The right TV unit for a 55 inch TV should be wider than the screen, low enough that the centre of the picture sits near your seated eye level, and rated to carry the television plus any soundbar comfortably. A 55 inch television is usually a little over 120cm wide, so a unit somewhere around 140cm to 180cm wide tends to look balanced. Always check the exact dimensions of your model, as they vary between brands.
Wider, well organised units suit this screen size well. Our modern entertainment units UK offer the width and storage a 55 inch setup often needs, and you can compare them with every other style in our main range of modern TV stands UK sale. Before you choose, work through these fifteen questions.
Screen size is measured diagonally, not across. Check the manufacturer’s specification for the actual width of your television, including the frame. This single figure guides almost every other decision. A unit narrower than the TV looks top heavy and can be less stable.
Many modern televisions have feet positioned near the outer edges rather than a central stand. If so, the unit’s top must be wide enough to support both feet fully. Check the distance between the feet and compare it with the usable width of the top surface. Some models offer alternative foot positions, which can help.
Measure the wall, noting radiators, sockets, windows, doors and alcoves. In many UK terraces, chimney breast alcoves limit width. Leave a little clearance at each end so the unit does not look squeezed. A unit that fits comfortably will always look better than one that only just fits.
Sit on your sofa and measure from the floor to your eye level. The centre of the screen should sit close to that height. Add the unit’s height to the distance from the bottom of the TV to its centre, and see whether the result is comfortable. Low units suit most sofas; taller units may suit higher seats or rooms where viewers sit further back.
Viewing distance affects how immersive a 55 inch screen feels and can influence the unit’s height. In a small living room where the sofa is close, a lower unit prevents neck strain. In a larger room with more distance, a slightly taller unit can improve sightlines over a coffee table.
Check the manufacturer’s stated maximum load for the top surface. Add the weight of the television, any soundbar and anything else you plan to place on top. A generous margin is sensible, particularly in homes with children or pets. Glass tops should be toughened or tempered safety glass.
If so, check that there is enough depth and clearance in front of or beneath the TV. Some soundbars sit on the unit in front of the screen and can block the picture or the sensor if the TV sits too low. Others sit on a shelf beneath. Measure both the soundbar’s height and the gap below the screen.
Mounting the TV frees the unit’s top for other uses and gives you more choice over unit size and style. It can also improve viewing angles. Our wall TV brackets UK include fixed, tilting and swivelling options. If you rent, check whether drilling is permitted before planning this route.
List everything that will live in the unit: set top box, streaming device, games consoles, router, speakers or an AV receiver. Measure the larger items. Some consoles and receivers are surprisingly deep or tall, and not every shelf will accommodate them.
Devices produce heat, and closed cupboards can trap it. Look for units with open shelves, vented backs or cable ports that allow air to circulate. Glass doors that let remote signals through are useful for devices you operate often.
A 55 inch setup often involves several leads. Units with rear cable ports or channels keep wires tidy and hidden. Plan where your sockets are and how cables will reach them. A neat run of cables makes the whole arrangement look more considered.
If you have a separate amplifier, turntable or speaker system, a dedicated unit may be more practical. Our hifi stands and units UK are designed for audio equipment, with the ventilation and shelf spacing that separates need.
Timber feels warm and suits traditional and Scandinavian schemes. High gloss reflects light and suits modern rooms. Glass keeps things light and is useful in smaller spaces. Consider how each finish will handle daily use, and whether it relates to your flooring and other furniture.
Open shelving displays books and objects but requires tidiness. Closed storage hides clutter. Many people find a combination works best: an open shelf for devices, cupboards for games and paperwork, and drawers for remotes and cables. Decide how much of your life you want on show.
Televisions are replaced more often than furniture. A unit with some spare width can accommodate a slightly larger screen later. A classic finish and adaptable storage also mean it can move to another room or home. Thinking ahead now can save you replacing the unit when you upgrade the TV.
Once you have worked through these questions, you should have a clear set of measurements and priorities: minimum and maximum width, ideal height, load requirement, storage needs and preferred material. This makes browsing far easier, because you can quickly rule out units that will not work.
If your living room is generous, our article on space smart TV unit ideas for large UK living rooms explores layouts that suit bigger spaces. For tighter rooms, our guide asking whether a small TV unit is worth it in a compact UK home considers the alternative approach.
Before you start browsing, note down these measurements and keep them to hand:
With these figures, you can compare units quickly and confidently rather than guessing from photographs.
Where the unit sits in the room affects the viewing experience as much as the unit itself. Avoid placing the TV directly opposite a large window, where daylight will reflect off the screen for much of the day. A side wall, at right angles to the window, usually works better.
Think about lamps too. A lamp placed directly behind the sofa can create reflections, while one placed to the side of the TV unit adds soft light without glare. Many people find that a small amount of light behind or beside the screen makes evening viewing more comfortable on the eyes.
Finally, check that the unit does not block a radiator or restrict airflow around it. Heat rising behind a television does the electronics no favours, and blocking a radiator also reduces its warmth in the room.
The most frequent problems are a unit narrower than the screen, feet that do not fit the top, a screen positioned too high for comfortable viewing, and storage too shallow for the devices it needs to hold. Measuring carefully and checking specifications before you choose avoids all four.
Browse our full range of living room furniture at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
Choose a unit wider than the television itself. As a 55 inch TV is usually a little over 120cm wide, a unit of around 140cm to 180cm tends to look balanced, but check your model’s exact width.
It can if the feet fit and the load rating is sufficient, but a screen that overhangs its unit looks unbalanced. Wall mounting is a better option if you want a compact unit.
Aim for a height that places the centre of the screen close to your seated eye level. For most sofas, a low unit achieves this comfortably.
It can be, provided the front edge is wide enough to support the TV’s feet and the screen does not overhang. Check both measurements carefully.
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