To choose the right TV stand for a 55, 65 or 75 inch television, start with the screen’s actual width, not its diagonal size, and pick a stand that is comfortably wider. A 55 inch screen is roughly 122 cm wide, a 65 inch screen roughly 144 cm and a 75 inch screen roughly 166 cm, before allowing for the frame. Then check that the stand is deep enough for the television’s feet, strong enough for its weight, and low enough that the middle of the screen sits close to your eye line from the sofa.
Those four checks (width, depth, load and height) solve most problems before they start. Larger screens in particular benefit from a long, sturdy base, which is why many people with a 65 or 75 inch television look at modern entertainment units UK rather than compact stands. Below we take each screen size in turn and explain what to look for.
Television sizes are always quoted as the diagonal measurement of the screen, from one corner to the opposite corner. It is a useful shorthand, but it does not tell you how wide the television is, and width is what matters when you are choosing furniture.
For a standard widescreen television, the width of the visible picture is a little under nine tenths of the diagonal. Add the frame, which on modern sets is usually slim, and you have the overall width. Always check the exact dimensions in the manufacturer’s specifications, because frames and stands vary between models.
Pay attention to the feet as well. Some televisions have a single central pedestal, while others have two feet placed near the outer edges. Feet near the edges mean the stand needs to be at least as wide as the distance between them, and ideally wider, so the television is not balanced on the very edge of the surface.
A 55 inch screen is a common choice for British living rooms because it suits a wide range of room sizes. With a picture roughly 122 cm across and a height of around 68 cm, it sits comfortably on most medium length stands.
Look for a stand that gives some extra width on each side of the screen. A stand of around 140 to 160 cm long works well for many 55 inch sets, leaving space for a lamp, a plant or speakers. In a narrow alcove, a slightly shorter stand can work if the television has a central pedestal rather than wide feet.
Depth matters less with a 55 inch screen, but the stand must still be deep enough for the feet or pedestal to sit fully on the surface with a little margin at the front and back. A shallow console of around 35 to 45 cm deep suits most models.
At 65 inches, the screen becomes a dominant feature in most rooms. It is roughly 144 cm wide and around 81 cm tall, so the stand needs to provide a confident base.
A stand of 160 to 200 cm suits most 65 inch televisions visually. Anything shorter tends to make the screen look as though it is overhanging its support, even if it technically fits. Longer consoles also give room for a soundbar centred beneath the screen, which is common at this size.
Weight becomes more important now. Check the manufacturer’s stated load for the stand’s top surface and compare it with the weight of your television plus anything else you will place on it, such as a soundbar or games console. Solid tops and sturdy frames are worth prioritising. Our full selection of TV stands UK sale lists dimensions for each design, so you can compare them with your screen’s specifications.
A 75 inch screen is roughly 166 cm wide and about 93 cm tall. In many British living rooms, this is a statement piece, and the stand beneath it needs to be equally substantial.
Look for a console of around 180 cm or longer. At this scale, a long, low entertainment unit or media console gives the best balance. It anchors the screen visually and provides space either side for lighting or display.
Stability is essential. Check that the stand is rated for the full weight of the television, that the frame is rigid and that the legs or base sit evenly on the floor. If your floor is uneven, which is common in older homes, look for adjustable feet. Always secure a large screen with an anti tip strap or fixing kit, particularly if you have young children.
Many people with a 75 inch screen choose to wall mount it and place a long console underneath. This removes weight from the furniture and gives more freedom over height. If you take this route, our range of modern wall TV brackets UK includes designs for larger screens, though you should always check that your wall can take the load.
Height is the measurement people most often get wrong. The aim is for the middle of the screen to sit close to your eye level when you are seated. Sit on your sofa, look straight ahead and ask someone to mark that point on the wall. That mark is your target.
To find the stand height that achieves it, subtract half the height of the screen, plus any distance between the bottom of the screen and the base of the television’s feet, from the height of your mark. The result is roughly the target height of the stand’s top surface.
Because larger screens are taller, they usually call for lower stands. A 75 inch television on a tall cabinet can leave the top of the screen very high, which is uncomfortable over a long film. Our guide to low TV unit measurements for UK homes explains this calculation in more depth.
A large screen in a small room can feel overwhelming, and a small screen in a large room can feel lost. A commonly used rule of thumb is to sit somewhere between one and a half and two and a half times the screen’s diagonal size away from it, though personal preference plays a big part.
In practice, this means a 55 inch screen suits most typical living rooms, a 65 inch screen works well where the sofa sits a little further back, and a 75 inch screen is most comfortable in larger rooms or open plan spaces. If you are upgrading to a bigger screen, measure the distance from your sofa to the wall before buying a new stand.
The stand itself also affects viewing distance. A deep cabinet brings the screen forward into the room, which shortens the distance. In a compact space, a shallower stand or a wall mounted screen can give you a little more breathing room.
Bigger screens often come with more equipment: a soundbar, a subwoofer, a streaming device, a games console or two, and perhaps a network switch. Each needs power, ventilation and somewhere to sit.
Look for stands with a mix of open shelving for equipment that needs a clear signal and closed cupboards or drawers for everything else. Rear cable cut outs and ventilation holes are especially useful. If you plan to add a soundbar, check whether it will sit on the top surface in front of the television or on a dedicated shelf, and whether it might block the bottom edge of the screen.
Not every room suits a long, low console. In a bedroom, a dining area or a narrow room where floor space is tight, a taller, narrower unit may be the only practical option. In these cases, the screen size you can comfortably accommodate is often smaller, and wall mounting may be worth considering.
If you are weighing up a taller design, our article on standard UK sizes for tall TV units sets out typical heights and widths so you can judge whether a tall unit will suit your screen.
Once the practical measurements are settled, think about how the stand will look. A large screen is a dark rectangle for much of the day, so the stand beneath it has a strong influence on the overall feel of the wall.
Warm wood softens the presence of a big screen. High gloss white or light grey reflects light and helps the arrangement feel less heavy. Black and dark finishes can make a screen appear to blend into the furniture, which some people prefer. Whatever you choose, keep the styling around the screen light so the wall does not feel crowded.
Proportion matters as much as finish. A long, slim console beneath a 75 inch screen usually looks more elegant than a short, chunky cabinet. A 55 inch screen on a very long stand can look a little small, so balance the stand’s length with lamps or objects at each end.
The larger the screen, the more the construction of the stand matters. Look at how the top is supported. A long top with legs only at the far ends can sag over time under a heavy television, whereas a central support or internal partition helps spread the load. Solid wood, thick engineered board and metal frames all perform well when designed properly.
Check the stated maximum load for the top surface and for individual shelves, and stay comfortably within it. Then think about how the stand will feel day to day. Doors should close neatly, drawers should run smoothly even when full, and the whole piece should feel firm when you press down on one corner. If it rocks or flexes, it is unlikely to suit a big screen.
Many people add a soundbar alongside a 55, 65 or 75 inch television, and it changes the layout of the stand. A soundbar placed on the top surface in front of the screen can block the infrared sensor or the bottom of the picture if the television sits low on its feet. Check the height of both before deciding where the soundbar will go.
Some stands include an open central shelf just below the top, which suits a soundbar well and keeps the surface clear. If you use a subwoofer, it usually needs to sit on the floor beside the stand rather than inside a cupboard, so allow space for it at one end.
Choosing a stand for a 55, 65 or 75 inch television becomes much easier once you know the real width of your screen, the distance between its feet, its weight and the height at which you want to watch it. With those numbers in hand, you can quickly rule out designs that will not work and focus on those that suit your room.
You can explore stands, consoles and entertainment units in every size at Furniture in Fashion. We provide free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes, and Returns are available up to 30 days.
The picture area of a standard widescreen 65 inch television is roughly 144 cm wide. Add a little for the frame, and always check the exact figure in the manufacturer’s specifications.
It is possible if the feet sit fully on the surface, but it tends to look top heavy and can be less stable. A stand that is wider than the screen is the safer, more balanced choice.
Because a 75 inch screen is tall, a low stand is usually best so the middle of the screen sits near seated eye level. Measure your eye height from the sofa and work backwards from there.
Many people do, as it gives more control over height and reduces load on the furniture. A long console beneath the screen then provides storage. Check your wall can support the weight before mounting.
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