Be sure the piece you choose is suitably strong and durable. Though modern televisions are lightweight, they're expensive; you don't want to trust a stand or cabinet that may not be sturdy enough. Look for dovetail joints and other earmarks of durability. Check the item in a store display and assure that it's not wobbly when nudged. If you shop online, check the reviews and be sure there aren't quality complaints.
As far as materials, keep them to a minimum. If your room primarily contains wood, shop for wood of the same type. (In other words, if you started with maple, stick with maple.) Steel and glass pair well so if you started with one, the other will be a match. Keep within the same colour palette; though steel and brass are both metals, they don't pair well.
As cabinets have grown to accommodate larger televisions, space diminishes. Shop for one that will keep an "open" feel to the space. An armoire or cabinet will visually eat a lot more space than a table. Colour is also important: dark will be more dramatic (particularly if the piece is large) so lighter is preferable.
Don't forget to consider your electronics when determining your space needs. They'll need sufficient surface area and air circulation around them to prevent overheating; never stack them. If you select a cabinet or armoire that is not designed to hold electronics, you may need to drill holes to accommodate your cords and cables and increase circulation of air. Also factor in cable length; this will keep your electronics on a short leash from your TV. Limiting your cables to the necessary length will help retain optimum output quality. Your electronics remote receivers also need to be visible (not shut in a cabinet) so that you'll be able utilize the remotes.
Width can also be important. With today's skinny lightweight TVs, only a minimum of surface width is necessary. A skinny TV may appear to swim on a large stand and it will increase floor real estate to think thin while shopping.
A swivel stand can dramatically enhance the televisions visibility, particularly with an LCD which may be prone to glare issues if placed in line with light, particularly sunlight. A swivel stand is a particularly valuable investment if the seating area is prone to rearrangement. With a larger family in particular, whether the TV is watched by just one or shared by many may change which direction it should face.
Wall mounts can dramatically increase usable space; be sure to purchase one that is adjustable, particularly if guest placement around the TV shifts often. Select one that is easy to adjust and does not require tools; if you need to adjust it often, you'll want the process to be user friendly. Also, LCDs are particularly prone to glare issues so unless the room has indirect lighting and no window nearby, an adjustable mount can be necessary to tilt the television away from glare.
Be sure the designated wall will support the wall mount. Knock to check where studs are and if you're uncertain that the wall can withstand the weight, it's probably not worth risking. (Ceiling mounts are also available.) If you have not yet purchased the TV, you can opt to purchase one from a store that offers installation, and leave it to the professionals.
And allow room for expansion if you're thinking of upgrading to a larger TV soon or plan to add more electronics. When in doubt, too much space is almost never too much space. In the world of electronics, less is not more. - 29956
As far as materials, keep them to a minimum. If your room primarily contains wood, shop for wood of the same type. (In other words, if you started with maple, stick with maple.) Steel and glass pair well so if you started with one, the other will be a match. Keep within the same colour palette; though steel and brass are both metals, they don't pair well.
As cabinets have grown to accommodate larger televisions, space diminishes. Shop for one that will keep an "open" feel to the space. An armoire or cabinet will visually eat a lot more space than a table. Colour is also important: dark will be more dramatic (particularly if the piece is large) so lighter is preferable.
Don't forget to consider your electronics when determining your space needs. They'll need sufficient surface area and air circulation around them to prevent overheating; never stack them. If you select a cabinet or armoire that is not designed to hold electronics, you may need to drill holes to accommodate your cords and cables and increase circulation of air. Also factor in cable length; this will keep your electronics on a short leash from your TV. Limiting your cables to the necessary length will help retain optimum output quality. Your electronics remote receivers also need to be visible (not shut in a cabinet) so that you'll be able utilize the remotes.
Width can also be important. With today's skinny lightweight TVs, only a minimum of surface width is necessary. A skinny TV may appear to swim on a large stand and it will increase floor real estate to think thin while shopping.
A swivel stand can dramatically enhance the televisions visibility, particularly with an LCD which may be prone to glare issues if placed in line with light, particularly sunlight. A swivel stand is a particularly valuable investment if the seating area is prone to rearrangement. With a larger family in particular, whether the TV is watched by just one or shared by many may change which direction it should face.
Wall mounts can dramatically increase usable space; be sure to purchase one that is adjustable, particularly if guest placement around the TV shifts often. Select one that is easy to adjust and does not require tools; if you need to adjust it often, you'll want the process to be user friendly. Also, LCDs are particularly prone to glare issues so unless the room has indirect lighting and no window nearby, an adjustable mount can be necessary to tilt the television away from glare.
Be sure the designated wall will support the wall mount. Knock to check where studs are and if you're uncertain that the wall can withstand the weight, it's probably not worth risking. (Ceiling mounts are also available.) If you have not yet purchased the TV, you can opt to purchase one from a store that offers installation, and leave it to the professionals.
And allow room for expansion if you're thinking of upgrading to a larger TV soon or plan to add more electronics. When in doubt, too much space is almost never too much space. In the world of electronics, less is not more. - 29956
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