TV Cabinets Buyer Guide: How to Choose the Right Size, Storage and Setup

A TV cabinet can fit the wall and still fail the room. It may leave the screen too high, crowd a gaming console, expose every cable or look undersized once the television is in position. Choosing well means treating the cabinet as part furniture, part equipment station and part storage system.

The most useful starting point is not colour. It is the relationship between your television, seated viewing position, media equipment and available floor space. Once those practical requirements are settled, materials and finishes become much easier to compare.

Factory Fast’s range of TV cabinets includes low-profile entertainment units, open and enclosed storage, adjustable shelving and finishes suited to different Australian living rooms. This guide explains how to compare those options without overlooking the measurements that determine whether a cabinet actually works.

Use This TV Cabinet Decision Framework

A good entertainment unit should pass six checks before you consider its appearance:

1. The cabinet is wider than the television, with enough room to avoid a top surface that looks crowded.
2. Its height places the screen comfortably in relation to your normal seated eye position.
3. The stated load capacity supports everything placed on top, not merely the television.
4. Its shelves and compartments fit your actual media devices, controllers and accessories.
5. Cables can reach the required connections without being crushed or stretched.
6. The assembled cabinet fits the room, access route and intended wall position.

These decisions should be made in that order. A finish may suit the room perfectly, but it cannot compensate for a cabinet that is too narrow, too shallow or unable to support the intended load.

Your first choice is also whether the television will stand on the cabinet or be mounted above it. A freestanding television makes top dimensions and weight capacity critical. A wall-mounted screen places more emphasis on storage, cable routing and the visual relationship between the screen and cabinet.

Choose the Right TV Cabinet Size

TV cabinet sizing involves width, height and depth. Measuring only the available wall length can produce a unit that technically fits but is uncomfortable to view or awkward to use.

Measure the Television’s Actual Width

Television sizes are commonly based on the diagonal screen measurement, which does not tell you the full width of the frame or the position of its feet. Measure the television from its furthest left point to its furthest right point. If it uses two separate feet, measure the distance across their outer edges as well.

A TV unit should generally be wider than the television. Leaving approximately 10 to 20 cm on each side creates a more balanced arrangement and reduces the chance of the screen appearing perched on an undersized base. Extra width can also provide room for a compact soundbar, provided the combined equipment remains within the stated load limit.

Check the proposed width against doors, curtains, power points and walking routes. In a small room, an extra 20 cm of furniture can affect circulation more than expected.

Set the Height From Your Normal Seat

The aim is to position the screen so that it feels natural to view from the sofa or chair used most often. Sit in your usual position and note your relaxed eye level. Then compare that point with the height of the cabinet, television stand and screen centre.

Low-profile units can suit larger screens or wall-mounted installations because they leave more vertical space. Taller cabinets may work when the seating is higher or when extra enclosed storage is needed, but they should not force the viewer to look upwards for long periods.

For example, the 140 cm white TV cabinet with storage measures 140 × 40 × 34 cm. Its 34 cm height creates a distinctly low profile, so buyers should add the height of their television stand before deciding where the screen centre will sit.

Confirm the Required Depth

Depth is easy to overlook because product photographs are usually viewed from the front. Measure the deepest item that will sit on or inside the cabinet, including plugs, connectors and any part of the television feet that extends backwards.

The cabinet must accommodate the full footprint rather than just the screen. Internal shelves also need enough usable depth for media equipment without forcing cables against the rear panel. Where a unit has enclosed compartments, confirm both the internal depth and the size of the opening through which the device must pass.

Allow space behind the furniture for plugs and cable bends. A cabinet that sits neatly against an empty wall may project further into the room once power boards and connectors are installed.

Match the Storage Layout to Your Equipment

The best TV stand with storage is not necessarily the one with the most compartments. It is the one whose compartments correspond to the equipment and accessories you use.

Before comparing units, list everything that needs a permanent place:

• Television and stand
• Soundbar or compact speakers
• Gaming consoles
• Media players or streaming devices
• Controllers and charging cables
• Remotes
• Games, discs or other media
• Power boards and excess cable
• Small living-room items that should be hidden

Measure larger devices individually. Shelf width alone is not enough; height and depth can be the limiting dimensions.

Open Shelves Suit Frequently Used Equipment

Open shelving keeps connected equipment accessible and makes it easier to inspect plugs and cables. It can also support airflow around devices that generate heat, provided the equipment’s specified clearance is maintained.

The tradeoff is visibility. Cables, controllers and smaller accessories remain on display unless the cabinet includes drawers or side cupboards. Open shelves work best when they are assigned to a few regularly used devices rather than becoming general storage.

Adjustable shelving adds useful flexibility. It allows the compartment height to change if you replace a device or reorganise the entertainment setup. Check the available shelf positions rather than assuming every shelf can move freely.

Enclosed Storage Controls Visual Clutter

Doors and drawers are useful for remotes, games, spare leads and accessories that do not need constant access. They can make the entertainment area feel calmer, particularly when the television wall is visible from adjoining parts of an open-plan home.

Not every connected device belongs behind a door. Before placing powered equipment in an enclosed compartment, consider ventilation, cable access and whether controls can be used without repeatedly opening the cabinet.

A mixed layout is often the most versatile choice: open space for active equipment, drawers for small accessories and cupboards for items used less frequently.

Compare Materials, Finishes and Cleaning Needs

Material affects the cabinet’s appearance, weight and day-to-day care. The current Factory Fast range includes bamboo, wood, MDF, particleboard, metal hardware, acrylic doors and glass shelving across different configurations.

Natural Timber Tones Add Warmth

Natural bamboo and timber-look finishes work well when the room already contains warm floors, woven textures or neutral upholstery. They can also soften the visual impact of a large black television.

Check whether the description refers to solid material, a timber-look finish or a combination of materials. These are different constructions and should not be treated as interchangeable. Care instructions matter as well: a sealed bamboo surface may call for simple damp-cloth cleaning while harsh products should be avoided.

Dark Finishes Give the Television a Stronger Frame

Dark walnut and similar finishes can visually connect with a black screen while giving the setup a more furniture-led appearance. They suit buyers who want the entertainment unit to feel substantial rather than disappear into a pale wall.

The 150 cm dark walnut TV cabinet measures 150 × 40 × 55 cm and combines open and enclosed compartments with adjustable internal shelves and a tempered-glass centre shelf. Its stated maximum load is 35 kg, so the television and every other item placed on top must be counted together.

High-Gloss White Creates a Low Visual Profile

A white TV cabinet can blend into a light wall and make the entertainment zone feel less heavy. High-gloss surfaces create a more contemporary effect, while glass shelving introduces another reflective element.

Consider the household’s tolerance for regular wiping before choosing a reflective finish. Fingerprints and dust are easier to notice on some surfaces, especially around frequently handled doors and drawers. Material selection should account for maintenance as well as colour.

Rather than matching every item exactly, coordinate one or two repeated details. A cabinet can relate to other living room furniture through timber tone, leg shape, hardware colour or overall proportion without turning the room into a matching suite.

Check Load Capacity Before Placing the Television

The cabinet’s maximum load must cover the combined weight of the television and anything else supported by the top. That may include a soundbar, speakers, decorations or other equipment.

Do not infer load capacity from how thick the top panel looks. Use the figure stated on the exact product page. Where no capacity is shown, confirm it before treating the cabinet as suitable for a freestanding television.

Shelf limits matter separately. A cabinet may support the television on top while an individual glass or adjustable shelf has different restrictions. Avoid transferring the overall cabinet rating to an internal shelf unless the product information explicitly permits it.

Check that the television’s feet sit fully on the top panel. Even when the total weight is within the rating, feet placed close to or beyond the edge create a poor fit. Centre the screen according to the product instructions and keep the cabinet level.

Furniture anchoring should form part of the setup rather than being treated as an optional finishing step. Follow the anchoring directions supplied with the cabinet and television, and do not allow the screen, doors or drawers to become climbing or pulling points.

Plan Cable Access, Ventilation and Power Together

Cable management is most effective when planned before assembly and equipment placement. Start by locating the wall outlet, internet connection and any antenna connection. Then map which devices connect to the television, power board or each other.

A rear cable opening is useful only if it aligns with the shelf holding the equipment. Check whether there is one central hole or access at multiple levels. If cables must pass between compartments, confirm that suitable openings already exist rather than assuming a panel should be modified.

Keep power boards and excess cable off the front of open shelves. They need a defined position that does not obstruct ventilation or create pressure on plugs. Cable length should allow equipment to be removed for cleaning without placing strain on a connector.

Heat-producing devices need the clearance specified for that equipment. An open shelf may be preferable for a gaming console or media device used for extended sessions. Enclosed storage is better reserved for suitable equipment or unpowered accessories unless the compartment provides adequate airflow.

If a wall-mounted television is planned, decide how its leads will travel down to the unit before fixing either item in position. The cabinet should conceal or organise the connection path without forcing cables to cross open wall space awkwardly.

Select a Cabinet for the Room, Not Just the Screen

A television and cabinet form one of the widest visual elements in many living rooms. Their combined scale affects furniture placement and the balance of the entire wall.

Small Living Rooms Need Controlled Depth

In a compact room, prioritise a shallow cabinet with enough width for the screen and essential equipment. Extra cupboards are not helpful if their depth narrows the main walkway or makes doors difficult to open.

Sliding doors can be useful where there is limited clearance in front of the cabinet. Drawers and hinged doors need enough space to open without meeting a coffee table, ottoman or sofa.

A lower unit can help preserve open wall space, but it still has to provide the correct viewing position. Measure the complete setup instead of choosing “small” furniture by appearance alone.

Larger Rooms Need Visual Proportion

A narrow cabinet beneath a wide screen can look disconnected even when the television feet technically fit. In a larger room, additional cabinet width helps establish a clear entertainment zone and leaves space for a considered arrangement around the screen.

Avoid filling every spare centimetre with decorative objects. Equipment access, screen visibility and cleaning are more important than using the entire top as display space.

When coordinating the cabinet with bookshelves or side tables, repeat either the finish or the line of the furniture rather than both. A low, horizontal unit can be balanced by taller storage elsewhere without requiring identical materials.

Compare Assembly and Delivery Requirements

Most flat-packed entertainment units require more planning than their finished dimensions suggest. Check the package information, assembly requirements and supplied hardware before ordering.

Measure the route from the delivery point to the living room, including gates, lifts, stairs, doorways and tight turns. The flat package may be longer or heavier than expected even when the assembled cabinet is relatively low.

Choose a clear assembly area close to the final position. Protect the floor, identify each component and follow the supplied sequence. Tightening parts in the wrong order can make alignment more difficult, especially where doors, drawers or glass shelves are involved.

Before loading the cabinet, confirm that it is level and stable. Adjustable feet can help on slightly uneven floors, but they should be set before the television is placed on top. Install any required anchors, then add equipment from the heaviest item to the lightest.

Delivery availability can vary by address and product size. Check the live product page and checkout details before removing existing furniture or arranging help for unloading and assembly.

Avoid These Common TV Cabinet Buying Mistakes

The first common mistake is shopping by television diagonal rather than its actual width, foot position and weight. Two screens with similar diagonals can have different frames and stands.

The second is checking the outside of the cabinet but not its internal openings. A device may fit within the nominal compartment dimensions yet still be too tall or wide to pass through the front.

Another frequent problem is forgetting the depth of plugs and connectors. A shelf that matches the equipment body exactly may become unusable once cables are attached.

Buyers also underestimate how many accessories need storage. Controllers, charging leads and remotes quickly turn an open shelf into clutter if drawers or cupboards have not been assigned to them.

Choosing finish before function creates a different type of regret. A cabinet can look right online but feel wrong when it blocks a walkway, raises the screen too far or leaves powered equipment without suitable ventilation.

Finally, do not assume wall mounting removes the need for a properly sized entertainment unit. The cabinet still has to relate to the screen width, organise connected equipment and give cables a deliberate route.

Make the Final Choice With a Room-Level Check

Use the exact product dimensions to mark the cabinet’s outline on the floor and wall. Then sit in the normal viewing position and check the proposed screen height, walking clearance and relationship with nearby furniture.

Compare shortlisted units by usable storage rather than compartment count. Identify where every powered device, cable, controller and media item will go. If anything has no defined position, the storage layout is not yet resolved.

The strongest choice will satisfy the measurements first and the styling brief second. Once the width, height, depth, capacity and equipment layout work, finish becomes a confident choice instead of a compromise.

Before ordering, photograph the television wall from your usual seat and mark the proposed cabinet outline with removable tape. That quick full-room view can reveal an undersized unit, an off-centre screen or a blocked door swing that isolated measurements may not make obvious.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should a TV cabinet be wider than the television?

Yes. A TV cabinet generally looks more balanced when it extends approximately 10 to 20 cm beyond each side of the television. Measure the screen’s full outer width and the position of its feet rather than relying on the diagonal size. The feet must sit completely on the top panel, and the total equipment weight must remain within the cabinet’s stated capacity.

How high should a TV cabinet be?

The correct height depends on the television, its stand and your normal seated eye position. Sit where you usually watch and compare that eye level with the proposed centre of the screen. A low unit may suit a taller television, while a higher cabinet can work with smaller screens or elevated seating. Test the combined height rather than judging the furniture alone.

How do I know whether a TV cabinet can support my television?

Check the television’s actual weight against the cabinet’s stated maximum load. Include soundbars, speakers and decorative objects placed on the same top surface. Do not estimate capacity from appearance or transfer an overall cabinet rating to an internal shelf. If a Factory Fast product page does not state the required capacity, confirm that detail before using the unit as a television stand.

Are open shelves or cabinet doors better for gaming consoles?

Open shelves usually offer easier access and more exposed airflow, making them practical for powered equipment used regularly. Doors are better for hiding controllers, games and spare cables. A mixed layout provides both benefits. Whatever configuration you choose, measure the console with its connected plugs and maintain the equipment’s required ventilation clearance rather than packing it tightly into a compartment.

What is the easiest way to keep TV cabinet cables tidy?

Plan each connection before placing equipment on the shelves. Position the power board, group leads by destination and use the cabinet’s existing rear access holes. Leave enough cable length to remove devices for cleaning without straining plugs. A unit with cable access aligned to the active media shelf will usually produce a cleaner result than one with a single opening in an inconvenient position.

What should I check before ordering a TV unit online?

Confirm the assembled width, height and depth, internal shelf dimensions, top load capacity, materials, door clearance and cable openings. Measure the delivery route as well as the final position, and review assembly and anchoring requirements. Check the live product page for current availability and delivery details. Marking the footprint in the room beforehand can expose walkway or furniture conflicts before the cabinet arrives.