How to buy a TV unit
Consider the height of your TV unit; when you’re sitting on your couch, you want your eyes to line up half to two-thirds of the screen. For example, for TVs larger than 40 inches, it’s best to look for units that are about 300-550mm tall. However, there are exceptions to every rule; If you have a very specific space or need for your TV, there are plenty of options for taller or very short units.
> Practicality and Style
You will need to decide how much storage you will need for your components and DVDs etc. Be sure to measure your components before you go shopping. Also think about what kind of look you want; Do you care if your components are in plain sight or do you want them all hidden behind doors or glass? If they are going to be concealed it is important to make sure your remotes will work through glass/doors.
Are you planning to place your television on top of a TV unit or are you going to mount it on the wall? These are good questions to ask yourself in order to narrow your search. This will also help you decide what style you want for your space.
> Space and proportion
If you have a large living room with a large sofa, compare it to a long narrow TV cabinet. If you have the space, a wall unit can be a great way to neatly incorporate your TV and media equipment while becoming a feature of your home.
If you have a small space to fill, a simple unit with practical drawers and media storage will do the job just fine. Look for designs that are simple and without handles to allow them to blend in with your room and other existing furniture.
The key to displaying your TV is to center it on a slightly longer unit or display it off-center and balance it with tall fixtures or a floating shelf. These two options ensure that your TV will look proportionate no matter which size you decide to use.
42″ TV
42″ TVs look great centered on smaller units to balance out the TV’s proportions. With smaller TVs, you also have the option of placing it off-center on a longer unit and balancing it with floating shelves, a piece of art, or tall decorative items.
– Units 1.0 – 1.8 m wide.
– Compact, practical and simple style to house components.
– See: Little Basso, Single, Prima 1.8, Little Padova, Astro.
46″ TV
46″ TVs are best suited to TV units that are between 1.8 and 2.2m. This leaves enough room on each side for it to look visually balanced in a space. Slightly larger TV units also offer more storage for media and accessories like DVDs and CDs. –
– Units 1.8 – 2.2 m wide.
– Stylish, proportioned and excellent storage for DVDs and additional components if required.
– See: Prima 1.8, Mezzi, Quadrato, Moby, Basso
55″+ TV
When you have a larger TV to accommodate and you have the space, you can choose between a long low unit or a wall unit. It’s a great idea to balance such a large TV with hanging cabinets or shelves.
– Units 2.2 – 3.6m wide
– Compact, practical and simple style to house components.
– Tall units that incorporate supports, decorative displays and practical storage.
– See: Premium 2.4, Moby, Cougar, High
– Gold wall units: Viano, Genova