
Console Tables and TV Placement Guide: A Style Guide
|
Time to read 6 min
|
Time to read 6 min
Hello there! As someone who's spent over a decade helping clients create beautiful, functional living spaces, I'm rather excited to share my insights about pairing console tables with televisions. It's a topic that comes up surprisingly often in my consultations, and truth be told, getting it right can transform your viewing experience and room aesthetics.
Whether you're redesigning your living room or simply wondering if your current setup needs a refresh, you're in the right place.
The short answer is yes - but there's quite a bit more to consider than you might think. Console tables can indeed support televisions, provided you choose the right one.
In my experience, the key lies in selecting a console table specifically designed for audio-visual equipment, rather than the decorative ones you might use in an entryway.
I recently worked with a client who was determined to use her grandmother's antique console table under her new 65-inch television. While the table was beautiful, it simply wasn't built to handle the weight and cable management requirements of modern electronics.
Instead, we found a lovely media console that echoed the vintage aesthetic while providing proper support and functionality.
Need Inspiration? View Our Most Popular Console Tables Here.
Getting the height right is absolutely crucial for both comfort and style. When I'm working with clients, I always emphasise that the optimal viewing experience comes from having the television at eye level when seated.
This typically means the centre of your screen should sit about 106-117 cm from the floor, depending on your seating height.
Let's look at the exact measurements you'll want to consider:
Viewing Position |
Screen Centre Height |
Maximum Height (Top of TV) |
Minimum Console Height |
---|---|---|---|
Seated on Sofa |
106-117 cm |
140-150 cm |
45-60 cm |
Viewing from Bed |
115-125 cm |
150-160 cm |
50-65 cm |
Standing View |
130-140 cm |
165-175 cm |
60-75 cm |
When it comes to selecting the right size console table for your television, proportion is everything.
I always tell my clients to think of it rather like framing a photograph - you want the frame to complement the image, not overwhelm or underwhelm it.
Your console table should ideally be at least as wide as your television, but preferably 10-15 cm wider on each side. This extra width not only provides stability but also creates a visually balanced appearance.
I recently designed a space where we used a 180 cm console for a 65-inch television, and the proportions were absolutely spot-on.
The distance between your seating area and the television setup is crucial for both comfort and style.
I've found that many homeowners tend to position their televisions too close to their seating, which can create an overwhelming viewing experience and dominate the room's atmosphere.
A good rule of thumb I share with clients is to measure your screen size and multiply it by 1.5-2.5 to determine the optimal viewing distance in inches.
For example, with a 65-inch television, you'd want your sofa positioned between 97.5 and 162.5 inches away (approximately 2.5-4.1 metres).
Choosing the appropriate console length isn't just about aesthetics - it's about creating a balanced, functional space that works for your specific television size.
In my years of experience, I've developed quite a knack for matching consoles to televisions, particularly when it comes to those popular 65-inch models.
For a 65-inch television, which measures approximately 145 cm in width, I typically recommend a console between 160-180 cm long.
This provides enough overhang on each side to create visual balance while offering plenty of space for any additional equipment you might need to house.
Looking for Console Tables? View Our Most Popular Console Table Collection Here
Now that we've covered all the essential aspects of pairing console tables with televisions, let's turn this knowledge into action. Start by measuring your space carefully - note down the width of your intended TV placement area, the distance from your seating area, and the height of your current seating.
These measurements will form the foundation of your perfect setup. If you're shopping for a new console table, take these measurements with you, and don't forget to consider extra space for any additional equipment like gaming consoles or sound systems.
With your measurements in hand, focus on creating a balanced arrangement. Begin by selecting a console table that's appropriately sized for both your space and television. Position it at the ideal height, ensuring any cable management solutions are in place before mounting or placing your TV.
Remember to factor in proper ventilation space and consider future-proofing your setup - perhaps leaving room for a soundbar addition or allowing space for upgraded gaming consoles.
Finally, test your viewing angles from different seated positions in the room, and don't hesitate to make small adjustments until everything feels just right. The perfect console table and TV arrangement is one that not only looks stunning but functions seamlessly in your daily life.
The ideal height for a TV console table typically ranges between 45-60 cm. This height provides comfortable viewing angles when paired with standard sofa heights and allows for proper component ventilation.
Yes, you can mount a TV above a console table, and many designers prefer this option. The key is ensuring your wall can support the TV's weight and maintaining the proper viewing height with the centre of the screen at approximately 106-117 cm from the floor.
Most TV console tables are designed to hold between 45-90 kg, depending on their construction. Always check the manufacturer's weight rating before placing your television and equipment on the console.
No, the TV should not be wider than the console table for both aesthetic and safety reasons. The console should extend at least 5-10 cm beyond each side of the television.
Solid wood or high-quality engineered wood are the best materials for TV console tables. These materials provide durability and stability while offering excellent ventilation properties.
Most modern TV console tables come with built-in cable management systems. If yours doesn't, you can use cable covers, cord channels, or specially designed cable management solutions that attach to the back of the console.
A TV console should be at least 40 cm deep to accommodate modern televisions and entertainment equipment. This depth ensures stability and proper ventilation for components.
Yes, you can place speakers on your TV console table, but consider vibration isolation pads. These will prevent unwanted resonance and protect both the speakers and the console surface.
Contemporary or transitional style console tables typically work best with modern TVs. These styles often feature clean lines and functional design elements that complement today's television designs.