Size matters when you’re shopping for a TV stand or media center. For a media center that surrounds a TV, make sure the space is big enough to accommodate the screen size you have. For a TV stand, there are two primary measurements to consider:
Height: The perfect viewing height for most people will be around eye-level while sitting on the couch. This is usually around 42 inches, but it’s always a good idea to measure for a precise viewing experience. To determine the optimal height for your stand, measure the height of your TV and divide in half (because you want your eyes in the middle of the TV). Now, subtract that from your eye height while sitting. The number you’re left with should be approximately the height of your stand.
Width: A good target is for your stand to be three inches wider than your TV on each side. This depends on your space and how you plan to use your stand, but keep in mind that if your television sits wider than the stand, there can be increased risk of bumping or tipping. For an additional three inches each side, measure the width of your TV (this is not the number advertised, which is the diagonal screen measurement) and add six inches to your measurement—this is the approximate width you want for your TV stand.
