TV Unit Buying Guide UK 2025: How to Choose the Perfect TV Stand

Choosing the right TV unit can transform your living room from cluttered chaos to streamlined sophistication. But with hundreds of options ranging from £15 IKEA basics to £500+ designer pieces, how do you know which TV stand is actually right for your space, budget, and lifestyle?

This comprehensive guide cuts through the marketing fluff to give you practical, actionable advice based on actual product testing, customer reviews from thousands of UK buyers, and design principles that actually work in real homes (not just Instagram-perfect showrooms).

What Makes a Good TV Unit? (The Essentials Nobody Tells You)

Before we dive into specific products, let's establish what actually matters:

Size and Proportions

The Golden Rule: Your TV unit should be at least 10-15cm (4-6 inches) wider than your TV on each side. A 55-inch TV needs a minimum 140-150cm wide unit.

Height Matters Too: The center of your screen should sit at eye level when you're seated. For most people, this means the TV unit should be 40-50cm high.

Depth Reality Check: Most TV units are 35-45cm deep. Measure your TV's base width (front to back) before buying—some newer models have surprisingly wide feet.

Weight Capacity

Most budget TV units support 30-50kg maximum. Check your TV's weight (find it in the manual or online specs) and ensure the unit can handle at least 1.5x that weight for safety.

Warning: Don't trust vague "suitable for up to 55-inch TVs" claims without checking actual weight limits. A 55-inch OLED weighs far less than a 55-inch older LED.

Storage Needs

Consider what you're actually storing:

✓ Open Shelves: Best for soundbars, consoles, streaming devices (need ventilation and remote signals) ✓ Closed Cabinets: Hide DVD collections, cables, and clutter ✓ Drawers: Ideal for remotes, game controllers, and small accessories ✓ Cable Management: Essential feature often overlooked—holes in the back panel prevent cable chaos

TV Unit Styles for 2025: What's Actually Popular in UK Homes

1. Floating/Wall-Mounted Units (Best for Modern, Minimalist Spaces)

Pros:

Makes rooms feel larger (visible floor space)
Easy to clean underneath
Contemporary, sleek aesthetic
Can position at perfect viewing height

Cons:

Requires solid walls (no plasterboard unless reinforced)
Professional installation often needed (£80-150)
Limited storage capacity
Not suitable for rental properties

Best For: Modern homes, small spaces, tech-minimalists with few devices

Shop Wall-Mounted TV Units at IKEA

2. Traditional TV Benches (Best All-Rounder)

Pros:

Simple installation (just place and go)
Various price points (£15-300)
Works in any room style
Easy to move/reconfigure
Stable for families with kids/pets

Cons:

Takes up floor space
Standard designs less unique
Can look bulky in small rooms

Best For: Traditional homes, families, renters, anyone wanting proven reliability

3. Corner TV Units (Best for Awkward Spaces)

Pros:

Utilizes dead corner space
Opens up wall space for other furniture
Swivel options allow viewing from multiple angles
Often larger storage capacity

Cons:

Room layout dictated by unit position
Can feel dated in modern spaces
Harder to find stylish options
Limited retailer selection

Best For: L-shaped rooms, open-plan layouts with multiple seating areas, maximizing storage

Browse Corner TV Units at Wayfair

4. Entertainment Centers (Best for Maximalists)

Pros:

Maximum storage (books, collectibles, decor)
Makes TV part of curated display
Often includes lighting features
Strong design statement

Cons:

Expensive (£300-1,000+)
Dominates room visually
Requires large rooms
Trend-dependent styling

Best For: Large living rooms, entertainment enthusiasts, those with extensive media collections

5. TV Units with LED Lighting (Trending in 2025)

Pros:

Modern, luxe appearance
Ambient lighting creates cinema atmosphere
RGB options change colors
Often includes remote control

Cons:

Requires nearby power outlet for lights
Can look gimmicky if overdone
Higher prices (£150-400)
More components to potentially break

Best For: Gaming rooms, contemporary spaces, tech enthusiasts

Shop LED TV Units on Amazon UK

Best TV Units UK 2025: By Budget

Ultra-Budget: Under £50

IKEA LACK TV Bench (£15)

The LACK proves that £15 can buy functional furniture that doesn't fall apart.

Key Features:

90x26x45 cm (suits TVs up to 32 inches)
Also available in 120cm and 160cm widths
White or black-brown finishes
Open shelf underneath
Lightweight and easy to assemble

Pros:

Unbeatable price
Perfect for small TVs/bedrooms
Takes 10 minutes to assemble
Easy to move

Cons:

Basic construction (chipboard)
No cable management
Not suitable for TVs over 32 inches
Visible screws less polished

View LACK TV Bench at IKEA

Best for: Student rooms, guest bedrooms, temporary solutions, or anyone with a small TV and tiny budget.

Reality check: This is basic furniture. It works, it's stable, but don't expect luxury. For £15, it's exceptional value.

Budget-Friendly: £50-150

IKEA BRIMNES TV Bench (£129)

IKEA's BRIMNES offers cable management and storage at a budget price point.

Key Features:

180x41x53 cm (suits most TVs up to 65 inches)
Cable outlets in back panel
Open compartments for media devices
Optional glass shelves available separately
Black or white finish
Weight limit: 50kg

Pros:

Excellent cable management
Ventilated for electronics
Spacious enough for soundbar + devices
Sturdy construction
Affordable

Cons:

Assembly takes 1-2 hours
Glass shelves sold separately
Limited color options
Open shelving shows clutter

View BRIMNES TV Bench at IKEA

Best for: Budget-conscious buyers who want cable management, modern homes, tech setups with multiple devices.

Mid-Range: £150-300

IKEA HEMNES TV Bench (£229)

The HEMNES brings traditional style and solid wood construction to the mid-range market.

Key Features:

148x47x57 cm
Solid pine construction
Two drawers + open shelving
Cable outlets
White stain or black-brown finish
Weight limit: 50kg
10-year guarantee

Pros:

Real wood (not veneer/laminate)
Drawers hide clutter
Traditional cottage style
Sustainable forestry certified
IKEA's 10-year guarantee
Sturdy and durable

Cons:

Assembly complex (2+ hours)
Traditional style doesn't suit modern spaces
Higher price point
Heavier (harder to move)

View HEMNES TV Bench at IKEA

Best for: Traditional/cottage interiors, anyone wanting real wood furniture on a budget, families needing drawer storage.

Design note: The HEMNES works beautifully in country kitchens, cottage-style homes, and Scandi-inspired spaces but looks out of place in ultra-modern minimalist rooms.

IKEA BESTÅ TV Bench (£75+)

IKEA's BESTÅ system offers customizable storage at various price points.

Key Features:

Multiple sizes (120cm, 180cm, 240cm widths available)
White, black, grey, oak effect finishes
Open or closed storage options
Modular system (add drawers, doors, shelves)
Can wall-mount or use legs/stand
Weight limit varies by configuration

Pros:

Completely customizable
Clean, modern design
Wall-mount option saves floor space
Push-open drawers (no handles)
Looks far more expensive than it is
Mix and match to your exact needs

Cons:

Price increases with additions (doors, drawers, etc.)
Complex assembly
Doors/drawers sold separately
Can be overwhelming to configure

View BESTÅ TV Bench at IKEA

Best for: Modern minimalist homes, those wanting customizable storage, wall-mount enthusiasts, design-conscious buyers on mid-range budgets.

Pro tip: Use IKEA's online BESTÅ planner tool to design your perfect configuration before buying. It calculates the exact cost and provides a shopping list.

Premium Budget: £300-500

Amazon/Wayfair LED TV Units (£200-400)

Multiple brands offer premium features at competitive prices through online retailers.

Key Features:

RGB LED lighting with remote control
High-gloss finishes (white, black, grey)
140-200cm widths
Multiple drawers and cabinets
Suits TVs 55-85 inches
Modern, luxurious aesthetic

Pros:

Statement piece furniture
LED ambiance lighting
Plenty of hidden storage
High-gloss finish looks premium
Various brands/styles to choose from
Prime delivery often available

Cons:

Assembly can be complex (2-4 hours)
High-gloss shows fingerprints
Quality varies between brands
LED lights add complexity
Heavier units harder to move

Shop LED TV Units on Amazon UK

Browse Premium TV Units at Wayfair

Best for: Modern/contemporary homes, gaming setups, home cinema enthusiasts, those wanting a statement furniture piece.

Shopping tip: Read reviews mentioning assembly difficulty and customer service. Check return policies before buying premium online furniture.

TV Unit Buying Checklist

Before you buy any TV unit, verify:

Measurements

✓ TV width: Measure your TV's actual width (bezel to bezel) ✓ TV base depth: Measure the stand depth front-to-back ✓ TV weight: Check specs online ✓ Unit width: Should be 10-15cm wider than TV on each side ✓ Room dimensions: Will it fit through doorways? Up stairs? ✓ Wall space: Measure where unit will go (including skirting boards)

Features

✓ Cable management: Holes in back panel? ✓ Ventilation: Openings for electronics to breathe? ✓ Weight capacity: At least 1.5x your TV's weight? ✓ Storage: Enough for your actual devices/media? ✓ Assembly: Do you have tools? Time? Help?

Practical Considerations

✓ Viewing height: Will TV sit at eye level? ✓ Access: Can you reach cables/connections easily? ✓ Style: Does it match your existing furniture? ✓ Return policy: Can you return if it doesn't work? ✓ Delivery cost: Factor in to total price ✓ Warranty: Minimum 1-year guarantee

Common TV Unit Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Mistake #1: Buying Too Small

The Problem: Your 55-inch TV overhangs the unit, looking precarious and top-heavy.

The Fix: Measure your TV and add at least 10-15cm on each side for the unit width.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Cable Management

The Problem: A birds' nest of cables visible behind the unit ruins the clean look.

The Fix: Choose units with cable outlets in the back panel, or budget for cable management accessories (£15-30).

Mistake #3: Closed Cabinets for Electronics

The Problem: Your Sky box overheats inside a closed cabinet, or your remote won't work through solid doors.

The Fix: Electronics need open shelving or glass-fronted cabinets (glass allows remote signals through).

Mistake #4: Wrong Viewing Height

The Problem: Neck strain from looking up/down at poorly positioned TV.

The Fix: The center of your screen should be at eye level when seated. For most people, this means a 40-50cm high unit.

Mistake #5: Forgetting About Soundbars

The Problem: Your soundbar doesn't fit in front of the TV on your new unit.

The Fix: Measure your soundbar before buying. Many modern soundbars are 10-15cm deep and need space in front of the TV or on a dedicated shelf.

Mistake #6: Ignoring Room Layout

The Problem: The perfect TV unit blocks your radiator or makes the door hard to open.

The Fix: Measure the entire wall, noting outlets, radiators, and clearances before shopping.

TV Unit Styling Tips

Your TV unit shouldn't just be functional—it can enhance your room design:

The Minimalist Approach

Keep surfaces clear except for 1-2 decorative items
Hide cables completely
Use matching boxes/baskets for hidden storage
Choose simple, clean-lined units

The Curated Display

Mix books, plants, and decorative objects on open shelves
Use the "rule of three" (group items in odd numbers)
Vary heights for visual interest
Keep at least 30% of shelf space empty (avoids clutter feeling)

The Entertainment Hub

Display collectibles related to your favorite shows/games
Frame movie posters or gaming art above the unit
Use LED strips behind the unit for ambient lighting
Keep frequently-used items (remotes, controllers) in decorative trays

Family-Friendly Setup

Use closed cabinets to hide clutter
Store kids' items in labeled baskets
Choose durable materials (avoid glass with young children)
Cable management essential for safety

Where to Buy: Pros and Cons

IKEA

Pros: Proven quality, 10-year guarantees on some items, showrooms to test furniture, affordable prices Cons: Assembly required, delivery can be expensive/slow, limited to IKEA aesthetic Best for: Budget-conscious buyers, modern styles, proven reliability

Amazon UK

Pros: Fast Prime delivery, easy returns, huge variety, customer reviews with photos Cons: Quality varies dramatically, can't see before buying, assembly instructions sometimes poor Best for: Quick delivery needs, research-savvy shoppers who read reviews

Wayfair

Pros: Massive selection, detailed filtering options, regular sales, free delivery over £40 Cons: Quality inconsistent, can't test first, some items ship from abroad (delays) Best for: Specific style/size needs, trend-focused buyers

Argos

Pros: See in some stores, click & collect, known brands, easy returns Cons: Limited selection, higher prices than online, fewer modern styles Best for: Those who want to see furniture before buying

DFS/Furniture Village

Pros: See and touch before buying, delivery and assembly included, finance options Cons: Higher prices, pushy sales tactics, limited budget options Best for: Those buying complete living room sets, premium buyers

Sustainability and Longevity

How Long Should a TV Unit Last?

Budget (£15-100): 3-5 years with gentle use Mid-range (£100-250): 7-10 years Premium (£250+): 10-15+ years

Extending Lifespan

Tighten screws annually (chipboard furniture loosens over time)
Use coasters under electronics (prevents heat damage)
Clean with appropriate products (avoid water on chipboard/MDF)
Don't overload beyond weight limits
Move carefully (chipboard cracks if handled roughly)

Sustainable Choices

Look for:

FSC-certified wood (sustainably harvested)
Real wood over plastic laminates (easier to repair/refinish)
Modular systems you can reconfigure/expand
Classic styles that won't date quickly
Reputable brands with good warranties

Final Recommendations by Priority

Best Overall Value: IKEA BESTÅ (from £75)

Customizable, modern, and looks far more expensive than it costs. The modular system grows with your needs.

Best Budget: IKEA LACK (£15)

Proof that functional furniture doesn't require big budgets. Perfect for small spaces and temporary homes.

Best Traditional: IKEA HEMNES (£229)

Solid wood construction and timeless cottage style that suits traditional UK homes perfectly.

Best for Modern Tech: LED TV Units on Amazon/Wayfair (£200-400)

Statement pieces with ambient lighting and generous storage for all your devices.

Best for Customization: IKEA BESTÅ System (£75+)

Create your exact configuration with the perfect mix of open shelving, drawers, and cabinets.

The Bottom Line

The perfect TV unit balances:

✓ Size: Wide enough for your TV plus 10-15cm each side ✓ Storage: Matches your actual devices and media collection ✓ Style: Complements your room aesthetic ✓ Budget: Provides maximum value for your spend ✓ Practicality: Cable management, ventilation, viewing height

Don't overthink it. A £75 IKEA BESTÅ will serve most people better than a £400 designer unit they can't afford. Buy what fits your space, budget, and lifestyle today—you can always upgrade when circumstances change.

The best TV unit is the one that makes your daily life easier and your living room look intentional. Start with the basics (right size, adequate storage, proper cable management), then add style elements that bring you joy.

Last updated: October 2025. Prices verified at IKEA, Amazon UK, and Wayfair. We may earn a commission from purchases made through affiliate links at no cost to you.