How to Choose the Right TV Unit
Sizing It to Your TV and Your Wall
Start with your TV's actual width, not its screen size, and check your model's specifications before you shop.
Next, measure the wall, and make sure the unit won't block windows or a doorway. Depth matters too. If your TV stands on feet instead of a wall bracket, measure where the feet sit and check the top is wide and deep enough for them.
If you're planning the layout from scratch, the ITU's optimal viewing distance for a 4K screen is 1.6 times the picture height. If you rent or expect to move, consider whether the unit would suit a different room size too.
Choosing a Top: Ceramic, Marble or Timber
The top takes the most daily wear, so match it to how your household actually uses the room.
- Ceramic. These tops are generally resistant to scratches, stains and heat. That makes a ceramic TV unit a practical pick for everyday use.
- Marble. A marble top TV unit has a softer, more luxurious look that makes it stand out. Most of the marble tops in our range have a protective resin coating. That coating isn't heatproof and can yellow in strong sun. So marble suits you if you're happy to use coasters, put soft pads under decor and wipe up spills straight away.
- Timber and timber tones. Wood brings warmth. Natural timber can change colour in direct sunlight and can move slightly between Perth's dry summers and damper winters.
Sunlight is a real factor for TV cabinets in Perth, where Perth Airport averages 8.8 hours of sunshine a day. If your unit will sit in direct sun, plan for blinds or ask how its finish holds its colour. If the body of a unit is made from MDF or particleboard, it's worth asking which formaldehyde emission class the board meets. E0 has a lower limit than E1, which is useful to know if you're furnishing a newly built home. Our care guide covers cleaning for marble and timber tops.
Where Will Your Devices and Cables Go?
List everything that lives near the TV now, plus anything you might add later: soundbar, gaming console, set-top box, modem, remotes, controllers, games or DVDs.
- Open shelves keep devices within reach but leave cables and clutter in view.
- Closed doors and drawers hide the mess. If you choose a TV cabinet with solid doors, look for cable management openings or a shelf that stays open.
- A mix of both gives you open space for the devices you use daily and closed storage for everything else.
Measure your soundbar's height as well. If it sits in front of the TV, it shouldn't cover the bottom of the screen. Check where your power points and antenna outlet are, too, so the unit doesn't end up covering them.
How Do You Match a TV Unit to the Rest of Your Room?
The TV unit shapes the look of a living room more than you might expect.
A black TV unit suits contemporary and modern rooms. Be realistic about upkeep, though. If you have a pet, as 73% of Australian households now do, check how a black entertainment unit's finish copes with scratches before choosing on looks alone.
Timber tones and details such as the arched doors on our new Bunbury range bring warmth to modern, contemporary and natural-inspired rooms. Marble and stone tops paired with metal accents look more glamorous. For a consistent look, choose a matching coffee table from the same range. Or repeat one element, such as the same stone top or metal finish, across pieces that don't match exactly.
Questions About Choosing a TV Unit
What size TV unit for a 75 inch TV?
Check your 75-inch TV's actual width in its specifications, then compare it with the length of each unit. The TV units in our range with listed dimensions run from 180cm to 220cm long. If the TV stands on its feet, check how far apart they sit and how much depth they need. A longer unit also leaves space for a soundbar, speakers or a few decor pieces.
How do you style a TV unit?
Style a TV unit with a few decor pieces, and protect the top as you do. On marble and timber tops, put soft pads under decor and don't drag heavy or sharp objects across the surface. Check the unit is stable and anchored before adding heavy pieces. If you need finishing pieces, our decor range has vases, ornaments and artificial plants.
How tall should a TV unit be?
The TV units in our range with listed dimensions are between about 41cm and 54cm high. To compare them, measure your TV's height including its feet or stand. Then check where the screen would sit on each unit when viewed from the spot where you usually watch.
How big should a TV unit be?
A TV unit should suit your TV, your wall and the space in front of it. The TV units in our range with listed dimensions are 180cm to 220cm long and 40cm to 45cm deep. For depth, allow enough room for the TV's stand and your devices. Also leave clear walking space in front, especially if the unit sits along a path between rooms. Check that it clears doors, windows and power points too.
Find the Right Fit for Your Space
Whether you're comparing TV units in Perth or just starting to measure up, browse the range above with your TV width and wall measurements in hand. If you'd like a second opinion, contact the Adore Home Living team with your screen size and wall width. We'll help you narrow it down to a unit that suits your space and the way you watch.