How to Select a TV Cabinet

A brand-new TV cabinet can serve both as a functional and decorative furniture piece in your living space. Depending on your preferences, a TV cabinet can hide your television and the rest of your electronic hardware, or it can showcase your television, stereo, DVD player, game system and anything else you need to store near your TV. No matter which direction you decide to go, keep some important considerations in mind when shopping for a TV stand. This article should help you figure out how to select a TV cabinet.

Selecting a TV Cabinet:

1. Measure it. Measure your television as well as the area where you intend to set up the TV cabinet. Refer to these dimensions when shopping for your cabinet. Remember that most television stands are just measured by length and height while televisions are measured diagonally across their screens.

2. Pick a style. Decide what type of TV cabinet best suits your style. A TV armoire will have doors that close to hide your TV when not in use. If you have a ray cathode TV (the older, bulky style), an armoire is generally an excellent choice. If a TV armoire isn't for you, there are plenty of other options, such as a TV console, corner TV stand or classic TV cabinet.

3. Think about storage. Consider your storage needs. If you want to house several components, you need lots of shelves, cabinets or open space. Some units offer specialized DVD storage or hidden speakers. TV armoires and TV cabinets generally have large amounts of storage, but a basic TV stand will often just have two or three low shelves and a top surface to place the TV.

4. Determine your design style. Look at the other furniture in the room to make sure the new TV cabinet will coordinate. If you have other wood pieces, choose a finish that complements or matches your existing items. If you have metal or glass elements, you can also incorporate those into your TV cabinet. Don't be afraid to mix and match; contrasting furniture can add a sense of dynamism to a room.