The TV stand is an essential piece of living room furniture. Used to hold a television or create a TV nook, it also serves as a decorative accent, adding a touch of elegance to a room. Among the most common styles is the classic wooden TV stand, widely favored for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
However, when choosing a wooden TV stand, it’s important to pay attention to certain details, including the stand’s dimensions. Find out how to choose a wooden TV stand that’s the right size.
How long should a wooden TV stand be?
Most TV stands range in length from 120 to 220 cm. To choose the right size, you need to consider the size of the room, the dimensions of the TV, and certain aesthetic factors.
The size of the room
To avoid being too bulky or imposing—or too inconspicuous—a wooden TV stand should be sized to complement the living room or the room in which it is placed. Therefore, opt for smaller TV stands for small living rooms and larger ones for spacious rooms. For example, it’s advisable to choose models averaging 160 cm in length for a living room with a wall that is 3 m long.
The TV format
For aesthetic, safety, and balance reasons, it is essential that the length of the TV stand match that of the television it will hold—that is, the number of inches. The rule to follow is to choose a wooden TV stand that extends 20 cm beyond each side of the TV. To ensure you make the right choice, you can use the following dimensions as a guide:
- a small TV stand, 120 to 160 cm long, for a 32- to 60-inch TV;
- a medium-sized TV stand, 160 to 200 cm long, for a 60- to 74-inch TV;
- A large piece of furniture, 200 to 220 cm long, for a 74- to 84-inch TV.
How wide should a wooden TV stand be?
The standard width of commercially available wooden TV stands ranges from 35 to 50 cm. When choosing a model, you should consider the layout of your living room and how the TV is positioned.
The Living Room Layout
Taking into account the layout of the living room or the room where the TV stand will be placed may be optional if you’re dealing with a large room, since there will likely be plenty of space. However, in the case of small rooms, this factor must be carefully considered. To that end, you should ensure that the unit’s width does not block the path between its edge and the coffee table, if the room has one.
The TV's balance
A wooden TV stand is one of the models that provides the best stability for a television. However, you need to choose the right width so that the TV remains balanced on it.
What should be the height of a wooden TV stand?
The height of a TV stand—whether it’s made of wood or any other material—ranges from 30 to 100 cm above the floor. Here’s an overview of the factors to consider when choosing the right size.
The dimensions of the living room
It is essential to balance the room’s proportions with those of the wooden TV stand to achieve a successful interior design. To do this, it is recommended to choose tall pieces ranging from 50 to 100 cm in height for spacious living rooms. Conversely, low units, ranging in height from 30 to 45 cm, are excellent choices for small rooms.
However, ceiling height is just as important when choosing the size of a TV stand. It ranges from 1.80 m to 2.60 m, with an average of 2.20 or 2.30 m. Given this standard height, you should choose a wooden TV stand that is 70 cm tall.
Seat Height
The height of the TV stand should be adjusted to match that of the seating, that is, the height of the sofa or armchairs. For optimal viewing comfort, you should not only adjust the height of the TV stand to match that of the seating but also—and most importantly—choose a height that makes it easy to see the screen. To this end, make sure the unit is high enough so that the center of the TV screen is at eye level or just below it.
The decorative style of the room
By taking into account the room’s decor—where the piece will be placed—you can easily determine the ideal height. For example, it’s best to choose low or wall-mounted TV stands when you want to create a minimalist look. Conversely, tall TV stands are better suited to decor styles that aim to be airy and imposing.
User Habits
TV viewers’ viewing habits can help determine the right size for a wooden TV stand. For example, if you usually lie down to watch TV, a low TV stand—which helps center the screen—is ideal.
For even greater precision when choosing the size, simply subtract half the height of the TV from the distance between the floor and the average eye level of the users. The result will help you determine the approximate ideal height for the TV stand.
Accessibility
Whether you’re choosing a low, tall, or wall-mounted TV stand, accessibility should be a key consideration. Ideally, choose a model whose height, when combined with that of the TV, ensures access to the outlet and cables and makes adjustments easier. However, if you have children at home who might reach the TV, it’s recommended to choose a tall model to prevent them from accessing it.
The ultimate tip for choosing the right height for a wooden TV stand is to opt for models with an adjustable and swiveling TV mount. Alternatively, you can choose models with adjustable legs. With these solutions, you can adjust the height of the stand and the TV to suit your visual comfort or viewing positions.
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