TV Unit Buying Guide 

Your TV unit is more than just a perch for your television; it's the anchor of your living room. It helps define your style, keeps wires and devices tidy, and provides essential storage for everything from remotes and consoles to boxsets and books. With so many shapes, styles and sizes to choose from, finding the right one can feel like a bit of a puzzle.

Whether you're furnishing your first home, upgrading your current setup, or simply looking for something that fits better in your space, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know from measuring up to picking a finish that suits your décor.

What Is a TV Unit?

A TV unit (also known as a TV stand, entertainment unit, or media console) is a functional piece of furniture designed to support your television and house other electronic equipment such as soundbars, gaming consoles, DVD or Blu-ray players, and set-top boxes. But a good unit goes beyond just function; it adds structure to your space and reflects your personal style.

Modern TV units often include:

• Shelves or drawers for hidden storage

• Pre-drilled cable management holes

• Space for decorative pieces like books, candles, or photo frames

Depending on your needs, your TV unit can be a sleek, minimalist frame or a substantial piece that provides both storage and style.

Which Type Suits You Best?

Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of TV units and what they offer:

1. Standard TV Stands

These classic units are rectangular and sit flat against a wall. They usually have a combination of open shelves and enclosed storage.

Why choose one?

• They’re versatile enough for most room sizes and layouts

• Offer a balanced mix of display and storage space

• Easy to style with décor or paired with a mounted TV

Things to consider:

• Some models can look basic without added design features

• Storage space is usually moderate, not extensive

2. Corner TV Units

Designed to fit neatly into the corner of a room, these units are a clever solution for maximising floor space especially in smaller homes or flats.

Benefits:

• Ideal for awkward or compact layouts where wall space is limited

• Helps free up central room space for better flow

• Still offers shelving or cupboard storage, just in a more compact shape

Drawbacks:

• Limited top surface area for larger TVs

• Fewer style variations compared to standard models

3. TV Units with Built-In Storage

If you have multiple devices, wires, and accessories to house, a TV unit with ample storage is the way to go. These units often include drawers, cupboards, or shelving behind doors.

Best for:

• Families, tech-lovers, and gamers

• Anyone wanting to keep the living room tidy and clutter-free

• Homes that lack additional storage furniture

Bonus: Closed storage helps reduce visual noise and keeps things dust-free.

4. Lowline or Scandinavian-Style Units

Inspired by Scandi and mid-century aesthetics, these units sit lower to the ground and feature clean lines, tapered legs, and light wood tones.

Why you'll love them:

• Perfect for modern, airy interiors

• Helps small spaces feel more open

• Easy to pair with minimalist or neutral décor themes

Downside:

• Less internal storage than more traditional or chunky units

What to Consider Before Buying a TV Unit

1. Measure Your TV and Your Room

Start by measuring the actual width of your TV (not just the screen size in inches   that’s the diagonal). Your unit should be wider than your TV for both balance and stability.

Also measure:

• The space available in your room

• Clearance for opening cupboard doors or drawers

• The height of the unit, especially if your seating is low

Pro Tip: Tape out the unit’s footprint on your floor using masking tape to see how it fits in your space before buying.

2. Match the Unit to Your TV Type

Different types of TVs suit different styles of unit:

• Flat screen TVs work well on most standard units

• Wall-mounted TVs pair best with floating or lowline consoles

• If you use a soundbar, check the unit’s height or choose one with a soundbar shelf

Don’t forget to factor in speaker placement, especially if you have surround sound.

3. Think About Your Storage Needs

TV units can help organise the tech clutter that tends to build up in any living room. Think about:

• How many devices you want to house (Sky box, PlayStation, soundbar, etc.)

• Whether you’d prefer to hide things away or keep them on display

• Whether cables and remotes tend to build up and need managing

Drawers, cupboards, and shelves all help create a tidy space and many of our units offer soft-close doors and cable access ports.

4. Pick a Finish That Matches Your Style

TV units come in a wide range of finishes   each suited to a different look:

Choose a finish that complements your flooring, walls, and existing furniture for a cohesive look.

🔌 5. Don’t Forget Cable Management

No one wants a tangle of wires behind the telly. Many Roseland TV units are designed with thoughtful details to keep cables neat and out of sight, such as:

• Pre-cut openings at the rear

• Internal channels to feed wires through compartments

• Concealed cable areas to help devices breathe without mess

6. Assembly & Delivery Access

Before ordering, check the product description to see if your TV unit comes flat-packed or pre-assembled.

• Flat-packed options are easier to manoeuvre through narrow hallways or up stairs but require DIY assembly

• Fully assembled units are more convenient but may need wider access routes

If you're unsure whether a piece will fit through your home’s access points, measure door widths and turns in stairwells ahead of time.

TV Unit Comparison Table

Pros & Cons of TV Units

Pros

• Keeps entertainment gear tidy and accessible

• Adds style and structure to your living space

• Offers valuable hidden storage and cable management

• Helps elevate your TV to a comfortable viewing height

Cons

• Some units require time-consuming assembly

• Oversized units can overwhelm smaller rooms, if not planned properly

• Open shelving can lead to visual clutter, if not styled neatly

FAQs

What size TV stand do I need for a 55" TV?
Choose a unit that’s at least 120–130cm wide. This gives your TV a stable base and avoids awkward overhang.

Can I mount my TV on the wall above a unit?
Yes! This is a popular choice you can wall-mount the TV and use a low or floating unit below for storage and décor.

Are wall-mounted units safe?
Absolutely as long as they’re professionally installed using suitable fixings for your wall type (brick, plasterboard, etc.).

What’s the best material for a TV unit?
Solid wood is hard-wearing and brings warmth, while MDF or engineered wood is more budget-friendly. Metal accents add an industrial edge.

Do your TV units include cable holes?
Most of our units include pre-drilled cable management holes just check the product details to confirm.

Choosing the right TV unit isn't just about size; it's about creating a functional, stylish space that works for your lifestyle. At Roseland Furniture, our range of TV stands and media units combines smart storage, quality craftsmanship, and timeless style, all designed to suit modern UK homes.

Ready to Find Yours?

Browse our full collection of TV units now and discover the perfect piece to elevate your space.