Consider the height of your TV Unit; when you are sitting on your sofa, you want your eyes to line up with half to two thirds up the screen. For example, for 40”+ TV’s, it is best to look for units that range in height from approximately 300 – 550mm. There are, however, exceptions to every rule; if you have a very specific space or need for your TV then there are many options for higher or very low units.
> PRACTICALITY & STYLE
You will need to decide how much storage you will need for your components and DVD’s etc. Make sure you measure your components before going shopping. Also think about what kind of look you want; do you mind if your components are on show or do you want them to all be hidden behind doors or glass? If they are going to be hidden, it’s important to make sure that your remotes will work through the glass/ doors.
Are you planning to have your TV sitting on top of a TV unit or are you going to have it mounted to the wall? These are good questions to ask yourself in order to be able to narrow down your search. This will also help you to decide on what style you are after for your space.
> SPACE & PROPORTION
If you have a large sitting room with a large sofa, balance it out with a long, narrow TV Unit. If you have the space, a wall unit can be a great way to incorporate your TV and media equipment neatly while becoming a feature for your home.
If you have a small space to fill, a simple unit with practical drawers and media storage will do the job nicely. Look for designs that are fuss-free with no handles as to allow it to blend with your room and other existing furniture.
The key to displaying your TV is to either centre it on a slightly longer unit or display it off-centre and balance it out with tall accessories or a floating shelf. These two options ensure the TV will look proportionate, no matter what size you decide to go with.
> 42″ TELEVISIONS:
42” TV’s look great centred on smaller units to balance out the proportions of the TV. With smaller TV’s, you also have the option to place it off-centre on a longer unit and balance it out with floating shelves, an artwork or tall decorative items.
- 1.0 – 1.5m wide units.
- Compact, practical and simple style to accommodate components.
See:
- Small Basso, $1100- perfect under a wall mounted TV.
- Sola, $1390 – good storage in a compact unit.
- Small Mezzi, $1195 – at just 1m the small Mezzi is perfect when wall space is tight.
>46″ TELEVISIONS:
46” TV’s are best suited to TV units that range from 1.8 – 2.2m. This allows enough space either side to look visually balanced in a space. Slightly larger TV units also offer more storage for media and accessories like DVD’s and CD’s.
- 1.8 – 2.2m wide units.
- Sleek, proportionate and great storage for DVD’s and extra components if required.
See:
- Prima 1.8, $1375 – plenty of room for components & spacious drawers.
- Mezzi, $1595- a sleek design at an ideal height with well laid out storage.
- Quadrato, $1585- clever pivoting doors to control the components, perfect for those who do not want glass.
- Moby, $1995 – a beautifully finished TV unit with bi-fold doors.
- Basso, $1395 – perfect underneath wall mounted TV’s for a sleek, modern look.
> 55″ TELEVISIONS:
When you have a larger TV to accommodate and you have the space, you can choose between a long, low unit or a wall-unit. It’s a great idea to balance such a large TV out with hanging cabinets or shelves.
- 2.2 – 3.6m wide units
- Compact, practical and simple style to accommodate components.
- Wall Units that incorporate media, decorative display and practical storage.
See:
- Prima 2.4, $1995 – a sleek unit that incorporates generous storage.
- Moby, $1995 – a beautifully finished TV unit with bi-fold doors.
- Puma, $4995 – a spectacular unit, the large size will anchor a large living room, it is a little higher then others, perfect for open plan rooms, where you may want to watch the TV from other areas.
Or Wall Units: