A lowboard is a central piece of furniture in the living area, primarily designed to hold televisions and house media devices. Choosing the right model depends on several technical criteria, including your TV's dimensions, the available space, your storage needs, and the desired aesthetic. This guide breaks down the key parameters to consider when deciding on a TV cabinet or TV table.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look for in a Lowboard
The choice of a lowboard should be based on an objective evaluation of its material, construction, and functionality.
1. Dimensions and Compatibility
The size of the lowboard must suit both the television and the room.
- Width: The lowboard should be wider than the TV to ensure visual balance and stability. For a 65-inch TV, which has a screen diagonal of about 165 cm and a device width of approximately 145 cm, a TV board with a width of at least 160 cm is recommended. Models with a 140 cm width are generally suitable for sets up to 60 inches.
- Height: The ideal height of a lowboard positions the centre of the TV screen at the eye level of a seated viewer. Standard heights range from 30 cm to 50 cm.
- Depth: Sufficient depth is necessary to securely accommodate the TV's stand and provide enough space for cable management and ventilation for devices like games consoles or receivers.
2. Material and Construction
The choice of material influences the furniture's durability, load capacity, and maintenance.
- Engineered Wood (MDF/Particleboard): Medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and melamine-faced chipboard (MFC) are common materials. They offer high structural stability and allow for a wide range of surface finishes, such as lacquer in white or black and wood-look veneers. Pay attention to the material thickness and the quality of the edge sealing.
- Surface Finish: UV lacquer or melamine resin coatings protect the surface from scratches and moisture and make cleaning easier. High-gloss surfaces create a modern look, while matt or textured surfaces (e.g., a carbon fibre look) can be more resistant to fingerprints.
3. Functionality and Features
A lowboard's functionality is defined by its storage options and additional features.
- Storage Space: Open shelves are suitable for devices that are controlled by a remote. Closed compartments with doors or drawers create a tidy, clutter-free look and protect contents from dust. Adjustable shelves offer organisational flexibility.
- Mounting Type: Freestanding models can be positioned flexibly. A wall-mounted lowboard creates a floating, lightweight look and makes cleaning the floor easier. For wall mounting, the load-bearing capacity of the wall and the use of appropriate mounting hardware are critical.
- Additional Features: Integrated LED lighting can create atmospheric backlighting and is particularly popular in gaming setups. Integrated cable guides and cut-outs in the back panel ensure organised cable management.
Our Top Lowboard Picks for 2026
Based on the criteria above, we present three models, each with a different focus.
Parrot Uncle 147 cm Farmhouse Style TV Stand
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Why we recommend this product: This model combines a generous 147.3 cm width with a sturdy engineered wood (MDF) construction. The distinctive barn door-style sliding doors provide flexible access to the storage space and add a unique design accent.
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Pros:
- Suitable for TVs up to 65 inches.
- Combination of two open shelves and two closed compartments with adjustable shelves.
- Elevated design (61.7 cm) for a comfortable viewing height.
- Sturdy construction with a maximum load capacity of 54 kg, according to the manufacturer.
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Who it's for: Individuals looking for a functional piece of furniture with a modern farmhouse style who value a mix of open and closed storage.
Bestier 140 cm Gaming Lowboard with LED Lighting
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Why we recommend this product: This sideboard is specifically tailored to the needs of gamers and tech enthusiasts. It integrates remote-controlled RGB LED lighting with 7 colours and 22 dynamic modes. The construction of P2 particleboard and acrylic is designed for heavy loads.
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Pros:
- Integrated LED lighting to create an immersive atmosphere.
- High top-surface load capacity of up to 72 kg, according to the manufacturer, suitable for large TVs and accessories.
- Thoughtful gaming-centric design with compartments for consoles and adjustable acrylic shelves.
- Discreet cable cut-outs on the back for a clean setup.
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Who it's for: Gamers and users seeking a modern entertainment centre with customisable lighting and plenty of space for tech devices. Available in a White Marble or Black Carbon Fibre look.
SONNI 140 cm Wall-Mounted Lowboard in White
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Why we recommend this product: The wall-mounted lowboard from SONNI offers a minimalist, space-saving solution. With its clean lines and high-gloss, UV-coated door front in white, it blends seamlessly into modern interior designs.
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Pros:
- Space-saving, floating design that makes the room feel larger.
- Easy-to-maintain surfaces thanks to a UV coating on the door front.
- Body made of 15 mm thick MFC particleboard for a solid structure.
- Clean, handleless look for a purist aesthetic.
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Who it's for: Users who prefer a minimalist, modern aesthetic and are looking for a solution that keeps the floor clear and is easy to clean.
Discover More Options and Alternatives
The models presented represent a selection of specific configurations. The market offers a much wider variety of designs, materials, and sizes to meet different needs. If the products shown here don't perfectly match your requirements, you can find a comprehensive overview of more models in our TV Stands category.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How high should a lowboard be? The optimal height for a lowboard depends on the seat height of your sofa or armchair. As a rule of thumb, the centre of the TV screen should be at eye level when you are in a relaxed seated position. This generally corresponds to a lowboard height between 30 cm and 50 cm.
2. What is the difference between a lowboard and a sideboard? A lowboard is typically lower than a sideboard and is specifically designed as a TV cabinet. Its height is optimised for an ergonomic TV viewing height. A sideboard is taller (usually from 70 cm) and serves as general-purpose storage furniture in a living or dining room, often without specific cut-outs for media devices.
3. How much weight can a lowboard support? The maximum load capacity varies greatly depending on the construction and material. The manufacturer's specifications are the definitive guide here. For wall-mounted lowboards, the capacity also depends on the wall's condition and the quality of the installation. It is crucial to know the weight of your TV and all other devices to ensure the furniture's load limit is not exceeded.
