Buying guide for best tv stands
As new TV technologies come out, many consumers spend hours deciding which set to buy, often forgetting about a related decision that’s almost as important: what will you put your TV on? That’s where a good TV stand comes in.
The TV stand market hasn’t evolved as quickly as TV set technology has, but there are still plenty of new designs and innovations worth checking out. You'll want to consider which storage options, size, and style will work best in your home and with your new TV.
Types of TV stands
Most TV stands fit into one of three categories. Consider your specific TV room as you’re picking out the style of stand that will work best for you.
Traditional cabinet TV stands are big rectangles that usually have shelving and sometimes doors for storing electronics or media. Traditional TV stands are the easiest to find, the most affordable, and the easiest to build. If you’re looking for a straightforward, no-frills TV stand, a traditional cabinet style should be perfect.
TV stands with built-in TV mounts are built like traditional cabinet TV stands but have a set of metal tracks attached to the back that are VESA-compliant mounts for flat-screen TVs. TV stands with built-in mounts provide a wall-mounted look without requiring you to drill any holes in the walls. These stands often include cable management solutions for keeping wires hidden. If you need a TV stand in a place where you can’t mount a TV to the wall – like an apartment or rented office – a TV stand with a built-in mount is a great way to enjoy the luxury of a mounted TV without having to make permanent changes to any walls.
Corner TV stands look like traditional cabinet TV stands, with one big difference: the top is a triangle designed to fit perfectly in a corner. Corner TV stands run fairly small, so they’re not typically used with TVs larger than 42 inches. If you’re in a cramped space, or you want a stand for your TV that won’t visually dominate the room, consider buying a corner TV stand.
TV stand materials
A lot of TV stands that look similar use a variety of different building materials, and those materials have a big impact on durability and longevity. Consider the most common building materials, and pick that one that’s right for you before you start shopping. Many TV stands use a combination of these materials, often with glass paneling so you can see the electronics inside. Ultimately, you should choose the material that appeals most to your design sensibilities and your wallet.
Particle board and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) are the most common materials for TV stands. For most people, a particle board or MDF is a solid choice, especially if the TV stand is in a low-traffic area where it isn’t likely to get damaged.
Easy to use with all types of veneers, these materials can be made to look like just about any wood finish.
Particle board and MDF dent easily, and because they have veneer finishes, a scratch or dent can be particularly unsightly when it reveals the material underneath the veneer.
These TV stands are inexpensive.
Hardwood TV stands are usually built with high-quality wood like oak, walnut, or maple.
TV stands made from real wood are incredibly durable.
According to many consumers, these are the most elegant stands available.
These stands are handmade and so typically the most expensive.
Plastic or metal TV stands offer a compromise between the simplicity of particle board and the durability of hardwood.
A TV stand made from plastic or metal is perfect for temporary living situations like a college dorm or an apartment because it’s cheap and easy to set up.
These TV stands are often the most affordable.
Expert Tip
Some TV stands have adjustable shelving, so you can change the height of specific shelves or remove them altogether. If you swap out components a lot or change your setup on a regular basis, buy a stand with adjustable shelving and you can easily make changes whenever you feel like it.
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TV stand prices
Most TV stands are affordable, but there are a few features worth paying a little more for. You can expect to pay from $50 to $700 for a TV stand. Here’s what you’ll get for your money when you go shopping for a TV stand.
Inexpensive: You’ll find stands made from particle board, metal, or plastic that hold just about any size TV for between $50 and $149. Stands in this price range are functional and sometimes stylish, but they don’t typically last more than a few years. If you need a TV stand that you won’t feel bad about damaging, you can find plenty of good options in this price range.
Mid-range: You’ll encounter the best values between $150 and $299. TV stands in this price range are made of a mix of materials, have plenty of storage, and will easily last a decade or more. If you’re looking for a TV stand with above-average looks and quality workmanship, you don’t need to spend more than this.
Expensive: Expect to see luxury TV stands in the $300 to $700 range. These stands are made with premium materials and have thoughtful designs that allow for cable management and repositioning of shelves. If you’re building a proper home theater, or if aesthetics are your top priority, get ready to spend a lot.
Tips
Count your electronics before you shop. Your TV stand will probably be holding multiple components, so it’s important to buy one with enough room for all of them – and it’s easy to forget smaller items like a cable TV box or gaming console. Once you know your specific storage requirements, you can also consider TV stands with additional storage, in case you decide to make upgrades in the future.
If you’re a gamer, make sure the TV stand you buy has adequate ventilation for your video game console. Playing video games will make your gaming console generate a lot of heat, and if you put it in an enclosed area or shelf, it’s possible it could overheat and cause permanent damage. To ensure your gaming console lasts a long time, only place it on shelves where it can properly dissipate excess heat.
- Measure your TV’s width before you buy a new TV stand. Standard TV measurements reflect the diagonal length of the screen from corner to corner, but the actual height and width will vary – even sets with identical diagonal screen measurements can have bezels of different sizes. To be absolutely certain your TV will fit on a TV stand, measure its horizontal width and compare that with the width of the various TV stands you’re considering. Only buy a stand that’s wider than your TV.
FAQ
Q. Do TV stands have weight limits?
A. Yes, but it’s rarely worth worrying about. All TV stands indicate the amount of weight that could potentially cause the stand to collapse, but few TV setups will even come close to that limit. All flat-screen TVs are relatively light, and most electronic components don’t weigh more than a few pounds. If you have an older, bulkier TV, or incredibly heavy electronics like a high-end AV receiver, make sure your TV stand will support the weight of your gear. If you’ve got a flat-screen and typical electronics, you can rest easy.
Q. Is it hard to assemble a TV stand?
A. Not usually. Most TV stands take about half an hour to an hour to assemble, and only take a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to complete. If you’ve built a LEGO kit before or put together furniture from IKEA, assembling your new TV stand should be easy for you.
Q. If I buy a TV stand with glass doors, will my remotes still work for the electronics behind the glass?
A. Yes. Many components like Blu-ray players, streaming boxes, or cable TV boxes accept Infrared (IR) signals as commands, and IR signals only require a line of sight. Glass doors won’t block IR signals, but any solid material like wood, plastic, or metal will prevent remote commands from going through if they block the line of sight between the remote and the device being controlled. Some devices use radio frequency (RF) signals to send commands, which don’t require a line of sight, so the construction materials of the TV stand don’t matter.
