What Are the Rules for TV Stands? Your Complete Design Guide to Getting It Right
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Time to read 9 min
Let me tell you, after twenty years of helping clients choose furniture for their living rooms, I've seen every TV stand mistake in the book. From wobbly disasters that made everyone nervous during match day to gorgeous pieces that completely transformed a space - I've witnessed it all. And darling, there really are rules to this game, ones that'll save you from buyer's remorse and ensure your living room looks absolutely brilliant.
The truth is, selecting the right TV stand involves more than just picking something pretty from the showroom floor. It's about understanding proportions, considering your lifestyle, and thinking about how this piece will work with everything else in your room. Think of it as finding the perfect foundation for your entire entertainment setup - get it right, and everything else falls beautifully into place.
Table of Contents
How to Pick the Right TV Stand?
Choosing the right TV stand starts with three fundamental measurements: your TV's width, the viewing distance from your sofa, and the available floor space. I always tell my clients to begin with their TV's actual width (not the screen size - that diagonal measurement manufacturers love to shout about). Your stand should be at least 5-10 centimetres wider than your TV on each side. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about visual balance and stability.
Here's my golden rule: measure twice, buy once.
The height of your TV stand matters enormously for comfortable viewing. When you're seated on your sofa, the centre of your TV screen should be at eye level - typically about 107-122 centimetres from the floor. This means most TV stands should be between 40-65 centimetres tall, depending on your sofa height and personal preference. I once had a client who suffered neck pain for months before realising their TV was mounted far too high - don't make that mistake!
Weight capacity is another crucial factor people often overlook. Modern TVs might be slimmer than their predecessors, but a 65-inch model can still weigh 25-35 kilograms. Add a soundbar, gaming console, and cable box, and you're looking at substantial weight. Always check the manufacturer's specifications and choose a stand rated for at least 20% more than your total equipment weight. Better safe than sorry, especially when your new OLED is involved.
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What Should Your TV Stand Match?
Your TV stand doesn't need to match your furniture exactly - in fact, I often advise against it. What it should do is complement your existing pieces whilst adding its own character to the room. If your living room features warm wood tones, consider a TV stand in a similar wood family but perhaps a shade lighter or darker for subtle contrast. This creates visual interest without the matchy-matchy look that can make a room feel like a furniture showroom.
The style of your TV stand should echo the overall design language of your space. In a mid-century modern room with tapered legs and clean lines, a rustic farmhouse TV stand would stick out like a sore thumb. However, a sleek console with hairpin legs and walnut veneer would sing in harmony with your existing pieces. It's about finding that sweet spot between coordination and individuality.
Consider the other metals and finishes in your room too. If you've got brass lamp bases and picture frames, a TV stand with brass hardware creates a lovely thread of continuity. Chrome and stainless steel? Look for stands with silver-toned details. These small touches pull a room together in the most sophisticated way.
| TV Size | Recommended Stand Width | Minimum Stand Depth | Ideal Viewing Distance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43" | 100-110 cm | 35 cm | 1.5-2.0 metres |
| 50" | 115-125 cm | 38 cm | 1.8-2.3 metres |
| 55" | 125-135 cm | 40 cm | 2.0-2.5 metres |
| 65" | 145-155 cm | 45 cm | 2.3-2.8 metres |
| 75" | 170-180 cm | 50 cm | 2.7-3.3 metres |
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Can a TV Stand Fit Any TV?
No, absolutely not - and this is where I see people make costly mistakes all the time.
Each TV stand has specific weight and size limitations that you must respect. That bargain flat-pack stand might look identical to the premium version, but there's often a world of difference in construction quality and load-bearing capacity. I've seen beautiful glass TV stands crack under the weight of TVs they weren't designed to support.
The mounting system matters too.
Most modern TVs use VESA mounting patterns - standardised screw hole spacings on the back of your TV. If you're planning to use a stand with an integrated mount rather than simply placing your TV on top, you need to check VESA compatibility. Your 75-inch TV might technically fit on a stand width-wise, but if the mounting bracket only supports up to 400x400mm VESA patterns and your TV needs 600x400mm, you're stuck.
Another consideration is the TV's pedestal or feet design. Some TVs have wide-set feet that might overhang narrower stands, whilst others have a central pedestal that concentrates all the weight in one spot. I always recommend checking your TV's manual for the exact feet spacing - manufacturers usually list this as the "stand width" specification. You'd be surprised how many people forget to account for this until they're unpacking their new TV.
Oval TV Stands vs Regular TV Stands
Oval TV stands have become increasingly popular, and I completely understand why. They bring a softness to rooms dominated by rectangular shapes - your TV, windows, artwork - everything tends to be angular. An oval stand introduces curves that can make a space feel more organic and welcoming. They're particularly brilliant in smaller rooms where sharp corners can make navigation tricky, especially if you've got little ones running about.
The practical advantages of oval stands extend beyond aesthetics. They typically offer better viewing angles from various seating positions since there are no corners to obstruct sightlines. In my own living room, switching from a rectangular to an oval stand opened up the space remarkably - suddenly, everyone on our L-shaped sofa could see the screen perfectly without any adjustment.
However, oval stands do have limitations.
Storage can be trickier with oval designs. Rectangular shelves maximise corner space for equipment, whilst oval stands often waste some storage potential with their curved edges. If you're someone with extensive media collections or multiple gaming consoles, a traditional rectangular stand might serve you better. Also, oval stands can look out of place in very formal or traditional settings where geometric precision is part of the design language.
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What Are the Rules for TV Stands? Making Your Final Choice
After all these considerations, the fundamental rules for TV stands come down to balance, proportion, and purpose. Your stand must be sturdy enough to support your equipment safely, sized appropriately for both your TV and room, and styled to enhance rather than clash with your existing décor. Remember that this piece of furniture will likely be a focal point in your room - every time you enter, your eye will naturally travel to it.
The perfect TV stand does more than hold your television; it anchors your entire living space and sets the tone for how you'll enjoy entertainment at home. Take your time with this decision. Visit showrooms, sit on the floor to check heights, and don't hesitate to bring fabric swatches or photos of your room when shopping. Most importantly, trust your instincts - if something feels off about a stand, even if it ticks all the practical boxes, keep looking.
Your living room should be a place where you feel completely at ease, and every element should contribute to that comfort. Choose a TV stand that makes you smile when you walk in the room, one that makes your TV look intentional rather than plonked down, and one that'll serve you well for years to come. Get these rules right, and you'll have a living room that's both beautiful and perfectly functional.
Measure First, Buy Once : Before shopping, measure your TV's actual width (not diagonal screen size) and add 10-20cm minimum for your ideal stand width. Check your TV manual for the exact feet spacing and weight, then choose a stand rated for at least 20% more weight capacity than your total equipment load.
Set the Perfect Height : Measure your eye level when seated on your sofa (typically 107-122cm from floor) - this should align with your TV's centre point. Select a TV stand between 40-65cm tall depending on your sofa height, and always test viewing angles from all seating positions before finalising placement.
Match Style, Not Colour : Rather than exact furniture matching, choose a TV stand that echoes your room's design language (modern with modern, traditional with traditional) whilst complementing existing wood tones and metal finishes. Ensure the stand's storage capacity meets your actual needs - oval for style and flow, rectangular for maximum equipment storage.
Frequently Asked Questions About TV Stand Rules
What is the 2/3 rule for TV stands?
The 2/3 rule suggests your TV's width should be roughly two-thirds the width of your TV stand for ideal visual proportion. This creates a balanced look where the stand properly frames the TV without appearing too large or too small.
How much bigger should a TV stand be than the TV?
Your TV stand should be at least 5-10 centimetres wider than your TV on each side. For larger TVs over 65 inches, consider 10-15 centimetres per side for better proportion and stability.
Can I put a 55-inch TV on a 120cm stand?
A 55-inch TV typically measures about 123cm wide, so a 120cm stand would be too narrow. You'd need at least a 135cm stand to provide proper support and visual balance for a 55-inch TV.
What happens if my TV is bigger than the stand?
An oversized TV on a small stand creates instability risks and looks visually unbalanced. It can lead to tipping hazards, stress on the TV's base, and an awkward appearance in your room.
Should a TV stand be eye level?
The centre of your TV screen should be at eye level when seated, not the stand itself. Most TV stands are 40-65cm tall to achieve this optimal viewing height when combined with the TV's height.
How do I know if my TV is too heavy for my stand?
Check your stand's maximum weight capacity in the manual or specifications. Your TV and all equipment combined should weigh at least 20% less than this maximum for safety.
What is the best depth for a TV stand?
TV stands should be at least 35-50cm deep, depending on your TV size. Deeper stands provide better stability and space for equipment, whilst preventing your TV from overhanging the front edge.
Can I use a coffee table as a TV stand?
Coffee tables are typically too low (35-45cm) for comfortable TV viewing and may lack proper weight capacity. Purpose-built TV stands are designed with appropriate height and structural support for electronics.
Do TV stands need ventilation?
Yes, especially if storing heat-generating equipment like game consoles or cable boxes. Look for stands with open backs or ventilation slots to prevent overheating of your electronics.
What's the difference between a TV stand and an entertainment centre?
A TV stand is typically a simple console, whilst an entertainment centre includes additional shelving or cabinetry surrounding the TV area. Entertainment centres offer more storage but require more space.
