Mixing and matching: pairing tv stands with other furniture
Great interior design comes down to careful balance. And while your TV stand might seem like an afterthought compared to the other – perhaps more prominent – features within your living room, you need to make sure it marries up with the rest of your furniture if you want to achieve a cohesive look without compromising on functionality.
Let’s take a look at the 7 key things you’ll need to consider when choosing the right TV stand for your media area.
- Match the style to your existing decor
Obviously, the style of your TV stand should align with the overall aesthetic of the room. The style of the stand you choose will depend on whether your space is modern, traditional, rustic, minimalist, or eclectic – but either way, it needs to match the vibe, not create confusion.
If you have opted for a modern look, go for sleek TV stands with clean lines, minimal ornamentation, and glossy finishes. Materials like glass, metal, or high-gloss lacquer will complement similarly contemporary furniture.
You might like: Marti Industrial Open TV Unit or Beckett Gloss Wide TV Unit
For a classically styled room, look for TV stands made from wood with detailed carvings or antique finishes. Cherry, walnut, or mahogany tones often blend well with traditional furniture.
You might like: Broadway Oak Corner TV Unit With Door or Duchy Acacia 150cm Wide TV Unit
A TV stand with distressed wood, natural textures, and metal accents like wrought iron handles will fit in well in rustic or farmhouse-themed rooms. Weathered wood finishes and earthy tones can easily be tied in with rustic furniture like leather sofas or reclaimed wood coffee tables.
You might like: Portland Oak 140cm Wide TV Unit
If you're working with a mid-century modern space, consider a TV stand with tapered legs, wood finishes like walnut, and simple geometric forms.
You might like: Moreno 2 Door 1 Drawer Wide TV Unit or Dillon 154cm TV Stand or Enzo Geometric Mango Wood Large TV Unit
And for minimalist environments, keep the TV stand unobtrusive and functional, and choose neutral shades like white, black or grey. Sleek surfaces and hidden storage solutions will help to maintain the clean lines of the room.
You might like: Elgin Grey Corner TV Stand
- Get clear on your colour palette
The colour of your TV stand should either complement or contrast with the other furniture in your room, depending on the effect you want to achieve.
For a harmonious, balanced look, choose a TV stand that complements the shades of other large furniture pieces, like your sofa or chairs. For example, if you have a neutral-toned room with a beige or grey sofa, a neutral wood or white TV stand will blend beautifully into the design.
On the other hand, if you want your TV stand to be a statement piece, opt for a contrasting colour that draws attention. For example, if you have lighter furniture, a black or dark wood TV stand can serve as an accent piece that effortlessly anchors the room.
And if your furniture includes natural wood elements – such as those that are often found in wooden coffee tables or bookshelves – try to match the wood tones in your TV stand for continuity. If you do want to be a bit more adventurous and use different wood styles, at least stick to similar undertones. Warm woods (like cherry and oak) should be paired with other warm woods, while cool woods (like ash and maple) should go with other cool woods.
- Balance the proportions
The size and scale of your TV stand should be proportional to the size of the TV and the surrounding furniture. This will ensure your room looks balanced, not awkward or overcrowded.
As a general rule, the TV stand should be wider than the TV to create a balanced appearance. Ideally, the TV should not extend beyond the edges of the stand.
Make sure the height of the TV stand complements the height of your seating, too. If your sofa is low-profile, the TV stand should not be too tall, as you’ll soon find that you’re straining your neck when you’re binge-watching your favourite programmes. Measure the height of your sofa’s seating area and choose a stand that allows the TV screen to sit at eye level when seated.
Remember, you could always consider floating or wall-mounted TV stands if you have limited floor space.
- Focus on functionality
In addition to holding the TV, your TV stand also needs to complement how you use your room.
It’s often a good idea to go for a piece that has extra storage for books, games, media consoles or extra decorations. Look for stands with built-in cabinets, drawers, or shelves that allow you to hide cables and equipment away. (Our Koble Shadow Gaming TV Unit is a great choice for families with lots of tech.)
If you prefer a cleaner, more organised aesthetic, choose a TV stand with doors or drawers instead of open shelving. Whichever style you choose, the stand will need to have proper ventilation for all your electronics to prevent them from overheating, and easy access to cabling for convenience.
- Coordinate with other furniture pieces
Your TV stand doesn’t need to match other furniture exactly, but you need to take a coordinated approach to bringing your design together!
Aim to complement the material and style of your coffee or side tables. For example, if you have a glass or metal coffee table, consider a TV stand with similar materials for a uniform style. As we mentioned beforehand, if you have wood tables, choose wood tones that harmonise or complement each other.
Similarly, if your TV stand is near bookshelves or other cabinets, aim for a balanced mix of materials. You don’t need to match every piece of furniture down to a T, but you do need to be mindful of how they interrelate visually.
- Incorporate accents
A simple trick is to choose a TV unit in a bolder or unusual colour, such as our Stirling Blue 120cm Large TV Stand.
Otherwise, it is possible to create some interest without drawing too much attention to the TV stand’s style, or overloading the stand itself with items (because negative space is important if you’re set on achieving a sense of balance and airiness). Instead of trying to draw attention to the TV stand directly, why not fill your space with rugs or cushions in similar shades? Vertical elements along the adjoining walls will help to make the setting feel larger; floating shelves are both functional and in fashion. You could also use the beams from floor lamps and table lamps to highlight certain design elements or backlight the TV itself.
If the TV is mounted, frame it with artwork, mirrors, or wall-mounted shelves that complement the overall aesthetic of the room. This can help the TV stand blend seamlessly into the space and feel less utilitarian.
- Symmetry or no symmetry?
Your TV stand is often the largest piece in your room after the seating, so for a balanced look, we recommend placing matching lamps, plants or bookshelves on either side of the unit. Our Harlow 4 Drawer Low TV Unit with Gold Harpin Legs is a unique yet reassuringly symmetrical piece that will complement this approach perfectly.
However, if you prefer a more eclectic or relaxed style, you can create visual balance without perfect symmetry – for example, you could place a floor lamp on one side of the TV stand and a small chair or plant on the other side for a subtle dynamism. In an asymmetrical layout, make sure you balance heavier furniture pieces like a large TV stand with lighter decor or furniture on the opposite side to avoid a lopsided look.
At Roseland Furniture, we stock a huge range of TV units to help you find the perfect piece for the hub of your home. Browse our TV stands here or contact us directly if you have a particular style or requirement in mind.
