The best place to put a TV in the living room is directly opposite your main seating area, with the centre of the screen at eye level when seated. Avoid placing it in front of windows to reduce glare and ensure comfortable viewing. Keep a clear distance between the TV and seating, typically 7–12 feet depending on screen size, and choose a sturdy TV unit or wall mount for safety and proper cable management.

The living room is the heart of any home – a space where families gather to relax, socialise, and enjoy entertainment together. One of the most important decisions you’ll make when designing or rearranging this space is deciding where to put the TV. It might seem straightforward at first, but the position of your television has a huge impact on the overall comfort, layout, and style of the room.

From preventing glare and creating the ideal viewing angle to maintaining a functional and stylish space, selecting the perfect spot for your TV requires careful consideration. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore various factors to consider and layout ideas to help you determine the best placement for your TV, along with furniture suggestions to maximise the use of your space.

Consider the Room Layout First

Before placing your TV, take a moment to assess the layout of your living room. Consider the placement of windows, doors, radiators, fireplaces, and furniture. Ideally, you want your television to be in a position that is easily visible without obstructing walkways or natural light.

Start by asking yourself a few questions:

  •          Where does the natural light enter the room, and will it cause screen glare?
  •          Which seating arrangement gives everyone a comfortable view?
  •          Do you want the TV to be a focal point or blend subtly into the décor?

By answering these, you’ll have a clearer idea of the best placement options.

Avoid Glare from Windows

Nothing is more frustrating than trying to watch your favourite show while battling glare from a nearby window. To prevent this, position your TV perpendicular to windows whenever possible. If this isn’t an option, invest in blinds or curtains to control the amount of natural light entering the room.

The right positioning helps protect your eyes from strain while ensuring a better viewing experience.

Determine the Ideal Viewing Height

The best viewing experience comes when the centre of the TV screen is at eye level while seated. This prevents neck strain and makes watching more comfortable. For most people, this means positioning the TV around 42 inches from the floor to the centre of the screen.

TV units play a crucial role here, as they raise your television to the correct height while also providing storage for media devices, games, and accessories.

Think About the Focal Point

Traditionally, fireplaces were the focal point of living rooms, but in modern homes, TVs often take centre stage. Decide whether you want your TV to be the main feature of the room or if you prefer to keep it more discreet.

  •          TV as focal point: Place it on the main wall and arrange seating to face it directly.
  •          Subtle placement: Position the TV off to one side, allowing artwork, a feature wall, or a fireplace to remain the primary visual element.

Choose the Right TV Unit for Style and Functionality

A TV unit is more than just a stand – it’s a key piece of furniture that can complement your décor and keep your living room tidy. Whether you prefer modern minimalism, rustic charm, or classic elegance, there’s a design to suit every style. Below are different options and their unique features.

Bergen Oak TV Unit

The Bergen Oak TV Unit combines practicality with timeless style. Its clean design and natural oak finish make it perfect for both modern and traditional homes, offering both storage and aesthetic appeal.

Trend Solid Oak Large Plasma TV Unit

Ideal for large televisions, Trend Solid Oak Large Plasma TV Unit provides generous surface space and plenty of storage, keeping media equipment neatly organised.

Montreux Grey Washed Oak & Soft Grey Painted TV Unit

The Montreux Grey Washed Oak & Soft Grey Painted TV Unit blends contemporary style with subtle elegance. Featuring soft grey tones and a refined painted finish, this unit is perfect for modern living rooms, adding a sleek yet welcoming touch to your space.

Cadell Aged & Weathered Oak Large TV Unit

Bring warmth and character to your home with the Cadell Aged & Weathered Oak Large TV Unit. Its solid build and weathered oak finish make it an ideal choice for rustic interiors, offering both style and sturdy support for your television.

Vega Rustic Oak & Peppercorn TV Entertainment Unit

The Vega Rustic Oak & Peppercorn TV Entertainment Unit combines rustic charm with a modern edge. With its contrasting peppercorn finish, this piece creates a bold focal point while providing practical storage for your entertainment essentials.

Vega Scandi Oak & Peppercorn TV Entertainment Unit

Inspired by Scandinavian design, the Vega Scandi Oak & Peppercorn TV Entertainment Unit blends light oak tones with a contemporary dark finish. It delivers a clean and stylish look, perfect for modern minimalist homes.

Camden Weathered Oak & Peppercorn TV Entertainment Unit

The Camden Weathered Oak & Peppercorn TV Entertainment Unit seamlessly combines natural weathered oak with deep peppercorn tones. Its sophisticated design offers ample storage while complementing both classic and modern interiors.

Chester Oak Corner TV Unit

Maximise your space with the Chester Oak Corner TV Unit, designed to fit neatly into room corners. It’s perfect for compact living rooms, providing a practical and stylish display solution for your TV.

Camden Rustic Oak TV Entertainment Unit

The Camden Rustic Oak TV Entertainment Unit is crafted for those who love traditional style and lasting durability. Its rustic oak finish adds warmth and a timeless appeal to any living space.

Ellipse Rustic Oak TV Entertainment Unit

Add elegance to your home with the Ellipse Rustic Oak TV Entertainment Unit. Featuring smooth, curved edges and a rustic oak build, it creates a soft, inviting aesthetic while serving as a practical TV stand.

Tivoli Dark Oak Wide TV Entertainment Unit

The Tivoli Dark Oak Wide TV Entertainment Unit is perfect for large TVs and spacious living rooms. Its dramatic dark oak finish adds sophistication and luxury to your home.

Bergen Oak Corner TV Unit

Compact and elegant, the Bergen Oak Corner TV Unit maximises floor space while maintaining a sleek, minimalist design. It blends seamlessly with a wide range of décor styles.

Cotswold Rustic Light Oak Large TV Unit

Brighten up your space with the Cotswold Rustic Light Oak Large TV Unit. Its light oak finish offers a natural and airy look while providing ample storage for all your entertainment needs.

Z Shape Solid Oak Corner TV Unit

The Z Shape Solid Oak Corner TV Unit combines a unique, modern design with traditional oak craftsmanship. Its innovative shape makes it ideal for optimising corner spaces while adding a striking touch to your living room décor.

Consider TV Placement Options

The position of your TV affects both comfort and style. Here are some popular options:

Against a Main Wall

Placing the TV against the main wall is the most common choice, providing a straightforward and symmetrical layout. It works especially well when you have a statement TV unit as the focal point.

Above a Fireplace

If you have a fireplace, mounting the TV above it can create a stylish and space-saving setup. Just ensure the TV isn’t placed too high, as this can cause neck strain over time.

In a Corner

For smaller rooms, corners are perfect for saving space. Corner TV units are designed to fit snugly while still offering ample storage and maintaining an open feel in the room.

Floating Wall Mount

For a sleek, modern look, consider wall-mounting the TV without a traditional stand. Pair it with floating shelves or minimalist furniture for a contemporary feel.

Integrated with Shelving

If you prefer a built-in look, position your TV within a shelving system or media wall. This setup provides both storage and style, blending seamlessly with your living room design.

Balance Technology and Style

While your TV is a functional item, it doesn’t have to dominate the room. Use décor to balance the technology with softer elements, such as artwork, plants, and lamps. Position your TV alongside these accessories to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, rather than one that is overly focused on the screen.

Cable Management

Unsightly wires can ruin the clean look of your living room. Choose TV units with built-in cable management features or use cable covers to keep things neat and organised. This not only improves the appearance but also enhances safety, especially in family homes.

Bringing It All Together

The ideal TV placement strikes a balance between comfort, functionality, and design. By considering your room layout, viewing angles, and storage requirements, you can create a setup that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing.

At Oak Furniture UK, you’ll find a wide selection of TV units in various styles and finishes, helping you achieve a living room that’s perfectly tailored to your taste. Whether you prefer classic, rustic oak designs, sleek contemporary styles, or space-saving corner solutions, the right furniture will transform how you enjoy your living space.

Final Tips for TV Placement

  •          Maintain seating distances that are appropriate for the screen size to prevent eye strain.
  •          Use décor to blend the TV naturally into the room.
  •          Consider storage needs for consoles, remotes, and accessories.
  •          Prioritise comfort by positioning the TV at the right height and angle.
  •          Select a TV unit that complements the style and layout of your living room.

By following these tips, you’ll create a living room that looks stylish and functions beautifully, making every movie night or relaxing evening a pleasure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is the best place to put a TV in the living room?

The best place to put a TV is where it can be easily viewed without straining your neck or eyes. Position it at eye level and away from direct sunlight to reduce glare.

Should a TV be placed in front of a window?

It’s best to avoid placing a TV directly in front of a window, as natural light can cause glare on the screen. Instead, position it perpendicular to windows for optimal viewing.

How high should I mount my TV on the wall?

Ideally, the centre of the TV screen should be at eye level when seated, usually around 42–48 inches from the floor, depending on your seating height and room layout.

Can I put a TV above a fireplace?

Yes, you can, but ensure it’s mounted at a comfortable height and protected from heat. Consider using a tilting wall mount to improve the viewing angle and reduce neck strain.

What type of furniture is best for placing a TV?

Sturdy TV units made from durable materials, such as solid oak, are ideal. They provide stability, cable management, and extra storage for media devices and accessories.