TV stand width plays a larger role in how a living room feels and functions than many people expect. Even a well-made TV stand can look awkward or feel unstable if its width does not properly support the television. In high-end interior design, this is often referred to as "Visual Grounding"—the concept that a heavy object like a television requires a sufficiently wide base to feel anchored rather than "drifting" on a wall.
In many Chicagoland homes—especially older apartments and city condos with limited wall width—TV stand width is critical for visual grounding, ensuring the television feels anchored and proportionate rather than oversized or unstable in the space.
Choosing the correct TV stand width is not about following a single number. Instead, it depends on how TV size, room proportions, and everyday use come together in real living rooms.
VBU Core Principle: A TV stand should never be narrower than the television.
This guideline applies whether the TV is placed directly on the stand or wall-mounted above it.
Why TV Stand Width Matters
When a TV stand is too narrow, the television can feel crowded or visually top-heavy. In some cases, the TV may even overhang the stand, which raises safety concerns. When a stand is excessively wide for the space, it can overwhelm the room and disrupt the overall layout.
Proper TV stand width helps:
- Create visual balance between the TV and surrounding furniture
- Provide stable support for the television
- Allow space for soundbars, media devices, or décor
- Maintain a well-proportioned living room layout
TV stand width decisions work best when considered alongside height, storage, and overall proportions, which are covered in our cornerstone guide: How to Choose the Right TV Stand for Your Living Room
The Core Principle: Wider Than the TV
A simple and reliable principle applies to most living rooms: A TV stand should be wider than the television it supports.
This extra width on each side helps the TV feel visually anchored and prevents the setup from appearing cramped or improvised. In practical terms, this usually means allowing several inches of stand surface beyond the edges of the TV on both sides.
THE VBU WIDTH FORMULA: MINIMUM STAND WIDTH = ACTUAL TV HORIZONTAL WIDTH + 6 INCHES.
Note: This formula ensures a 3-inch "Safety Buffer" on each side of the television, protecting the panel from accidental bumps.
This same focus on comfort and proportion is discussed in How High Should a TV Stand Be? A Practical Guide for Comfortable Viewing
TV Stand Width Guidelines — At a Glance
| TV Screen Size | Approximate TV Width | Recommended Stand Width | Why This Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50–55″ TVs | ~44–48 inches | 54–64 inches | Provides balance and room for accessories |
| 60–65″ TVs | ~53–57 inches | 65–72 inches | Prevents a narrow or top-heavy look |
| 70–75″ TVs | ~61–66 inches | 72–80 inches | Supports larger screens comfortably |
| 80–85″ TVs | ~70–74 inches | 80–90 inches | Maintains proportion in larger rooms |
| Wall-mounted TV above stand | — | Wider than TV width | Visually grounds the mounted screen |
These guidelines provide a practical starting point. Room size, layout, and personal preferences should guide the final decision.
When a Narrower TV Stand Can Work
A more compact TV stand may be appropriate in:
- Smaller living rooms or apartments
- Spaces with limited wall width
- Minimalist interiors with fewer accessories
In these cases, it is especially important that the stand remains at least as wide as the TV itself to avoid visual imbalance.
When a Wider TV Stand Is the Better Choice
A wider TV stand often works best when:
- The TV is large relative to the room
- Additional surface space is needed for soundbars or décor
- The living room has an open or expansive layout
Wider stands tend to create a more intentional, furniture-like presence rather than looking like a narrow platform placed under a screen.
Material and Width Considerations
The material and construction of a TV stand influence how well it performs, especially at wider sizes. For broader stands or heavier screens, higher-quality engineered wood or solid wood can help prevent sagging and support weight over time.
VBU Practical Tip: When selecting a stand wider than 60 inches, look for central support legs. This prevents the "bowing" effect that can damage both the furniture and your TV over time.
For guidance on materials and long-term durability, see Engineered Wood vs Solid Wood Furniture: How to Choose What’s Right for Your Home
TV Stand Width and Wall-Mounted TVs
Wall-mounted TVs still benefit from a properly sized stand underneath. Even though the TV is not resting on the stand, the width of the furniture helps visually anchor the screen.
A practical approach:
- Choose a stand wider than the TV
- Avoid narrow furniture beneath large wall-mounted screens
- Use the stand to balance the wall visually, not just to hold devices
Width Is Only One Part of Proper TV Stand Sizing
While width is a critical factor for balance and safety, it works best when considered alongside other key aspects of TV stand sizing. A stand that is wide enough but too tall or too low can still cause discomfort over time and affect overall viewing quality.
To make an informed decision, we recommend reviewing our related guides that cover the full TV stand selection process:
- TV stand height and viewing comfort — explains how screen positioning affects neck strain and everyday usability
- Open vs. Closed TV Stand Storage: Which Is Better? — helps you decide between visibility, airflow, dust control, and everyday organization based on your media setup.
- Is Your TV Stand Killing Your Console? Heat and Cable Management Guide — explains how ventilation, spacing, and cable routing protect electronics and prevent overheating.
- What Makes a TV Stand “Good Quality”? — breaks down materials, construction methods, and weight capacity to help you choose a stand built for long-term use.
Taken together, these guides provide a complete framework for choosing a TV stand that feels balanced, comfortable, and practical in real homes—not just visually appealing in isolation.
Common TV Stand Width Mistakes We See at VBU Furniture
From our experience working with customers, TV stand width is often overlooked, which can lead to both visual and practical issues. The most common mistakes we see include:
- Choosing a TV stand that is narrower than the television, creating an unbalanced and unstable look
- Ignoring wall width and overall room proportions when selecting a stand
- Selecting furniture based on appearance alone, without considering how it fits the space
- Forgetting to account for soundbars, media devices, or future upgrades that require additional width
As with TV stand height, comfort and proportion should guide width decisions more than trends or showroom displays. A properly sized TV stand should feel visually balanced, allow room for accessories, and support everyday use without feeling cramped.
Final Thoughts
The right TV stand width supports visual balance, improves stability, and helps a living room feel thoughtfully designed rather than improvised. While most homes benefit from a stand that extends beyond the TV on each side, small adjustments based on room size and layout can make a noticeable difference in everyday use.
Frequently Asked Questions: TV Stand Sizing & Proportions
Is it okay if my TV is wider than the TV stand?
Technically, yes, but it is not recommended. For optimal safety and aesthetics, your stand should be at least as wide as the TV. When a TV "overhangs" the sides, it creates a tipping hazard and looks visually unbalanced (top-heavy). Aim for at least 3-5 inches of space on each side of the screen.
Why is my 65-inch TV stand too small for my 65-inch TV?
This is the most common mistake in media furniture. TVs are sold by their diagonal screen size, but stands are sold by actual horizontal width. A 65-inch TV is actually about 57 inches wide. To avoid a cramped look, you should pair a 65-inch TV with a stand that is at least 65-70 inches wide.
How much "overhang" space do I need for a soundbar?
If you plan to place a soundbar on the stand in front of the TV, ensure the stand has at least 18 inches of depth. For length, the "Golden Ratio" suggests the stand should be roughly 20-30% wider than the TV to allow for speakers or decorative items without looking cluttered.
What is the "Two-Thirds Rule" for TV stand sizing?
Interior designers often use the 2/3 rule: for the best visual harmony, your TV's width should be approximately two-thirds the total width of the stand. This prevents the TV from "swallowing" the furniture and makes the setup look like a deliberate part of your room's design.
About This Guide
This guide was prepared by the VBU Furniture team, drawing on over 15 years of combined experience in furniture retail and media furniture planning. It is intended for educational purposes only and reflects general design, ergonomic, and engineering principles. Always follow manufacturer specifications for weight limits, anchoring, ventilation, and installation. Proper installation and ongoing safety checks are the responsibility of the end user.
