How to Choose a TV Stand: Size, Height, Storage and Safety Guide

Here is how to choose a TV stand in one paragraph: measure your TV's width and weight first, then pick a stand that is wider than the TV, rated for more than its weight, low enough that the middle of the screen sits close to your eye level when you are seated, and deep enough for the TV's feet or base. After that, choose the storage, style and finish that suit your room, and anchor the TV and stand to the wall if children live in or visit the house. Get those basics right and almost any style will work.

We sell TV stands and media consoles at Easy Life Markets, from wall-mounted floating units with LED lights to mid-century walnut-look consoles with cane doors. The questions we get most are about size, weight and fit, so this guide starts there. It covers measuring, the right height and width, viewing distance, storage and cable management, materials, styles and safety, and it compares the stands we currently sell with their listed dimensions. Where a fact comes from a published source, we link to it so you can check it.

What This Guide Covers

• How to choose a TV stand: the quick checklist
• Step 1: Measure your TV
• Step 2: Get the width right
• Step 3: Get the height right
• Step 4: Check the weight rating
• Screen size and viewing distance
• Types of TV stand
• Storage, cables and power
• Materials and finishes
• Safety and tip-over prevention
• The TV stands we sell
• Frequently asked questions

How to Choose a TV Stand: The Quick Checklist

1. Width: the stand should be wider than the TV, ideally with a few inches to spare on each side.
2. Weight: the stand's listed load rating should be comfortably above the TV's weight plus anything else on top.
3. Height: the middle of the screen should sit roughly at seated eye level.
4. Depth: the TV's feet or pedestal must sit fully on the top, with room for a soundbar if you use one.
5. Storage: enough shelves, drawers or cabinets for your devices, games and clutter.
6. Cables: holes or open backs so wires can run out of sight.
7. Safety: anti-tip straps for the TV and stand, especially with young children in the home.
8. Style: a finish and shape that suit your room and other furniture.

The rest of this guide goes through each point in detail, so you can apply it to your own room.

Step 1: Measure Your TV Properly

TVs are sold by diagonal screen size, but that number tells you very little about how much space the TV takes on a stand. Before you look at any stand, find or measure these figures. They are usually on the manufacturer's website or in the manual under "dimensions with stand".

• Overall width of the TV, edge to edge.
• Weight of the TV with its stand or feet attached.
• Foot spread: the distance between the outer edges of the feet, if your TV uses feet at each end rather than a centre pedestal. Many large TVs have feet near the corners, which means the stand has to be almost as wide as the TV just to hold it.
• Foot depth: how far the feet or pedestal reach front to back.
• Height of the TV on its feet.

A Quick Way to Estimate TV Width

If you do not have the exact figure yet, here is a rough guide. Most modern TVs have a 16:9 screen. For a 16:9 shape, the screen width is about 0.87 times the diagonal, which is simple geometry. The frame adds a little more. So, roughly:

These are estimates for planning, not exact sizes. Frames, speakers and foot positions vary between models, so always check your own TV's dimensions before ordering.

Step 2: Get the Width Right

When people ask us how to choose a TV stand, width is the first thing we talk about. A TV hanging over the ends of its stand looks wrong, and more importantly it is less stable. A good rule of thumb is that the stand should be wider than the TV, ideally by a few inches on each side. That gives the set a stable base and visually anchors it.

Why Wider Is Usually Better

• Stability. A wide base resists rocking if someone bumps the TV.
• Balance. A stand slightly wider than the screen looks proportional and planned.
• Space for extras. Speakers, a lamp, a plant or a games console can sit beside the TV.
• Room for the feet. With corner feet, a stand that is only just as wide as the TV can leave the feet near the edges, which is not ideal.

When a Narrower Stand Can Work

If the TV is wall-mounted, the stand does not have to carry it, so the width rule relaxes. Many people still choose a stand close to the TV's width for a balanced look. In small rooms, a slightly narrower stand under a wall-mounted TV can save floor space.

As an example from our range, the 63 inch high-gloss black TV stand is listed at 62.99 inches (160 cm) wide and for TVs up to 70 inches, and the 67 inch rattan TV stand is listed at 66.93 inches (170 cm) wide for TVs up to 75 inches. Always check the TV's own width and foot spread against the stand's top surface.

Step 3: Get the Height Right

Height is the part of how to choose a TV stand that people most often get wrong, and it is the one you notice every single evening. A common guideline is that the centre of the screen should be close to your eye level when you are sitting on the sofa. Too high and you end up tilting your head back; too low and you look down for hours.

Working Out Your Ideal Height

1. Sit where you normally watch and have someone measure from the floor to your eyes. For many adults on a standard sofa this lands somewhere around 100 to 110 cm (about 40 to 43 inches), but measure your own.
2. Find the height from the bottom of your TV (on its feet) to the centre of the screen. Roughly, that is half the screen height plus the height of the feet.
3. Subtract the second figure from the first. That is roughly the stand height you are aiming for.

In practice, most TV stands are low, somewhere between about 40 and 60 cm (16 to 24 inches) tall, because a large TV on top raises the screen centre a long way. Taller stands suit smaller TVs, bedrooms where you may watch from a higher bed, or rooms where you mostly stand or sit on bar stools.

Examples From Our Range

• The mid-century walnut TV stand is listed at 17.91 inches (45.5 cm) tall.
• The rattan TV stand is listed at 18.11 inches (46 cm).
• The fluted walnut-look TV stand with gold legs is listed at 21.25 inches tall.
• The 43 inch TV stand with power outlets is a taller unit at 30.7 inches (78 cm), which suits smaller TVs, bedrooms and gaming setups.
• The floating TV stand mounts on the wall, so you choose its height when you fit it.

Wall-Mounted TVs

If you wall-mount the TV, the same eye-level guideline applies to the screen, and the stand underneath becomes storage and decoration. Leave enough gap between the top of the stand and the bottom of the TV for a soundbar if you use one.

Step 4: Check the Weight Rating

Every TV stand has a limit to what its top can safely carry, and many have separate limits for shelves and drawers. When you work out how to choose a TV stand, compare the TV's weight (with its stand or feet) plus a soundbar and anything else on top with the stand's listed top load. Leave a margin rather than loading right up to the limit.

Not every supplier gives a load figure. Where they do, we include it on the product page. For example, the high-gloss black TV stand is listed with a load-bearing figure of 66.15 lb (30 kg), and the floating TV stand with a load of 100 lb (about 45 kg) according to the supplier. Where a listing does not state a load limit, ask us before ordering for a heavy TV.

Wall-Mounted Floating Stands

A floating stand's real strength depends on the wall and fixings as much as the unit. Fix into studs or solid masonry with the right fixings for your wall type, and follow the instructions. Plasterboard alone is not a safe anchor for a loaded cabinet.

Screen Size, Viewing Distance and Your Stand

How far you sit from the screen affects which TV size feels right, and therefore which stand you need. Two well-known guidelines are often quoted. As Audioholics explains in its guide on how to find the right size TV, THX recommends that the screen fill about 40 degrees of your field of view, while SMPTE recommends a viewing angle of 30 degrees. In their example, a 9-foot (108-inch) viewing distance works out to about a 90-inch screen by the THX figure and about a 68-inch screen by the SMPTE figure.

What that means in practice:

• If you sit around 2.7 metres (9 feet) away, a TV somewhere between about 65 and 85 inches suits most people, depending on how immersive you like it.
• In smaller rooms, sitting closer, a 43 to 55 inch TV is often plenty.
• Bigger screens need wider stands. Check the stand against the TV you will own in a few years, not just the one you have now.

If you are planning the whole room at the same time, our living room layout guide covers seating distances and walkways around the TV wall.

Types of TV Stand

Part of how to choose a TV stand is choosing the type. Each has strengths.

Low Media Consoles

Long, low cabinets with doors, drawers or open shelves. They suit large TVs and living rooms, and double as a sideboard. Most of the stands we sell are in this group, including the 70.87 inch mid-century walnut console, the 70.8 inch black cane console with LED glass doors and the 68.89 inch fluted console with four doors.

Floating (Wall-Mounted) Stands

Fixed to the wall, leaving the floor clear underneath. They make small rooms feel bigger, are easy to clean under and keep things out of reach of small children and pets. Our 63 inch floating TV stand is listed for 55 to 65 inch TVs and has 16-colour LED lights.

Entertainment Centres and Taller Units

Taller stands with open shelving, drawers and sometimes built-in power. They suit gaming setups, bedrooms and smaller TVs. Our TV stand with power outlets has four fabric drawers and open shelves, and is listed at 43.3 x 11.8 x 30.7 inches (110 x 30 x 78 cm).

Sideboards Used as TV Stands

A sideboard or buffet makes a good TV stand if its height suits your seating and its top is deep enough. Our mid-century sideboard is listed at 60.5 inches wide, 15.75 inches deep and 32 inches tall. At that height it suits a wall-mounted TV above, or a smaller TV in a room where you sit higher or further away.

Corner Stands

Shaped to fit a corner, these free up wall space in small or awkward rooms. Check the TV's foot spread carefully, because corner tops narrow towards the back.

Combined Coffee Table and TV Cabinet Sets

Some ranges come with a matching coffee table. Our white high-gloss coffee table with matching TV cabinet gives a coordinated look across the room. See more in our coffee tables collection.

Storage, Cables and Power

A TV stand is usually the main storage piece in a living room, so think about what it needs to hold before you buy.

Make a List of What Goes In It

• Streaming box, cable or satellite box, games consoles, router
• Soundbar or AV receiver and speakers
• Controllers, remotes, headsets and chargers
• Games, films, books and photo albums
• Everyday clutter: cables, batteries, manuals

Open Shelves vs Closed Storage

• Open shelves let remote controls and console signals reach devices and keep air moving around electronics. Equipment that gets warm needs space to breathe.
• Doors and drawers hide clutter and keep dust off. Glass or cane doors are a good middle ground; many remotes still work through them. Our black cane stand with arched glass doors and the mid-century console with cane doors take this approach.

Cable Management

Look for cut-outs or holes in the back panel, an open back, or a channel for cables. Bundle wires with ties or sleeves, and leave a little slack so you can pull the stand forward to clean behind it. Keep cords where children cannot pull on them, which also matters for tip-over safety, as covered below.

Built-In Power and Lighting

Some stands now include power outlets or LED lighting. Our TV stand with power outlets is designed for charging devices at the stand, and the high-gloss black stand and floating stand both include LED lights. LED lighting behind or under a TV is popular for gaming and evening viewing.

Materials and Finishes

Materials affect looks, weight, strength and how the stand ages. When deciding how to choose a TV stand, match the material to how the room is used.

Our listings state the materials the supplier gives. For example, the high-gloss black stand is listed as MDF with high-gloss front doors made of particle board, and the mid-century sideboard as solid wood and MDF.

Style Pointers

• Mid-century and Japandi rooms: walnut tones, fluted fronts, cane panels and tapered legs. See the fluted walnut-look stand and rattan stand.
• Modern and minimal rooms: high gloss, clean lines, floating designs. See the floating stand and high-gloss black stand.
• Dark and dramatic rooms: black finishes with cane or glass, like the black cane stand.
• Bright, airy rooms: white and light finishes, like the white high-gloss TV cabinet set.

Safety: Preventing TV and Furniture Tip-Overs

This is the part of how to choose a TV stand that people skip, and it matters most. The US Consumer Product Safety Commission's Anchor It campaign reports, in its release on the latest tip-over statistics, that 459 tip-over deaths of children aged 17 and under were reported from 2000 to 2018. In those child deaths, 37 percent involved a falling TV alone and 34 percent involved a TV and furniture together. The same release estimates that an average of 11,000 children a year were treated in hospital emergency rooms for tip-over injuries between 2016 and 2018.

The CPSC's advice is simple, and it applies anywhere in the world:

• Anchor furniture and TVs to the wall with low-cost anti-tip devices.
• If a TV cannot be anchored, place it on a sturdy, low base and push it as far back as possible.
• Do not put toys or remotes where children may climb to reach them.
• Keep heavier items low, on lower shelves or in lower drawers.
• Keep TV and cable cords out of children's reach.

So, from a safety point of view, a low, wide, heavy stand that the TV sits fully on is a good choice, and both the TV and the stand should be strapped to the wall. Wall-mounting the TV properly is another option; the VESA mounting standard, which most modern flat-panel TVs use, defines hole patterns such as 100 x 100, 200 x 200 and 400 x 400 mm, so check your TV's pattern when you buy a bracket.

The TV Stands We Sell

Here is our current range, with dimensions and key details taken from each product listing. Prices and current availability are shown on each product page.

See them all together in our TV stands and media units collection, part of our wider living room furniture and home furniture ranges.

How to Choose a TV Stand for Different Rooms

Living Rooms

Go wide and low. A long console anchors the TV wall, holds your devices and works with a coffee table and sofa in front. Match the stand's tone to your coffee table and sofa, or contrast it on purpose. For layout ideas, see our living room layout guide.

Bedrooms

You often watch from a higher bed, so a taller stand or a dresser can work well. Our 43 inch stand with power outlets or a wall-mounted TV over a dresser are good options.

Small Apartments

Floating stands keep the floor clear and make a room feel larger. A slimmer depth helps in tight spaces. Combine with shelving on the same wall for extra storage.

Gaming Rooms

Open shelves for consoles, good ventilation, cable holes and built-in power are the priorities. LED lighting adds atmosphere. Browse our gaming accessories to finish the setup.

Home Offices and Multi-Use Rooms

A sideboard can hold a TV while also storing files, printer paper and supplies. If you are setting up a workspace in the same room, our home office setup guide covers desk, chair and lighting choices, and our office furniture range has the pieces.

How to Choose a TV Stand by TV Size

Here is how to choose a TV stand for the most common TV sizes, using the estimates from Step 1 and the listed sizes of the stands we sell. Always confirm with your own TV's measurements.

43 to 50 Inch TVs

These TVs are roughly 37 to 44 inches wide. A stand around 43 inches wide or more works. Smaller TVs often look better on a slightly taller stand, which brings the screen up to eye level. Our 43.3 inch TV stand with power outlets suits this size well, especially in bedrooms and gaming corners.

55 Inch TVs

A 55 inch TV is about 48 inches wide. Stands around 55 to 63 inches wide look balanced. The fluted walnut-look stand is listed for 55 inch and larger TVs, and the floating LED stand for 55 to 65 inch TVs.

65 Inch TVs

A 65 inch TV is about 57 inches wide. Look at stands of 63 inches or more. Our 63 inch high-gloss black stand (listed for TVs up to 70 inches) and the 67 inch rattan stand both fit this group. Check the TV's weight against the listed load.

70 to 75 Inch TVs

At about 61 to 66 inches wide, these TVs need long consoles. The 70.87 inch mid-century console is listed for TVs of 70 inches and below, the rattan stand for TVs up to 75 inches, and the 70.8 inch black cane console gives a long, low base. For very large or heavy TVs, wall-mounting the screen and using the stand for storage is often the neatest and safest setup.

Putting It Together: A Worked Example

Say you have a 65 inch TV, you sit about 2.7 metres (9 feet) away, and you have a games console, a streaming box and a soundbar. Here is how to choose a TV stand for that setup, step by step:

1. Width: the TV is about 57 inches wide, so look for a stand of about 63 inches or wider.
2. Weight: check the TV's weight with its feet on the manufacturer's spec sheet, add the soundbar, and compare with the stand's listed top load.
3. Height: a low console of about 45 cm (18 inches) usually puts a 65 inch screen's centre near seated eye level, but measure your own sofa.
4. Depth: make sure the TV feet and the soundbar both fit on the top.
5. Storage: open space or ventilated cabinets for the console and streaming box, closed storage for clutter.
6. Safety: anti-tip straps for the TV and stand.

In our range, the high-gloss black stand, rattan stand and mid-century console would all be on the shortlist, and the final choice comes down to style and the load figure for your TV.

Finishing the Setup

Once the stand is in place, a few extras make the whole area work better:

• Universal remote control. A WiFi IR remote hub lets you control the TV and other infrared devices from your phone, which is handy when devices are tucked behind doors.
• Projector for a second screen. The HY300 Pro portable mini projector can turn a bedroom or garden into a movie space.
• Retro gaming. A retro HDMI game console fits easily on an open shelf.
• Smart devices. See our smart home and TV and home theater accessories collections.
• Decor. A plant, a lamp or a few books on top soften a large console. Our home decor range has ideas.

Common Mistakes When Buying a TV Stand

• Measuring the screen diagonal, not the TV width. The width and foot spread decide whether it fits.
• Ignoring the weight rating. Large TVs are heavy, and some stands have modest top loads.
• Buying a stand that is too tall. Neck strain over months is not worth it.
• Forgetting the soundbar. Check depth and the gap under the screen.
• Closed doors with no ventilation for hot equipment. Consoles and receivers need airflow.
• No cable plan. Without holes or an open back, wires end up hanging in front.
• Skipping anti-tip straps. The CPSC figures above show why they matter.
• Planning only for today's TV. TVs tend to get bigger at the next upgrade.

Questions to Ask Before You Buy

Before you settle on how to choose a TV stand for your home, run through these questions:

1. Will the TV sit on the stand or on the wall? This changes how wide and strong the stand needs to be.
2. How big might my next TV be? Leaving room for a bigger screen saves buying a second stand.
3. What will I store inside? List devices, games and clutter, and check shelf heights and depths.
4. Do my devices need ventilation? Consoles and receivers prefer open shelves or vented cabinets.
5. Where are the sockets? Plan cable routes and whether built-in power would help.
6. Who lives in the house? Young children and pets mean anti-tip straps and perhaps a floating or very low stand.
7. What else is in the room? Match or deliberately contrast your sofa, coffee table and flooring.
8. Can I get it into the room? Check doorways, stairs and lifts for long, flat-packed boxes.

If you are still unsure, send us your TV's size and weight and your room measurements through our contact page, and we will help you narrow it down.

Electronics, Heat and Ventilation

Modern TVs, consoles, streaming boxes and receivers all produce some heat. Closed cabinets without airflow can trap it, which is not good for electronics over time. A few simple habits help:

• Keep the hottest devices, usually games consoles and AV receivers, on open shelves or in cabinets with vented or cane doors.
• Leave a few centimetres of space around each device rather than stacking them tightly.
• Do not block the vents on the back of the TV by pushing it hard against a wall or panel.
• Dust inside the stand regularly; dust build-up blocks airflow.
• Follow each device maker's guidance on clearance and placement.

Cane, rattan and glass-fronted doors, like those on our rattan stand and mid-century console, hide clutter while still letting some air move.

Assembly and Care Tips

• Assemble on a soft surface such as the box flattened out or a rug, to avoid scratching finishes.
• Use two people for long consoles, and for lifting the TV onto the stand.
• Level the stand before placing the TV. Use adjustable feet or shims on uneven floors.
• Fit anti-tip straps to both the stand and the TV.
• Clean gently. A soft, slightly damp cloth for most finishes; a soft brush for cane and rattan. Avoid harsh cleaners on high gloss.
• Keep drinks off the top, or use coasters, especially on veneer and MDF.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I choose a TV stand size?

Measure your TV's overall width, foot spread and weight. Choose a stand wider than the TV, with a top load rating above the TV's weight, and a height that puts the middle of the screen near your seated eye level.

Should a TV stand be wider than the TV?

Yes, ideally by a few inches on each side. It looks balanced and gives a more stable base. If the TV is wall-mounted, the stand can be a similar width or slightly narrower.

How tall should a TV stand be?

Tall enough that the centre of the screen is roughly at your eye level when seated. For large TVs in living rooms, that usually means a low stand, often around 40 to 60 cm (16 to 24 inches).

How much weight can a TV stand hold?

It depends on the stand. Check the listed top load. For example, our high-gloss black stand is listed at 66.15 lb (30 kg) and the floating stand at 100 lb (about 45 kg).

What size TV fits a 63 inch TV stand?

Our 63 inch high-gloss black stand is listed for TVs up to 70 inches, and the 63 inch floating stand for 55 to 65 inch TVs. Always check your TV's actual width and foot spread.

Is a floating TV stand safe?

Yes, when it is fixed into studs or solid masonry with suitable fixings and loaded within its rating. Plasterboard alone is not enough.

Do I need to anchor my TV stand?

If children live in or visit your home, yes. The CPSC reports that a large share of child tip-over deaths involve TVs, alone or with furniture, and recommends anchoring furniture and TVs to the wall.

How far should I sit from my TV?

THX recommends the screen fill about 40 degrees of your view and SMPTE about 30 degrees. At about 9 feet, that suggests roughly 68 to 90 inches. Closer seating suits smaller screens.

Do you sell TV stands for large TVs?

Yes. Easy Life Markets sells TV stands listed for TVs up to 70 and 75 inches, as well as floating stands, consoles with LED lights, and stands with built-in power. Browse the TV stands collection or contact us with your TV's size and weight.

The Bottom Line on How to Choose a TV Stand

Start with numbers, not looks: TV width, foot spread and weight, then stand width, height and load rating. Plan your storage and cables, pick materials that suit how the room is used, and anchor the TV and stand to the wall. Once the practical side is right, choose the style you love. That is really all there is to how to choose a TV stand that you will be happy with for years.

When you are ready, browse our TV stands and media units, from the floating LED stand to the mid-century walnut console. Delivery information is on our shipping policy page, our return and refund policy explains what to do if something is not right, and common questions are answered in our FAQ.

Sources and References

• US Consumer Product Safety Commission, Anchor It: Latest tip-over statistics
• Audioholics: How to find the right size TV
• Wikipedia: Flat Display Mounting Interface (VESA mount)