TV Units

The entertainment unit is a key part of the Australian living room. Whether it’s sports, award shows, reality TV or plain old binge watching, you spend a lot of time sitting in front of the screen, and in turn, in front of the TV console. That’s why it’s really important for it to fit nicely in your living room without being too obtrusive. Here are some important things to consider when purchasing an entertainment unit.

Types of Entertainment Units

Your entertainment unit can come in a wide range of styles, such as lowline units, wall units, and TV armoires.

• Lowline Entertainment Units: Also known as TV consoles or TV units, these come in a variety of styles and colours. Their common feature is that they’re close to the ground, making them great choices if you plan to mount your TV on the wall. For example, if you live in a small apartment in Sydney, a lowline entertainment console is a space-saving option that helps to create lots of breathing room and offers hidden storage beneath it.
• Wall Units: These are larger and usually have shelves that surround the TV, providing additional storage options that make them suitable for larger and more spacious homes in Australia. The shelves surrounding the TV can vary in style and material too. Display photos in a glass case or house your personal library on wooden shelves – a TV unit with storage is your oyster.

Before you start to buy your TV unit online, remember that taking measurements is a prerequisite for purchasing the correct entertainment unit. Here are some measurement tricks:

• TVs should be placed at eye level when seated. For optimal viewing pleasure, you should mount the TV at an average of 105cm from the floor to the middle of the TV.
• Ensure your unit shelf is no more than 30cm below the middle of your TV to ensure that it fits comfortably underneath.
• Place your sofa or armchair at around 2.5m from the entertainment unit to prevent eye fatigue. The length of the entertainment unit should fit nicely with the rest of the furniture. For example, a long TV unit would pair well with a massive sectional sofa, while a 2-seater sofa would complement a more compact, small TV unit better.

Colours and Materials

Choosing the right colours and materials for your entertainment console is crucial in creating a cohesive and stylish living space. Consider your existing decor, home layout, and the overall ambiance you want to achieve. Do you prefer a warm and inviting feel, or a sleek and minimalist look?

• Wood: Wood finishes are a classic choice with their timeless appeal and versatility. Rich walnut veneers exude sophistication, while oak and acacia provide a lighter, more contemporary touch. If you're looking for a modern TV stand with a Scandinavian vibe, consider a light oak or engineered wood unit. These options seamlessly blend with various styles and add a touch of natural warmth to your room.
• Metal: Metal accents can add an element of industrial chic to your entertainment unit. Black metal legs or handles create a striking contrast against wood finishes, while brushed gold or brass detailing add a touch of glamour. Consider a TV unit console with metal accents to complement other metallic elements in your decor, such as lighting fixtures or picture frames.

Create a harmonious and visually pleasing entertainment area that reflects your tastes with the perfect combination of colours and materials in your TV unit.

Maintenance and Care

Consider the maintenance requirements of different materials when selecting your entertainment unit. After all, you want a piece that looks fantastic and stands the test of time with minimal fuss.

• Easy Cleaning: For a relatively straightforward option, wooden TV units can be kept looking their best with a simple dusting routine. Use a soft, damp cloth to wipe the surfaces if there are any spills, but avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners.
• Wear-and-Tear Resistance: If you live in a busy household, TV units with laminates are a durable and hardy choice. These surfaces are resistant to scratches and stains, making them kid- and pet-friendly options. All they require is an occasional wipe-down with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
• Occasional Polishing: If your TV unit features metal accents, they may require a bit more maintenance effort to maintain their shine. Using a suitable metal polish and a soft cloth, gently buff away any stains to restore their bright finish.

Keep these maintenance and care requirements in mind so that you can select a TV console that fits seamlessly into your routine and lifestyle.

Cable Management

Locate the power source in your home, then consider the distance between your entertainment unit and other relevant points, such as the Wifi router, cable TV point or fibre optics link. Based on these locations, assess how best to minimise the cabling.

If you don’t have the luxury of running your wires behind a wall, you may need to use extension cables. In this case, make sure that they don’t cause tripping hazards or run under doors that won’t be able to close due to bulky wires.

Additional Functions of a TV Unit Console

Ask yourself if you’ll be using the entertainment unit for purposes other than your TV. Do you need more storage space? Will you be installing an entire entertainment system? Will the speakers be on floating shelves or on the unit itself?

TV units can serve as additional storage space for the living room. For example, gamers can easily slide their game consoles in and out of the console without having to unplug them each time.

Even if you’re using a projector instead of a standard TV, an entertainment unit creates a central space in your living room. This provides a focal point that grounds the rest of your living room furniture, such as sofas, armchairs, and living room cabinets.