Joybuy Insights

Choosing TV furniture: find the right TV unit, cabinet or wall mount

The right TV furniture needs to do more than support your television. It should suit your screen size, room layout and existing accessories. It also needs to keep cables, games consoles, receivers and remote controls neatly organised. If you choose based only on colour or a low price, you could easily overlook important details.

Common problems when buying TV furniture

1. Confusing screen size with furniture width

The “up to 65 inches” measurement refers to the diagonal screen size, not the actual width of the television. Depending on the frame and model, a 65-inch TV may be around 145 cm wide. So a 120 cm-wide TV unit could be too short, even if the manufacturer specifies a particular screen size.

Before you buy, check:

  • the actual width and depth of the television
  • the distance between the stand feet and their position
  • the load capacity of the top panel
  • that there is enough ventilation around the TV

2. Storage space isn’t always suitable for media devices

A TV cabinet with doors and drawers offers storage, but closed compartments can make it harder to use remote controls or let heat escape from electronic devices. Open shelves are more practical for receivers and consoles, but you’ll need to keep the cables organised.

Check the internal dimensions of the compartments, the position of the back panel and whether there are cable openings. A decorative front alone doesn’t tell you how practical a cabinet will be for everyday use.

3. Buying a wall mount without checking the wall and VESA size

A TV wall mount must be suitable for the VESA size, the weight of your television and the type of wall. Mounting it on plasterboard without suitable supporting framework may not be appropriate. The screws supplied with a TV wall mount also won’t necessarily suit every type of wall.

Before ordering, check:

  1. the VESA measurement of your television, for example 200 × 200 or 400 × 400 mm
  2. the weight of the television without its stand
  3. the mount’s maximum load capacity
  4. whether you have a solid wall, timber studs or another type of supporting structure
  5. the desired distance from the wall and tilt angle

The most important things to consider when choosing TV furniture

Dimensions and ergonomics

A TV stand or TV cabinet should be wider than your television, or at least fit its stand securely. A slightly wider surface can make it more stable in everyday use and leave room for speakers or decorations. The height affects your viewing angle, so consider your seating, eye level and the centre of the screen together.

With low furniture such as a modern lowboard, also check that the remote control works from where you sit and that the connections remain accessible.

Materials and load capacity

For furniture made from chipboard, MDF or coated wood-based materials, the edges, back panel and fixings are all important. A steel frame can add support to the structure, but it doesn’t replace correct assembly.

The load capacity needs to be suitable for the weight of your television and any additional devices. For example, the 5five Chevrons TV Stand has a maximum load capacity of 55 kg, measures 120 × 40 × 45 cm and has steel legs. It is made partly from chipboard and MDF, and is supplied for self-assembly. Check these specifications against the weight of your television and your equipment.

Storage, lighting and assembly

A TV unit with storage can combine doors, drawers and open compartments. LED lighting is a design feature that requires extra wiring and access to a power supply. Check whether you can route cables neatly behind the unit and whether the lighting can be switched on and off separately.

For self-assembly, you’ll need clear instructions, enough space and, in some cases, a second person. According to the product details, two people are needed to assemble the 5five model, and assembly takes around 45 minutes.

Products to suit different needs

Ideal for: Budget-conscious first-time buyers
5five Chevrons TV Stand

5five Chevrons TV Stand

Why it suits this profile: Its compact dimensions make it a good fit for smaller living spaces, while the doors and drawer provide practical storage.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

The stated 55 kg load capacity and precise external dimensions make it easier to check whether it’s suitable for your television and accessories.

Key benefits and features

120 × 40 × 45 cm, two doors, one drawer, steel legs and a soft-close mechanism, according to the product details.

Ideal for: Buyers looking for premium quality
Parrot Uncle 58-Inch TV Stand, black

Parrot Uncle 58-Inch TV Stand, Black

Why it suits this profile: This black TV unit combines a wide surface with several compartments and is specified as suitable for televisions up to 65 inches.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

Its 167.6 cm width and stated compatibility make it easier to compare with a large screen.

Key benefits and features

167.6 × 41.7 × 55.5 cm, black finish and several cabinets or storage areas, according to the product description.

Ideal for: Design-conscious buyers
SONNI TV Stand black lowboard with LED lighting

SONNI TV Stand Modern, High Gloss Black

Why it suits this profile: The high-gloss black finish, open glass shelves and 16-colour LED lighting make a striking design statement.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

Open compartments make media devices easy to reach, while the precise dimensions of 131.3 × 47.6 × 14.4 cm make it easier to plan your space.

Key benefits and features

MFC and MDF, LED lighting, a drawer, open glass shelves and suitability for televisions up to 65 inches, according to the product details.

Ideal for: Specialist setups and frequent use
ELIVED Ultra Slim TV wall mount

ELIVED Ultra Slim TV Mount

Why it suits this profile: Wall mounting saves floor space and is suitable for 26- to 60-inch televisions with a compatible VESA size.

How it helps you avoid common pitfalls

The specifications of 75 × 75 to 400 × 400 mm VESA, a 45 kg load capacity and the requirement to mount it to timber studs or solid walls make it easier to check that it’s safe for your setup.

Key benefits and features

38 mm wall clearance, tilts by up to -8°, steel construction and quick-release design, according to the product description.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and the safety regulations in force across the EU.

FAQs about TV furniture

How wide should a TV lowboard be?

First, measure the actual width of the television, including the frame. The lowboard should be at least as wide as the stand. For a balanced look, you may want the unit to extend beyond the TV on either side. Remember to allow room for speakers, decorations and cables too.

How long does a TV cabinet last?

Its lifespan depends on the materials, load, assembly and care. Avoid standing moisture, direct heat sources and regularly exceeding the load limit. Clean coated wood-based materials with a dry or slightly damp cloth.

How much does it cost to run LED lighting on a TV unit?

The running costs depend on the power consumption, how many hours a day you use the lighting and your electricity tariff. Use this simple calculation: Wattage ÷ 1,000 × hours of use × electricity price per kilowatt-hour. Also check whether the lighting switches off completely or goes into standby mode.