The usual mistake with a TV stand is buying one that's too small. A big TV perched on a narrow stand looks top-heavy and can be unstable. This guide covers the right TV stand width for your screen size, the right height for comfortable viewing, how to check weight and depth, and what to choose if your TV hangs on the wall.
The Short Answer
- Width: choose a stand at least as wide as the TV itself, and ideally 2–6 in wider (or more, if you want room for speakers or décor). That way the TV looks anchored and there's room for speakers or décor on each side.
- Height: the center of the screen should be at about seated eye level, roughly 42 in from the floor (up to about 48 in for taller seating). For most TVs, that means a stand about 22–30 in tall.
- Weight: a common guideline is a top rated for at least 1.5 times the weight of the TV plus soundbar and devices. Most 65–75 in TVs weigh 50–90 lb.
TV Stand Width by TV Size
TV sizes are measured diagonally, so the screen is narrower than its size suggests. Use the TV's actual width:
| TV size | Approx. TV width | Minimum stand width (TV + 2–6 in) |
|---|---|---|
| 43 in | about 38 in | 40–44 in or more |
| 50 in | about 44 in | 46–50 in or more |
| 55 in | about 48 in | 50–54 in or more |
| 65 in | about 57 in | 59–63 in or more |
| 75 in | about 66 in | 68–72 in or more |
| 85–86 in | about 75 in | 77–81 in or more |
Check the spacing of the TV's feet as well. Many large TVs have feet near the outer edges, so the stand's top needs to be wide enough to hold both.
Matching Homsee stands to TV sizes
- Up to about 65 in: the Relievo Panel TV Console is 60 in wide, with a top rated for 176 lb, plus glass-door cabinets and four drawers.
- 43–75 in: the Nacre TV Stand is 78.7 in wide, with a mother-of-pearl-look front, a marble-look top and a 110 lb rating.
- Up to about 85 in: the Orbis Streamline Edge TV Console is 86.6 in wide and 19.7 in low, with a 110 lb top and rounded corners.
TV Stand Height and Eye Level
When you're sitting on a typical sofa, your eyes are about 40–44 in off the floor, and guides commonly put the center of the screen at about 42–48 in. The center of the screen should be at that height or slightly lower, so you're looking straight ahead or a little down, not up.
- Low stands (about 18–22 in) suit large TVs (75 in and up) and low, deep sofas. The 19.7 in Orbis console puts a big screen at about the right height.
- Standard stands (24–30 in) suit 50–65 in TVs and regular seating.
- Taller pieces (30–36 in), such as a sideboard or dresser, suit smaller TVs, bedrooms where you watch from bed, or rooms where you mostly stand. The Orbis Rounded Edge Sideboard is 35.4 in tall.
To check: measure from the floor to your eyes while seated, then subtract half the TV's height. That's roughly the right stand height.
Depth and Weight
- Depth: 15–20 in is typical. It needs to be deeper than the TV's stand feet, with a little room in front for a soundbar.
- Weight rating: add up the TV, soundbar and any devices on top. Our consoles are rated for 110–176 lb on top.
- Anchoring: strap the TV to the wall or the stand with an anti-tip kit. TV tip-overs are a known risk for young children.
Viewing Distance
For a 4K TV, a common guideline is to sit about 1–1.5 times the screen's diagonal away. That's about 5.5–8 ft for a 65 in TV, and about 6–9.5 ft for a 75 in TV. If your sofa is farther away, a bigger TV (and a wider stand) will feel more immersive.
What If the TV Is Wall-Mounted?
A TV stand is still useful under a wall-mounted TV. It grounds the screen, holds devices and hides cables. Choose a stand at least as wide as the TV, mount the TV with its bottom edge about 6–12 in above the stand top, and run cables through the wall or a cord cover. Entertainment centers frame a mounted TV with shelves on both sides. See our built-in entertainment center ideas.
Storage Checklist
- Open shelves or ventilated compartments for streaming boxes and consoles (they need airflow).
- Drawers for remotes, controllers and chargers.
- Closed cabinets for games, DVDs and clutter.
- Cord holes at the back for tidy cables.
Comparing styles? See TV stand vs. TV console vs. entertainment center.
FAQ
Should a TV stand be wider than the TV?
Yes, ideally. A stand at least 2–6 in wider than the TV looks balanced and is more stable. At minimum, it should be as wide as the TV's feet.
Can you fit a 65 inch TV on a 60 inch stand?
Usually yes. A 65 in TV is about 57 in wide, so a 60 in stand works if the TV's feet fit on the top.
Is 16 or 18 inches too low for a TV stand?
Not for a large TV with low seating. An 18–20 in console often puts a 75–85 in screen near eye level. For a 43–55 in TV, it may sit too low.
Is 15 inches of extra space on each side too much?
No. A stand that's wider than the TV usually looks more intentional, especially with a lamp, plant or speakers on each side.
How tall should a TV stand be for a 65 inch TV?
About 22–28 in tall puts the center of the screen near seated eye level.
What size TV stand do I need for an 86 inch TV?
An 86 in TV is about 76 in wide, so look for a stand at least 78–82 in wide. The 86.6 in Orbis Streamline console is one option.
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