How to Measure for the Perfect TV Stand

Nothing is more frustrating than purchasing a TV stand online only to discover it doesn't fit your space—or worse, it looks disproportionate with your television. This comprehensive measuring guide will ensure you get the perfect fit the first time, saving you the hassle and expense of returns.

What You'll Need

Before you begin measuring, gather these essential tools to ensure accuracy. Having everything ready will make the process quick and painless.

• A tape measure (at least 3 metres long)
• Pen and paper or your phone's notes app
• A helper for measuring large spaces (optional but helpful)
• Blue painter's tape for marking positions

Step 1: Measure Your Available Wall Space

Start by measuring the wall where you plan to place your TV stand. Measure the total width of the wall from corner to corner or from any fixed obstacles like doorways, windows, or built-in features. Record this measurement—it represents your maximum possible width.

Next, consider any furniture that will sit adjacent to your TV stand, such as side tables, lamps, or speakers. Subtract the space these items occupy from your total wall width. It's also wise to leave at least 5-10 centimetres of clearance on each side for visual breathing room and easy access for cable management.

Step 2: Measure Your Television

Here's where many people get confused: TV sizes are measured diagonally across the screen, not by width. A 55-inch TV doesn't mean it's 55 inches wide. You need the actual physical dimensions to properly size your stand.

Measure your TV's width from the outer left edge to the outer right edge, including the frame (bezel). Also measure the depth from front to back, particularly important for older LED TVs or if you use a soundbar. Finally, measure the width of your TV's stand or feet—this is the minimum depth your TV stand surface needs.

Step 3: Calculate the Ideal Stand Width

With your TV's width in hand, you can now determine the ideal TV stand width. The golden rule is that your stand should be at least 10-20 centimetres wider than your TV. This creates visual balance and prevents the television from overwhelming the unit or appearing precariously placed.

For a 55-inch TV that's 122cm wide, your ideal stand would be 132-142cm wide. If your wall space allows, going slightly wider is usually more visually appealing and provides extra surface area for decorative items, speakers, or a soundbar.

However, don't go overboard. A stand that's dramatically wider than your TV can make the television look small and lost. Aim for proportional balance—the TV should be the hero, with the stand supporting but not overwhelming it.

Step 4: Determine the Optimal Height

Height is crucial for comfortable viewing and often overlooked. When seated in your usual viewing position, the centre of your TV screen should be at or slightly below eye level. This prevents neck strain during extended viewing sessions and creates a more immersive experience.

To calculate your ideal TV stand height, first measure the height of your eyes when seated on your sofa. For most adults on standard Australian sofas, this is approximately 100-110cm from the floor. Then, divide your TV's height by two and subtract this from your eye level. The result is your ideal stand top height.

For example: If your seated eye level is 105cm and your TV is 70cm tall, you'd want a stand approximately 70cm high (105 - 35 = 70). This positions the screen centre right at eye level.

Step 5: Account for Depth and Clearance

Depth is particularly important if your TV stand will sit against a wall with skirting boards or if you're using a wall-mounted TV above the stand. Measure the depth of your room's skirting boards—typically 15-25mm in Australian homes—and ensure your chosen stand can sit flush against the wall or accommodate this gap.

Also consider cable routing. You'll need space behind the stand to run power cords, HDMI cables, and potentially ethernet cables. Most entertainment units need at least 10cm clearance from the wall for adequate cable management and ventilation for electronic devices.

Step 6: Measure for Doorways and Access

Before ordering, measure every doorway, hallway, and staircase the TV stand will need to pass through during delivery. Many Australians have discovered too late that their beautiful new entertainment unit won't fit through their front door or up a narrow stairwell.

Measure the width and height of all doorways, noting any door handles or hinges that reduce the effective opening. For stairs, measure the width and consider any turns or landings. Add at least 5cm to the stand's dimensions for manoeuvring room.

Step 7: Consider Storage Requirements

Make a list of everything you plan to store in or on your TV stand. This might include gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray players, sound systems, DVDs, remotes, and decorative items. Measure each item, particularly their depth, as many entertainment units have surprisingly shallow shelving.

Modern gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X are notably larger than their predecessors. The PS5, for example, is approximately 39cm tall and 10cm deep when horizontal. Ensure any enclosed compartments can accommodate these dimensions with room for ventilation.

Step 8: Create Your Measurement Summary

Compile all your measurements into a simple reference list you can consult when shopping. Having this information readily available prevents impulse purchases that don't suit your space.

Final Verification Tips

Before making your final purchase, double-check all measurements. It's worth measuring twice to avoid the inconvenience of returns. When browsing online, pay attention to the unit of measurement—some international sellers list dimensions in inches rather than centimetres.

Consider ordering fabric samples or checking colours in person when possible, as monitor displays can misrepresent true finishes. If you're unsure between two sizes, the slightly larger option is usually the safer choice, provided it fits your space. A stand that's marginally oversized looks better than one that appears too small for your television.

Taking these measurements carefully upfront ensures your new TV stand will look perfect in your space and serve you well for years to come. The small investment of time now prevents significant frustration later.