Bedroom Lowboard — Dimensions, Solutions, Ideas

A lowboard is a low piece of furniture with a typical height of 30 cm to 50 cm, primarily used in the bedroom as a TV unit or as shallow storage at the foot of the bed.

Furnishing a bedroom requires pieces that convey calm without overwhelming the room visually. A low board serves precisely this purpose. It offers surface space and storage while keeping sightlines across the room clear. Acting like a visual anchor, it grounds wall design without appearing bulky. When planning a self-assembly build, the correct dimensions, wall structure, and compartment layout are crucial.

Dimensions and Proportions in the Bedroom

The most important criterion when choosing is the relationship between the bed, room size, and the furniture unit. Because the bed is the dominant feature in the bedroom, the board must match it in height and width.

• Height: Box-spring beds often have a lying height of 55 cm to 65 cm. To ensure the viewing angle to the television remains ergonomic from the bed, the board should be roughly 40 cm to 50 cm high.
• Width: The width depends on the available wall area. For narrow alcoves or small spaces, a lowboard 140 cm is ideal. Those wishing to fill a long, blank wall can opt for wider options such as a lowboard 250 cm.
• Depth: The standard depth ranges from 35 cm to 45 cm. This is sufficient to accommodate set-top boxes, books, or clothing, without obstructing walkways.

Storage and Mechanisms: Flaps or Drawers?

When building such a unit, various opening mechanisms are available. The choice influences the assembly effort and later use.

• Drawers: These are ideal for small items. Pay close attention to the drawer runners during assembly. A full-extension runner allows the drawer to be pulled out completely, making access in the low bedroom area considerably easier.
• Flaps: Many TV lowboards & TV benches utilise downward-opening flaps. A gas strut is typically used here. This dampens the flap as it opens and holds it in position. The force of these stays is specified in Newtons and must match the weight of the flap precisely.
• Open compartments: Perfect for devices requiring infrared signals. Ensure clean cable routing through the back panel.

Materials and Finishes for the Bedroom

Most flat-pack furniture is made of chipboard or MDF coated with a foil finish. A melamine resin coating makes the surface scratch-resistant and easy to maintain.

Light colours reflect light and make the room appear larger. A TV Lowboard Beige blends discreetly into warm colour schemes. For an industrial or modern accent, choose a lowboard concrete effect. If vertical space allows and more storage for clothing is required, a classic bedroom chest of drawers is often the better alternative to a low unit.

Assembly and Installation: Tips for DIYers

Assembling a lowboard is a classic DIY project. Carcass assembly is usually achieved using cam and pin connectors and wooden dowels.

Required Tools

• Cordless screwdriver with matching bits (usually PZ or TX)
• Spirit level and folding rule or tape measure
• Rubber mallet for wooden dowels
• If applicable, a drill for wall mounting

Wall-Mounted or Freestanding?

A floating unit makes vacuuming easier and gives the room an airy feel. However, wall mounting requires a load-bearing wall. For masonry or concrete, standard wall plugs are sufficient. For plasterboard stud walls, suitable hollow-wall fixings must be used, and screws should ideally fix into the studs. Pay attention to the load rating of the cabinet suspension brackets. Freestanding boards often use adjustable furniture legs to compensate for uneven floors.

Cable Management

If the unit is used as a Hi-Fi lowboard, cables from the TV, lamps, or chargers need to be concealed. Drill out the back panel using a Forstner bit at the positions of the wall sockets prior to assembly. Leave roughly 2 cm to 3 cm of clearance between the back of the furniture and the room wall to allow air circulation for electronic devices.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How wide should a lowboard be in relation to the television? The furniture unit should always be wider than the TV screen. As a rule of thumb: the board should extend at least 15 cm to 20 cm beyond the edge of the screen on both the left and right. This ensures balanced proportions and visual stability.

What depth is necessary for an AV receiver or amplifier? Hi-Fi components often require a depth of 40 cm, plus additional clearance for rear connectors. In this case, select a board with a depth of at least 45 cm, or partially remove the back panel in that specific compartment.

Can I retrofit legs to a wall-mounted lowboard later? Yes. If wall mounting is not feasible, plinth feet or metal runner frames can be screwed onto the base panel. Ensure the base panel is strong enough (typically 16 mm thickness or more) and use short wood screws that will not pierce through the material.