Buying a new TV is exciting. But then comes the tricky part: finding a TV stand or media console that fits perfectly. It's a common source of living room frustration. You want a stable setup, looks great, and doesn't force you to strain your neck during movie nights.
This guide moves beyond generic advice. We'll give you the exact formulas, specific size recommendations for the most popular TVs (55-inch to 85-inch), and both imperial and metric measurements. By the end, you'll know exactly what to look for.
The Golden Rule: The 3–6 Inch Formula for TV Stand Width
Forget guesswork. The most important rule for selecting a TV stand is simple: Your TV stand should be 3 to 6 inches wider than your television on each side.
This means the total width of your stand should be 6 to 12 inches wider than the width of your TV. This isn't just about aesthetics; it's about safety and practicality.
Superior Stability: A wider base distributes the TV's weight more effectively, drastically reducing the risk of tipping, which is crucial for families with children or pets. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission highlights the importance of proper furniture selection to prevent tip-over injuries.
Perfect Visual Balance: A TV that's almost as wide as the stand looks cramped and precarious. The extra few inches on each side frames the screen beautifully, making it the focal point of your room.
Space for Components: Those extra inches are prime real estate for a soundbar (typically 36-45 inches wide), a game console, or simply some decorative items like a small plant or photo frame.
HENREST Pick: Stavn 72" MCM Fluted Media Console
TV Stand Size Chart: From 55 to 85 Inches
Use this table as your quick-reference shopping guide. Remember, if you're between sizes, it's almost always better to size up for that extra surface space.
| TV Size (Diagonal) | Approx. TV Width | Recommended Stand Width | Approx. TV Height | Recommended Stand Height (for seated viewing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 55 in | 48 in (122 cm) | 54–66 in (137–168 cm) | 28 in (71 cm) | 22–24 in (56–61 cm) |
| 65 in | 57 in (145 cm) | 63–72 in (160–183 cm) | 33 in (84 cm) | 22–24 in (56–61 cm) |
| 75 in | 66 in (168 cm) | 72–84 in (183–213 cm) | 38 in (97 cm) | 20–22 in (51–56 cm) |
| 85 in | 74 in (188 cm) | 80–96 in (203–244 cm) | 43 in (109 cm) | 18–20 in (46–51 cm) |
What Size TV Stand for a 55-Inch TV?
A 55-inch TV is a popular choice for medium-sized living rooms and master bedrooms. Its actual screen width is approximately 48 inches.
Recommended Stand Width: Look for a media console between 54 and 66 inches wide. This range provides a balanced, stable platform and offers enough surface space for a soundbar and a few small decor items.
Pro Tip for Smaller Rooms: If space is tight, you can stick to the lower end of the range (around 54-58 inches). Ensure it still has adequate cable management to keep the area feeling clean.
What Size TV Stand for a 65-Inch TV?
The 65-inch TV is the current sweet spot for many larger living rooms and home theaters. The TV itself is roughly 57 inches wide.
Recommended Stand Width: Your target is a stand between 63 and 72 inches wide. This size is incredibly versatile, often providing ample storage with cabinets and drawers while maintaining a sleek profile. It's the ideal partner for a 45-inch soundbar.
Pro Tip for Open Concepts: In a great room or open-plan space, consider going for the higher end of this range (70-72 inches). A wider console will better anchor the large seating area and prevent the TV wall from looking sparse.
HENREST Pick: Rolf 84" Oak Media Console
What Size TV Stand for a 75-Inch TV?
Moving into "big screen" territory, a 75-inch TV (approx. 66 inches wide) demands a substantial piece of furniture.
Recommended Stand Width: You will need an entertainment center or large media console that is 72 to 84 inches wide. At this scale, the stand becomes a major furniture piece, so its design and material quality are just as important as the TV it holds.
Pro Tip for Large Walls: If your wall can accommodate it, don't hesitate to go up to 84 or even 90 inches. This allows you to flank the TV with tall bookshelves or large floor-standing speakers for a truly custom, built-in look.
What Size TV Stand for an 85-Inch TV?
An 85-inch TV is a centerpiece. With a width around 74 inches, this is a serious investment in your home theater.
Recommended Stand Width: Your stand needs to be a minimum of 80 inches wide, ideally going up to 96 inches or more. Stability is the primary concern here. Ensure the stand's weight capacity is well above the combined weight of the TV and all your components.
Pro Tip for the Ultimate Setup: At this size, a low-profile, extra-wide console (sometimes called a "credenza") often works best. It emphasizes the massive screen above it without adding visual clutter or height. Bolt the TV to the wall studs for absolute safety.
TV Stand Dimensions in cm: A Full Metric Chart
For our international readers and those who prefer the metric system, here is the same guidance in centimeters.
| TV Size (cm) | Approx. TV Width | Recommended Stand Width | Approx. TV Height | Recommended Stand Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 140 cm (55") | 122 cm | 137–168 cm | 71 cm | 56–61 cm |
| 165 cm (65") | 145 cm | 160–183 cm | 84 cm | 56–61 cm |
| 191 cm (75") | 168 cm | 183–213 cm | 97 cm | 51–56 cm |
| 216 cm (85") | 188 cm | 203–244 cm | 109 cm | 46–51 cm |
HENREST Pick: Thursen 72" Chevron Media Console
How to Calculate the Perfect TV Stand Height
Getting the height right is crucial for comfortable, ergonomic viewing. The goal is for your eyes to meet the middle third of the screen when you're seated comfortably.
The Simple Calculation:
Measure Your Seated Eye Level: Sit on your sofa or chair and measure the distance from the floor to your eye level. For a standard sofa with an 18-20 inch seat height, this is typically 40–43 inches.
Find Your TV's Half-Height: A 65-inch TV is about 33 inches tall, so half its height is roughly 16.5 inches.
Do the Math: Subtract the TV's half-height from your seated eye level.
Example: 42 inches (eye level) - 16.5 inches (half TV height) = 25.5 inches. This is the ideal height for the bottom of your TV.
Adjust for Stand Height: If your TV will sit on a stand, the stand's top surface should be approximately 22–24 inches high to achieve this result. The table above provides specific height recommendations based on TV size.
HENREST Pick: Skimra 84" Oak Media Console
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best material for a TV stand with kids and pets?
For high-traffic homes, a TV stand made from solid wood or high-quality veneer over plywood is best. Solid wood is extremely durable and can be refinished if damaged. Look for a sealed wood top with rounded corners to resist spills and prevent injuries from bumps. Avoid heavy glass shelves and MDF with easily chipped edges.
How much weight does my TV stand need to hold?
You need a safety margin. Check your TV's weight (often 50-100+ lbs for larger screens) and add the weight of all components (soundbar, receiver, game consoles). Choose a stand with a top-surface rating that exceeds this total by at least 20-50% (a 1.2x to 1.5x safety margin). Also, check the weight limit for individual shelves, especially if they are glass.
Should my TV stand or media console be wider than my TV?
Yes, absolutely. Following the 3-6 inch rule on each side is the best practice for safety, stability, and visual appeal. A TV that overhangs the edges of its stand is a major tipping hazard.
What is the standard depth for a TV stand?
Standard depth for a TV stand is 15 to 18 inches. This is deep enough to accommodate most modern TV feet and components like soundbars and game consoles, while still being shallow enough to keep the TV close to the wall and not protrude too far into the room.
How do I hide cables from my TV stand?
Look for a stand with built-in cable management, such as open cutouts (grommets) in the back panel. The best designs have at least two separate cord ports—one for power and one for HDMI/audio cables—to prevent electrical interference and keep things organized. You can then use zip ties or Velcro straps behind the unit to bundle the cables neatly.
Can I put a large TV on a corner TV stand?
Yes, but you must be extra diligent. Ensure the stand's top surface is wide enough for your TV's feet and that its weight capacity can handle the load. Because the stand is angled, the weight is distributed differently, so a very wide and heavy TV might not be stable on a smaller corner unit. Always check the manufacturer's specifications.
By following this detailed size guide, you can confidently choose a TV stand that not only holds your television securely but also enhances your entire living space, creating a comfortable and stylish entertainment area for years to come.