What's the ideal viewing height for my TV when choosing a media unit?

The centre of the screen should be at eye level when seated, typically 90-110 cm from the floor depending on your sofa height. Measuring this before you buy ensures comfortable viewing.

How wide should my media unit be compared to my TV?

Your media unit should be at least 10-15 cm wider than your TV. A good rule is for the surface to extend beyond the TV by a small margin so peripherals sit comfortably.

What materials work best for South African homes?

Common options include veneered MDF, engineered wood, and solid timber. For our climate, avoid materials that warp easily in humid rooms and check finishes and warranty where possible.

How can I hide cables and ensure proper ventilation for my devices?

Look for units with rear cutouts or integrated cable channels. Make sure there's 10-15 cm behind the unit for cables and airflow, and choose open shelves or ventilated sections for devices like gaming consoles.

What size media unit should I buy for a small living room or an open-plan space?

For a small lounge, a slim 120-140 cm unit with closed doors works well. For open-plan areas, choose a lower, wider 180-220 cm unit to balance the space and create a visual anchor.

How to choose the right media unit for your living room

Practical South African guidance on choosing a media unit: size, materials, storage and delivery tips so your TV area feels tidy and works well.

Published:June 16, 2026

Updated:September 8, 2026

4 min read

Photo by Amar Preciado on Pexels

Measure first

Confirm TV size, viewing height and doorway access before you shop.

Why the right media unit matters

A media unit does more than hold a TV. It sets the viewing height, hides cables, protects equipment from dust and heat, and helps a living room feel organised. We focus on practical choices that suit South African homes: multi-use lounge spaces, compact townhouses, or roomy family rooms. Thinking through proportions and function first saves time and avoids returns.

Start with measurements

Measure your TV width and height - the unit should be at least 10-15 cm wider than the screen.
Decide viewing height: ideal centre of screen at eye level when seated, typically 90-110 cm from floor depending on sofa height.
Check room depth and access: confirm the unit fits through doorways and lifts; leave 10-15 cm behind for cables and ventilation.

Match unit width to TV and room

A general rule: the media unit’s surface should extend beyond the TV by a small margin so peripherals sit comfortably. In narrow lounges a slim, long unit reads less bulky; in open-plan living, a lower, wider unit balances the space. If you plan a wall-mounted TV above a unit, allow a gap for airflow and remote signal paths.

Materials and durability

Common builds are veneered MDF, engineered wood and solid timber. MDF and veneers give neat finishes and tighter budgets; solid wood is more durable but costs more. Metal frames and tempered glass shelves are good if you have heavy AV gear or want an industrial look. For South Africa’s climate, avoid materials that warp easily in humid rooms - ask about finishes and warranty where possible.

Practical storage and cable management

Decide what you need to hide: set-top boxes, gaming consoles, satellite decoders, soundbars, and media collections all need space and ventilation. Look for units with rear cutouts or integrated cable channels. If you use a soundbar, check shelf depth and whether the unit allows the sound to project freely.

Explore our curated collection of sizes and finishes to compare options visually: TV Stands & Media Units.

Budget bands (estimates)

Entry: R1 200-R2 500 - basic veneered units and compact designs (suitable for small rooms).
Mid-range: R2 500-R6 000 - sturdier constructions, better finishes and cable features.
Premium: R6 000+ - solid timber, designer pieces, or larger modular systems (delivery and installation often included).

Style and visual weight

Think of the media unit as furniture rather than an appliance stand. Low, long units suit minimalist or modern rooms; taller units with closed cupboards suit homes that need storage. Choose colours and finishes that work with your couch and flooring - darker wood grounds large rooms, lighter finishes open up smaller spaces.

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We use a short checklist when advising customers: measure, list devices, choose materials, allow ventilation, and confirm delivery logistics. Below we break each step into simple, actionable choices so you can shop confidently.

Checklist: who uses the unit and how?

Families with children: prefer closed storage and rounded edges.
Gamers and AV enthusiasts: prioritise airflow, cable access and shelf strength.
Entertainers or braai-room users: choose finishes that resist stains and heat.

Delivery, assembly and space realities

Measure door heights, corridor widths, and staircase turns before you buy. Many units arrive flat-packed; if assembly is a concern, check whether delivery includes assembly or whether a local handyman is needed. For heavier AV stacks, consider wall anchors or anti-tip fittings for safety.

Design examples we recommend

For a small living room, a slim 120-140 cm unit with closed doors keeps clutter out of sight. For open-plan spaces, choose a 180-220 cm low unit to create a visual anchor. If you want flexibility, look for modular units that let you add drawers or open shelving later.

Read more on how media units fit into living-room design on our furniture guides: TV Stands & Media Units articles and browse complementary pieces under Furniture.

Buying tips from our experience

Ask for clear weight limits for shelves if you keep a heavy receiver or records.
Check warranty and what it covers - finishes, hinges and electrical holes.
If uncertain about colour, request swatches or view in natural light before committing.

We know buying furniture can feel like a lot of small decisions. Start with the measurements and the devices you need to store - that narrows choices quickly and keeps the result useful and beautiful for everyday life.

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Last updated: September 8, 2026

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How to choose the right media unit for your living room

Measure first

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Prioritise function

Think long term

Why the right media unit matters

Start with measurements

Match unit width to TV and room

Materials and durability

Practical storage and cable management

Budget bands (estimates)

Style and visual weight

How we recommend choosing a media unit

Checklist: who uses the unit and how?

Delivery, assembly and space realities

Design examples we recommend

Buying tips from our experience

Sources

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