If you’re looking to mount your TV on the wall or place it on a piece of furniture other than a traditional TV stand, you have plenty of options. The right TV setup for your space depends on your interior design style, the size of your TV, and how much flexibility you need for viewing angles. Here are some popular alternatives to TV stands to consider.
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Wall-Mounted TVs
Wall-mounting your TV is a clean, modern option to replace a bulky TV stand. Wall mounts securely attach your TV flush against the wall. They free up floor space and can make your TV appear almost frameless on the wall. Wall mounts come in different material and weight capacities to handle small, medium, and large TV sizes.
There are two main types of TV wall mounts:
- Fixed wall mounts keep your TV in one set viewing angle against the wall. These give a simple, streamlined look. Fixed mounts work best when seating is centered facing the TV.
- Articulating wall mounts have arms that let you pull the TV away from the wall and tilt and swivel it side to side. These give you more flexibility with viewing angles from different seating in the room.
Make sure to check the VESA mount pattern on the back of your TV before choosing a wall mount. The mount has to be compatible with your TV’s hole pattern to be installed securely. Also measure your TV size and weight to find a mount with proper weight capacity and arm extensions to fit the TV.
Pros of Wall-Mounted TVs
- Sleek, minimal appearance
- Frees up floor space
- Allows TV to appear frameless against the wall
- Articulating mounts provide flexible viewing angles
Cons of Wall-Mounted TVs
- Mounting requires drilling into walls
- Fixed mounts only allow one viewing angle
- Weight capacity has limits
- TV is harder to access once mounted
Media Consoles
Media consoles provide enclosed storage space for TV components and media while doubling as a TV base. The long, low profile design of media consoles fits TVs while giving you cabinet space to store devices, games, DVDs, and more. They come in many styles from modern to traditional.
Look for a media console that will properly fit the base of your TV. Measure the length and depth of the console to make sure it can handle your TV size. Some things to keep in mind when shopping for a media console:
- Ventilation – Make sure the backless shelving allows airflow so devices don’t overheat.
- Cable management – Look for cutouts and gaps to run cords in back.
- Adjustable shelving – This allows you to customize storage.
- Made for TV weight – Check the weight rating to handle a heavy TV.
- Component storage – Cabinet space for media players, game consoles, etc.
Pros of Media Consoles
- Provides enclosed storage for components
- Variety of stylish designs
- Lower profile fits TV viewing
- Usually adjustable or removable shelves
Cons of Media Consoles
- Can be bulky like a TV stand
- Storage is limited by console size
- Ventilation may be inadequate
- TV may be too wide for some console sizes
Credenzas
A credenza is a great alternative to a TV stand that functions as a sideboard or buffet as well as a TV base. The long horizontal shape provides ample storage space behind doors and in drawers. Look for a credenza that is wide and deep enough to hold your TV base.
Credenzas are often made of fine woods like oak or walnut and have an elegant style. They can add a decorative touch to your living room, bedroom, or office decor. Consider a credenza if you want concealed storage for a clutter-free look. Features to look for include:
- Adjustable shelves
- Wire management holes
- Ventilation
- Drawers for concealed media storage
- Made to hold weight of TV
Pros of Credenzas
- Stylish, refined furniture piece
- Provides enclosed storage space
- Drawers allow hidden component storage
- Made of high-quality wood
Cons of Credenzas
- More expensive than TV stands
- Style not as modern as other options
- Storage is limited to credenza size
- TV may appear too wide on some credenzas
Consoles
A console table is long and narrow with an open back and shelving underneath. The slim design takes up minimal floor space. Use behind a couch facing the TV or against a wall adjacent to the TV. Look for a console with adjustable shelves to store components.
Make sure to measure the depth, width, and shelf clearance to find a console that fits your TV base and viewing height. Console tables complement many decor styles with finishing like black metal, weathered wood, or concrete.
Pros of Consoles
- Slim, space-saving profile
- Looks great behind seating
- Ample shelf space for media components
- Range of rustic to modern styles
Cons of Consoles
- Narrow surface only fits small-medium TVs
- Open back doesn’t hide cables or components
- TV prone to tipping over if bumped
- TV appearance may seem awkward if too wide
Shelving Units
Going with a basic shelving unit is an affordable and adaptable option for placing your TV without a bulky stand. Square cubby shelving units work well for supporting TVs. You can also wall mount the TV and place shelves underneath or on either side.
Make sure shelves are spaced wide and deep enough to handle the base of your TV. Shelving units come in countless materials, colors, and configurations to suit your decor. Some things to consider when using shelves for your TV:
- Add cabinet doors – Conceal components and give a built-in look.
- Adjustable shelves – Allow customizing shelf height.
- Wall anchoring – Prevent shelving from tipping over.
- Add doors/drawers – For hidden media storage.
Pros of Shelving Units
- Affordable option
- Easily change shelf configuration
- Variety of sizes and styles
- Can incorporate other functional storage
Cons of Shelving Units
- Exposed look if not adding cabinets
- Prone to tipping if not anchored
- TV prone to falling if accidentally bumped
- Limited space for media components
Bookcases
A bookcase or bookshelf creates both storage and display space in your living room or bedroom. Place your TV on a wide, sturdy shelf and use other shelves for books, photos, and decor. Anchor the bookcase to the wall for stability.
Measure the depths of shelves to ensure they can handle the footprint of your TV base. Low-profile media consoles with shelving above are another bookcase option. Consider features like:
- Adjustable shelves
- Doors to conceal shelves
- Media storage space
- Wall anchoring
Pros of Bookcases
- Doubles as both TV base and storage
- Range of sizes from narrow to wide
- Versatile for decorating
- Available in many materials and finishes
Cons of Bookcases
- Prone to tipping if not anchored
- TV vulnerable to falling when bumped
- Limits on shelf weight capacity
- Open design shows clutter
Fireplace Mantels
If your TV viewing is centered around a fireplace, you may want to ditch the TV stand and mount the TV above the mantel. This elevated placement keeps the TV in the focal point of the room without obscuring the fireplace itself.
Make sure your mantel depth, width, and building material can support your TV size and weight. Consider your viewing angle from seating to find optimal TV height. You can run cords along the back wall and down behind the mantel. Opt for an articulating wall mount for adjusting the tilt and swivel.
Pros of Fireplace Mantels
- TV remains central focus of living room
- Doesn’t obstruct fireplace
- Takes advantage of existing architecture
- Articulating mounts allow angle adjustments
Cons of Fireplace Mantels
- Need to ensure mantel can support TV weight
- May be challenging access to mount
- Limited options to hide cords
- Fixed viewing angle from fireplace seating
Conclusion
If a bulky TV stand doesn’t fit your space or decor, you have stylish options. Wall mounting your TV or placing it on multifunctional furniture like a media console, credenza, or shelving unit can give a clean, integrated look. Make sure to measure your TV size, weight capacity, viewing angles, and media component storage needs to choose a stand alternative that fits.
Any of these TV stand alternative options will keep your TV secure and amplify your interior design. Going stand-less helps free up visual and physical space for a lighter, airier living room effect.