Best TV Stands 2023 - Forbes Vetted

Now that you’ve invested in the best TV, you need one of the best TV stands to go with it. Also called a media console, TV stands provide a stable surface to rest your TV at the perfect viewing height, while doubling up as a convenient storage spot to stash all the electronic components that come with it—like routers, modems and gaming consoles. This functional piece of furniture come sin all shapes and sizes to suit your needs and match your decor, and it’s often just what you need to pull together your living space. Our top choice is the Crate & Barrel Wyatt Storage Media Console, a classic option crafted from solid mango wood with plenty of storage space.

The Pottery Barn Oakleigh Media Console is made from solid kiln-dried mango wood for extreme ... [+] durability, and it’s 80 inches length makes it proportional to TVs up to 80 inches wide. Tv Set Top Box Stand

There are a few key factors to keep in mind as you shop for a TV stand. First, it’s important to find a stand that’s proportional to your TV—after all, it will look a bit strange if you have a massive TV and a tiny console, or vice versa. You’ll also want to choose a product that can fit all your equipment and keep it out of sight: “It’s important to know what equipment you will have in addition to your TV—cable boxes, game consoles, speakers, books and knick knacks need a place to live inside the piece if possible,” recommends interior designer Amy Pigliacampo of Amy Pigliacampo Interiors. “The less we see the better in terms of visual organization and style.”

No matter your personal style, the following are a selection of the best TV stands that will make a functional and stylish addition to your home.

The Wyatt Storage Media Console is an unbeatable option for any living space thanks to its sturdy build and classic design. It has a traditional appearance with two Shaker-style cabinet doors and two open shelves in the center, and the whole thing is crafted from solid mango wood, so it will last you for many years to come. It has a dark wood finish and metal legs with an antique finish, and there are outlet ports that lead to every compartment, making it easy to keep your electronics organized.

While this version of the Wyatt Console is suitable for TVs up to 60 inches, there’s also a larger 72-inch model available for larger TVs—it has a similar design but features two glass cabinet doors over the central shelves. The only downside to this TV console is that the brand doesn’t list its weight capacity, but it’s surely enough to support an average TV considering it’s made from solid wood.

If you want to elevate your TV up off the console—to make space for a soundbar, for instance—the Insignia TV Stand is an inexpensive tabletop option. It’s designed to be used with TVs between 32 and 65 inches, though you may want to size up to a sturdier model if you have a 65-inch TV, just to be safe. The stand is height-adjustable, and it also swivels, allowing you to adjust the angle easily. There’s even a cable management tube in the back that keeps unsightly cords out of the way during use.

You can make your living space feel cozier with the Elise TV Console, which has an attractive transitional design with a built-in electric fireplace. The large stand can hold TVs up to 80 inches—though it does have a 75-pound weight limit—and it has two glass-front cabinets where you can put your electronics. The piece is made from engineered ash with an oak veneer, and its classic wood finish will complement any living space.

The fireplace includes a heater that can warm up to 1,000 square feet, and using the included remote control, you can choose from five flame colors, five flame speeds, and five brightness levels. Plus, the safe-touch glass doesn’t get hot, making it safe for children and pets.

If you have a large, heavy TV, the Oakleigh Media Console has a higher-than-average weight limit and long length to accommodate it. The stand is made from solid kiln-dried mango wood for extreme durability, and it’s 80 inches long, making it proportional to TVs up to 80 inches. The console features three central drawers, as well as two glass-front cabinets with adjustable shelves and cable holes, and it even has levelers on its feet that will prevent it from wobbling on uneven floors. Just keep in mind that this TV stand is extremely large and quite heavy, so it can be cumbersome to move.

The Wylan Media Console has a sleek contemporary design with a metal frame and tempered glass shelving. Additionally, it comes in five metal finishes to match just about any decor. The unit is asymmetrical for visual interest, with its central shelf offset to one side, and this creates taller areas where you can display decor like vases. It can hold up to 75 pounds and is recommended for TVs up to 60 inches, but keep in mind there aren’t any storage compartments or wire management features.

The NB North Bayou Mobile TV Cart is an ideal solution for schools or offices, as it’s mounted on locking caster wheels, making it easy to move from room to room. The cart is designed for TVs between 55 and 85 inches, and it has a high weight capacity of 200 pounds. It even has a handy camera tray on top of the TV, as well as a height-adjustable lower shelf where you can put a laptop or other accessory. There are cable management ports along the backside to keep wires hidden, and while it may not be the most attractive TV stand out there, it’s definitely one of the most portable options.

The Whalen Payton 3-in-1 TV Stand will save you from having to drill holes in the wall to mount your TV. This unique TV stand has a built-in mount that can support a TV up to 65 inches, elevating it up off the table so you can put other electronics underneath it. The mount is also height-adjustable and swivels 45 degrees in both directions, allowing you to get the perfect viewing angle. There are cable management tubes and wraps on the back of the stand to keep things organized, but you do want to pay attention to how much weight you’re putting on the glass shelves, as people say they’re not the most durable.

You can easily situate the Tucci TV Stand in any corner of your home thanks to its triangular-shaped design, and it has a very traditional appearance that will mesh well with any decor. The back of the stand is angled to sit comfortably in a corner, and it can still fit a TV up to 50 inches. The console is made from solid wood and available in four basic finishes, and it has a glass-front cabinet with cable management holes, making it a breeze to store any electronic accessories.

You’ll be able to store all sorts of accessories inside the Mid-Century Media Console. This large TV stand is 80 inches wide, making it a good fit for TVs up to 80 inches, and it’s fully enclosed, offering a variety of storage areas. There are three drawers on one side, as well as two sliding cabinet doors that reveal spacious adjustable shelves.

This mid-century TV stand is crafted from solid wood, and it’s available in two wood finishes. Additionally, it’s crafted in a Fair Trade Certified factory and is GREENGUARD Gold Certified, meaning it has been screened for chemicals and emissions.

For small spaces like an apartment or even a bedroom, the VIVO Easel Studio TV Stand is a compact—and artistic—option for your TV. Modeled after an artist’s easel, the stand has a three-leg design that can hold up to 77 pounds and TVs up to 65 inches. It comes in three finishes, and you can adjust the stand’s height for comfortable viewing. There are cable clips down the back leg of the stand to keep the TV’s power cord out of sight, but keep in mind that there’s no where to place TV accessories on this product.

TV stands can be made from a variety of materials, and the most popular options are wood and metal. These materials are both durable and will be able to safely hold the weight of your TV. Best of all, they will generally last for many years, even if they’re banged or scratched.

On the other hand, if you see large TV stands that only cost under $100, chances are they’re made from low-quality materials, such as MDF or laminate, that aren’t as durable. “There are lots of very inexpensive options, but I would caution against that,” says Pigliacampo. “The doors and drawers will never operate correctly, and it may not be able to support the weight of a TV that’s not wall mounted.”

If you’re planning to place your TV directly on top of the console, it’s important that the stand is able to support the size and weight of the unit. Most TV stands have a maximum weight capacity and TV size listed in the description, so be sure to compare this against the specs of your TV before you buy.

The size of your stand also matters from a design standpoint: “It should always be longer than the TV, not smaller,” says Pigliacampo. “My preference is a minimum of 6 inches extra on either side of the TV edges. If the credenza is smaller, it will look like an afterthought versus an intentional piece.”

TV stands come in a wide range of shapes, sizes and styles, so you’ll want to take time to shop around and find one that will fit well in your home. Traditional, transitional, farmhouse, contemporary and modern are just a few common design aesthetics that you’ll see as you browse different options.

If you’re looking for a TV stand for an office or classroom, style may not be a top priority. In these instances, you can find very utilitarian TV stands that are more affordable. Some, such as the NB North Bayou Mobile TV Cart, even have wheels that make them easy to move around as needed.

Most people use their TV stand to house electronics such as cable modems, gaming consoles, Wi-Fi routers and more. If you’re planning to put these gadgets inside your media console, it’s always beneficial to select an option with cord management ports on the back: “I highly recommend looking for a piece that includes access in the back to be able to reach a plug, as well as closed storage underneath to hide any electronics,” says designer Emily Del Bello of Emily Del Bello Interiors.

Even if a TV stand doesn’t have an enclosed storage area, it may have cable clips on the backside that will help keep cords arranged neatly and out of sight.

In addition to housing electronics, media consoles can be a useful storage spot in your living space. If you want to be able to store books, board games, remotes and other clutter within your TV stand, you may want to look for an option that includes drawers, cabinets or both. Some even have adjustable shelving, making it easy to accommodate all types of supplies.

“When selecting a TV stand/console, the most important factor to consider is the seat height relative to the TV placement,” says Del Bello. In general, lower TV standards are better—if a TV stand is too high, you’ll end up craning your neck to watch it, which will likely be uncomfortable in the long run.

If you want to figure out the best height for your TV stand, the general rule of thumb is that the middle of your TV should be roughly at eye level when you’re seated. A According to the buying guide on the Samsung site, a height of 42 inches from the floor to the bottom of your TV is usually comfortable. As you shop, you’ll see that many TV stands are between 20 and 30 inches tall, which helps to keep your TV at this recommended height.

In terms of compatibility, it’s important to make sure your TV stand can support the weight of your TV (assuming you’re planning to place the TV on the console itself), but beyond that, it’s mostly a matter of personal preference. “There aren’t really hard and fast rules, but I always want the console to feel generous enough for the size of the TV,” explains Pigliacampo. She recommends selecting a console that’s at least 6 inches larger than the width of your TV on both sides for best proportions.

If you’re having trouble visualizing the size of your stand in comparison to your TV, Pigliacampo recommends this easy exercise: “Use painters tape and map it out on the wall,” she says. “Tape out the exact perimeter and footprint of both pieces so you really understand the proportions. It’s super simple to do and will save you much buyer's remorse.”

Any time you’re purchasing a piece of furniture, it’s best to look for high-quality, durable materials that will last for several years. Solid wood, metal and glass are all popular options that can stand up to heavy use. If you’re shopping on a budget, engineered wood is a middle-of-the-road option that’s also lighter than solid wood, but it’s best to avoid MDF, which isn’t very strong and is prone to warping and sagging.

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I'm a writer based near New York City (after 12 years in LA, four in Boston, and the first 18 just outside DC). When not writing, testing camping gear, cooking, working on DIY projects, or spending time with my wife, son, and daughter, I jog, bike, sometimes get in a kayak, and look for a chance to climb mountains. I writes for several major outlets, and my novels can be found on my website here.

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