Both the TV and the fireplace make an ideal focal point of a room, and now you don’t have to choose between them. You can combine the ambiance and warmth of a cozy fire with the enjoyment of your TV with specialized stands that put the two together. Choosing the right TV stand for your fireplace is easy with these savvy tips from The RoomPlace.
Measure Your TV
The first thing you want to do is measure the size of the TV and the size of the available area where you intend to place the TV stand. Measure your TV screen diagonally, from the top left to bottom right corners. TV stands list the maximum weight and size of televisions they can support, and you’ll want yours to fall within the parameters of your selected stand.
Measure the Available Area
Measuring the area where you want to place the stand is also important to ensure a proper look and fit. Determine the maximum length, depth and height of a TV stand that would fit in the desired area. Take into account any overhangs or other elements that may limit the maximum height of your TV on top of the stand.
You want to leave enough room between the TV and the viewer, as well. The ideal distance depends on the size of the TV.
- 29-inch TV: At least 3 feet away from viewer
- 39-inch TV: At least 4 feet away from viewer
- 46-inch TV: At least 5 feet away from viewer
- Larger than 46: At least 7 feet away from viewer
One more measurement to consider is sitting height, or the best height of your TV stand for comfortable viewing. Sit on the sectional or sofa where you’ll be viewing, and measure the distance from your eyes to the floor. For the most comfortable viewing, the lower portion of the television screen should be level with your seated line of sight. That means the shelf where the TV sits needs to be no lower than 12 inches below your line of sight measurement.
Determine the Best TV Stand Style
Once you have all the measurements done, you’re ready for the fun. This involves finding a TV stand that has just the right look and style to suit your space. If you’re aiming to block or cover an existing fireplace, your best bet would be an entertainment center wall unit. It can be placed as close to the wall as possible to conceal an unwanted built-in fireplace. Entertainment center wall units come in a variety of sizes, colors, styles and configurations to deliver the look you want.
A fireplace TV stand is the way to go if you want to enjoy both a cozy fire and the TV. The fireplaces built into TV stands use electricity for warmth and light, plugging into an outlet as easily as the TV itself. A wide variety of fireplace TV stands are available, with different colors, looks, materials, shelving availability and sizes. One more option is to hang your TV above your fireplace, as long as the wall material above the space is able to support the weight and size of the TV.
Start the fun by checking out the entertainment center wall units and fireplace TV stands at The RoomPlace now.