What Size TV Unit Do You Need for Your Screen?

Choosing a TV unit often seems straightforward until you start comparing furniture dimensions with television specifications. A TV may be advertised as 55, 65 or 75 inches, but that number does not tell you how wide the television actually is. It also does not reveal how far apart the feet are, how deep the base is or how much room you will need for a soundbar, gaming console and cables.

The right TV unit should support your television safely, suit the proportions of the room and provide enough usable space for the equipment around it. In most cases, the unit should be wider than the complete television, with some visible surface left on both sides.

As a practical starting point, allow approximately 10 to 20 centimetres of extra width on each side of the TV. A smaller allowance may work when space is limited, but a wider unit usually creates a more balanced and intentional-looking entertainment area.

Start With the Actual Width of Your TV

Television sizes are measured diagonally from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. TV units, on the other hand, are measured horizontally.

This means a 65-inch TV is not 65 inches wide. Most 65-inch televisions are approximately 144 to 146 centimetres wide, depending on the bezel and design. Similarly, a typical 55-inch television is around 122 centimetres wide.

The advertised screen size is useful when comparing televisions, but it should not be the only measurement used when choosing furniture.

Before purchasing a TV unit, check the manufacturer’s specifications for:

• The complete width of the television
• The height with and without its stand
• The overall depth with the stand attached
• The distance between the television feet
• The depth of the pedestal or feet
• The weight of the TV with its stand

These measurements can vary between models, even when the televisions have the same advertised screen size.

How Much Wider Should the Unit Be?

A TV unit should ideally extend beyond the screen on both sides. This helps the television look properly anchored within the room and prevents the setup from appearing narrow or top-heavy.

For most living rooms, leaving 10 to 20 centimetres of visible unit space on each side creates a balanced result. For example, if your television is 145 centimetres wide, a TV unit between 170 and 190 centimetres will generally suit it well.

Where space is restricted, a smaller allowance of around 5 centimetres on each side may be workable. However, the unit must still be deep and strong enough to support the TV base safely.

A unit that is exactly the same width as the television may technically fit, but it can leave no practical space for speakers, decorative objects or future equipment. It can also make the screen appear oversized in relation to the furniture beneath it.

TV Unit Size Guide by Screen Size

The following chart provides a useful starting point for selecting a TV unit. The approximate TV widths are based on the standard 16:9 screen ratio, while the recommended unit widths include additional space for visual balance.

These measurements should be treated as a guide rather than a substitute for checking the exact dimensions of your television. Frames, bezels, feet and pedestal designs can alter the final size.

Finding the Right Unit for Popular TV Sizes

A 43-Inch TV

A 43-inch television is usually around 95 centimetres wide. A TV unit measuring approximately 120 to 140 centimetres will give the screen enough breathing room without taking up too much floor space.

This size works particularly well in apartments, bedrooms, media rooms and smaller living areas. A 110-centimetre unit may fit some models, but it should only be used after checking the position and depth of the TV feet.

A 50-Inch TV

A 50-inch screen is approximately 111 centimetres wide. A unit between 140 and 160 centimetres will normally provide balanced proportions and enough room for a compact soundbar or media device.

For a minimal setup in a smaller room, a 130-centimetre unit may be sufficient. Larger units are more suitable when additional storage is required.

A 55-Inch TV

A 55-inch television is generally about 122 centimetres wide. A TV unit between 150 and 170 centimetres is a reliable choice for most living rooms.

A 140-centimetre unit may still work when floor space is limited, provided the television feet sit completely on the surface. For a wider wall or a room with substantial furniture, a 180-centimetre unit can create a more grounded appearance.

A 65-Inch TV

A 65-inch TV is usually around 144 centimetres wide. A unit measuring between 170 and 190 centimetres will normally provide the right visual balance.

A 160-centimetre TV unit can suit certain 65-inch models, but the result will be relatively compact. It is important to measure the television base and check that there is enough space for cables, a soundbar and other equipment.

A 75-Inch TV

Most 75-inch televisions are approximately 166 centimetres wide. A unit between 190 and 210 centimetres is generally recommended.

Because a 75-inch TV has a strong visual presence, a narrow cabinet underneath can look undersized. In a large open-plan living room, a unit measuring 220 centimetres or more may suit the wall better.

An 85-Inch TV

An 85-inch television is usually close to 188 centimetres wide. A TV unit between 210 and 230 centimetres creates a practical and balanced arrangement.

For a feature wall or very large room, a 240-centimetre unit can work well, particularly when storage, speakers or decorative styling are part of the design.

Large televisions are also heavier, so the unit’s load capacity becomes especially important.

Measure the Feet, Not Just the Screen

The position of the television feet is one of the easiest details to overlook.

Some televisions have a central pedestal, while others use two feet positioned close to the outer edges of the screen. Certain models allow the feet to be installed in more than one position, but many do not.

If the TV will sit directly on the unit, both feet or the complete pedestal must remain fully supported. No part of the base should extend beyond the front, back or sides of the furniture.

Measure:

1. The outside distance between the feet
2. The depth of each foot
3. The complete footprint of a central pedestal
4. The space required in front of the TV for a soundbar

Two televisions with the same screen size can have very different base measurements. Checking the exact model specifications before ordering furniture can prevent an unsafe or impractical fit.

Choosing a Unit for a Wall-Mounted TV

When the television is mounted on the wall, the unit does not carry its weight. This provides more flexibility, but the furniture should still relate naturally to the screen.

A wall-mounted television can technically sit above a unit that is narrower than the screen. However, the combination may look unbalanced, especially with larger televisions.

A unit that is at least as wide as the screen usually creates a cleaner result. Choosing one that extends beyond the screen on both sides can help connect the television with the rest of the room.

Wall mounting also gives you the option of using a slim floating TV unit. These designs work well in contemporary interiors because they keep the floor visible and make cleaning easier. Their internal depth and load capacity still need to be checked carefully, particularly when storing heavy equipment.

Do Not Ignore the Depth

Width receives most of the attention, but depth determines whether the television and connected equipment will fit comfortably.

Common TV unit depths include:

• 30–35 cm: suitable for slim floating units and simple wall-mounted setups
• 35–45 cm: suitable for most televisions and everyday entertainment equipment
• 40–50 cm: useful for larger TV bases, gaming systems and multiple devices

The external depth of a cabinet is not always the same as its usable internal shelf depth. Doors, rear panels and cable channels can reduce the available space.

Measure the deepest item you plan to store and allow additional room behind it for power plugs, HDMI cables, aerial connections and ventilation.

Cables should be able to curve naturally rather than being pressed tightly against the back of the cabinet.

Make Space for the Rest of Your Setup

The television is rarely the only item placed on or inside a TV unit. Before choosing a size, consider everything that needs to be accommodated.

Your entertainment setup may include:

• A soundbar
• Gaming consoles
• Streaming devices
• Set-top boxes
• Routers
• Speakers
• Remote controls
• Power boards
• Charging accessories

A soundbar placed in front of a freestanding television must not block the lower edge of the screen or interfere with the remote-control sensor. It may also need to fit between the television feet.

Gaming consoles and media equipment require more than enough shelf width. They also need open space around them to release heat. Tight enclosed cabinets can restrict airflow and cause devices to run hotter than intended.

Open-backed compartments, ventilated doors and generous shelf openings are useful when electronic equipment will be stored inside the unit.

Get the Screen Height Right

The correct TV unit height depends on how high the television will sit once installed.

For comfortable viewing, the centre of the screen should generally be close to the viewer’s seated eye level. A television positioned too high can lead to neck discomfort, particularly during long viewing sessions.

To estimate the correct height:

1. Sit in your usual viewing position.
2. Measure from the floor to your eye level.
3. Measure the full height of the television.
4. Identify where the centre of the screen will sit.
5. Account for the height of the television feet or pedestal.

Low-profile TV units are often well suited to large screens because they help prevent the centre of the television from sitting too high.

When the TV is wall-mounted, decide on the viewing height first. The unit can then be positioned underneath with enough space for a soundbar, cables and visual separation.

Avoid mounting the screen higher simply because the TV unit is tall.

Check the Weight Capacity

The width of a TV unit does not automatically tell you how much weight it can hold.

Check the product’s maximum top-load capacity and compare it with the total weight of everything placed on the surface. This may include:

• The television with its stand attached
• The soundbar
• Speakers
• Gaming equipment
• Decorative objects

Use the television’s weight with the stand, not the lighter weight listed for wall-mounted installation.

For floating TV units, the cabinet itself and the wall fixings must both be able to support the intended load. The correct installation method will depend on the wall material, the mounting system and the weight stored inside or on top of the unit.

Let the Room Guide the Final Choice

A TV unit should suit the screen, but it should also make sense within the room.

Before buying, measure the available wall space and note the location of:

• Doors and windows
• Power points
• Skirting boards
• Fireplaces
• Walkways
• Adjacent furniture
• Floor vents
• Speakers

A unit that is too wide can dominate a compact room, while one that is too narrow can look lost on a large wall.

You should also check whether doors and drawers can open without hitting nearby furniture. Leave enough room to access cables, clean around the unit and move comfortably through the area.

One practical method is to mark the proposed television and cabinet dimensions on the wall and floor with painter’s tape. This provides a clearer sense of scale than relying on measurements alone.

Planning for a Future Television Upgrade

If you expect to replace your television with a larger model in the next few years, choosing a slightly wider unit now may save you from replacing the furniture later.

For example, a 180-centimetre unit may feel generous beneath a 55-inch television, but it can also accommodate many 65-inch models. Similarly, a 210-centimetre unit provides flexibility for larger screens and additional entertainment equipment.

However, future planning should not come at the expense of the current room. An oversized unit can make a small living space feel crowded.

Choose extra width where it still suits the wall, the room proportions and the way the area is used.

Keep the Setup Stable and Secure

A TV unit should be placed on a stable, level surface and used according to its intended purpose.

Avoid placing a large television on a lightweight console table, chest of drawers or cabinet that was not designed to carry a screen. These pieces may lack the depth, strength or stability required.

Where suitable, secure the furniture to the wall and use an appropriate television restraint or anti-tip strap. This is especially important in homes with young children, pets or high-traffic living areas.

Australian furniture safety guidance places particular emphasis on preventing toppling incidents. The width of the furniture alone does not make a setup safe. Stability, correct installation, load limits and anchoring all need to be considered.

Mistakes That Can Leave You With the Wrong Unit

Many TV unit sizing problems come from a few avoidable errors:

• Using the diagonal screen size as the TV’s width
• Failing to check the television’s complete outside dimensions
• Ignoring the position of the feet
• Allowing the pedestal or feet to overhang
• Choosing a unit that is exactly the same width as the screen
• Forgetting the soundbar
• Measuring external depth but not internal shelf depth
• Leaving no room for plugs and cables
• Placing gaming equipment inside an unventilated cabinet
• Exceeding the furniture’s weight capacity
• Choosing a unit that places the screen too high
• Ignoring the scale of the surrounding wall
• Failing to secure the furniture and television

Taking a few careful measurements before purchasing can prevent most of these problems.

A Simple Checklist Before You Buy

Before choosing your TV unit, confirm the following:

• The complete television width
• The width and depth of the feet or pedestal
• The television’s weight with the stand
• The maximum load capacity of the unit
• At least a small amount of visible space on both sides
• Enough surface depth for the TV base
• Enough internal space for connected equipment
• Cable access behind the unit
• Ventilation around gaming and media devices
• A comfortable screen height
• Suitable proportions for the wall and room
• Safe anchoring options

Final Thoughts

The best TV unit is not chosen by screen size alone. Start with the television’s actual width, measure the base, check the depth and weight, and then choose a unit that gives the screen enough space to feel balanced within the room.

For most homes, a unit that extends 10 to 20 centimetres beyond each side of the television will provide a practical and well-proportioned result.

At Indoor Furniture Co., we offer thoughtfully designed indoor furniture for modern Australian homes, including TV units suited to a wide range of screen sizes and living spaces. Our collection combines everyday functionality, practical storage, and considered design, with delivery available across Australia.