A TV unit should do more than support the television.
It needs to be proportionate, accommodate equipment, help conceal cables and blend naturally into the living room.
Discover how to choose the most suitable dimensions, height and type of storage for your space and the way you use the TV area.
The television can be one of the most visible elements in the living room.
But that does not mean it has to dominate the entire decor.
The TV unit has precisely this role: to create a visual base for the screen, organise equipment and small objects, and help integrate this area into the rest of the room.
When it is too small, the television looks disproportionate. When it is too bulky, it can make the room feel heavy. When there is not enough storage, cables, remotes and equipment quickly end up on display.
That is why, before choosing based solely on colour or design, it is worth considering three questions:
Which television will it accompany? What do you need to store? And how much space do you actually have available?
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 on a unit or wall-mounted?
- How to choose one for a small living room
- How to integrate the unit into your decor
- What to place on a TV unit
- 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;
- passages 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 device’s total width.
Check the television’s actual width, height and depth, especially if you plan to place it on the unit.
Look at the whole, not just each piece
A television and a unit may work individually and appear 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.
💡 Try a simulation: mark the width and depth of the unit 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. What should the width of 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 aim 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 used under 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 occupies 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 a TV unit?
The height should be considered in relation to the sofa, the television, and the way you usually watch television.
The aim 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 screen's position.
A very tall unit can raise the television too much, especially when the appliance itself is large.
Wall-mounted TV
If the television is fixed to the wall, the unit can be chosen with greater freedom, but it is still important to create a relationship between the two.
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 arrangement from the place where you actually sit, because that is the perspective you will use every day.
4. How much storage space do you need in a TV unit?
Before choosing doors, drawers, or niches, make a quick inventory.
What really needs to stay in this area?
It may include:
- remotes;
- consoles;
- television or internet equipment;
- speakers;
- cables and chargers;
- games;
- books;
- other small objects in the room.
Closed storage
Doors and drawers help reduce visual clutter.
They are particularly useful for small objects, accessories, and anything that does not need to remain permanently on display.
Open storage
Niches make access easier and may be suitable for certain equipment.
But they require greater discipline, because everything remains visible.
A combination of the two
It may be the most versatile solution.
Equipment used frequently remains accessible, while remotes, cables, and other items remain hidden.
| Storage type | Advantage | Best suited for |
|---|---|---|
| Doors | Reduce visual clutter | Accessories and items that do not need to be on display |
| Drawers | Easy access to small items | Remotes, cables, games, and accessories |
| Open compartments | Greater accessibility | Equipment that needs to remain accessible |
| 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 piece of furniture.
But if there is a concentration of visible cables, the sense of organization quickly disappears.
Check the outlets first
Before positioning the furniture permanently, determine where the electrical connections and other necessary points are located.
Choose furniture compatible with the equipment
If you plan to place equipment in the furniture’s compartments, check that there is adequate space for cable routing and use of the device.
Do not enclose equipment without checking ventilation
Consoles, set-top boxes, and other devices may need ventilation.
Always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of each piece of equipment.
Group small accessories together
Cables you use only occasionally can be stored in a box or drawer instead of being left on the furniture.
Storage does not mean hiding everything at any cost.
Electronic equipment should remain accessible, correctly installed, and ventilated according to its instructions.
6. TV placed on the furniture or mounted on the wall?
Both solutions can work.
The choice depends on the equipment, the wall, the space, and the result you want.
TV placed on the furniture
This is a simple configuration and keeps the television and furniture visually connected.
In this case, always check:
- the required depth;
- the width of the base or feet;
- the weight supported by the furniture;
- the manufacturer’s installation recommendations.
Wall-mounted TV
It can visually clear the surface of the furniture and make a more minimalist arrangement easier.
It also allows you to decide the screen height independently of the furniture’s height.
However, the mounting must be suitable for the type of wall, the mount, and the characteristics of the equipment.
The piece of furniture still serves a purpose
Even with the television mounted on the wall, it can store equipment, organize accessories, and visually balance the area.
7. How to choose a TV stand for a small living room
In a small living room, the solution is not necessarily to choose the smallest piece of furniture possible.
Start by finding a proportionate and functional piece.
Choose a depth suited to the space
A very deep unit can reduce circulation between the television and sofa.
Make the most of the storage
When there is little furniture, a TV unit with closed compartments can take on an important part of the living room's organization.
Avoid too many small pieces of furniture
Sometimes, a single sufficiently long and well-organized unit creates less visual clutter than several elements scattered across the wall.
Tall legs can create visual lightness
Models raised off the floor can leave more of the area visible and make the composition appear lighter.
They can also make cleaning easier, depending on the available height.
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 a TV unit into the living room décor
The television does not need to determine the entire style of the room.
The unit itself is one of the elements that helps create a connection with the rest of the room.
Observe the other furniture
Coffee tables, sideboards, shelving units, and side tables do not need to be from 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.
Instead of pretending it does not exist, try to integrate it into a balanced composition.
Use the wall to create context
Depending on the layout of the room, a wall with color, texture, or décor 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 unit should also relate to the dining area and other elements visible in the same space.
See also How to decorate a living room to work on the room as a whole.
9. What to place on a TV unit?
The surface does not need to be completely empty.
But the décor should respect the presence of the screen.
Choose just a few objects
A small vase, a figurine, some books, or a box may be enough.
Avoid competing with the television
Several tall objects next to the screen can create too much visual clutter.
Prefer pieces that complement the space without blocking or interfering with its use.
Create asymmetry
If there is space at the sides, 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 frequent access to equipment, do not cover the entire surface with decorative items.
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, you can also consult 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.
Colour or texture
A different shade or a textured finish can help integrate the television without adding more objects.
Artwork? With some care
It is possible to use artwork near the television, but avoid creating an arrangement so visually intense that it constantly competes with the screen's content.
If the wall is large 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 size in inches does 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 placed on it, may even be incompatible with the device's feet.
Ignoring depth
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 devices should be used according to their manufacturers' instructions.
Filling the surface with decorations
The unit must continue to fulfil its function.
Ignoring cables and sockets
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 is placed on feet.
- Distance from the sofa and circulation areas.
Think about storage
- Which devices 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 organised?
Check the product
- Length, height, and depth.
- Load capacity, where applicable.
- Compartment dimensions.
- Structure and materials features.
- Assembly and use recommendations.
View the whole setup
- Is the TV stand large enough for the television?
- Is there free space on the sides?
- Does the height work with the position of the sofa?
- Is there comfortable circulation?
- Does it blend naturally with the other furniture?
Frequently asked questions about TV stands
Should the TV stand be larger than the television?
Visually, a TV stand that is wider than the screen tends to create a more balanced base. If the television is placed on the stand, you should also check that the base or feet fit entirely within the surface and comply with the manufacturer’s instructions.
How do you choose the height of a TV stand?
Consider the television’s position in relation to the sofa and the natural line of sight. If the TV is placed on the stand, its height will directly influence the position of the screen.
Is an open or closed TV stand 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 advantages.
Can I mount the television on the wall and have a TV stand underneath?
Yes. The TV stand continues to organise equipment and accessories and creates a visual base for the television area.
What should you put on top of a TV stand?
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 stand for a small living room?
Focus mainly on depth, storage and circulation. A single proportional and functional TV stand can be more effective than several small pieces scattered across the wall.
How can you hide television cables?
Plan the location of the sockets, use the cable-management solutions available in the TV stand and follow the equipment recommendations. Cables and accessories that are not used every day can be organised in drawers or boxes.
A TV area can be functional without looking purely technical
Television, remotes, consoles, cables, set-top boxes.
At first glance, they may not seem like the easiest elements to integrate into a carefully designed living room.
But you don’t need to hide them all.
They need the right place.
A well-chosen TV stand creates proportion, organises what needs to stay near the screen and leaves space 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 TV stand that frames the television, organises the equipment and blends naturally into your living room décor.
Discover TV stands →
