The wall mounted TV unit that gives you the most for your money is the one that pairs sturdy construction and a dependable fixing system with genuinely useful storage, good cable management and a size that suits both your television and your wall. Value is measured in years of reliable daily use, not in extra features. A well chosen floating unit frees up floor space, keeps the room tidy and looks smart for a long time.
Wall mounting has become a practical answer for compact living rooms, open plan spaces and anyone who likes a clean, uncluttered look. If you are planning to mount the television itself, our range of wall TV brackets UK homeowners use is a good starting point, as the bracket and the unit beneath work best when chosen together.
A floating TV unit offers several practical benefits.
When comparing wall mounted TV units, these are the features that genuinely make a difference over time.
Because a floating unit is supported only at the back, it must be rigid. Look for a strong carcass, a well fixed back panel and a thick top that does not flex when pressed. Poorly built units can sag or pull away from their fixings over time.
A good wall mounted unit comes with a proper hanging rail or metal brackets and clear instructions. Check the maximum load the unit is designed to carry, including any devices and décor inside or on top. Remember that fixings supplied may not suit every wall type, so you may need to source the correct ones for your home.
Floating units are often shallower than freestanding designs, so storage needs to be well planned. The most practical designs include:
One of the biggest advantages of wall mounting is a clean look, but that is lost if cables dangle between the television and the unit. Look for rear cable openings, and plan how wires will reach the power socket and aerial point. Cable covers painted to match the wall or cables routed inside the wall by a qualified electrician give the neatest finish.
The unit should be at least as wide as your television, ideally a little wider for balance. In a small room, a slim unit keeps things light. On a longer wall, a wider floating unit or a pair of modules can look more considered.
Matt lacquer, high gloss, wood veneer and wood effect finishes all work well. Choose something that is easy to wipe clean and suits the rest of your room.
If you are comparing wall mounted designs with freestanding and larger options, our full range of modern TV stands and cabinets UK sale shoppers browse shows the differences clearly.
The wall is part of the system, so it is essential to know what you are fixing into.
Solid brick or block walls are common in older UK homes and can support heavier units with the correct masonry fixings.
Plasterboard or stud walls are common in newer homes and extensions. They need specialist cavity fixings, or ideally, fixings into the timber or metal studs behind the board. Some plasterboard walls are not suitable for heavier units at all.
Lath and plaster walls are found in some period properties and can be unpredictable. Professional advice is sensible here.
Always use a detector to check for pipes and cables before drilling. If you are unsure, a qualified installer can assess the wall and fit the unit safely. If you rent, check with your landlord before making any fixings.
Wall mounting gives you freedom over height, which is a real advantage when it is planned carefully.
Floating units are compact, so you may want additional storage nearby. A few options work well alongside them.
If you have a film or music collection, dedicated CD and DVD storage UK units keep discs organised without crowding the floating shelf. For households who want more storage but still like a streamlined look, modern entertainment units UK sale designs combine low cabinets with shelving to frame the television.
Floating shelves above or beside the television can also hold books and décor, helping to balance the wall visually.
A floating unit is only as good as its installation. Taking care at this stage protects your wall, your furniture and your television.
Use masking tape to outline the unit and the screen on the wall before drilling. Sit on the sofa and check the heights feel right. It is far easier to move tape than to fill holes.
Even a slight slope is noticeable on a long, floating unit. Check the hanging rail with a level before fixing it, and again once the unit is in place.
The fixings supplied with a unit are a general starting point. Heavy duty masonry plugs suit brick and block walls, while plasterboard needs specialist cavity fixings or screws into the studs behind. If the packaging does not match your wall type, buy the correct fixings separately.
Once the unit is hanging, add devices and décor a little at a time and check that it remains level and secure. Stay within the stated load limit.
If you are unsure about your wall, need cables routed inside it or are mounting a large screen above the unit, a qualified installer is a sensible investment. A secure installation is what allows a floating unit to deliver its full value over many years.
A wall mounted unit is not right for every home. You may prefer a freestanding piece if:
A popular compromise is to wall mount the television with a bracket and place a slim, low freestanding unit underneath. This gives you the right screen height and plenty of storage without fixing heavy furniture to the wall.
The appeal of a floating unit is its lightness, so keep styling restrained.
If you are deciding what size of unit to choose, our guide on TV units for a 55 inch TV in UK homes covers dimensions and long term value. For bigger rooms, our article on large living room makeovers for UK homes explains how to scale a TV unit to a wider wall.
The most valuable wall mounted TV unit is not necessarily the one with the most features. It is the one that is strong, securely fixed, well sized and practical for your devices, with tidy cable routing and a finish you will enjoy for years. Check your wall, plan the height carefully and choose a unit that suits how you actually use the room.
Browse a wide selection of modern living room furniture, including floating and freestanding TV units, at Furniture in Fashion. Returns are available up to 30 days.
Many are designed only for devices and décor, with the television mounted separately on a bracket. Always check the load capacity and follow the manufacturer’s guidance.
It is possible with the correct cavity fixings or by fixing into the studs. Some plasterboard walls cannot support heavier units, so seek professional advice if unsure.
Position it so the centre of the television screen sits near seated eye level. The unit usually hangs at roughly knee to seat height below the screen.
Choose a unit with rear cable openings and use a paintable cable cover on the wall. For the neatest result, a qualified electrician can route cables inside the wall.
Usually not, as most tenancies restrict drilling. A slim freestanding unit is often a better choice for rented homes.
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