TV Unit Buying Guide · The Furniture Canvas
Getting the TV unit size wrong is one of the most common living-room mistakes we see across our showrooms — a unit that's too narrow makes a big screen look precarious, and one that's too wide leaves an awkward gap either side. The fix isn't complicated once you know the rule: match the unit width to your TV's actual width (not the diagonal size on the box), then add breathing room either side. This guide walks through the exact measurements that matter, a size-to-width reference table, and where each size bucket fits in a real SE Queensland living room.
The short version. Start with your TV's actual width, not its diagonal inches. For a balanced look, choose a TV unit roughly 20–40cm wider than the TV. If you want more of a statement wall — especially for a floating or wall-mounted setup — go 30–60cm wider. Always double-check your TV's exact feet spacing and depth, since bezels and stand designs vary between models.
In this guide
Interactive tool
TV unit size calculator
Enter your TV's diagonal size in inches and pick a layout style for a recommended TV unit width range. Add your wall width to check it will fit.
Enter a TV size above and press Calculate to see your recommended TV unit width.
3 measurements that matter (and how to take them)
Before you browse a single product, three measurements decide whether a TV unit will actually work in your room. Skipping any one of them is the most common reason a TV unit gets returned or looks wrong once it's home.
1. Wall width
Measure the maximum width available where the unit will sit or be mounted, and note any nearby doors, power points or walkways that limit how far the unit can extend. This is your hard ceiling — everything else has to fit inside it.
2. TV width (not diagonal size)
TV sizes are always advertised by diagonal screen measurement — a 65" TV is 65 inches corner to corner, not 65 inches wide. The actual width of a 65" TV is closer to 144cm. If you don't have the TV yet, use the size table below to estimate width from the diagonal size printed on the box.
3. Breathing room either side
Balanced layouts leave roughly 10–20cm of clearance on each side of the TV for styling and visual stability. Statement walls — particularly floating or wall-mounted units — can go wider again, often 15–30cm each side, since the extra width reads as intentional rather than leftover space.
Rule of thumb. TV width + 20–40cm total = a balanced fit for most living rooms. TV width + 30–60cm total = a statement-wall fit for open-plan spaces or floating units.
TV size to recommended TV unit width
These figures are estimates for standard 16:9 TVs based on diagonal screen size. Always verify your exact TV model's width and foot spacing against the manufacturer's spec sheet before buying, since bezel styles vary.
| TV size | Approx. TV width | Minimum unit width | Balanced look | Statement / floating look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 43" | ~95cm | ~105cm | ~115–135cm | ~125–155cm |
| 50" | ~111cm | ~121cm | ~131–151cm | ~141–171cm |
| 55" | ~122cm | ~132cm | ~142–162cm | ~152–182cm |
| 65" | ~144cm | ~154cm | ~164–184cm | ~174–204cm |
| 75" | ~166cm | ~176cm | ~186–206cm | ~196–226cm |
| 85" | ~188cm | ~198cm | ~208–228cm | ~218–248cm |
As a quick read of that table: most 55"–65" TVs suit a 180cm TV unit, while 65"–85" TVs generally look more balanced on a 200cm TV unit. More on that split in the shopping section below.
Real-life fit checks (the details most guides skip)
Width is the headline measurement, but four other details decide whether a TV unit works in daily use once it's actually in your living room.
Depth for TVs and soundbars
If your TV sits on its own feet rather than being wall-mounted, confirm the front-to-back depth those feet need. Then add space for a soundbar (typically 8–13cm deep) and a little extra clearance behind everything for cable runs.
Shelf height for consoles and set-top boxes
Make sure any open shelving is tall enough for airflow around consoles, routers or streaming boxes. Gear that runs hot — a games console paired with a router, for example — needs open bays or good cable management so heat doesn't build up inside an enclosed unit.
Cable exits and wall sockets
Check where your power point and antenna or data ports sit relative to the unit before buying. Units with rear cut-outs make it much easier to keep the setup tidy and avoid cables trailing across the front.
Height for comfortable viewing
A comfortable setup places the centre of the TV close to your seated eye level. If you're wall-mounting above a unit, keep the gap between the unit top and the screen practical — enough for a soundbar and easy cleaning, without pushing the screen uncomfortably high.
Safety note. In homes with kids or pets, anti-tip straps are worth fitting to freestanding units, and larger wall-mounted TVs should be professionally mounted into wall studs.
Shop the range
Ready to browse? Start with the TV unit range that fits your wall:
Shopping by size: 180cm vs 200cm
If you'd rather start from a size bucket and narrow down from there, this is the fastest path — pick the width range that suits your wall, then choose the finish.
180cm TV units
A "Goldilocks" size that suits many South-East Queensland living rooms — it often works well for 55"–75" TVs depending on your preferred clearance. Browse 180cm TV units for the full range.
200cm TV units
Best suited to bigger walls and larger TVs, commonly working for 65"–85" setups. A 200cm unit also suits open-plan living areas where the unit needs to visually anchor a wider wall. See 200cm TV units.
Other finishes worth knowing about
Once you've settled on a width, the finish and storage style come down to preference and room style. Our glass TV units suit a sleeker, easy-to-clean modern look, while our budget-friendly TV units cover simple, functional options if value is the priority.
Where to buy a TV unit in Brisbane & Gold Coast
Bring your wall width and TV model number into any of our showrooms and our team can sanity-check the sizing against the floor stock in front of you — it's the fastest way to confirm a unit will look right before it's in your home.
Our showrooms across South-East Queensland are in Rocklea (the flagship, 77 Randolph St), North Ipswich (7 Lowry St), Virginia (1/26 Radley St, north Brisbane), Bundall (3-4, 24 Strathaird Rd, Gold Coast) and Beenleigh (87 Logan River Rd). Plan your visit and check hours on our store locations page. Free local delivery covers a 10km radius around the Rocklea warehouse — see our delivery & access notes before ordering.
TV unit sizing FAQs
How wide should a TV unit be for a 65-inch TV?
Aim for a unit roughly 20–40cm wider than your TV's actual width (about 144cm for a 65" TV) for a balanced look — so around 164–184cm total. For a statement wall or floating style, go wider again, around 174–204cm. Always confirm your TV's exact feet spacing before buying.
Is a 180cm TV unit big enough for a 65-inch TV?
Often yes — many 65" setups look well balanced on a 180cm TV unit. Confirm your TV's feet spacing and whether you want extra side room for a soundbar or styling before committing.
What depth should my TV unit be?
Check the depth of your TV's feet if it's freestanding, and add space for a soundbar (typically 8–13cm deep). Leave clearance behind for cables and, for consoles or routers, airflow to prevent heat build-up.
How high should the TV sit above the unit?
The most comfortable setups place the centre of the TV close to seated eye level. If wall-mounting above a unit, keep the gap practical for a soundbar and cleaning, without pushing the screen too high.
Do you deliver TV units across Queensland?
Yes — delivery is available across South-East Queensland, with free local delivery within 10km of our Rocklea warehouse. Delivery cost and timing vary by product and location; check the product page estimate and our delivery & access notes before ordering.
Where can I see TV units in person in Brisbane?
All five of our South-East Queensland showrooms carry TV and entertainment units — Rocklea (flagship), North Ipswich, Virginia, Bundall on the Gold Coast, and Beenleigh. See current hours and directions on our showroom locations page.
Written by the A2Z Furniture team — five South-East Queensland showrooms, family-owned and operated since 2013. Last updated July 2026.