A TV is not the prettiest piece of interior décor, but the right TV bench – one that matches the surrounding furniture, one that is stylish, and reflects your taste – can help.
Even if you prefer your TV hanging on the wall, a TV bench can serve as an anchor in your living room, as well as a storage solution for all the things that relate to your entertainment centre. A closed TV bench with drawers or doors can conceal both wires and cables from your electronic devices, as well as magazines, remote controls and more.
TV benches come in different sizes, looks and with different properties, so in this guide we will walk you through the considerations you must make in order to choose one that best fits your needs.
Height, width, depth and load capacity
There are a few basic aspects to consider to begin with: How much space do you have available for the TV bench, and how big and heavy is your TV?
It is of course important that you have room for the TV bench, and that it is big and sturdy enough for your TV if you want it to stand on the bench. So, first of all measure your space and the TV, and check the weight of your TV so you can narrow down your options:
Width: As a general rule of thumb, your TV should be about 20-30 cm wider than your TV to get a nice, balanced look. With a wide TV bench, you also have space for decorative knick-knack next to the TV.
Height: Put some thought into the height of the TV bench. They vary between 40-55 cm, and this of course impacts the height of the TV if you chose to place it on the bench. Keeping the centre of the TV at eye level when you sit in your favourite armchair or sofa means that you won’t be straining your neck.
Depth: Do you have a flat screen TV or do you want to hang the TV on the wall above the TV bench? Then a TV bench with a depth of 35-40 cm will probably be enough. If not, you might want to opt for a deeper TV bench.
Load capacity: Check the weight of your TV so you are sure that it is below the TV bench’s max load.
Extra living room storage
One of the great benefits of a TV bench is the extra storage space. With a TV bench with storage options such as shelves, drawers, or doors, you can hide away both electronic devices such as game consoles and their cables and clutter such as DVDs, records, or magazines.
Doors and drawers have each their pros. You can more easily keep a game console behind a door, whereas drawers are ideal for manuals, remote controls and the like. Sliding doors require less space than both drawers and normal doors as they are integrated into the TV bench.
Even if the TV bench only has one or more open shelves, it can still help you keep a tight look if you accessorize with some decorative baskets. This will keep your things together, not scattered around in your living room. It will also make it easier for you to find your things and give you a chance to style your TV bench in a personal way.
Need more storage space in the living room? Read our guide to choose the right cabinet
Colour, material and style
The overall theme of your living room plays a crucial role in choosing the perfect TV bench. You must decide on what style you like and what matches your existing furniture. A light-coloured TV bench can give your room an airy expression whereas a dark one can contribute to a more cave-like atmosphere. Also consider whether you want a look that complements your existing interior design, or one that creates a dynamic contrast.
Legs will enhance the airy expression, whereas a plinth can add a more solid or grounded expression to your room.
Of course, you don’t need a TV to make use of a TV bench. It is a versatile piece of furniture that can serve both living room storage and styling purposes. Often, we forget about these needs when furnishing a living room, only to someday find our belongings scattered around or our favourite décor randomly placed in a windowsill. A TV bench might be just what you need both to keep your living room tidy and proudly display your personal style.
