A low TV unit is worth upgrading when your screen now sits too low for comfortable viewing, when a larger television overhangs its ends, when it can no longer hold your devices and speakers, or when the frame and finish show real wear. If it still fits, feels sturdy and suits the room, small changes such as wall mounting the screen, adding shelving above or refreshing the finish may be all you need.
Low units have become a familiar sight in modern living rooms. Their long, horizontal shape keeps the wall open and suits deep sofas and relaxed seating. That same shape, however, can create problems as screens grow and households change. Below we look at the signs that point towards an upgrade and what to consider when choosing a replacement. Our modern low TV units UK range includes a variety of heights, widths and finishes, so it is a useful reference as you read.
Low units suit the way many people now watch television. Larger screens are more comfortable to view when they sit slightly lower, and deep, relaxed sofas place the eye line lower than upright chairs do. A low unit also keeps the upper wall free for artwork, shelving or a mounted screen.
They work well in open plan spaces too, because they define the living area without blocking views across the room. In period homes, a low unit sits neatly beneath a window or across a chimney breast without competing with original features. When you compare low designs with the rest of our modern living room furniture UK sale collection, you can see how easily they sit alongside other pieces.
The most important measure of any TV unit is how comfortable it is to watch. When seated, the centre of the screen should sit close to your eye line. If you find yourself looking down at the screen for long periods, the unit may be too low for your seating.
This often happens after a change of sofa. A new sofa with a higher seat or a more upright back raises your eye line, and a unit that once felt right can suddenly seem too low. Before replacing the unit, try sitting in your usual position and measuring from the floor to your eyes. Compare that with the height of the centre of the screen to see how far out it is.
Screens have become steadily wider, and a new television can easily overhang a unit chosen for a smaller model. An overhang looks unbalanced and may make the screen less stable, particularly if its feet sit near the outer edges.
Check the maximum load of your unit as well. A larger screen and a soundbar together can weigh more than an older unit was designed to carry. If the top shows any sign of bowing, or the unit rocks when you touch the screen, it is time to upgrade.
Households accumulate. A second console, a new sound system, a router moved from the hallway or a growing collection of games can quickly outpace a low unit’s storage. When devices end up on the floor or piled on top of each other, the unit is no longer doing its job.
Audio equipment deserves particular thought. Speakers and amplifiers need space, ventilation and stable surfaces. If you are building a better sound setup, a dedicated piece can take the pressure off the TV unit. Our hifi stands and units UK range includes designs that sit beside a low unit and keep audio equipment organised.
Look closely at the unit itself. Chipped edges, peeling veneer, doors that no longer close properly, loose drawer runners and faded finishes all suggest a unit nearing the end of its useful life. Some of these can be repaired, but when several appear together, replacement is usually the more sensible path.
Consider stability too. Low units are generally stable because of their shape, but a loose back panel or damaged joints can weaken them. If the unit moves when you open a drawer or place something on top, it is worth investigating.
Not every issue calls for a new unit. If viewing height is the only problem, wall mounting the television can solve it. The screen can be positioned at exactly the right height, and the unit below becomes a place for devices, books and a lamp. This keeps the low, open look while improving comfort.
If storage is the issue, wall shelves above the unit add capacity without replacing it. And if the finish has simply become tired, cleaning, touching up edges and replacing handles can make a noticeable difference. Try these changes first if the unit is otherwise sound.
If you decide to upgrade, measure your screen, your wall and your seating before browsing. A unit slightly wider than the screen looks balanced and leaves room for accessories. Think about height carefully, based on your eye line when seated rather than a general rule.
Consider how much storage you need and in what form. Long, low units often combine drawers, cupboards and open compartments, and choosing the right mix makes the unit far easier to live with. Look at construction too: sturdy joints, metal runners, soft close hinges and adjustable feet all point to a unit that will last. Ventilation and cable management matter if you have several devices.
Proportion is what makes a low unit look settled rather than lost. On a long wall, a short low unit can look like an afterthought, especially if a large screen sits on top of it. As a general approach, let the unit extend comfortably beyond the screen on both sides, and consider how much of the wall it will cover. A unit that fills a good share of the wall width usually looks more deliberate than one that sits in the middle of a wide expanse of plaster.
Depth affects proportion too. A very shallow low unit can look flimsy under a large screen, while a deep one can intrude into a narrow room. Match the depth to the space in front of the unit and to the footprint of your television stand.
Consider the relationship with the sofa as well. Low units pair naturally with low, deep seating, and the two together create a relaxed, grounded feel. If your sofa is tall and upright, a slightly taller low unit, or a wall mounted screen above a low unit, keeps the viewing height comfortable. Look at the heights of other furniture in the room, such as sideboards and window sills, and aim for a few consistent lines rather than lots of different heights.
Finally, think about the view from the doorway. The television wall is often the first thing you see when entering a living room, so a well proportioned unit sets the tone for the whole space.
A low unit invites a relaxed, grounded look. Keep the top uncluttered, with perhaps a lamp at one end and a plant or a small stack of books at the other. Artwork hung above, whether a single large piece or a small group, balances the wall when the screen is on the unit rather than mounted.
Flooring and rugs play a part too, because a low unit draws the eye downwards. A rug that anchors the seating area and stops just short of the unit helps connect the television wall to the rest of the room. Our modern rugs UK collection includes flat weaves and low pile designs that suit low, horizontal furniture well.
If you like the low look but want more floor space, a floating unit might suit you better. It keeps the long, horizontal line while lifting the unit off the floor, which makes a room feel more open. Our guide to pairing furniture with a floating TV unit in UK homes covers how to coordinate the rest of the room around one. If your current low unit is also industrial in style, our article on industrial TV unit upgrades for UK homes looks at the specific signs to watch for.
Whether you refresh your current unit or choose a new one, the aim is a television wall that is comfortable, tidy and suits the way you live. You can explore low and floating designs across our full range at Furniture in Fashion.
If you regularly look down at the screen when seated, the unit is likely too low for your seating. Aim for the centre of the screen to sit close to your eye line.
Yes. Wall mounting lets you set the screen at the right height while keeping the low unit for devices and storage.
They often suit large screens well, as long as the unit is wide enough and rated for the weight. Check the maximum load before placing a large television on it.
Keep it simple: a lamp, a plant or a few books. Leaving space around the screen keeps the look calm.
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