Are you looking for something perfect for your living room? These days, a standard entertainment system can consist of a soundbar, set-top box, game console, streaming device, speakers, remotes and some cables. These devices can end up cluttering up and making the room look cluttered if they are not properly organised.
This is why it's crucial to select the right TV unit. A good TV unit is more than just a television stand. It provides a special area for entertainment, allowing your TV or accessories to be set up safely while keeping cables, gaming controllers and other accessories tidy.
There are more things to take into account than appearance when choosing a tv unit for a full entertainment unit. Size, storage, ventilation, cable handling, material and accessibility are all important.
In case you are looking to pair a TV unit with a soundbar, set-top box and gaming console, you need to make the right selection.
1. Start by Measuring Your Entertainment Setup
Measuring existing equipment before purchasing a new TV unit. This is one of the important things. You might have the largest of these things, such as the television, but it's not the only thing that requires space.
Determine the width of your television and the size of your soundbar, game console and set-top box. For power adapters and cords, also take into account the space they will take up.
It is best to have your TV unit wider than the television itself to avoid the TV being too small for the unit. The larger unit also provides more room for speakers, decorations, etc. for entertainment.
For instance, a smaller TV stand is more suitable for a smaller TV and a basic set-top box, and a wider entertainment unit is ideal for a large TV, with a soundbar and gaming console.
DeckUp also has various sizes of TV units, some of which are smaller than others, such as the DeckUp Lexis Engineered Wood TV Unit, which is 39 inches long for TVs up to 42 inches.
2. Check the Space Needed for Your Soundbar
A soundbar can significantly improve your television's audio experience, but it also needs to be positioned correctly.
If you are placing the soundbar on the TV unit, check its length before purchasing your furniture. There should be enough surface area for the soundbar without making it extend too far beyond the edges.
You should also make sure that the TV unit does not block the soundbar's speakers. If the unit has a raised shelf directly in front of the soundbar, it may interfere with the sound direction.
An open shelf or spacious top surface is often useful for a soundbar because it allows the audio to travel into the room without unnecessary obstruction.
If you use a larger soundbar with a subwoofer, remember that the subwoofer may need to be placed separately. Make sure your room layout has enough floor space for it.
3. Make Room for Your Set-Top Box
A set-top box is usually smaller than a gaming console, but it still needs accessible placement.
Avoid placing it inside a completely enclosed compartment if the compartment restricts ventilation or blocks the remote-control signal. An open shelf can be particularly convenient because you can easily access the device and see its indicator lights.
The shelf should also have enough depth to accommodate the set-top box and leave some room for the connected cables.
A good TV unit should make connecting HDMI cables, power cables and other accessories relatively easy. This becomes especially important when you have multiple entertainment devices connected to the television.
4. Consider Your Gaming Console and Ventilation
Gaming consoles require special attention when selecting a TV unit. Consoles generate heat during gaming, particularly during long sessions, so ventilation should be one of your priorities.
Avoid squeezing a console into a narrow enclosed compartment with little airflow. Instead, look for a TV unit with open shelves or sufficient clearance around the console.
The placement of your console also depends on its orientation. Some consoles are designed to operate vertically or horizontally, so check the manufacturer's recommended placement before arranging it on your TV unit.
Keep other objects from blocking ventilation openings, and regularly remove dust around the console and TV unit. DeckUp's furniture-care guidance also recommends keeping ventilation areas clean and organising cables properly when entertainment equipment is stored around a TV stand.
5. Don't Ignore Cable Management
One of the biggest problems with a multi-device entertainment setup is cable clutter.
Your television, soundbar, set-top box, gaming console and power connections can quickly create a collection of wires behind the TV unit. A stylish piece of furniture can lose its appeal when cables are hanging everywhere.
Look for a TV unit that allows you to route cables behind or through the furniture. Open-back sections can also make it easier to connect and disconnect devices.
You can further organise cables using cable clips, sleeves or ties. Keep power cables and device cables arranged separately where practical, and leave enough slack for maintenance without creating unnecessary loops.
How to Choose the Right TV Unit Based on Your Setup
If you have a TV + set-top box, a compact TV stand with an open shelf may be sufficient.
For a TV + soundbar + set-top box, look for a wider top surface and enough clearance for the soundbar.
For a TV + gaming console + soundbar + set-top box, choose a larger entertainment unit with open storage, cable-management space and sufficient ventilation.
For a complete home entertainment setup, a spacious TV unit with a combination of open shelves and closed storage can provide better flexibility.
The key is to choose furniture around your complete entertainment setup rather than selecting a TV unit based only on the television size.
Conclusion
A TV stand is more than just a place to place your TV. If you have a soundbar, set-top box and gaming console, it is the hub for your entertainment area.
Take measurements before buying, account for soundbar placement, give game consoles adequate ventilation and arrange cables and plan storage as needed. At the same time, select a design that complements your living room.
DeckUp as a collection of TV units and entertainment units just for the modern living room, if you're looking for stylish and functional options. Depending on the room size and entertainment system, there are designs that are appropriate to different sizes, like the DeckUp Lexis, or larger as the DeckUp Versa and DeckUp Uniti.
Discover the most recent TV & Entertainment Units from DeckUp to find a TV unit that connects all your TVs, sound bar, gaming console and other devices, while ensuring a neat and modern living room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I look for in a TV unit for a gaming console?
Look for adequate shelf space, ventilation and easy access to cables. Avoid placing a gaming console in a cramped compartment where heat cannot escape. An open shelf is often a practical choice.
Can I place a soundbar on a TV unit?
Yes. A soundbar can generally be placed on the TV unit, provided there is enough surface space and the unit does not block the soundbar's speakers. Check the dimensions of your soundbar before choosing the furniture.
How do I hide cables behind a TV unit?
Choose a TV unit that allows cables to pass through or behind the furniture. You can also use cable clips, sleeves and ties to keep wires organised and prevent them from becoming tangled.
Should a set-top box be inside or outside the TV cabinet?
An open shelf is often convenient for a set-top box because it provides easy access and can help avoid problems caused by restricted ventilation or blocked remote-control signals.
Which DeckUp TV unit is suitable for a larger entertainment setup?
Larger models such as the DeckUp Versa and DeckUp Uniti offer wider formats suitable for more substantial entertainment setups. The Versa measures 71 inches in length, while the Uniti is also 71 inches long. Your final choice should depend on your TV size, available room and the number of devices you need to accommodate.