How wide should a TV stand be compared to my TV?

We recommend a stand at least 10% wider than the TV and leaving 5-10 cm either side for comfort; for example, a 140 cm wide TV works well on a stand of roughly 155 cm or wider.

Which materials are best if we have children or pets at home?

For durability in family homes we prefer thicker engineered boards or solid timber frames with protective finishes; avoid glass and choose sturdier veneers or solid wood where knocks and spills are likely.

Can we pair a low stand with a wall-mounted TV?

Yes - make sure the stand’s top sits below the TV’s bottom edge so it doesn’t block infrared sensors, and plan cable routing and ventilation for any set-top boxes or consoles placed on the stand.

What style of stand suits a small apartment or rental?

Corner stands, slim floating units or wall-mounted solutions free floor space and are practical for rentals; opt for lighter materials like MDF with a protective laminate for easier moves and lower cost.

Which TV stand types work best for gaming and media gear?

Prioritise metal-frame stands with open shelving for airflow and easy cable access, and add a cabinet or drawers for controllers and spare discs to keep the setup tidy.

Choosing TV stands: styles, sizes and materials compared

Compare TV stand styles, sizes and materials to find the right media unit for your room. Practical sizing rules, material trade-offs and South Africa-friendly recommendations.

Published:June 16, 2026

Updated:September 10, 2026

5 min read

Photo by Lasse Jensen on Unsplash

Why comparing TV stand styles, sizes and materials matters

A TV stand is more than somewhere to place the screen - it anchors sightlines, stores devices and sets the room’s tone. When we compare stands by style, size and material at the same time, we stop trading off practicality for looks. Instead we choose a media unit that fits the TV, the furniture layout and everyday use (streaming, gaming, kids’ rooms or a grown-up lounge).

Quick checklist before we compare

Measure screen width and stand clearance (see sizing section).
Decide how much visible storage we need (consoles, remotes, DVD/Blu-ray).
Note the finish palette and how durable it must be for children or pets.
Confirm cable and ventilation needs for set-top boxes, consoles and soundbars.

Styles at a glance

We sort styles by how they look and how they perform. Picking the right style narrows choices fast.

Low-profile console: simple, long and low - great for widescreens and modern living rooms. Offers open shelving for soundbars and laid-back cable runs.
Cabineted media unit: closed doors and drawers hide mess and gear. Better for tidy households and areas needing childproofing.
Corner stands: compact, triangular or angled units that free up centre walls and work well in smaller South African lounge layouts.
Floating shelves and wall-mounted panels: minimal footprint and contemporary look; requires a stud-secure install and careful cable planning.
Industrial/metal frame stands: mixed materials that combine timber shelves with metal supports - tougher finish for high-traffic homes.

Sizing - how to measure with confidence

Measure the widest point of the TV (not the screen diagonally) and leave at least 5-10 cm either side for comfort. For wall-mounted TVs that pair with a low stand beneath, ensure the stand’s top sits below the screen’s bottom edge and does not obstruct infrared sensors.

A practical rule we use: choose a stand at least 10% wider than the TV. So for a 140 cm wide TV, a stand of roughly 155 cm or wider gives balance and room for speakers.

Materials and durability

Material affects weight capacity, finish and maintenance. Here are common options and when we recommend each:

Solid wood: warm and repairable; good for classic schemes. Expect higher cost - typical retail ranges start from around R2 000 for modest pieces to R10 000+ for hardwood designs, depending on species.
Veneer over engineered board: looks like wood but lighter and cheaper; a good mid-range choice for many homes.
MDF with laminate: affordable and available in many colours; choose higher-thickness panels for bigger screens.
Metal and glass: sleek and sturdy for modern spaces; glass needs regular cleaning and is less forgiving in family homes.
Reclaimed or mixed materials: characterful and robust, but check finish quality and weight limits before buying.

If durability is a priority (homes with kids or pets), we prefer thicker engineered boards or solid timber frames with protective finishes. For compact rentals, lightweight MDF or wall-mounted solutions save floor space and installation time.

Explore product options on Bash to compare sizes and finishes: TV Stands & Media Units.

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How to match style and material to how we use the room

Style choice depends on people in the home and the room’s role. Here are scenario-based recommendations grounded in real South African homes.

Family lounge (everyday use)

We recommend cabineted media units or industrial frames with closed storage. Closed doors hide cables and controllers, and durable veneers resist wear from routine use.

Apartment or small lounge

Corner stands or slim floating units help free floor space. Choose lighter materials like MDF with a protective laminate to keep costs down and allow easier moves between rental properties.

Dedicated media room or gamer setup

Prioritise airflow, cable access and weight capacity. Metal-frame stands with open shelving are ideal for consoles and AV receivers; add a cabinet for controllers and spare discs.

Styling and finishes that age well

Neutral finishes (matt white, warm oak, deep charcoal) are forgiving over time. If we want a statement piece, we pair it with subdued surrounding furniture so the room feels intentional, not cluttered.

Practical tips before we buy

Check the weight rating of the shelf/stand and the TV’s weight with its stand attached.
Measure distance from seating to screen to ensure comfortable viewing - generally 1.5-2.5 times the diagonal screen size.
Plan cable routing: look for stands with rear cutouts or a removable back panel.
If assembly is a concern, choose models with straightforward instructions or ask about Bash Delivery and assembly options on the product page.

If we’re undecided, pick the highest-impact constraint first: size (if the TV barely fits, style choices narrow immediately). From there, match material to daily wear and the room’s look.

Next steps - where to look

Browse by size or material to compare similar options quickly. For curated inspiration, check our Furniture section: Furniture. For storage-forward picks, see our Drawers & Cabinets range: Drawers & Cabinets.

We’re happy to help you narrow options. Use the filters for width, finish and storage on the product list to surface stands that suit your measurements and lifestyle.

Sources

South African Bureau of Standards - furniture and safety guidance
House & Leisure - styling and interior advice
TV Stands & Media Units (shop) - browse sizes and finishes on Bash

Last updated: September 10, 2026

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Choosing TV stands: styles, sizes and materials compared

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Why Choose Bash?

Free Delivery

30-Day Returns

Nationwide Support

Measure first

Match material to use

Style by function

Why comparing TV stand styles, sizes and materials matters

Quick checklist before we compare

Styles at a glance

Sizing - how to measure with confidence

Materials and durability

How to match style and material to how we use the room

Family lounge (everyday use)

Apartment or small lounge

Dedicated media room or gamer setup

Styling and finishes that age well

Practical tips before we buy

Next steps - where to look

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