TV Stands and Consoles Buyer's Guide
Let Your TV Shine Forth

The Versatile Media Cabinet

First comes the TV (with all its wires and remote control), then the DVD player (along with its own remote, wires, and of course - the DVDs), and possibly a gaming system (not one, but maybe even two, as well as its controllers, games, and more)… so where oh where to put all these?  What is the cure to containing such a mounting media collection?  The answer: a TV Console or Stand. There are a variety of these available on our site, and it is important that you choose the one that will suit your own needs. 

Where Do I Want My TV?

Should it go right in the middle, or somewhere in the corner? Be it a layout preference or space saving decision, you have the option to choose either. Rectangular stands work best when you prefer your TV to face front and center, while corner TV stands are the perfect solution for room corners; ensuring that optimal attention will be focused on the unit without taking up too much space.

Storage and More Storage

Television Consoles and Stands are more than just tables that support your TV - they offer discreet storage for multimedia equipment, or anything else you may want to store near your TV.  When looking for a TV console or stand, you should also consider which other items you would want to be housed with your TV, such as books, DVD players , speakers, and more. This will help you to decide how much storage you reqiure. Of course, another route is to match the stand with a separate media tower or bookcase, if you prefer to showcase your collection among other furniture, and keep the TV stand relatively small.

How Big and How Small

By keeping everything together in one unit without the bulk of a full sized Entertainment  Center, television consoles and stands are perfect for smaller rooms, or for those just needing a simple stand. Don’t worry about having a stand that is the exact same size as your TV. If you get a stand that is bigger than your TV, you can place accent pieces around your TV to personalize the room. Or, you can match a smaller stand with a larger TV to make the TV your focal point.  

Measurements Count

Depth is perhaps the most important dimension when looking for a TV console. You do not want your TV to hang off the front or back, making it unstable. If you are looking for a stand with a narrow depth for a more minimalist look to match your sleek plasma TV, be sure that it has enough depth for your other media such as gaming systems and the DVD player.

Making it Work For You

Many units come with special features that add to the ease of setup and hide unsightly cables so that the focus remains on the TV viewing experience.  If you are looking for a unit that is easy to move, choose a console with caster wheels, like those on computer chairs. You can use the casters to push your TV stand around the room, based on your mood or company.   Adjustable Shelves are designed so that you can personalize your stand to your specific needs. The height of the shelves can be changed to better fit your belongings.   Cable Management is ideal for our high-tech world, and allows you to run cables to your other media through openings in the stand.  Flat Panel Mounts are made with your flat screen TV in mind. These mounts hold your TV perfectly in place without causing damage to your walls.

Because You Want to Be Stylish, Too

Make sure to choose a TV console or stand that matches the existing style and décor of your home.  Modern and contemporary styles are minimalist in design, featuring clean lines.  Traditional styles draw inspiration from a multitude of sources, ranging from Colonial times to the early 20th century, and often feature carvings and wood finishes such as mahogany and cherry.  Rustic styles evoke the styles of lodges and ranches of days past, and feature unfinished or distressed dark woods.

From petite corner cabinets to extra-wide stands that support large-screen and plasma TVs, there is sure to be a design that will fit your own personal lifestyle, while keeping media accessories close at hand, and cords out of sight.