We've all been there. The TV is sitting on something temporary — a flatpack unit from years ago that's seen better days, or worse, perched on a chest of drawers that was never meant for it. You've been meaning to sort it for months. And yet, somehow, actually choosing a TV cabinet feels more complicated than it should be.

Here's the thing: most people focus on entirely the wrong criteria. They obsess over screen size, then buy a unit that's either too narrow and looks ridiculous, or so generic it disappears into the room. A TV cabinet is a piece of furniture you look at every single day. It deserves a bit more thought than a five-minute scroll at midnight.

So let's break it down properly.

Get the Width Right First

This is the rule most people get wrong. Your TV cabinet should be wider than your screen — not just by a sliver, but ideally by at least 15–20cm on each side. If you're working with a 55" screen (roughly 124cm wide), you want a unit that's at least 155–160cm.

This isn't just aesthetics. A unit that's too narrow looks top-heavy and unbalanced, even if it's perfectly stable structurally. The extra width gives the whole setup visual breathing room and grounds the TV within the furniture, rather than having it hover awkwardly above.

For most UK living rooms, a 160cm unit sits in a sweet spot — wide enough for TVs up to 65" without overwhelming a standard-sized room.

Legs Matter More Than You Think

This is the detail that separates a forgettable unit from one that actually elevates a room. Units that sit flush to the floor tend to make a space feel heavier and more enclosed. They're also a nightmare to hoover around, if we're being honest.

Units raised on legs — particularly slim metal ones — visually lift the room. The floor you can see running beneath the cabinet reads as floor space, which makes the whole room feel more open. In a smaller living room, this isn't a style choice. It's a practical one.

V-shaped metal legs have become one of the defining design details of modern British interiors. They add an industrial-meets-Scandi edge without being aggressive about it — bold enough to be interesting, clean enough to work with almost anything.

The Jakomen TV Cabinet 3D 160cm uses exactly this detail — bold V-legs in black steel that contrast cleanly with the warm Dark Oak finish. It's the kind of piece that works equally well in a new-build flat or a Victorian terrace.

Closed Storage Wins Every Time

Open shelving looks brilliant in a showroom. In most real homes, it becomes a display case for cable clutter, router boxes, gaming controllers and the remote control you've been looking for since Tuesday.

I'm firmly in the closed-door camp. Three full-width doors — as on the Jakomen — give you complete flexibility. Tuck everything away, and let the surface do the work: a plant, a small lamp, a couple of books you actually want people to see.

If you do prefer some open display space, look for units with a mix — one or two open shelves alongside closed compartments. But if you're anything like most households, you'll thank yourself later for going fully closed.

The Design Detail That Doesn't Date

Most TV units are, frankly, forgettable. Rectangular, flat-fronted, and the moment a new style cycle comes around, they look like they belong in a different decade.

The units that hold their own over the years tend to share one quality: a specific design detail that transcends trend. An unusual leg shape. A surface texture that catches the light differently. A material combination you don't see everywhere.

The geometric 3D door panels on the Jakomen are a good example of this. The angular lines are striking without being theatrical — bold enough to notice, considered enough to live with long-term. When everything else in the room changes, the cabinet still works.

When a Sideboard Works Better Than a TV Unit

Here's something interior designers know that most buyers don't: for larger living rooms, a sideboard can actually outperform a dedicated TV unit.

Sideboards tend to be lower, deeper, and wider than standard TV units — all things that work in favour of a big screen. They also offer more surface area either side of the TV, which gives the whole wall composition a more considered, less "telly-room" feel.

A piece like the Joji Modern Sideboard Console Unit — 186.8cm wide, in silky black and sapphire oak — is designed as a sideboard but works brilliantly as a TV unit in larger spaces. The extra width means your screen sits well within the footprint of the furniture, properly anchored rather than perched.

A Quick Checklist Before You Buy

Before you commit, run through these:

 
• Width: At least 15cm wider than your TV on each side
 
• Height: TV screen centre should sit roughly at seated eye level (usually 60–75cm from floor)
 
• Depth: 40cm+ for a stable base; check if your sound bar fits in front
 
• Cable access: Does it have a cable port at the back, or gaps to route cables through?
 
• Storage: Closed doors for anything you actually want to hide
 
• Legs: Raised units look better in smaller rooms and are far easier to clean under

FAQ

How wide should a TV cabinet be?
As a rule: at least as wide as your TV, ideally 30–40cm wider overall. For a 55" TV, aim for 155–165cm. For a 65" TV, 165–180cm is ideal.

Can I put a 65" TV on a 160cm cabinet?
Yes. A 65" screen is approximately 145cm wide, so a 160cm unit gives you comfortable clearance on both sides without looking cramped.

Are TV units with legs better?
In most UK living rooms, yes. Raised units make rooms feel larger, are easier to clean around, and tend to look less bulky. The trade-off is slightly less internal storage height.

What's the difference between a TV unit and a sideboard used as a TV unit?
Mostly marketing. Sideboards tend to be wider and lower, which suits larger TVs and longer walls. If the dimensions work, there's no reason you can't use a sideboard as a TV unit — and it often looks more considered than a "TV unit" off the shelf.

How do I hide cables neatly?
Route them through any back-panel gaps or cable ports, bundle with velcro ties, and use a short cable sleeve for anything visible between the wall socket and cabinet. It takes twenty minutes and makes a significant difference.