TV Stand Dimensions: How to Choose the Right Size for Your TV

Updated in October 2026

The size listed for televisions doesn't indicate how much space they actually take up: inches measure the screen's diagonal, not its width. That's why it's so easy to make a mistake when choosing furniture.

In this guide, we'll explain how to calculate the actual width of your TV, what dimensions your TV stand should have, at what height to place the screen, and what to consider in terms of storage and style.

Step 1: Measure the actual width of your TV

A 55-inch TV measures 55 inches (about 140 cm) diagonally, from one corner to the opposite corner, not including the bezel. Its actual width is considerably smaller. The most reliable way to determine the width is to measure it with a tape measure from edge to edge or to check the manufacturer's specifications.

For reference, here are the approximate widths of a 16:9 TV and the corresponding TV stand:

The widths are approximate: the frame varies by manufacturer and is usually 1 to 3 cm wider.

Step 2: Choose the width of the piece of furniture

The TV stand should be at least 10 to 20 cm wider than the TV. This ensures that the screen is stable, doesn't stick out, and leaves space on either side for a speaker, a lamp, or a decorative item.

A TV that's wider than its stand not only looks out of proportion—it's also easier to bump into and increases the risk of it falling over. Also consider the size of the living room: the stand should be in proportion to the wall and the sofa, without becoming the dominant feature.

Step 3: Calculate the appropriate height

The general rule is that the center of the screen should be at eye level—or slightly below—when seated. In most living rooms, that’s about 100 to 110 cm from the floor.

To calculate this for your situation:

1. Sit on the couch and measure the distance from the floor to your eyes.
2. Subtract half the height of your TV.
3. The result is the approximate height at which the base of the screen should be positioned.

In practice, most TV stands are between 40 and 55 cm tall. If your sofa is low, choose a low TV stand; if you sit higher, choose one that’s a little taller.

Back of the cabinet and distance from the sofa

• Depth: Between 35 and 45 cm, this allows you to safely place the TV on its stand and store devices behind the doors.
• Distance from the sofa: With a 4K TV, a distance of 1.2 to 1.5 times the diagonal is comfortable. For a 55-inch TV, that's between 1.7 and 2.1 meters.
• Load capacity: Make sure the furniture can support the weight of the TV and any devices you plan to place on top of it.

Large, Medium, and Small TV Stands

• Large (180 cm or taller): for spacious living rooms and TVs 65 inches or larger. They offer plenty of storage and allow you to hide cables and devices.
• Medium (140 to 180 cm): the most versatile option for most living rooms and 50- to 65-inch TVs.
• Small (under 140 cm): for bedrooms, small living rooms, and TVs up to 50 inches.

You'll find all sizes in our solid wood TV stands.

Storage, Cables, and Style

A good TV stand does more than just hold the screen. Also consider:

• Storage: doors to hide appliances, drawers for remote controls and cables, open shelves for the soundbar or game console.
• Cable management: Look for holes on the back to organize the cables and keep them out of children's reach.
• Ventilation: Electronic devices need air; avoid placing them in enclosed spaces with no ventilation.
• Style: A solid wood piece of furniture with simple lines fits equally well in Nordic, rustic, or industrial living rooms.

If you're going to mount the TV

Mounting the TV on the wall saves space and allows you to use a lower cabinet or even a wall-mounted unit. In that case, the cabinet can be used for electronics, decor, and storage, and its width is no longer determined so much by the TV.

We provide ideas in our guide to floating wooden furniture and explain how to mount your TV on a wooden piece of furniture.