The best value floating TV units are the ones that combine a sturdy wall fixing system, a sensible depth of around 30 to 35 centimetres, closed storage with cable routing and a finish that stays looking good with everyday use. Our top picks by type are the slim floating shelf unit, the floating cabinet with drop down doors, the floating unit with integrated lighting, the modular floating system and the floor standing unit with a floating appearance. Value, in this sense, means a unit that does its job well for many years, not simply the lowest outlay.
If you are weighing up practical, well made options, our modern value TV stands UK sale are a sensible starting point, with several wall mounted and low profile designs among them.
A floating TV unit is fixed directly to the wall so that it appears to hover above the floor. The television may sit on top of the unit or be mounted on the wall above it. Because there are no legs or plinth, the floor beneath stays clear, which makes a room feel larger and makes cleaning far easier.
Floating units suit modern and minimalist schemes, but they also work in period homes where you want the furniture to sit lightly against original features. They are particularly helpful in small UK living rooms, flats and rooms with awkward skirting boards or uneven floors.
When a unit is fixed to your wall, quality matters more than with freestanding furniture. A poor fixing system or weak carcass can lead to sagging, and replacing a wall mounted unit means patching and repainting. These are the qualities that separate a good long term choice from a false economy.
Robust mounting hardware. Look for a unit supplied with a steel hanging rail or heavy duty brackets, and clear guidance on weight limits.
Solid construction. Thicker panels and well finished edges resist warping and chipping.
Practical storage. Drawers or drop down doors that close softly keep devices and clutter out of sight.
Cable management. Holes or channels in the back panel make it much easier to create a clean installation.
A durable finish. Matt lacquer, wood effect and good quality gloss surfaces all hold up well, provided they are cared for.
For a broader comparison across mounted and freestanding designs, browse our main collection of modern TV units UK.
A simple open shelf or shallow box fixed to the wall beneath a mounted TV. It holds a soundbar, a router and a couple of decorative pieces. This is the lightest looking option and suits very small rooms or bedrooms where you want minimal furniture. The trade off is limited hidden storage.
This is the most versatile floating design. Drop down or flap doors reveal compartments for set top boxes, consoles and cables, while the closed front keeps everything tidy. Push to open mechanisms give a handleless look. For most households, this is the design that offers the strongest balance of storage and style.
LED strips beneath or behind a floating unit cast a soft glow onto the wall and floor. The effect emphasises the floating appearance and provides gentle background light for evening viewing, which reduces the contrast between a bright screen and a dark room. Look for units with accessible LED controls and replaceable strips.
Modular systems let you combine a long floating base with wall shelves or hanging cabinets above. They are useful if you want to build a complete media wall with space for books and display. Start with the base and add pieces over time as your needs change.
If your wall cannot take heavy fixings, a low unit on a recessed plinth or very slim legs gives a similar effect without drilling. It is also the better choice for renters who cannot make permanent changes.
Your wall type dictates what kind of floating unit you can safely install.
Solid brick or block. The strongest option. Suitable wall plugs and screws will support most floating units comfortably.
Plasterboard on timber or metal studs. Fix into the studs wherever possible. Where you cannot, use heavy duty cavity fixings rated for the combined weight of the unit and its contents.
Lath and plaster. Common in older homes and less predictable. Locate the timber studs behind the plaster and fix into them.
If you are unsure, a qualified tradesperson can check the wall and install the unit for you. Always use a cable and pipe detector before drilling.
Many people pair a floating unit with a wall mounted television. This keeps the unit surface free for styling and gives a clean, streamlined look. Choose a bracket that matches the size and weight of your screen, and position the TV so the bottom edge sits around 15 to 25 centimetres above the unit. Our wall TV brackets UK include fixed, tilting and swivel designs.
One of the most overlooked parts of fitting a floating unit is power. Because the unit sits above the floor, sockets at skirting level can leave cables dangling beneath it, which spoils the clean look. If you are redecorating, consider having a qualified electrician add a socket behind where the unit will hang, so plugs are hidden inside or behind it.
If that is not possible, route cables through a short length of paintable trunking from the socket up to the rear of the unit. Painted to match the wall, it becomes barely noticeable. Group plugs on a single surge protected extension lead inside the unit, and label each cable so future changes are simple.
Floating units offer complete freedom over height, which is both a benefit and a potential pitfall. For a unit with the TV standing on top, aim for the centre of the screen to sit near seated eye level, usually meaning a unit top around 40 to 50 centimetres from the floor. If the TV is mounted above, the unit can sit a little higher, around 30 to 40 centimetres from the floor, leaving space beneath for a robot vacuum or simple cleaning.
Floating units tend to have less storage than large freestanding cabinets, so plan for any overflow. Floating shelves above or beside the TV can hold books and plants, while a tall narrow unit at one side adds vertical storage without crowding the floor. Our modern shelving units UK include slim designs that pair well with wall hung furniture.
White and light oak finishes feel airy and suit small rooms. Grey and charcoal matt finishes look contemporary and hide fingerprints well. Walnut and dark wood effects add warmth and sophistication. High gloss reflects light beautifully and suits modern schemes; our guide to choosing a high gloss TV unit for UK homes explains what to consider.
If your room is compact, our advice on placing an oak TV unit in a small UK living room shows how wood finishes can work in tight spaces.
The appeal of a floating unit lies in its clean lines, so keep styling simple. A small plant, a sculptural object and a short stack of books are enough. Consider leaving the floor beneath clear rather than tucking baskets under the unit, as that open space is what creates the floating effect.
A soft rug in front of the unit helps anchor it visually. Lighting on the wall or a floor lamp nearby adds depth in the evening.
Wipe surfaces with a soft, dry or barely damp cloth. Avoid abrasive cleaners, especially on gloss or lacquered finishes. Check the fixings periodically, particularly if the unit holds heavy equipment, and do not exceed the stated weight limit.
A floating TV unit offers a clean, space saving solution for modern living rooms, and genuine value comes from sturdy fixings, practical storage and a durable finish. You can explore wall mounted and low profile TV units at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes. Returns are available up to 30 days.
Many are, provided they are fixed securely into a suitable wall and the TV is within the stated weight limit. Always check the manufacturer’s guidance and use appropriate fixings.
Yes, but fix into the studs wherever possible or use heavy duty cavity fixings rated for the load. If in doubt, ask a qualified installer.
If the TV sits on the unit, a top height of around 40 to 50 centimetres usually suits seated viewing. If the TV is mounted above, the unit can sit around 30 to 40 centimetres from the floor.
They often do. Keeping the floor visible beneath the unit gives an impression of more space, which is especially helpful in smaller rooms.
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