How to Choose a Sideboard That Works as a TV Stand Alternative

Why Use a Sideboard Instead of a Traditional TV Stand

Televisions keep getting larger and slimmer, yet the dedicated TV stand has not really evolved with them. Many living rooms now feel out of balance because a low, narrow media unit looks dwarfed by the screen above it. A sideboard offers a confident alternative. It holds the television visually, gives generous storage behind closed doors and reads as a proper piece of furniture rather than a temporary holder for electronics. If you are weighing up your options, compare a few designs from our sideboard furniture collection alongside our dedicated tv units to see how the proportions differ.

Start with the Right Height

Most televisions look best when the centre of the screen sits at roughly seated eye level. For an average UK sofa with a seat height of 45cm, that lands the centre of the screen around 100 to 110cm from the floor. A sideboard at 75 to 85cm tall, with a 55 inch television placed on top, hits this range neatly. If you intend to wall mount the screen instead, the sideboard can sit lower, around 60 to 70cm, with the television floating above. Either approach feels far more grounded than a slim TV unit.

Match the Width to the Screen

The cabinet should always look wider than the television. A sensible rule is to allow at least 30cm of clear space on each side of the screen. So for a 65 inch television, which measures around 145cm wide, choose a sideboard of at least 200cm. This visual breathing room stops the room from looking front loaded and gives you space to style the surface with a small lamp or trailing plant.

Think About Cable Management

This is where a sideboard quietly wins over a traditional TV stand. Cupboards with solid doors hide a multitude of cables, set top boxes and games consoles. Look for cabinets with built in cable openings at the back, or be prepared to drill a discreet hole yourself. Inside, keep cables grouped with simple velcro ties and lift heavy items onto small risers so dust does not gather underneath. A power strip mounted to the inside wall keeps the floor of the cabinet clear.

Choose Materials that Suit the Room

Living rooms tend to feel calmer when furniture echoes existing tones. If your floor is oak, an oak or walnut sideboard will sit naturally beneath the screen. For a more contemporary scheme with concrete or pale tile floors, a high gloss white or anthracite finish reflects light and keeps the room feeling open. Mixed timber and metal cabinets bring quiet warmth without the visual weight of a fully wooden piece. Browse styles within our wider living room furniture range to coordinate with your sofa and coffee table.

Plan for Ventilation

Television set top boxes, soundbar amplifiers and gaming consoles all produce heat. A closed cupboard without airflow can cause electronics to throttle or, in extreme cases, fail early. Pick a sideboard with vented backs, mesh inserts or doors that you can leave slightly ajar during long sessions. Where possible, place heat producing equipment on the top open shelf rather than the bottom drawer, where warm air gathers.

Style the Top with Restraint

It is tempting to fill the empty space either side of the television with decorative objects, but a busy top surface fights with the moving image on screen. One trailing plant, one small lamp and a single low object such as a ceramic dish is usually enough. Keep heights below the bottom edge of the television so the eye reads the screen as the main focal point.

Consider a Soundbar Shelf

If your sideboard is taller than 80cm and your television is placed directly on top, a soundbar can sit comfortably in front of the screen on the cabinet surface. For shorter cabinets, wall mounting the soundbar below the screen keeps the styling clear. Either way, plan the cable run before you choose the piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can any sideboard hold a large television?

Check the weight capacity of the top, which should comfortably exceed the weight of your screen. Most modern sideboards support 40 to 60kg, which covers televisions up to around 75 inches.

Is a sideboard deep enough for a television base?

Sideboards are typically 40 to 45cm deep, which suits the vast majority of television stands. Always measure the base of your screen before buying.

Will I lose storage compared with a media unit?

No, you will gain it. A sideboard is taller and usually wider, offering far more usable cupboard and drawer space than a low TV bench.

How do I stop dust building up inside?

Open the doors briefly each week and use a soft cloth on the shelves. Air movement keeps both the electronics cooler and the interior cleaner.

For more inspiration, explore the full collection at Furniture in Fashion, where you can shop modern furniture UK with free UK delivery.