5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a TV Stand

Your TV stand sits in the middle of your living room for years. It supports expensive electronics and sets the stage for everything else. So why do so many people breeze through this purchase and regret it?

The wrong TV stand causes you to stumble every day. Maybe it’s too small and looks silly. Perhaps your cables spill out from every side. Or it might wobble when you brush up against it.

You pay more than cash. You either live with a setup you hate or replace your stand down the road. Neither feels great.

In this post, we’ll run through five of the most common mistakes people make when buying a TV stand. You’ll learn what to look out for and how to get something you love for years.

Mistake 1: Getting the Proportions Wrong

And the worst thing people do is get a TV stand that’s not the right size for their TV. We see this all the time.

It looks like it’s not centered properly. Even worse, it could be dangerous.

Your TV stand should always be wider than your TV. It makes it look balanced, and it’s more likely to stay upright. A safe rule of thumb is to add 6-8” on each side of your screen.

For example, a common pitfall is choosing a console that’s barely wider than the screen. A proper TV stand for 75-inch TVs should be at least 80-85 inches wide to avoid looking top-heavy and unstable.

Here’s a quick reference for common TV sizes:

55-inch TV: Choose a stand at least 60 inches wide
65-inch TV: Look for stands 70 inches or wider
75-inch TV: Need at least 80-85 inches in width
85-inch TV: Requires 90 inches minimum

Don’t skip on the depth, either. You need room for your TV base. Plus, if you have a soundbar or gaming console, make sure that it fits, too. Measure, and measure again before you purchase.

The proportions look wrong, but it affects more than your eyes. If your TV stand isn’t the right size, it puts stress on the furniture. And your hundreds-of-dollars TV is at risk of tipping over if someone bumps into it. And let’s face it. Someone will.

Mistake 2: Forgetting About Viewing Height

Where you place your TV counts as much as what you put on it. The wrong height from your eyes causes aching necks and boring viewing marathons. But people buy stands without thinking.

The center of your TV screen needs to be at eye level when you sit. Depending on your couch, that’s about 42 inches from the floor. Your TV stand height impacts this greatly.

Most TV stands are between 20 and 30 inches tall. Add your TV’s height to find the total. Then see if that height centers the screen at your eye level.

Low-profile stands work well for big TVs. The larger your screen, the lower your stand should be. This keeps the viewing angle comfortable without stressing your neck.

Seating matters too. If you use a bar-height counter, you’ll need a taller stand. If you recline in a chair, you’ll need to adjust too (since you lean back).

Some people mount their TVs too high on the wall. They think it looks better. But you’ll choose comfort over cosmetics when you spend hours watching. Your neck will thank you.

Don’t commit until you try it out. Put your TV on boxes of varying heights. Sit where you’ll be watching and see what feels natural. This test will prevent regrets later.

Mistake 3: Neglecting Your Overall Design Aesthetic

Your TV stand should be compatible with your room’s style. Oh, sounds so obvious, but so many people get caught up in size and forget about style. The result is a living room that doesn’t tie together.

We often get caught up in measurements and lose sight of style. If your home has clean lines and minimal hardware, a rough-hewn and clunky console will stick out like a sore thumb. In this instance, you’ll want to snag a sleek modern TV stand with clean hardware that will tie together the room and make it pop!

What about your existing furniture? What materials are used? Wood? Metal? Glass? A combination? Your TV stand should be in keeping with these choices.

Color also plays a part. In traditional rooms, you may like stands with dark wood. In Scandinavian rooms, white or light wood is best. In an industrial room, black metal is ideal. In a contemporary room, glass and chrome are the way to go.

Some style matches to consider.

Traditional rooms: Full-grained wood with traditional finishes.
Modern rooms: Clean lines, no or minimal hardware, off-white or light colored wood.
Farmhouse style: Distressed wood, details reminiscent of a barn door.
Industrial look: Metal frames, wood, or concrete top.
Mid-century modern: Tapered legs, warm wood tones.

No attempt to force a style that doesn’t work. That bargain stand is no bargain if it makes your room look out of joint. Better to wait.

Mistake 4: Overlooking Storage and Airflow Needs

A pretty TV stand that can’t hold your stuff is a mess waiting to happen. Don’t purchase just yet. First, list everything that needs a home.

Most people have more than just a TV. There’s the cable box. Streaming boxes. Game consoles. Sound bars. Don’t forget remotes, games, and cables. All of this has to go somewhere.

Open shelving keeps electronics ventilated but displays a mess. Closed cabinets conceal clutter but can trap heat. The best stands for TV offer both options. Use open shelving for devices that run hot. Hide uglier pieces behind doors.

Cable management makes the difference between a good stand and a great one. Look for holes or channels inside the stands for routing cables. Some stands come with cable ties or clips. These little touches make a big difference in your ultimate setup.

Ventilation keeps your expensive electronics running smoothly. Game consoles and cable boxes produce a lot of heat. If there’s no airflow, they’ll overheat and fail quickly.

Check for these airflow features:

Ventilation slots in closed cabinets
Open the windows for heat escape
Enough space between shelves
Wire mesh instead of solid doors

Measure your devices before shopping. That beautiful stand won’t work if your soundbar doesn’t fit. Leave extra room for future upgrades, too.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Weight and Material Quality

TV stands have to be able to hold a serious weight. Those modern TVs look so light, but a 75” TV can weigh 75 pounds! Add your other electronics, and the weight adds up fast.

Always check the weight limit. It should be more than your TV’s weight plus 20 more pounds to ensure you can add all your equipment, and it won’t sag over time.

Particulate board is cheap, but it won’t last. It will sag under weight and moisture damage easily. Look for solid wood or quality MDF, and you’ll get a much better value in the long run.

Metal stands give great support for heavy TVs. They won’t warp or sag like wood. Find ones with powder-coated finishes that resist both scratches and rust.

Always check the shelf material. Tempered glass is way stronger than regular glass. It should be 6mm or more, but even then, there is a weight limit you need to follow.

Watch for these quality indicators:

Thick panels that don’t flex when pressed
Smooth drawer slides that don’t stick
Doors that close properly and stay aligned
Sturdy hardware with proper anchoring
Level surfaces without warping

Cheap materials lead to expensive problems. That wobbly stand puts your TV at risk. Sagging shelves look terrible and might collapse. Invest in quality now to avoid replacement costs later.

Conclusion

Selecting the right TV stand shouldn’t be hard. Avoid these five common mistakes and you’ll have something to hold up.

Just be sure to get the right proportions for your size TV. The right height for a comfortable viewing distance. A style that matches the room. Enough storage and proper ventilation. And finally, use quality materials that can support the weight.

Don’t rush into a decision. Measure twice. Think about what you need now. What you might need in the future.

The right TV stand makes your living room better in every way. It protects your electronics and keeps them organized. It matches everything in your decor. And most of all, it makes watching TV better.

Now you know what to look out for. Shop around and find one you’ll love for years to come.