How to Choose the Right TV Unit for Your Living Room

Choosing the right TV unit can help your living room feel more organised, balanced and practical for everyday use. A well-designed TV unit does more than hold a screen. It can provide useful storage, help manage cables and media devices, and anchor the layout of the room. Whether you are furnishing a large family living room or a smaller snug, the right piece should suit your television, your storage needs and the overall style of your space.

In this guide, we explain how to choose the best TV unit for your living room, including size, layout, storage, materials and styling. If you are planning the wider room too, you can also explore our living room buying guides for more inspiration.

Start with Your Television Size

The size of your television should be the first thing you consider when choosing a TV unit. A unit that is too small can make the setup feel unbalanced, while one that is too large may dominate the room.

• Your TV unit should usually be wider than the television itself
• A wider unit creates a more balanced look and gives space for styling
• Make sure the unit can comfortably support the weight of the television if it will be placed on top
• If your TV is wall-mounted, the unit below should still feel proportionate to the screen

As a general guide, avoid choosing a unit that is the exact same width as your television. A little extra width on either side usually looks more considered and gives the arrangement a stronger visual base.

Think About How You Use the Space

Before choosing a style, think about what your TV unit needs to do day to day. For some homes, it is simply a place for the television. For others, it needs to store media boxes, games consoles, remotes, books and general living room essentials.

• Family living rooms may need generous enclosed storage to keep clutter hidden
• Minimal spaces may suit a simpler low-profile unit with clean lines
• Open-plan rooms often benefit from a larger unit that helps anchor the seating area
• Smaller rooms may need something compact that does not overpower the layout

If you need additional hidden storage elsewhere in the room, our sideboards and living room storage guide can help you plan a more cohesive setup.

Choose the Right Size TV Unit

Good proportions matter just as much as appearance. A TV unit should suit both the television and the room around it.

Width

The unit should generally be wider than the TV, helping the whole arrangement feel more stable and balanced.

Height

A lower TV unit is often the most comfortable choice, especially if the television is not wall-mounted. The screen should sit at a comfortable viewing height from your main seating position.

Depth

Think carefully about depth, especially in smaller rooms. The unit should provide enough space for media devices and styling without making walkways feel tight.

• Measure the wall where the unit will sit
• Consider nearby doors, windows, radiators and sockets
• Leave enough space around the unit so it does not feel cramped
• Check access routes, doorways and staircases before ordering

Decide What Storage You Need

TV units come in a range of storage styles, so it helps to think about what you want to keep visible and what you would rather hide away.

Open Shelving

Open shelves are useful for media boxes, consoles and devices that need remote control access.

• Easy access to devices
• Works well for styling with books or decorative pieces
• Can look lighter in smaller spaces

Drawers and Cupboards

Enclosed storage is ideal for keeping cables, remotes, games and general clutter out of sight.

• Creates a tidier overall look
• Useful in family homes and busy living spaces
• Helps keep less attractive essentials hidden away

Mixed Storage

Many of the most practical TV units combine open shelves with closed storage, giving you space for devices as well as everyday organisation.

Do Not Overlook Cable Management

One of the biggest practical considerations with any TV unit is cable management. A beautiful unit can quickly look untidy if wires and devices are left fully exposed.

• Look for designs with open backs or cable holes where possible
• Make sure shelves are large enough for your media devices
• Allow space for plugs and ventilation behind electronics
• Think about how easily you can access sockets and connections

If you use several devices, planning this properly from the start will make the whole setup feel much more streamlined.

Pick a Style That Suits Your Living Room

Your TV unit should work with the rest of the room rather than feeling like a separate practical addition. It does not need to match every piece exactly, but it should complement the wider style of the space.

• Modern interiors often suit simple shapes, clean lines and understated finishes
• Classic spaces may work well with natural wood tones and more detailed designs
• Contemporary rooms can suit mixed materials such as wood, glass or metal accents
• Lighter finishes can help smaller living rooms feel more open and airy

If the rest of the room already includes statement pieces such as a bold sofa or coffee table, a more understated TV unit can help create balance. If the room feels plain, the TV unit can play more of a feature role.

Choose Materials Carefully

The materials and finish of your TV unit will affect both its look and how well it handles everyday use.

Solid Wood

Solid wood offers warmth, character and long-lasting appeal. It is a good choice for timeless living rooms and can work in both classic and contemporary schemes depending on the design.

Painted or Veneered Finishes

These can provide a cleaner, more tailored appearance and can work especially well if you want a softer neutral tone or a more modern finish.

Glass and Metal Details

Glass shelving or metal accents can help a TV unit feel lighter and more contemporary, especially in modern interiors.

Think about how much wear the piece will get. In busy homes, durable and easy-care finishes are often the best long-term option.

Consider Placement in the Room

Where the TV unit sits will influence both the size and style that works best.

• Place it where viewing feels comfortable from the main seating area
• Avoid blocking windows or making the room feel visually heavy on one side
• Leave enough space around the unit for airflow and access to sockets
• Think about glare from windows and lighting when positioning the TV

In open-plan spaces, a TV unit can help establish the main living zone. In smaller rooms, a compact, low-profile piece often helps the space feel calmer and less crowded.

Styling a TV Unit

Even a very practical TV setup can still look considered. Styling around the television can help soften the look and make the unit feel more integrated into the room.

• Add a lamp, vase or decorative object to one side if space allows
• Use books or low accessories to break up empty surfaces
• Keep styling minimal so the unit still feels practical
• Avoid overcrowding the top, especially if the room already has plenty of visual detail

If the unit has open shelves, mix practical items with a few decorative accents so it feels tidy but not overly staged.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Choosing a unit that is too small for the television
• Ignoring cable management and device storage
• Buying something too deep for the room
• Positioning the TV too high or too low for comfortable viewing
• Overcrowding the unit with accessories and losing usable surface space

Final Thoughts

The best TV units combine proportion, practicality and style. Start by considering your television size, how much storage you need and how the piece will fit into the wider room. Once those essentials are in place, you can focus on finding a design that complements the rest of your furniture and helps the room feel more complete.

Whether you are looking for a compact TV stand for a smaller space or a larger media unit with generous storage, choosing carefully will help create a living room that feels both functional and well put together. You can also browse our wider living room furniture collection to coordinate your TV unit with the rest of your space.