How Wide Should a TV Lowboard Be? Dimension Guide

The ideal width of a lowboard depends on the screen diagonal of the television and should allow at least 10 to 15 centimetres of overhang to the left and right.

When planning a living room and assembling furniture yourself, you often face the question of the right proportions. A TV unit serves not only as a visual anchor in the room, but must also support the weight of electronics safely and conceal cables and additional equipment. The width of the furniture significantly influences the room's visual balance and structural stability. A unit that is too narrow beneath a substantial television looks like a bodybuilder in high heels – disproportionate and unsteady.

The Golden Rule for Lowboard Width

The decisive dimension when selecting TV lowboards & TV benches is the actual physical width of the television, not the diagonal size in inches. A 55-inch television is typically around 123 cm wide. To achieve a harmonious appearance, the piece of furniture should comfortably exceed this width.

As a rule of thumb in furniture assembly: the lowboard should be about 1.5 times as wide as the television. If space in the room is limited, a clearance of 10 to 15 cm on both sides of the screen is also sufficient. For a 123 cm wide television, this means a minimum furniture width of roughly 150 cm. This overhang also protects the screen panel from accidental bumps when walking past.

Typical Widths and Room Effect

The choice of dimensions depends heavily on the available wall space. Different formats suit different room sizes.

Compact Solutions (up to 100 cm)

In small rooms, guest bedrooms, or teenagers' rooms, space is often at a premium. Narrow TV benches or alternative classic chests of drawers are used here. When wall width is strictly limited, an 80 cm wide chest of drawers or a 100 cm wide chest of drawers provides a practical solution. These are usually taller than classic lowboards (which are often only 30 cm to 50 cm high) and provide extra drawer storage for controllers or cables.

Standard Size for Living Rooms (120 cm to 160 cm)

For most living rooms and standard TV sizes (43 to 55 inches), this middle range is the most popular choice. A unit of this size offers sufficient space for the television whilst leaving room for a soundbar. If you wish to maximise storage, a 120 cm wide chest of drawers or a 150 cm wide chest of drawers is often chosen, positioning the TV screen at a comfortable viewing height.

Large Formats for Home Cinemas (from 180 cm)

For screens of 65 inches and above (approx. 145 cm device width) or large, empty walls, wide lowboards are essential. Multi-part carcass systems are frequently used here. A 220 cm wide chest of drawers or an equivalent lowboard fills the room well and offers multiple compartments for receivers, consoles, and amplifiers. At these lengths, ensure a central support or additional legs are installed so the top panel does not sag under the weight.

Material, Stability, and Fittings

When assembling a wide TV unit yourself, the material plays a central role in its load capacity. Budget models often use thin chipboard, whereas sturdier versions rely on MDF (medium-density fibreboard) or solid wood.

Particularly for widths over 140 cm, the construction must prevent the top panel from sagging. During assembly, this is achieved with fixed central partitions or a grooved back panel. The back panel gives the carcass the necessary rigidity and prevents the furniture from shifting sideways under shear forces.

If the lowboard features drawers, pay attention to the installed runners. A full-extension runner allows the drawer to be pulled out 100%, giving complete access right into the back corners when storing DVDs or games. Drawers in TV furniture should ideally feature soft-close damping to avoid vibrations reaching sensitive electronic devices when closing.

Alternatives for Narrow Alcoves

Not every living room offers an unbroken wall for a wide lowboard. Sometimes the television must be placed in an alcove or corner. In such cases, the height of the furniture becomes the focus to compensate for the lack of width. A 60 cm wide chest of drawers can serve as a compact TV stand here, provided the television has a central stand and is not wider than the unit itself. It is essential to ensure the furniture is stable and securely anchored to the wall with a fixing bracket to prevent tipping.

Tools and Assembly Tips

Assembling a wide lowboard requires a systematic approach. Lay out all components on a soft surface (such as the packaging cardboard) to prevent scratches to the laminate finish.

For the assembly, you will typically need:

• A cordless screwdriver with matching bits. Pay close attention to the screw head: never use a standard Phillips bit for PZ (Pozidriv) screws, to avoid stripping the drive.
• A rubber mallet for gently tapping in wooden dowels.
• A spirit level for precise alignment in the final location.

When joining panels together, ensure the correct seating of the cam lock fasteners. The arrow on the cam housing must point towards the connecting dowel pin during insertion. Then tighten the cam lock hand-tight with a screwdriver.

After standing the unit upright, proceed with the fine adjustment of the doors. Almost all modern furniture uses a concealed cup hinge. Using the adjustment screws on the mounting plate, you can adjust the door in height, depth, and lateral alignment until the gap reveals are uniform all around. With a full overlay, the closed door covers the carcass side almost completely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How deep should a lowboard be? The typical depth is between 35 cm and 45 cm. This dimension is sufficient to safely hold standard AV receivers, games consoles, and the TV stand. Allow a few centimetres of clearance at the rear for cable management.

Can the television be wider than the lowboard? Technically this is possible, provided the base of the TV rests completely on the top panel. Visually, however, this is unappealing as the arrangement appears top-heavy. Furthermore, with freestanding screens, there is an increased risk of catching the protruding edges as you pass by.

How high should TV furniture be? The ideal height depends on the seating height of the sofa. When seated, the top third of the screen should be at eye level. Classic lowboards are 30 cm to 50 cm high, which is usually ideal for modern, large screens and low sofas.

How do I securely mount a floating lowboard? Wall-hung models require a load-bearing wall (masonry or concrete). Use heavy-duty wall plugs and matching hex head screws. On plasterboard stud walls, fixings must be anchored directly into the underlying studs (timber or metal framing), as plasterboard alone cannot support the combined weight of the furniture and television.