How to Find the Right TV Stand Size
Measurement tips for getting the best fit.
Choosing the right TV stand size ensures your TV sits atop a sturdy base and maintains a comfortable viewing height. Though the standard TV stand size ranges from 48" – 67" wide and 21" – 32" tall, there are plenty of options available to suit your living room setup. From how tall the TV stand should be to which size fits your TV, our guide covers all the key measurements you'll need to know. Keep reading to learn about TV stand dimensions and how to find the right TV stand for your space.
How to Find the Right TV Stand Dimensions
There are a few ways to find the right stand for your TV: You can pick one based on the size of the stand itself or using your TV's dimensions. Whichever is easiest, you are sure to find the right one for you.
1. Measure Your Television
Measure the distance from the top left corner of your TV to the bottom right corner. TV stands are sold by the maximum TV size they can accommodate, which is described by that diagonal measurement, rather than by height and width. If your TV isn't a flat screen or plasma, measure the depth of your TV as well to ensure it will fit comfortably on or in your entertainment center without any overhang.
2. Map Out the Available Space
Once you have a place for the TV stand, measure the floor space (width and depth) you have available for the stand or unit. Take a firm measuring tape and test these dimensions out in the space you want to put the TV stand in to make sure there will be enough space. Add the height of your TV to the height of the stand to visualize where your TV would sit once placed on the stand.
For the most enjoyable watching experience, you should leave plenty of space between the viewer and the TV.
- For a 29" TV, allow for between 3' and 4' of open space
- A 39" TV requires 4' or 5' of space
- A 46" TV needs 5' or 6' of space
- Any TV larger than 46" requires between 7' and 8' of space
3. Determine Comfortable Sitting Height
To determine how tall your TV stand should be, sit on your sofa and measure from the floor to your eyes. For comfortable viewing, the lower half of the TV screen should be level with your line of sight when seated. The shelf where the TV rests should be no lower than 12" below that measurement.
4. Choose Your TV Stand Dimensions
Find the dimensions of the TV stand you are considering adding to your space. If you’re shopping online you can find the height, width, and depth of the TV stand in the product description.
- TV Stand Width:
The width of the TV stand spans from left to right and depends on how wide you would like it to be. You'll also need to consider what will fit in the spot you intend to place it. Make sure you have 2" – 3" of clear space on either side to keep things from looking cramped.
- TV Stand Height:
Measuring from the floor upward, you can decide how tall you want your stand to be. Keep in mind the height of your furniture to ensure your TV will sit at eye level from the point of view of where you will be sitting when watching it.
- TV Stand Depth:
This determines how far the TV stand will protrude from the wall. Make sure to leave enough room around the stand to walk around and reach your seats or furniture.
Tip!
Make sure to choose a TV stand that won’t occupy so much of your room that the TV is hard to watch.
Choosing a TV Stand Based on TV Size
If you know the specs of your TV, you can select a stand based on those measurements to ensure a proportional setup.
Common TV Sizes
Here are recommended TV stands based on common TV sizes.
Television Ranges
If your TV size isn't reflected above, or you need a more general measurement, choose from these.
Tips on Choosing the Right TV Stand
Once you’ve settled on the right TV stand dimensions for you, consider these tips to help you choose the right one.
- Choose the Right Position: Don't place the TV or entertainment center in front of a window. The backlighting from the window will make it difficult to see the screen, and you're blocking natural light from entering the room. For ideal viewing, try to center the middle of your TV with the middle of the largest seating area in your room.
- Leave Proper Viewing Distance: Make sure your TV stand is placed the proper distance away from your seating for the best viewing experience. For 55" – 65" TVs, you should be sitting 7' – 8' away, and for 70" and above TVs, you should be seated 8' – 10'away.
- Consider Storage Needs: If you have gaming consoles, extra remotes, or lots of cables that need to be stored around your TV, look for a TV stand with shelves, cabinets, or drawers to help keep things organized.
- Make Use of Corner Space: If your living room is small you can save space by utilizing a corner to place your TV stand. Select a triangular TV stand that will fit snugly in a corner for a clean look. This can free up the majority of a wall for you to place a sofa, accent chair, or desk if you work from home.
Tip!
For more advice on how to center a living room around a TV, check out our guide The Most Inviting Living Room Layouts to Try.
