Floating TV units are more practical because they free up floor space, make cleaning underneath effortless, let you set the height exactly where it suits your seating, and keep cables and equipment off the floor and away from small hands and paws. Fixed directly to the wall, they also make a room look larger by revealing more floor. The main trade off is that they need a suitable wall and secure fixings.
A few years ago, wall hung furniture felt like something reserved for architect designed homes. Now floating designs appear in all kinds of British living rooms, from compact flats to family semis. Many of the modern TV units available to UK homes can be wall mounted, and understanding the practical benefits helps you decide whether the style suits your space.
A floating TV unit is fixed to the wall with no legs or plinth touching the floor. It might be a slim shelf, a long cabinet with drawers or a modular arrangement of several boxes. Some freestanding units come with optional wall brackets, giving you the choice of either approach.
The effect is clean and architectural. Because the unit appears to hover, it draws less visual attention than a floor standing cabinet and lets the wall, the television and the rest of your living room furniture in the UK take centre stage.
In a small room, every bit of visible floor makes a difference to how spacious it feels. A floating unit lifts storage off the ground, so the floor runs uninterrupted to the skirting. The room reads as larger, even though the footprint of the unit has not really changed.
That clear space can also be put to work. Floor cushions, a low basket for throws or a sleeping dog bed can slide underneath. In through lounges and narrow terraced rooms, it keeps circulation feeling easy.
Anyone who has tried to vacuum under a low TV cabinet knows how much dust gathers there. With a floating unit, you simply vacuum or mop straight underneath. Robot vacuums pass beneath without obstruction. There are no legs to work around and no gap too narrow for the nozzle.
This benefit is especially welcome in homes with pets, where hair tends to collect in exactly the places that are hardest to reach.
Freestanding units come in fixed heights. A floating unit can be mounted at the level that suits your seating and your screen. If you have a low sofa, you can mount the unit lower. If you have taller seating, or you want the unit to double as a surface for lamps and decor, you can set it higher.
That flexibility pairs well with a wall mounted television. You can position the screen at a comfortable viewing height using a suitable bracket, then place the unit beneath at whatever level looks balanced. Our range of wall TV brackets for UK living rooms includes fixed, tilting and full motion options that work alongside a floating unit.
Cables are the enemy of a calm TV wall. With a floating unit, there is a real opportunity to hide them properly. The most discreet approach is to run cables inside the wall between the TV and the unit, which is often best done with professional help. Surface cable covers painted to match the wall are a simpler alternative.
Because nothing sits on the floor, there are no trailing leads across the carpet or tangles behind the unit collecting dust. Many floating designs include rear cut outs or channels that guide cables neatly into the unit.
Freestanding units with heavy televisions on top carry a risk of tipping if climbed on or pulled. A floating unit is fixed securely to the wall, and when combined with a wall mounted TV, removes the top heavy arrangement entirely. Equipment sits higher, out of reach of toddlers, and cables are kept away from curious hands and pets.
Correct installation is essential, which we cover below, but done properly, floating storage is a sensible choice for busy households.
Floating units often come in modular sections, so you can arrange them to suit your wall. Offset boxes, staggered shelves or a long run with a separate upper cabinet all become possible. Combined with shelving units and storage from our UK range, you can build a complete media wall that holds books, speakers and display pieces as well as the essentials.
Solid brick and block walls can support a floating unit well with the right fixings. Stud walls, common in newer homes and loft conversions, need fixings into the timber or metal studs, or specialist cavity fixings rated for the load. If you are unsure what your wall is made of, a stud detector or a quick consultation with a fitter helps.
Every floating unit has a maximum load. Add up the weight of everything you plan to put on and in it: soundbar, console, router, books and decorative items. Stay comfortably within the stated limit.
Use the fixings supplied or ones recommended for your wall type. Check for hidden pipes and cables before drilling. A level is essential, as a long unit that is slightly off horizontal is very noticeable. If you are not confident with DIY, a professional fitter is worth considering.
Enclosed compartments can trap heat from consoles and boxes. Look for units with ventilation gaps or open sections, and leave space around equipment.
If you rent, check with your landlord before drilling. Some freestanding units that come with optional wall brackets let you enjoy a floating look later if you move.
LED strip lighting beneath a floating unit creates a gentle glow across the floor and emphasises the hovering effect. Warm white tones feel more relaxing than cool white in the evening.
The clean lines of a floating unit are part of its appeal. A few well chosen objects look better than a crowded top. Consider a single plant, a small lamp and one sculptural object.
A painted feature wall, a panelled backdrop or a slatted wood panel behind the TV and unit creates a defined media area. Our guide to achieving designer wall mounted TV unit style in UK homes has more ideas on creating a polished look without overcomplicating things.
Because a floating unit looks light, you can afford slightly more visual weight elsewhere, such as a substantial sofa or a large rug, without the room feeling crowded.
In a small flat where the living room also serves as a dining area or workspace, a floating unit keeps the floor clear and makes the room feel less crowded. A slim depth and a finish close to the wall colour help it blend in, so the space reads as calm rather than full.
Victorian and Edwardian homes often have chimney breasts with alcoves either side. A floating unit spanning the breast beneath a wall mounted screen gives a modern touch without hiding original skirting boards or fireplaces. Check the wall carefully first, as chimney breasts can contain flues and older brickwork that needs suitable fixings.
Where toys, pets and busy routines are part of daily life, the easy cleaning and raised equipment of a floating unit make a real difference. Drawers keep games and controllers tidy, and the absence of legs means fewer knocks and scuffs.
A floating unit works well opposite a bed, keeping the floor clear for easier cleaning and a lighter feel. In a home office that doubles as a snug, a wall hung unit can hold a screen for evening viewing and printer supplies during the day, with no bulky cabinet taking up floor space.
Both styles share a low, horizontal profile. Floating suits people who value floor space, easy cleaning and a streamlined look, and who are happy to drill into the wall. Low freestanding units suit renters, people who move furniture often and anyone who prefers a solid, grounded look. Our buying guide to low TV units for UK homes compares the options in more depth.
Floating designs are practical in ways that go well beyond appearance. Once properly installed, they make daily life a little easier and a room feel a little larger. You can explore our full range of modern furniture at Furniture in Fashion.
Yes, if it is fixed into the studs or with cavity fixings rated for the load. Check the weight of the unit and its contents, and seek professional advice if unsure.
Many people mount them between roughly 20 and 40cm above the floor, but the right height depends on your seating, screen position and whether you want to use the top as a display surface.
Some can, but many are designed to sit beneath a wall mounted screen. Always check the maximum load stated for the unit.
They usually do, because revealing the floor beneath creates a sense of openness and uninterrupted space.
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