Let’s face it: we all love sitting down to watch a good movie or a favorite TV show. In fact, it is said that the average American spends upward of five hours in front of the big screen per day. That’s a lot of screen time!
You likely put in a lot of time researching your new TV, but equally important is finding a home entertainment solution that adequately supports your TV and works well in your space. How do you determine the right fit for your home? Read on for our complete buying guide.
Before You Shop
Find the True Size of Your TV
When shopping for a new TV, you typically have an average size in mind which narrows down your options and makes the buying process a bit easier. But regardless of the size you end up choosing, the manufacturer is really advertising the diagonal length of the screen itself. That means a 55″ TV, for instance, is only a representation of the diagonal length from the bottom left corner of the screen to the top right corner of the screen.
In order to get the true size of your TV, you’ll need to measure the overall width starting from the far left edge of the TV (or bezel) to the far right edge. You’ll also want to measure the overall height (from the TV’s base to the top edge of the bezel) and the overall depth (from the front of the TV to the back, including the TV’s base). Your TV stand will need to accommodate overall width, depth, and height measurements to provide a comfortable, stylish, and safe viewing experience.
How to Find the Correct Size TV Stand
Now that you have the actual dimensions of your TV, you’ll have a better idea as to which size TV stand is needed. You’ll want to look for a stand that is at least 2-3″ wider than the overall width of your TV on either side. You’ll also want to make sure there is enough room in front of and behind your TV.
Allowing for adequate room on all sides will ensure that your TV stand not only safely accommodates your TV, but follows basic interior design principles in avoiding a look that is too top-heavy or unbalanced.
Calculating the Maximum TV Size for Your TV Stand
If you’re trying to determine the perfect TV size for an existing stand, a simple calculation can help you maintain balanced proportions between your TV and the furniture.
Understanding Overhang
First, let’s clarify what “overhang” means in this context. Overhang is the portion of the TV that extends beyond the sides of the stand. A balanced look often features about 10% of the TV width as overhang on each side.
Formula for TV Size
To calculate the maximum TV size for your current stand, follow these steps:
- Identify Stand Width: Measure the width of your TV stand in inches.
- Calculate Maximum TV Width: Multiply your TV stand width by 1.25. This factor ensures that each side has a 10% overhang relative to the TV’s width. For example:
- If your TV stand is 60 inches wide:
- Maximum TV Width = 60 inches x 1.25
- Maximum TV Width = 75 inches
- If your TV stand is 60 inches wide:
In Summary
By using this calculation, you’ll ensure your TV complements the stand without excessive overhang, maintaining both aesthetics and stability. Keep this formula handy whenever you consider changing either your TV or stand while preserving that perfect visual harmony!
Measure the Height
For an optimal viewing experience, you’ll want to make sure your TV stand supports your TV at a height that is naturally comfortable. Buying a TV stand that is too tall or too short can create or exacerbate existing neck- or eye strain issues. The general guideline is for the center of your TV to be at, or just below, eye level.
To calculate the optimal height of your TV stand, measure the distance from the floor to the average sightline of viewers in your household. Once you have that number, subtract half of the TV’s height. Your TV stand should fall within an inch or two of the difference.
Go The Distance
In addition, you’ll want to ensure your TV is at the proper distance from where you’ll be viewing it. The general rule of thumb is to place your TV at a distance that is twice the length of your screen size (remember, this is the diagonal measurement!). So a TV with a 55″ screen size, for instance, should be placed at a distance of 110″ away.
Placement Is Everything
Lastly, if the layout of your room allows for flexibility in the placement of your TV, try as much as possible to keep it away from heating/cooling vents and windows. You’ll also want to keep it out of direct sunlight to avoid daytime glare.
Characteristics of a Quality TV Stand
When selecting a TV stand, it’s essential to focus on several key characteristics that ensure both functionality and style. Here’s what to look for:
1. Size Compatibility
- Measure True Width: The true width of your TV is crucial. Although TVs are typically measured diagonally, their actual width is often 7 to 10 inches less than the screen size. Ensure the stand exceeds the TV’s width by a few inches on each side to allow for proper centering and aesthetic balance.
2. Stability and Support
- Weight Capacity: A good stand should support the weight of your TV securely. Check the specifications to ensure it can handle your TV’s weight.
- Durability: Look for quality materials like solid wood or sturdy metal that offer long-term durability.
3. Design and Aesthetics
- Style and Finish: The stand should complement your room’s decor. Options range from sleek modern designs to classic wooden finishes.
- Overhang Space: Consider stands with a slight overhang for additional decoration with picture frames or ornamental pieces, enhancing your living space’s visual appeal.
4. Functionality and Features
- Storage Options: A stand with multiple shelves or cabinets can offer much-needed storage for media players, gaming consoles, and accessories.
- Cable Management: Built-in cable management systems help keep wires organized and out of sight, maintaining a clean and clutter-free look.
5. Ease of Assembly
- User-Friendly Instructions: Look for stands that come with clear, easy-to-follow assembly instructions, allowing for a hassle-free setup.
By considering these characteristics, you can choose a TV stand that not only fits your television but also enhances your home entertainment setup with style and practicality.
TV Stand Style Guide
Now that you have a general guide in choosing the right size TV stand for your TV, it’s time to shop! There are several different styles to choose from depending on the layout of your space, so we’ve put together a complete style guide below.
Small
Consists of a wide variety of style options. When you need compact design for a smaller space, consider a smaller scale TV stand that effortlessly supports your TV without overtaking your space.
Styles to consider:
- TV credenzas
- TV consoles
- Corner consoles
Common size range:
- 42″ – 60″
Perfect for:
- Studio apartments
- Lofts
- Bedrooms
- Playrooms
Medium
When you need a solution that offers more surface area in addition to built-in storage features, a medium TV stand is the perfect fit for you. Many options even offer fireplace inserts that can add warmth to your space while you tune in to your favorite shows.
Styles to consider:
- TV credenzas
- TV consoles
- Fireplace consoles
Common size range:
- 64″ – 70″
Perfect for:
- Living rooms
- Master suites
- Home theaters
Large
When you’re serious about catching all the latest movies and television series—and let’s not forget about gaming—you’ll find large TV stands especially useful. In addition to the optional fireplace insert we mentioned above, you’ll find any number of built-in shelves, drawers, compartments, and cabinets for organization and storage. You’ll also find convenient wire management cutouts to keep unsightly cords and wires out of sight.
Styles to consider:
- Wall units
- Entertainment centers
- Media cabinets
- Media consoles
- Fireplace consoles
Common size range:
- 74″ – 85″
Perfect for:
- Living rooms
- Home theaters