To measure your room for an oak TV unit, you need six measurements: the width of the wall, the depth of floor you can spare, the height of your viewing eye line, the size of your television and its stand, the position of sockets and aerial points, and the access route from your front door to the room. Take each one with a steel tape measure, write it down, and compare the figures against the product dimensions before you choose. This takes little time and removes most of the guesswork from buying.
Oak is a lasting choice, with a warm grain that suits both traditional and modern British homes, and it is a material worth planning for carefully because a good oak unit is likely to stay with you for many years. Our modern wooden TV stands UK sale include solid oak, oak veneer and oak effect designs in a range of sizes, and our full range of modern TV stands and cabinets UK sale shows how oak compares with other finishes. The six steps below will help you narrow your choice with confidence.
You will need a steel tape measure, a notepad or phone, and ideally a roll of masking tape. A second person helps with longer measurements. Measure in centimetres, as most furniture dimensions are listed this way, and note each figure as you go rather than trying to remember them.
Clear the area you are measuring if possible. Moving the current TV unit or a few items out of the way gives you a more accurate picture of the space you really have.
Measure the full width of the wall where the unit will stand, from corner to corner or from corner to any door frame, window or radiator that limits the space. Then decide how much of that wall you want the unit to occupy.
As a general guide, a TV unit looks balanced when it is noticeably wider than the television but leaves some space either side on the wall. If the wall has an alcove, measure the alcove width at floor level and again higher up, as older walls are not always straight. Measure above the skirting board too, because a thick skirting reduces the usable width at the base.
Depth is often the measurement that matters most. Measure from the wall out into the room, and decide how far the unit can project before it interferes with walking routes or the sofa.
Stand in the doorway and imagine walking past the unit. You should be able to move comfortably without turning sideways. If your room is narrow, a shallower unit will make a big difference. Remember that skirting boards push the unit slightly away from the wall, adding a little to the effective depth.
Sit in your usual spot on the sofa and look straight ahead. Ask someone to measure from the floor to your eye level. This is roughly where the centre of your television screen should sit for comfortable viewing.
Now work backwards. Subtract half the height of your television screen, and the height of its stand if it will sit on the unit. What remains is a good indication of the ideal unit height. Many people find a lower unit than they expected is more comfortable, especially with deep, low sofas. If you plan to wall mount the screen, the unit height is more flexible, and our wall TV brackets UK give you precise control over screen position.
Measure your television’s full width, including the frame, and its height. Then measure the footprint of the stand, both width and depth. Some television stands are feet placed near each end of the screen, while others are a central pedestal. Feet near the ends need a unit wide enough to hold them securely, which is a common oversight.
If you have a sound bar, measure it too. It will usually sit in front of or beneath the television, so the unit needs enough depth or a suitable shelf. Also measure any consoles, set top boxes or other devices you want to store inside the unit, and check they will fit within the internal cupboard or shelf dimensions.
Mark the position of every power socket, aerial point and network point on the wall. Measure their height from the floor and their distance from a fixed point such as a corner. This tells you whether the unit will cover them, and whether cables can reach the back of the unit easily.
A unit that blocks a socket completely can be awkward, but one that sits just below or beside sockets allows neat cable routing through rear holes. Also note any radiators nearby. Solid oak should not sit directly against a radiator, as prolonged heat can dry the wood and cause movement over time. Leave a sensible gap.
This step is easy to forget. Measure the width and height of every doorway, hallway and staircase between your front door and the living room. Note any tight turns, low ceilings on stairs or narrow landings.
Compare these measurements against the unit’s packaged dimensions, not just its assembled size, particularly if it arrives fully assembled. Oak units can be heavy, so also consider how many people will be needed to carry it safely.
Once you have a shortlist, mark the outline of each unit on the floor and wall using masking tape. Tape the width and depth on the floor, and the height on the wall. Leave it in place for a day or two and see how it feels from the sofa, the doorway and any adjoining room.
This simple test often reveals whether a unit is too large, too deep or slightly too small. It is much easier to adjust your choice at this stage than after delivery.
Knowing the difference helps you plan. Solid oak is heavy, durable and can be sanded and refinished if marked. It may move slightly with changes in humidity, which is why good airflow around it matters. Oak veneer uses a real oak surface over a stable core, giving an authentic grain with less movement. Oak effect finishes are printed or foiled and are usually lighter to move and very consistent in tone.
Each option has its place. If you want a unit to last and age gracefully, solid oak or veneer are worth considering. If weight and consistency matter more, an oak effect unit may suit your home better.
Oak tones vary, from pale, almost white finishes to deep, golden and smoked shades. If you already have oak furniture or flooring, compare the tone and undertone before buying. A slightly different oak can look deliberate if the shapes relate, but a close mismatch can look accidental.
Once your unit is chosen, our wooden coffee tables UK include oak designs that pair naturally with it and help carry the same grain across the room.
If your room is compact, our guide to choosing a TV unit for a small UK living room offers further advice on size and shape. For taller storage, our piece on where to place a tall TV unit in UK homes explains which walls suit taller designs.
Six measurements, taken carefully and written down, make choosing an oak TV unit far simpler. Measure the wall, the depth, your eye line, the television and its stand, the sockets and radiators, and the route into the room. Test your shortlist with masking tape, then choose the finish that suits your home. You can explore solid oak, veneer and oak effect TV units across our collections at Furniture in Fashion, with free delivery to most UK mainland postcodes.
A unit that is noticeably wider than the television looks balanced and supports the screen securely. Make sure it is wide enough for any stand feet placed near the ends of the screen.
The centre of the screen should sit near your eye line when seated. Measure your eye height from the sofa, then subtract half the screen height and the stand height to find a comfortable unit height.
It is best to leave a gap. Prolonged direct heat can dry solid oak and cause movement over time, so allow space for air to circulate.
Solid oak units can be heavy, especially larger designs. Check the weight and access route in advance, and plan for more than one person to carry it.
Some units arrive fully assembled or in large boxes. Measuring the route ensures the unit can reach the room without difficulty.
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