What Size TV Unit Do You Need? A Complete Sizing Guide for Every TV

As a rule, your TV unit should be at least as wide as your TV — for a 65" TV, aim for a unit 140–160cm wide. A helpful guideline is to choose a media console that is roughly 20% to 25% wider than the physical width of your television. 

This method of choosing the size ensures that the furniture/item is strong, stable, and structurally safe to use, does not look like it is going to tip over, and offers lots of opportunity to add your personal style. For that perfect fit, take a look at the entire line-up available in the Entertainment Unit collection.

TL;DR Summary 

• The Core Tip: The next time you think about determining how large a television cabinet should be, take the exact measurement of the TV itself in terms of its physical dimensions, not the diagonal screen measurement. Leave at least 10–15 cm around the TV on both sides.

• The Height: Typical entertainment unit height will range from 40 cm up to 50 cm, maintaining the TV screen at eye level relative to your couch.

• The Calculation: Curious what is the size of the entertainment unit I need? Just multiply the TV's physical width by 1.2.

• The Aesthetics: Maintaining the right ratio between the entertainment unit's size and the overall design of the room avoids making it look messy.

• Where to Shop: Cassa Vida provides a wide selection of correctly sized and elegant media cabinets.

1. Introduction: Balancing Proportion and Function 

In decorating a living room, the TV and entertainment unit are usually the most important features of a living room. For that reason, one of the most frequently asked questions about this issue is what size tv unit do I need to decorate my living room properly. When your cabinet is too small, your expensive set will appear unstable and heavy. On the other hand, when it is too big, it can make your living room packed. 

The precise answer to the question of what size tv unit do I need includes considering three key factors: the size of the TV set, its viewing height, and your room size. Regardless of whether you intend to hang a big TV set or place a small one on the table, it is important to know how big should a TV unit be for safety reasons and for interior decoration.

If you want more information regarding this matter besides knowing what size tv unit do I need, we suggest reading our TV Unit Size and Style Guide. Now let's take a closer look at how big a TV unit is for you.

2. How to Calculate Entertainment Unit Size 

To get an exact measurement of how big a TV unit is, you must refer to a basic logical formula used in interior designing. Some individuals often get confused about using the advertised size of a TV as the measurement (for example, 55 inches). But this is incorrect because TVs have their sizes in diagonal terms; therefore, it's important to know the actual horizontal width.

These are the steps on how to calculate entertainment unit size:

20% Rule formula:

1. Measure the TV: The measurement should focus on the actual horizontal width of the TV (example, 123cm for a typical 55 inches).

2. Apply the multiplier: Multiplying the measurement of the TV by 1.2 or adding 20%

3. The result: 123 cm x 1.2 = 147.6cm

4. Conclusion: If the TV size is 123 cm across, then the entertainment unit should be 148cm or 150cm.

This formula takes away any guesswork regarding how big a TV unit is. This measurement will give the exact "overhang" on every side. Individuals are always asking what size entertainment unit do i need, and this calculation is the best interior design measurement one can follow. You have enough space to add speakers, game consoles, plants and more beside the television.

3. The Ultimate TV to Unit Sizing Table 

In order to make it even simpler for you, here are the calculations made for you. In case you are still wondering how large a tv stand should be according to your television, refer to the table below.

Note: TV dimensions can vary a little between different brands because the thickness of the frame (bezel) around the screen is not the same. 

This diagram will surely be of great assistance whenever there is a need to wonder about the size of the TV unit. Levesque 240cm TV Unit – White/Natural perfectly shows what a perfect TV unit is as far as such huge sizes are concerned. Given the huge width of 240 cm, it is capable of housing TVs as huge as 75 or 85 inches. It can do so using the ratio of 20% to provide the best possible edge line for the giant picture.

4. Standard TV Unit Height: Getting the Viewing Angle Right 

It is not sufficient to merely consider width. You must also consider height – how high should a tv unit be?

The normal tv unit height is determined solely based on ergonomic considerations. While seated on your couch, the middle of your TV screen needs to be at eye level. Bending your neck upward and downward strains your neck muscles and spoils the entire experience of watching something on the TV.

Normal TV Unit Height

A normal tv unit height in the furniture industry falls somewhere between 40cm and 50cm from the floor. This height takes into account modern couches that are usually at about 45cm height from the ground.

When thinking about what height a tv unit should be, you need to consider the screen size.

• For Large TV Sets (75"+): The console should have an even lower height (about 35cm to 40cm). Due to the great size of the TV, having it mounted at normal tv unit height would put it above eye level.

• For Smaller TV Sets (43"-50"): Consider going for a tall console (55cm to 65cm), thus raising the tv up to an optimal viewing level.

Therefore, what should be the height of a tv cabinet? Find out your eye level while sitting down and then pick a cabinet based on your TV stand height.

5. Small vs. Average Entertainment Unit Size 

Your considerations of how big should a tv unit be will depend on whether you stay in a small apartment or townhouse compared to those in spacious Residential homes.

Small Entertainment Unit Size

A small entertainment unit size refers to those units measuring between 100cm and 120cm wide. Small entertainment units are suitable for placing a 43-inch or 50-inch screen TV in bedrooms, study rooms, and small apartments. The primary consideration when looking for a suitable entertainment unit size for small areas should be functionality. Sliding doors and shelves should be preferred to avoid making the unit appear bulky in the room.

Average Entertainment Unit Size

An average entertainment unit size ranges between 150cm and 180cm wide. An average entertainment unit size is perfect for homes because it fits well in different spaces 55-inch and 65-inch screens. Average entertainment units offer enough space for storing the modern entertainment devices such as speaker bar and other accessories.

6. Room Size Considerations for Your Setup 

The question of how big should a tv unit be does not concern only the TV; it concerns your living room too. Placing a massive unit with dimensions of 240cm in a tiny room will hinder traffic flow, while placing an entertainment unit of a small size on an expansive wall will make no sense whatsoever.

While trying to find out how big should a tv unit be, use a roll of painter's tape and mark the required dimensions on the floor. In such a way, you will have a chance to visualize how much space the unit you buy will occupy. Also, always keep in mind that there needs to be enough space for walking between the unit and your coffee table or couch; thus, you need to make sure there is at least 90 cm.

Additionally, if you select for a mounted TV, how big should a TV unit be? It is necessary to know that the width requirements are exactly the same. Even though the TV screen is attached to the wall, it is necessary to buy a bigger unit to accommodate it since otherwise, the TV would seem to crush the smaller cabinet below it.

7. Showcasing the Cassa Vida Collection 

Once you have calculated your ideal dimensions, the next important step that needs to be considered by you is choosing an exact design that fits your preferences perfectly with regard to interior décor for your house. At Cassa Vida, you can be assured of receiving amazing wood finishing products as well as large entertainment consoles of simple designs.

No matter whether you want to place a media console in your master bedroom or even set up an entire movie theater in your house through the use of large cabinets, you are sure to get your perfect living space with this combination of dimensions and design.

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. What size TV Unit do I need for my TV?
   To find out what size of entertainment unit do i need, you need to take the physical measurement of the horizontal width of your TV and multiply it by 20 percent. In case, you have a TV whose horizontal width is 123 cm (55 inches TV), then the required size for your TV unit is between 148 to 160 centimeters.

2. What Room Size do you Require for a 55 Inch TV?
   The 55-inch TV is extremely flexible and convenient to place. For an effective viewing experience, your TV should be at a distance of 2.2 meters to 2.5 meters from your seating position. Hence, it will be ideal for your room to be not less than 3 meters by 3 meters to fit all these requirements including the TV, standard TV unit height, sofa, and coffee table.

3. What are some TV mount mistakes regarding heights?
   The first mistake is installing the mount too high, such as placing it above the fireplace. In this scenario, the viewer will have to tilt his neck up to watch the TV, creating unnecessary tension in the shoulders and neck muscles. Ideally, the middle of the screen should be placed at eye-level. For those who install a media console, an average tv unit height of 40 cm to 50 cm is enough for the optimal screen placement.

4. What TV cabinet size do I need for a 65 inch TV?
   The average physical width of a 65-inch TV is 145cm. The question of what size cabinet do i need for a 65-inch TV implies buying a cabinet that will be 175cm to 180cm wide. In that case, there will be about 15 cm of empty space on both sides, which will be the ideal size for an entertainment unit.