To choose a TV unit, start by comparing the television’s actual width, the available wall space and what you need to store.
As a general rule, a unit that is visually wider than the screen tends to create a more balanced composition. The height should be considered based on the sofa position and, if the television is placed on the unit, it is also essential to check the depth, feet and weight capacity supported by the unit.
Before buying a TV unit, check:
- Television’s actual width - screen size indicates the diagonal, not the width.
- Available width and depth in the living room.
- Screen height in relation to your seated position.
- Type of storage needed for remotes, consoles and other equipment.
- Cable management and equipment ventilation.
- TV placed on a unit or wall-mounted, as this changes some priorities when choosing.
💡 Quick rule: do not choose the unit based solely on the television’s screen size. Check the appliance’s actual measurements and always consider the television + unit + wall as a whole.
If you are still choosing a model, explore the Gato Preto TV units and compare the dimensions of each piece with the space available in your home.
In this guide, you will find
- What to measure before choosing
- What should the width of the TV unit be
- How to choose the height
- What type of storage to choose
- How to organise equipment and cables
- TV placed on a unit or wall-mounted?
- How to choose one for a small living room
- How to integrate the unit into the decor
- What to place on a TV unit
- What to do with the wall behind the television
- Mistakes to avoid
- Checklist before buying
1. Measure the space before choosing the TV unit
Start with the wall where you plan to create the TV area.
Measure the available width and note the elements that may affect the unit’s position.
- doors;
- windows;
- sockets;
- radiators;
- passageways to other rooms;
- nearby furniture;
- sofa position.
Measure the television too
Do not rely solely on the advertised screen size.
This measurement refers to the screen’s diagonal and does not directly correspond to the appliance’s total width.
Check the television’s actual width, height and depth, especially if you plan to place it on the unit.
Consider the whole setup, not just each piece
A television and a TV unit may work individually yet look disproportionate when placed together.
It is the relationship between the two that matters.
Explore the Gato Preto TV units and compare the dimensions of each model with your television and the space available in the living room.
💡 Make a mock-up: mark the unit's width and depth on the floor and, if necessary, represent the television on the wall with painter's tape. This allows you to assess the scale before buying.
2. How wide should the TV unit be?
Visually, the unit should create a sufficiently stable base for the television.
In most situations, a unit wider than the screen tends to create a more balanced composition.
This does not mean it needs to be much larger.
The goal is simply to prevent the television from appearing to extend beyond the base's limits.
If the television is placed on the unit
Also check the width of the appliance's base or feet.
These should be fully supported on the surface and within the conditions specified by the manufacturer.
If the television is wall-mounted
There is still a visual relationship between the screen and the unit.
A unit that is too narrow can make the area look unbalanced, even if it no longer physically supports the television.
Consider the available space on either side
Do not choose a unit so wide that it takes up the entire wall just to match a large screen.
It is important to leave some visual breathing room around it.
Think of the unit as the television's visual base.
It does not need to compete with the screen, but it should be large enough to frame it.
3. How do you choose the height of the TV unit?
The height should be considered in relation to the sofa, the television, and how you usually watch TV.
The goal is to achieve a comfortable position without requiring you to keep your gaze excessively high or low for long periods.
Start with the position of the person sitting
Sit on the sofa and look naturally at the wall in front of you.
This line of sight is a more useful reference than choosing the unit's height in isolation.
TV placed on the unit
In this case, the height of the unit directly influences the position of the screen.
A very tall unit can raise the television too high, especially when the appliance itself is large.
Wall-mounted TV
If the television is mounted on the wall, the unit can be chosen more freely, but it is still important to create a relationship between them.
An excessive distance between the television and the unit can make them look like two disconnected elements.
💡 Do not choose the height based on aesthetics alone. Assess the setup from where you actually sit, because that is the perspective you will use every day.
4. How much storage do you need in the TV unit?
Before choosing doors, drawers, or compartments, make a short inventory.
What really needs to stay in this area?
It can include:
- remote controls;
- consoles;
- television or internet equipment;
- speakers;
- cables and chargers;
- games;
- books;
- other small living room objects.
Closed storage
Doors and drawers help reduce visual noise.
They are particularly useful for small objects, accessories, and anything that does not need to be permanently on display.
Open storage
Open compartments make access easier and may be suitable for certain equipment.
But they require greater discipline because everything remains visible.
A combination of both
It may be the most versatile solution.
Frequently used equipment remains accessible, while remotes, cables, and other objects stay hidden.
| Type of storage | Advantage | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Doors | They reduce visual clutter | Accessories and objects that do not need to remain on display |
| Drawers | Easy access to small objects | Remotes, cables, games, and accessories |
| Open compartments | Greater accessibility | Equipment that needs to remain available |
| Mixed solution | Balance between access and organization | Rooms with different needs |
5. How to organize cables around the TV
You may have chosen a beautiful, well-proportioned unit.
But if there is a concentration of visible cables, the sense of organization quickly disappears.
Check the outlets first
Before positioning the unit permanently, find out where the electrical connections and other necessary points are.
Choose a unit compatible with the equipment
If you intend to place equipment in compartments of the unit, check that there are suitable conditions for routing cables and using the device.
Do not enclose equipment without checking the ventilation
Consoles, set-top boxes, and other devices may need ventilation.
Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for each piece of equipment.
Group small accessories
Cables that you use only occasionally can be stored in a box or drawer instead of being left on the unit.
Storage does not mean hiding everything at any cost.
Electronic equipment should remain accessible, be installed correctly, and be ventilated according to the relevant instructions.
6. TV resting on the unit or wall-mounted?
Both solutions can work.
The choice depends on the equipment, the wall, the space, and the result you want.
TV resting on the unit
It is a simple configuration and keeps the television and unit visually connected.
In this case, always check:
- the required depth;
- the width of the base or feet;
- the weight supported by the unit;
- the manufacturer's installation recommendations.
Wall-mounted TV
It can visually clear the surface of the unit and make it easier to create a more minimalist arrangement.
It also allows you to decide the screen height independently of the unit's height.
However, the mounting must be suitable for the type of wall, the mount, and the characteristics of the equipment.
The unit still serves a purpose
Even with the television on the wall, you can store equipment, organize accessories, and visually balance the area.
7. How to choose a TV unit for a small room
In a small room, the solution is not necessarily to choose the smallest piece of furniture possible.
It involves finding a piece that is proportional and functional.
Choose a depth suited to the space
A very deep piece of furniture can reduce circulation between the television and sofa.
Make the most of the storage
When there is little furniture, a TV stand with closed compartments can take on an important part of the room’s organization.
Avoid too many small pieces of furniture
Sometimes, a single sufficiently long and well-organized piece of furniture creates less visual noise than several elements scattered across the wall.
High legs can create visual lightness
Models raised off the floor can leave more of the area visible and make the arrangement appear lighter.
They can also make cleaning easier, depending on the height available.
Do not fill the entire wall
Some free space at the sides helps prevent the TV area from looking too heavy.
8. How to integrate the TV stand into the living room decor
The television does not need to determine the entire style of the room.
The stand is precisely one of the elements that helps create a connection with the rest of the room.
Look at the other furniture
Coffee tables, sideboards, shelving units, and side tables do not need to belong to the same collection.
But there can be a connection through the wood, color, finish, or design.
Do not try to hide the television completely
It is a functional object and part of the room.
Rather than pretending it does not exist, try to integrate it into a balanced arrangement.
Use the wall to create context
Depending on the room’s layout, a wall with color, texture, or decor can help prevent the screen from being the only visual focal point.
Create a connection with other areas
In an open-plan room, the TV stand should also relate to the dining area and other elements visible in the same space.
See also How to decorate a living room to approach the room as a whole.
9. What to put on a TV stand?
The surface does not need to be left completely empty.
But the decor should respect the presence of the screen.
Choose a few objects
A small vase, a figurine, a few books, or a box may be enough.
Avoid competing with the television
Several tall objects next to the screen can create too much visual noise.
Prefer pieces that complement the space without blocking or interfering with its use.
Create asymmetry
If there is space at the side, a small arrangement at one end may look more natural than trying to decorate both sides in the same way.
Keep functional areas clear
If you need to access equipment frequently, do not cover the entire surface with decorations.
Use objects that relate to the room
A ceramic piece, a box, or a sculptural object can repeat a color or material already present in the space.
If you are looking for ideas for arranging objects and varying heights, also see How to decorate a sideboard: what to place and how to create a balanced arrangement.
10. What about the wall behind the television?
Not every TV wall needs additional decoration.
The screen itself already has a strong visual presence.
A simple wall may be the best choice
When there is textured furniture or a large television, keeping the wall cleaner can create balance.
Color or texture
A different shade or a textured finish can help integrate the television without adding more objects.
Artwork? With some care
You can use artwork near the television, but avoid creating such an intense arrangement that it constantly competes with the screen content.
If the wall is wide and you want to work on other areas, see How to create a wall art arrangement.
11. Mistakes to avoid when choosing a TV unit
Buying without measuring the television
The screen's inches do not directly indicate the appliance's total width.
Choosing a unit that is too narrow
It can create visual imbalance and, if the television is freestanding, may even be incompatible with the equipment's feet.
Ignoring depth
This is especially important when there are devices or when there is little distance between the unit and the sofa.
Choosing based on appearance without considering storage
If there are several remotes, devices, and accessories, a beautiful surface can quickly become cluttered.
Not checking ventilation
Electronic equipment should be used according to the respective manufacturers' instructions.
Filling the surface with decorative objects
The unit should continue to serve its purpose.
Ignoring cables and outlets
Plan its position before placing the unit permanently.
Choosing the unit in isolation
Consider it in relation to the television, sofa, wall, and the rest of the living room furniture.
12. Checklist: before buying a TV unit
Measure first
- Available wall width.
- Maximum comfortable depth.
- Actual television width.
- Television height.
- Base or distance between the feet, if it will be freestanding.
- Distance from the sofa and circulation areas.
Consider storage
- What equipment will be placed in the unit?
- How many remotes and accessories do you need to store?
- Do you prefer doors, drawers, or open compartments?
- Are there any devices that need to remain accessible?
- How will the cables be organized?
Check the product
- Length, height and depth.
- Load capacity, where applicable.
- Compartment dimensions.
- Structure and material features.
- Assembly and usage recommendations.
View the set
- Is the unit large enough for the television?
- Is there free space on the sides?
- Does the height work with the position of the sofa?
- Is there enough room to move around comfortably?
- Does it blend naturally with the other furniture?
Frequently asked questions about TV units
Should the TV unit be wider than the television?
Visually, a unit wider than the screen tends to create a more balanced base. If the television is freestanding, you should also check that the base or feet fit completely within the surface and comply with the manufacturer's instructions.
How do you choose the height of a TV unit?
Consider the position of the television in relation to the sofa and the natural line of sight. If the TV is freestanding, the height of the unit will directly affect the position of the screen.
Is an open or closed TV unit better?
It depends on your needs. Closed storage reduces visual clutter, while open compartments make equipment easier to access. A mixed solution can combine both benefits.
Can I mount the television on the wall and have a unit underneath?
Yes. The unit still organizes equipment and accessories and creates a visual base for the TV area.
What should you put on top of a TV unit?
Choose a few objects, such as a vase, a figurine, books or a decorative box. Avoid arrangements that block the screen or create too much visual clutter.
How do you choose a TV unit for a small living room?
Focus mainly on depth, storage and circulation. A single well-proportioned, functional unit can be more effective than several small pieces scattered across the wall.
How do you hide television cables?
Plan the location of the sockets, use the cable-management solutions available in the unit and follow the equipment recommendations. Cables and accessories that aren't used every day can be organized in drawers or boxes.
A TV area can be functional without looking purely technical
Television, remote controls, consoles, cables, set-top boxes.
At first glance, they don't seem like the easiest elements to integrate into a carefully designed living room.
But you don't need to hide them all.
They need to have their own place.
A well-chosen TV unit creates proportion, organizes what needs to stay near the screen and leaves room for a few objects that connect this area to the rest of the home.
In the end, the television is still there.
But it stops looking like an isolated element and becomes part of a room designed as a whole.
Find a unit that frames the television, organizes your equipment and blends naturally into your living room décor.
Compare dimensions, storage and proportions before choosing the right unit for your TV area.
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