller 29" TV, 3-4 feet will do, but you should increase it to 5-6' for larger models (around 46"), whereas even bigger ones will need between 7 and 8'.

2. Measure your TV & calculate the right size for your new TV stand

Unless the description of a TV stand specifies that it's made to fit a, say, 65" TV, this size probably refers to the actual length of the stand.

Because, on the contrary, TVs are measured diagonally, you can see how easy it is to end up with the wrong match.

• Instead, measure your TV from one edge to the other;

• Unless you're opting for wall or flat-mounted models, add 2" to what you've just measured, just so the stand doesn't look too small. Or, if you're planning on placing some decorative items, at least 4-6" on each side.

To avoid tilting your head into uncomfortable positions, you also need to measure the sitting height:

• Start by sitting on your sofa or wherever you'll sit when watching TV, and measure the height from the floor to your eye level;

• For the best results, the bottom half of the screen should match that height;

• This means that the surface onto which you'll place the TV shouldn't be any lower than 12" below measurement.

As for the size of your stand, you must be realistic with your existing furniture. Still, allow around 6" of clearance on one side so that you can access the cables.

3. Figure out what type of TV stand matches your needs & room

TV stands come in all sorts of sizes and designs, but it's helpful to start by deciding what type you should go for:

• A console TV stand is one of the most traditional options, consisting of long units with a wide top surface and shelves or cabinets for storage. You can either place the TV on it or hang it on the wall above it;

• For a more contemporary and minimalist effect, you can save some space by opting for a floating TV stand if you have a wall-mounted TV: this clever design consists of a lighter cabinet that's also mounted on the wall and offers you extra storage;

• If you don't watch the TV every single day and have opted for elegant, old-style interiors, then you might not want it to be the focal point of your room. In that case, you can choose a sophisticated TV armoire, opening it only when you're actually planning on using your TV;

• Space-optimizing corner TV stands are proper game-changers in smaller homes or flats. Because they can fit in an existing corner, they even offer you extra storage space in what you thought would be a wasted area;

• A more streamlined solution, a mounted TV stand consists of a tripod or pedestal that holds the TV while offering minimal storage, for example through a couple of shelves. Here's how to choose a flat-panel mount TV stand;

• If you take your cinematic experience extremely seriously (and space is not a problem), then you might want to consider a larger entertainment unit. These TV stands are made to incorporate your sound system and offer you plenty of multimedia storage through cabinets and drawers.

4. Think of materials…

It's always helpful to have a look around and choose materials that you already have in your room or that would match your interiors.

Other than that, here's what you can keep in mind:

• Solid wood is still one of the most popular options: it's durable, versatile, and can match most décors. We recommend choosing lighter finishes in more contemporary or smaller rooms, whereas darker ones can help you reinforce a traditional atmosphere and decorate larger settings;

• If you love the look of wood but were hoping for a cheaper alternative, consider MDF: it has the same appearance as wood grain, but without its weight;

• Glass is a relatively more fragile but interesting option that can add a contemporary twist or make a small room appear much airier;

• Metal is a durable, low-maintenance material that ensures stability. Just make sure you look for powder-coated and rust-resistant finishes to promote the longevity of your new TV stand.

5. … And your interiors

Materials aside, you also want the design of your TV stand to be consistent with the rest of your furniture.

In order to find the right style of TV stand for your décor:

• Choose sleek designs in more contemporary or minimalist settings, for example as a console, floating or mounted stand;

• If you have more decorative interiors, you can opt for detail-based designs with interesting lines or patterns;

• Try and keep your palette consistent by choosing a TV stand in the same color or finish as your existing furniture.

6. Consider whether or not you need any extra features

Once the most important things are sorted, take some time to think about other functions that your TV stand could fulfill:

• Do you need any extra storage? If so, you might want to look for more traditional consoles or models with more shelves and cupboards. If you don't, you can save space with a simpler mounted option;

• If you also have a DVD/Blu-ray player or a gaming console, you definitely want a model with extra shelves;

• To avoid a cluttered look, consider a TV stand with cable management features to keep your wires organized.