When furnishing your living room, you may come across various terms like TV stand, TV console, media console, and entertainment center. These words are often used interchangeably, but they represent different types of furniture, each with its own purpose and design. If you're confused about which piece is best for your space, here's a breakdown of each one.
What is a TV Stand?
A TV stand is a simple, minimalistic piece of furniture designed primarily to hold a television. It typically has an open or shelf-based design, providing basic storage for media equipment like remotes, DVDs, or game consoles. TV stands are often compact and ideal for smaller living rooms or spaces where you only need a functional base for your TV without extensive storage or decoration.
Best for: Those who need just the basics—storage for a TV and minimal equipment—without much focus on design complexity.
Tip: Today, brands often use TV stand, TV console, and media console interchangeably. If you need a basic, functional piece without added design flair or storage, you’ll likely be looking for a TV stand.
What is a Media Console?
A media console is a more sophisticated and versatile piece of furniture. It not only holds your TV but also stores and organizes your media equipment, such as sound systems, gaming consoles, DVDs, and accessories. Media consoles are larger than TV stands and offer more storage options, such as cabinets, shelves, and drawers.
Some households prefer to hang their TVs on the wall and use a media console as the focal point of the room. This allows for a more stylish, organized, and versatile piece that combines function and aesthetics.
Best for: Those seeking additional storage and design flexibility. A media console works well if you need space to organize various devices and accessories while maintaining a cohesive look.
Tip: For many, media consoles serve as the centerpiece of the living room, blending seamlessly with different interior design styles, from minimalist to contemporary.
What is an Entertainment Center?
An entertainment center is a larger, more complex piece of furniture that includes a combination of a media console and additional storage, such as bookshelves or cabinets, to house all your media equipment and decorative items. Entertainment centers often have built-in sections for everything from your TV to audio systems, consoles, and even extra room for books or collectibles.
Best for: Those with more space who need extensive storage and want a larger piece that serves as the centerpiece of the living room. Perfect for housing multiple devices, books, and decorative pieces.
Tip: If you have a larger room or prefer a more customized storage solution, combining a media console with bookshelves or modular shelving can create a unique entertainment center that meets all your needs.
TV Stand vs. Media Console vs. Entertainment Center: Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing the right piece depends on your space, storage needs, and design preferences. Here’s a quick comparison:
Feature | TV Stand | Media Console | Entertainment Center |
Design | Simple, minimalistic design | Stylish and modern, often a focal point | Large and expansive, Integrated design, often combines multiple furniture pieces |
Storage | Basic storage, often open shelves | Ample storage with cabinets, drawers, and shelves | Extensive storage, with cabinets, drawers, and shelves |
Size | Small, compact | Larger, bulkier | Extra-large in scale, designed to anchor the entire wall |
Functionality | Primarily holds the TV | Holds TV + media devices, additional storage | Combines media storage with décor and shelving, not easy to rearrange |
Best For | Simple, minimal storage needs | Stylish, organized storage for media equipment | Larger rooms, those needing maximum storage |
Choosing between a TV stand, media console, or entertainment center depends on your space, style, and how much storage you need. Whether you opt for a TV stand for simplicity, a media console for versatility, or a full-fledged entertainment center for maximum functionality, the right piece will help anchor your living room and enhance your living space.
Inspirations: Combining a Media Console with Modular Shelving
Instead of a bulky entertainment center, pair a media console with bookshelves to create a flexible, modern media wall.
Start with a long, low-profile media console
Choose a console around 84 inches wide or more to anchor the space while keeping the room visually open.
Keep the look cohesive
Match shelving and consoles through shared materials, finishes, or silhouettes for a calm, unified feel.
HERNEST’s Renata Collection, featuring a faux travertine texture, pairs its media console and open bookshelves for a warm, balanced, and versatile setup
Maximize storage without visual bulk
Pairing a media console with refined, open bookshelves allows you to gain generous storage while occupying less visual space. This approach offers flexibility for layering books, décor, and personal objects—letting you style the space over time and express your personality without clutter.
The result is a media center that evolves with your lifestyle: structured yet flexible, curated yet effortless.
HERNEST's best-selling Valborg Collection, a versatile match for neutral modern living rooms