Widescreen TV Unit

A widescreen TV unit is designed to complement the proportions of a large-format television while providing a stylish and practical foundation for the wider entertainment area. More than simply a place to position a screen, the right unit can anchor the living room, conceal media equipment and cables, and provide space for carefully selected decorative pieces. Contemporary TV furniture increasingly combines open shelving, concealed storage and clean architectural lines to create an entertainment area that feels considered rather than cluttered.

Quick Facts

• Ideal for: Living rooms, home cinemas and spacious open-plan interiors.
• Main purpose: Supports a widescreen television while organising entertainment equipment.
• Popular styles: Floating, low-profile, wall-mounted, contemporary and built-in designs.
• Storage: Can combine drawers, cupboards, shelving and media compartments.
• Finishes: Walnut, oak, painted finishes, stone-effect surfaces and textured panels.
• Design priority: Proportion, cable management and comfortable viewing height.

Why It’s Popular

Large televisions have become an important part of modern living spaces, making the furniture surrounding them equally important to the overall design. A widescreen TV unit can provide the visual balance needed for a larger screen, preventing it from appearing isolated on an otherwise empty wall.

The best designs treat the television area as part of the wider interior rather than as a purely technical installation. A long, low console can emphasise the width of the room, while a wall-mounted unit creates a lighter appearance and leaves more visible floor space.

Storage is another important advantage. A well-planned unit can conceal games consoles, remotes, sound equipment and other media accessories, keeping everyday clutter out of sight. Open shelving can then be reserved for books, ceramics, artwork and a small selection of decorative objects.

Contemporary designs can also incorporate textured wall panels, warm timber finishes and subtle integrated lighting, turning the television wall into a genuine design feature.

Popular Styles

Low-Profile Widescreen TV Units
Long and relatively low, these designs create a sophisticated horizontal line beneath a large television and work particularly well in modern living rooms.

Floating TV Units
Wall-mounted consoles create an airy, contemporary appearance and can make cleaning around the furniture easier.

Widescreen TV Units with Storage
Cupboards and drawers provide concealed space for media equipment, books and everyday accessories.

Wall-to-Wall TV Units
A more architectural approach can incorporate the television, cabinetry, shelving and feature panels into one cohesive composition.

Wood-Finish TV Units
Walnut, oak and other timber finishes bring warmth to the technology-heavy television area.

Fluted and Textured TV Units
Ribbed or fluted panels introduce depth and tactile interest, helping the TV wall become a sophisticated focal point.

How to Choose

Start by measuring the television itself, including its width, height and depth. The TV unit should feel proportionate to the screen rather than being noticeably narrower.

Next, measure the available wall and floor space. Remember to consider the full width of the unit, including doors, drawers and any open shelving. A large unit needs enough surrounding space to avoid making the room feel cramped.

Viewing height is equally important. The television should be positioned comfortably for seated viewing rather than simply mounted as high as possible for visual effect.

Consider your storage requirements too. Closed cupboards are useful for concealing cables and equipment, while open shelves can provide space for books and decorative accessories.

Finally, think about cable management before installation. A beautifully designed TV unit can quickly lose its polished appearance if cables are left exposed.

Styling Tips

Keep the area surrounding a widescreen television relatively restrained. The screen is already a strong visual element, so too many accessories can make the wall feel busy.

Use a long console surface to introduce a few carefully chosen pieces, such as a sculptural vase, ceramic object, books or a small plant.

If your unit has open shelving, create balance by mixing decorative objects with books and leaving some areas deliberately empty. This prevents the display from feeling overcrowded.

Warm timber finishes work beautifully with neutral sofas, natural textiles and soft lighting. For a more contemporary scheme, combine a darker TV unit with brass or brushed-metal accents.

A feature wall can also help frame the screen. Timber panelling, stone-effect finishes, fluted detailing or a carefully chosen paint colour can provide visual depth without competing with the television.

Benefits at a Glance

• Creates a balanced setting for a large television.
• Provides valuable concealed storage.
• Helps organise media equipment and accessories.
• Can conceal unsightly cables.
• Adds visual structure to a living room.
• Offers opportunities for decorative display.
• Available in contemporary and traditional-inspired designs.
• Can become an architectural focal point within an open-plan space.

Inspiration from Designer Brands

The refined proportions of Richmond Interiors provide inspiration for creating television areas where substantial furniture, elegant finishes and decorative accessories work together harmoniously.

For a more contemporary and natural direction, Gallery Direct offers inspiration through the use of timber, relaxed textures and clean-lined furniture.

For a sophisticated luxury setting, look towards Eichholtz for inspiration, particularly when combining statement furniture with sculptural accessories, metallic accents and atmospheric lighting.

Common Questions

What is a widescreen TV unit?
A widescreen TV unit is furniture designed to complement and support a large-format television while providing storage and a finished look for the entertainment area.

Should a TV unit be wider than the television?
Generally, a unit that extends beyond the television can create a more balanced appearance and provide useful space for styling and equipment.

Are floating widescreen TV units a good idea?
Yes. Floating designs can create a clean, contemporary appearance and leave more visible floor space beneath the furniture.

What colour TV unit works best with a large television?
Warm woods, neutral finishes, soft greys and darker tones can all work well. The best choice depends on the wider colour palette of the room.

How do I hide cables in a widescreen TV unit?
Choose furniture with integrated cable channels or rear access points, and plan cable routes before installation. Concealed wiring helps maintain a clean, finished appearance.

Finishing Touch

A widescreen TV unit can transform an everyday entertainment area into a considered part of the interior. The key is to balance the scale of the television with furniture that provides proportion, storage and visual calm. Choose a finish that complements the rest of the room, incorporate concealed storage wherever possible and keep decorative styling deliberately edited. With the right combination of furniture, lighting and materials, even a large television can sit comfortably within an elegant and inviting living space.

Disclaimer: House of Isabella is not affiliated with any third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.