Let’s be real – finding the right TV stand isn’t just about having somewhere to put your television. It’s about finding something that works with your space, doesn’t look awful, and actually fits your stuff. After going through this myself recently, I wanted to share what I’ve learned.
Get Your Measurements Right
First things first – measure your actual TV width, not just the screen size. That “55-inch” measurement is diagonal, which trips up a lot of people. Your stand should be at least a few inches wider than your TV to avoid that awkward “too big for its base” look.
Don’t forget to check how much weight the stand can handle too. Modern TVs are pretty lightweight compared to the old dinosaurs, but better safe than sorry (and sorry can mean a shattered TV).
I noticed some brands like TAVR Furniture make stands with universal mounts that work with different TV sizes. The glass and steel ones look sleek and can actually hold up well to heavier screens.
Think About Your Room
Your TV stand needs to work in your actual space, not some idealized living room from a catalog. A massive entertainment center will make a small apartment feel claustrophobic, while a tiny stand in a big room just looks sad and lost.
Think about where you sit, too. You want your TV at eye level when you’re on the couch – not making you crane your neck up or down. And please, keep it away from windows that will create glare during your favorite shows.
If you’re tight on space, corner stands are super useful. Or if you want something more adjustable, those swivel stands (TAVR makes good ones) let you change the angle depending on where you’re sitting.
Types of Stands to Consider
There’s actually a bunch of different options out there:
- Open shelves: Good for showing off your gaming consoles and keeping things cool, but your mess is on display for everyone to see
- Cabinet-style: Hides all your junk behind doors (which is what I went with after getting tired of seeing my partner’s tangled cables)
- Swivel stands: Let you adjust the angle without shoving furniture around
- Corner units: Perfect for awkward spaces
- Full entertainment centers: The big boys that take up a whole wall but give you tons of storage
Your choice really depends on how you use your setup and whether you’re trying to hide clutter or display your stuff.
Match It With Your Style
No need to overthink this – just make sure your stand doesn’t clash with everything else in your room. Got modern furniture? Go with metal and glass. More of a rustic vibe? Look for wood with some character.
Some quick style matches:
- Modern rooms: Black metal frames, glass shelves
- Farmhouse style: Weathered wood, maybe with barn-style doors
- Mid-century modern: Walnut wood with those angled legs
- Industrial look: Metal and wood combos with rougher textures
Deal With Your Cable Mess
If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a soundbar, streaming box, game console, and who knows what else connected to your TV. Look for stands with:
- Shelves with enough clearance for your devices
- Some closed storage for the ugly stuff
- Cable management holes (absolute lifesaver)
Nothing makes a nice TV setup look trashy faster than cables going everywhere. Some of the TAVR stands have built-in cable management, which is something I wish I’d prioritized more in my purchase.
Materials That Last
The material affects both how it looks and how long it’ll last:
- MDF/particle board: Cheaper but doesn’t always age well
- Solid wood: Costs more but will probably outlast your TV
- Tempered glass: Looks modern and is stronger than you’d expect
- Metal frames: Good for stability and a contemporary look
If you move frequently like I do, also consider weight. That solid oak entertainment center might be gorgeous, but your back won’t thank you on moving day.
What to Spend
You can find stands from $70 all the way up to “why does furniture cost more than my car?” Here’s a rough breakdown:
- Under $200: Basic stands, simpler materials
- $200-$500: Better quality, more features, brands like TAVR
- $500+: Premium materials, fancy features, custom options
If you’re on a budget, Facebook Marketplace and thrift stores can be goldmines for solid wood stands that just need some TLC.
Bottom Line
Don’t rush this decision. Measure twice, think about how you actually use your space, and consider what you’ll need down the road. The right TV stand ties your whole entertainment setup together and makes movie nights way more enjoyable.
And remember – functionality matters just as much as looks. Your gorgeous stand won’t seem so great if it can’t fit your Xbox or if you’re constantly fighting with cable tangles.