Floating vs Freestanding TV Units: Which Modern TV Stand Suits Your Living Room?
Search for a modern TV stand and you will quickly hit the same fork in the road: do you go for a floating TV unit that hangs off the wall, or a freestanding stand that sits on the floor? Both can look sharp, both can hide a tangle of boxes and cables, and both come in the popular 180cm width that suits today's larger screens. The right choice depends on your wall, your room size, your TV and how long you plan to stay put.
This guide compares the two formats honestly, gives you a simple TV size to unit width table, and walks through the floating, freestanding and corner units in the Decortie range so you can shortlist quickly.
What is the difference between a floating TV unit and a freestanding TV stand?
A floating TV unit (also called a wall-mounted or wall-hung TV unit) is fixed to the wall with brackets and has no legs. The floor beneath it stays clear, which is why it is so often recommended for smaller living rooms and for anyone who likes a clean, uncluttered line at skirting level.
A freestanding TV stand rests on the floor on its own feet or a solid base. You unpack it, assemble it, push it against the wall and you are done. It carries the weight of the TV and everything inside it without needing any fixing into the wall, although a discreet anti-tip strap is always a sensible addition in a family home.
The Decortie range covers both. The Combe Floating Wall-Mounted TV Unit 180cm and the Francy Wall-Mounted TV Unit 180cm are the floating options at the wider end, while the Fiona Modern TV Stand 180cm and the Dune Modern TV Stand 180cm are the freestanding equivalents.
Which TV unit width suits my TV size?
Screen sizes are quoted as a diagonal in inches, which tells you very little about how wide the TV actually is. The table below converts common screen sizes into approximate screen widths and suggests a unit width that gives the TV a comfortable base rather than an overhang. Treat these as guidance rather than rules: a slimmer bezel or a wall-mounted TV changes the picture slightly.
| TV size (diagonal) | Approx. screen width | Suggested unit width | Decortie examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43 inch | about 96cm | 110cm to 130cm | Thales corner 110cm, Conrad (up to 50 inch) |
| 50 inch | about 111cm | 130cm to 140cm | Francy 135cm, Conrad (up to 50 inch) |
| 55 inch | about 122cm | 140cm or more | Hanley 160cm, Ralla 158cm |
| 65 inch | about 145cm | 170cm to 180cm | Dionysos 170cm, Combe 180cm, Fiona 180cm, Dune 180cm |
| 75 inch | about 167cm | 180cm or more | Combe 180cm, Francy 180cm, Conrad 180cm |
If you are between two sizes, go wider. A TV that sits inside the footprint of its unit looks intentional; a TV that hangs over the edges looks like it is waiting for a bigger stand. For more on measuring the room itself, our UK TV cabinet buyer's guide goes deeper into viewing distance and layout.
When does a floating TV unit make the most sense?
Small or narrow living rooms
Because the floor runs uninterrupted beneath it, a floating unit makes a room read as larger than it is. You also get to run the vacuum straight underneath, which sounds trivial until you have lived with a floor-standing unit that collects dust behind it for years.
Cable management and a clean wall
Wall-mounting the TV above a floating unit lets you drop cables straight down behind or through the unit, so nothing trails across the floor. The Combe 180cm has four soft-close doors, so the set-top box, console and the cable clutter all disappear behind a flat front.
You own the home and have a solid wall
Floating units need to be fixed properly. Brick and block walls are straightforward with the right fixings. Plasterboard walls can work with the correct heavy-duty fixings into studs, but it is worth taking advice if you are unsure. If you rent, check whether wall fixings are allowed before you order.
When is a freestanding TV stand the better choice?
Rented homes and frequent moves
No holes, no fixings, no awkward conversations at the end of a tenancy. A freestanding stand such as the Hanley Modern TV Stand 160cm goes wherever you go next.
Heavier set-ups and lots of storage
Freestanding stands can be deeper and carry more shelves and cupboards without worrying about the wall behind them. The Dionysos Modern TV Stand 170cm and the Ralla Modern TV Stand 158cm both combine open shelving with closed storage, which suits families with games consoles, vinyl and the odd board game to hide.
Rooms with awkward walls
Radiators, low windowsills, chimney breasts and alcoves can all get in the way of a long wall-mounted unit. A freestanding stand simply sits in front of whatever is there.
Floating vs freestanding: a quick comparison
| Floating TV unit | Freestanding TV stand | |
|---|---|---|
| Visual effect | Lighter, room feels larger | Grounded, more furniture presence |
| Installation | Wall fixing required | Assemble and place |
| Wall type | Solid wall or suitable stud fixings | Any wall |
| Cleaning | Floor stays clear underneath | Dust collects behind and beneath |
| Cable management | Excellent when TV is wall-mounted | Good with cable holes and back panels |
| Renting or moving | Less convenient | Very convenient |
| Storage depth | Usually slimmer | Often deeper, more capacity |
Which Decortie floating TV units are worth a look?
Combe Floating Wall-Mounted TV Unit 180cm. The Combe 180cm is the flagship floating unit: a long, low, handle-free front with four soft-close doors. It suits 65 inch and 75 inch screens and works beautifully with a wall-mounted TV above it.
Francy Wall-Mounted TV Unit, 135cm and 180cm. The Francy 135cm is the pick for 50 inch and 55 inch TVs in compact rooms, while the Francy 180cm stretches to three compartments for larger screens. Both keep the same slim, open-and-closed mix.
Conrad wall-mounted entertainment centres. The Conrad TV Unit for up to 50 inch TVs is a neat floating solution for bedrooms and smaller lounges, and the Conrad 180cm with three soft-close doors steps up for the main living room.
If you want the full case for going wall-mounted, our earlier article on the benefits of installing a floating TV stand covers it in more detail.
Which Decortie freestanding TV stands are worth a look?
Fiona Modern TV Stand 180cm. The Fiona 180cm is a long, low freestanding stand that gives a 65 inch TV a generous base and matches the Fiona console and sideboard range if you like a coordinated living room.
Dune Modern TV Stand 180cm. The Dune 180cm pairs a storage cabinet with open shelving and shares its lines with the Dune console sideboards, so a whole room can be built from one family.
Dionysos 170cm, Hanley 160cm and Ralla 158cm. These three sit in the sweet spot for 55 inch and 65 inch TVs. The Dionysos leans towards closed storage, the Hanley balances cupboard and shelf, and the Ralla is the most open of the three with plenty of display shelving.
What about corner TV units for awkward rooms?
Not every living room has a clean, flat wall opposite the sofa. In a square room, or one where the door and window take up the obvious walls, a corner unit is often the answer. The Glis Corner TV Unit tucks into the angle with adjustable shelves that adapt to whatever equipment you own, and the Thales Corner TV Stand 110cm is a compact option for 43 inch and smaller 50 inch screens.
We have a dedicated piece on choosing a modern corner TV unit if that is the direction your room is pushing you in.
How do I choose between the two in practice?
Ask yourself four questions in order:
- Can I fix into the wall? If the answer is no (rented, plasterboard with no studs where you need them, or you simply do not want holes), go freestanding.
- How big is the room? Under about 4 metres wide, the floating unit's visual lightness is a real benefit. Larger rooms can carry a freestanding stand comfortably.
- How much do I need to hide? Lots of boxes, consoles and media favour the deeper freestanding stands. A single streaming stick and a soundbar are happy in a slim floating unit.
- What is my TV size? Use the table above and round up.
All Decortie TV units are made in our own factory from engineered wood with a melamine finish, delivered flat-pack with free delivery to England and Wales (Scotland delivery is £40 per order). If you would like to see the finishes side by side before deciding, the Cheshire showroom in Risley has a selection on display, with free parking.
Browse the full range of floating, freestanding and corner units in our TV stands and entertainment centres collection, or explore the wider living room collection to find matching coffee tables and sideboards.
Frequently asked questions
What size TV unit do I need for a 65 inch TV?
A 65 inch TV is roughly 145cm wide, so a unit of around 170cm to 180cm gives it a balanced base with a little breathing room on each side. Wall-mounted 180cm units such as the Combe or Francy 180 and freestanding 180cm stands such as the Fiona or Dune all suit this size.
Is a floating TV unit better than a freestanding TV stand?
Neither is better in every home. A floating unit keeps the floor clear, hides cables behind the wall line and makes a small living room feel larger, but it needs a solid wall and a fixing job. A freestanding stand is quicker to set up, easier to move and suits rental homes and rooms with plasterboard or uneven walls.
Can you put a TV on top of a floating TV unit?
Yes. Many people wall-mount the TV above the unit for the cleanest look, but a wall-mounted unit will also take a TV on its top surface provided it is fixed securely into a suitable wall and the TV sits comfortably within the unit width. Check the product listing for guidance on fixing and TV size.
What height should a floating TV unit be mounted at?
As a rule of thumb, aim for the centre of the screen to sit at seated eye level, typically around 100cm to 110cm from the floor. Most people mount a floating unit so that its top sits somewhere between 40cm and 55cm from the floor, then hang the TV above it or stand it on top.