Choosing the right TV unit can transform your living space from cluttered chaos to an organised entertainment haven. With today’s variety of TV sizes and the growing number of gaming consoles, streaming devices, and accessories we need to store, finding furniture that strikes the perfect balance between function and style has become increasingly important. The 120cm TV unit has emerged as the sweet spot for modern homes, offering substantial storage without overwhelming your room. Designed to fit a variety of living spaces, the 120cm TV unit is a practical choice for rooms of different sizes and layouts.
Whether you’re setting up a new home or upgrading your current entertainment setup, understanding why this particular size works so well can help you create a space that’s both practical and stylish. Let’s explore everything you need to know about 120cm TV units, from compatibility with different TV sizes to styling tips that will complement your decor.
Introduction to Modern Living Rooms
Modern living rooms are designed to be the heart of the home—a space where relaxation, entertainment, and social gatherings blend seamlessly. The right choice of furniture, especially TV units, plays a crucial role in shaping both the functionality and style of this space. TV units and cabinets not only provide a dedicated spot for your television and gaming consoles but also offer essential storage for accessories, remotes, and decor. With a wide range of styles and affordable prices available, it’s easier than ever to find a TV unit that fits your living space perfectly. Whether your room is compact or spacious, the right entertainment furniture can provide the storage you need while enhancing the overall look and feel of your home. By carefully considering your space, style preferences, and budget, you can create a living room that is both stylish and practical, making it a welcoming environment for family and friends.
Why Choose a 120cm TV Unit
The 120cm width strikes an ideal balance, making these entertainment units incredibly versatile for modern living spaces. This size provides enough space to accommodate TVs ranging from 50 to 65 inches while maintaining proper proportional balance that doesn’t overwhelm your room.
For medium to large living rooms spanning 15-25 square meters, a TV unit of this size creates a substantial focal point without dominating the entire wall. The width allows for generous storage compartments that can house your gaming consoles, soundbars, streaming devices, cables, and other electronic accessories, helping you keep your living space tidy and organised.
When positioned 2.5 to 3.5 meters from your seating area, a 120cm unit provides the optimal viewing experience. This distance ensures comfortable viewing angles while allowing the unit’s design to make a positive contribution to your room’s overall aesthetic. The substantial surface area also allows you to display decorative items alongside your TV, creating a balanced look that serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Unlike smaller units that may require additional storage furniture or oversized entertainment units that can make spaces feel cramped, the 120cm option provides the “just right” solution that many homeowners find perfect for their needs.
Types of Entertainment Furniture
When it comes to entertainment furniture, there’s a remarkable variety to choose from, ensuring there’s something to suit every living space and personal style. TV units are available in both floor-based and wall-mounted designs, allowing you to select the best option for your room’s layout and your storage needs. Wall units and TV cabinets offer additional storage and can be customised with open shelves for displaying decor or closed doors for a more streamlined appearance. The choice between these types depends on your preferences, the size of your TV, and the overall style you want to create in your living space. Materials such as wood, metal, and engineered composites offer durability, allowing you to match your entertainment unit to the rest of your furniture. With numerous sizes, styles, and materials available, you can easily find a TV unit that not only provides the storage you need but also complements your room’s decor and enhances your home’s ambience.
TV Size Compatibility for 120cm Units
Understanding which TV sizes work best with your 120cm TV unit is crucial for creating a harmonious setup. The relationship between your TV and stand affects both the visual appeal and safety of your entertainment area.
For 55-inch TVs, you’ll achieve a perfect match with approximately 15-20cm of overhang on each side. This creates an ideal proportion where the TV doesn’t appear to float awkwardly on the stand, while still providing space for decorative elements or small speakers on either side.
65-inch TVs offer a more contemporary, streamlined look with minimal overhang. This pairing creates a sleek, modern appearance where the TV and unit appear as one cohesive piece of furniture. The balanced proportion works particularly well in larger rooms where you want to create a bold entertainment wall.
If you have a 50-inch TV, the generous side space available on a 120cm unit provides excellent opportunities for styling. You can add plants, books, or decorative objects in different colours to enhance visual interest and create a cohesive look with the TV unit, making the setup more appealing and unified.
For those considering 75-inch TVs, you’ll want to explore wall mounting options above the unit rather than placing the TV directly on the stand. This approach maintains the safety and aesthetic benefits while accommodating the larger screen size.
Most quality 120cm TV units are designed to support TVs weighing up to 40-50kg safely, which covers the vast majority of modern flat-screen TVs. Always verify the weight capacity before making your final decision to ensure long-term safety and stability.
Design Styles Available in 120cm Width
The beauty of choosing a 120cm TV unit lies in the incredible variety of styles available in this popular size. Manufacturers have responded to demand by creating options that complement virtually every interior design aesthetic.
Scandinavian minimalist designs feature clean lines, white or light oak finishes, and simple hardware that disappears into the overall design. These units work exceptionally well in spaces where you want the focus to remain on the room’s architecture and natural light rather than the furniture itself.
Mid-century modern styles bring warmth through walnut veneer finishes and characteristic tapered legs that lift the unit off the floor. This style adds sophistication while maintaining the clean, uncluttered aesthetic that makes rooms feel larger and more open.
Industrial-style units feature black metal frames paired with reclaimed wood-look surfaces, making them ideal for urban lofts or homes with exposed brick and concrete elements. These entertainment units often feature open shelving that showcases your equipment while maintaining the raw, honest aesthetic of industrial design.
Contemporary floating units offer a sleek, space-saving solution for wall-mounted installation. These units eliminate visual bulk at floor level while providing all the storage and display functionality you need. They work particularly well in smaller spaces where maintaining clear floor lines helps rooms feel more spacious.
Traditional cabinet styles haven’t been forgotten either. Units with panel doors, classic hardware, and rich wood finishes offer a timeless appeal that complements formal living rooms or homes with classic architectural details.
Based on different room types, we recommend a Scandinavian 120cm TV unit for small, light-filled spaces, an industrial style for loft apartments, and a traditional cabinet unit for classic or formal living rooms.
Storage Solutions and Features
Modern 120cm TV units excel at providing organised storage for today’s complex entertainment setups. Most units in this size category feature two to three main compartments, allowing you to separate different types of equipment and accessories in a logical manner.
Open shelving sections are specifically designed for gaming consoles and cable boxes that require proper ventilation. These open areas typically include rear cutouts and cord organisers that keep your cables neat while ensuring your electronics don’t overheat during extended use.
Closed cabinets offer the perfect solution for hiding unsightly cables, remote controls, and accessories that you want nearby but out of sight. You can store away items in these cabinets to maintain a tidy and organised entertainment area. Many modern units include soft-close mechanisms that add a premium feel while protecting both the furniture and your stored items.
Cable management systems have become increasingly sophisticated, with many units featuring strategically placed rear cutouts to route power and HDMI cables cleanly and efficiently. Some premium models feature integrated cord organisers that bundle and conceal wires completely from view.
Adjustable shelves add flexibility to accommodate different device heights. Whether you’re storing a slim streaming device or a bulky gaming console, being able to customise your storage space ensures efficient use of every cubic centimetre.
Drawer options, when available, provide secure storage for DVDs, games, and small accessories, such as controllers or other small items. Theseing cables—these drawers often feature dividers or small compartments that keep items organised and easily accessible.
Wall-Mounted Options
Wall-mounted TV units and cabinets are an excellent choice for those looking to maximise space and achieve a modern, uncluttered look in their living room. These wall units are especially popular in smaller rooms, where saving floor space is a priority, or in homes where a minimalist style is desired. By mounting your TV unit on the wall, you create a sleek, floating effect that keeps the area open and airy. Many wall units are designed with built-in cable management systems, making it easy to keep cables and wires neatly organised and out of sight, which not only improves the room’s decor but also reduces visual clutter. It’s essential to ensure that your wall can support the combined weight of the unit and the TV, and professional installation is often recommended for safety and stability. With the right wall-mounted entertainment unit, you can create a stylish and functional focal point that enhances your living space while keeping everything tidy and within easy reach.
Room Layout Considerations
Proper placement of your 120cm TV unit requires careful consideration of your room’s dimensions and traffic flow. The unit itself requires a minimum of 150cm of wall space to allow for proper positioning and visual balance.
Your room should ideally have a width of 3-4 meters to accommodate the unit without creating a cramped feeling. This ensures adequate space for people to move around the furniture and maintains comfortable sight lines throughout the room. Thoughtful placement of the TV unit and seating can also help foster a sense of connection in the living room, encouraging togetherness and interaction among family members or guests.
Planning for 15cm of clearance on each side of the unit creates a balanced appearance and prevents the entertainment area from looking squeezed against other furniture pieces. This breathing space also makes cleaning easier and provides access to connections and cables when needed.
Position your unit 40-60cm from the nearest furniture piece to ensure easy access to storage compartments and to maintain comfortable traffic flow. This distance also provides adequate space for doors and drawers to open fully without interfering with other furniture.
Before making your final selection, consider the path from your front door to the intended room. Standard doorways measure around 80cm, so verify that your chosen unit can navigate any narrow hallways or tight corners during delivery. Many units ship flat-packed specifically to address this concern, though some premium models arrive fully assembled.
Height and Viewing Angle Guidelines
The height of your TV unit plays a crucial role in creating a comfortable viewing experience, as it requires a minimum of ergonomic wall space for extended watching sessions. Standard heights for 120cm units typically range from 45 to 65cm, each serving different purposes and room configurations.
For optimal TV placement, the centre of your screen should align with your eye level when seated, which typically falls between 100-120cm from the floor. This measurement depends on the height of your sofa and the viewing distance you’ve established in your room.
Lower units, measuring 45-50cm in height, work best when you’re placing larger TVs directly on the stand. The lower profile ensures that even a 65-inch TV maintains an appropriate viewing angle without requiring you to crane your neck upward during long viewing sessions.
Higher units, ranging from 55 to 65cm, suit smaller TVs or setups where you plan to wall-mount your TV above the unit. This configuration allows the unit to serve primarily as storage and display space while the TV maintains its optimal height independently.
Consider your existing sofa height and typical viewing distance when selecting your unit height. If your seating is particularly low or high, you may need to adjust your choice accordingly to maintain comfortable viewing angles for all family members.
Pairing with Other Furniture
Creating a harmonious living space involves more than just choosing the right TV unit—it’s about ensuring all your furniture works together to achieve a cohesive look. When selecting an entertainment unit, consider how it will complement other pieces in the room, such as your sofa, armchairs, and coffee table. For example, pairing a wooden TV unit with a matching coffee table and sofa frame can create a unified, inviting atmosphere. Please pay attention to the style, colour, and material of your TV unit to ensure it blends seamlessly with your existing decor. The scale and proportion of each furniture piece should also be considered, so the room feels balanced and comfortable. Thoughtful pairing of your TV unit with other furniture not only enhances the overall style of your living space but also improves its functionality, making it a place where you and your guests will love to spend time.
Safety and Installation Tips
Safety considerations become paramount when dealing with entertainment furniture that supports expensive electronics and may be accessible to children. Implementing proper safety measures protects both your investment and your family.
Anti-tip restraints should be considered essential, not optional, especially in homes with children present. These simple devices secure your unit to the wall, preventing dangerous tipping that could occur if someone climbs on the furniture or if the weight distribution becomes uneven. The anti-tip restraint is a safety product that can be purchased separately or may be included with your TV unit, providing an effective way to enhance home safety.
Ensure level installation by using a quality level during setup. Even slight tilts can cause TVs to slide or shift over time, potentially leading to damage or instability. Take time during assembly to verify that your unit sits perfectly level and stable.
Check your floor’s load capacity, vital for heavier wooden or metal units. While most residential floors easily support standard TV units, it’s worth considering if you’re placing the unit on a raised platform or in an older building with specific weight restrictions.
Position cables away from high-traffic areas to prevent tripping hazards. Use cord organisers and wall-mounted cable channels to route wires safely around the room’s perimeter rather than across walking paths.
Allow proper ventilation around all electronic devices to prevent overheating. Even with open shelving, avoid blocking ventilation ports and ensure adequate air circulation around each piece of equipment. This simple step significantly extends the life of your expensive electronics.
Styling Your 120cm TV Unit
Transform your TV unit from purely functional furniture into a stylish focal point by applying thoughtful styling principles. The “rule of thirds” provides an excellent foundation: dedicate roughly one-third of your space to storage, one-third to display items, and one-third to breathing space.
Adding plants brings life and natural elements to your entertainment area. Select plants that thrive in the lighting conditions near your TV, and choose attractive planters that complement your unit’s finish and the overall style of your room.
Books and decorative objects add personality and visual interest to open shelving. Mix different heights, textures, and colours while maintaining a cohesive colour scheme that ties into your room’s broader palette.
Balance visual weight by placing taller items on one side and shorter items on the other, creating dynamic visual interest rather than rigid symmetry. This approach feels more natural and lived-in while still maintaining an organised appearance.
Incorporate ambient lighting through LED strips behind your TV or small table lamps on the unit itself. This lighting reduces eye strain during viewing and creates a warm, inviting atmosphere in your room.
Keep frequently used items, such as remote controls and charging cables, in easily accessible compartments. Designate specific areas for different items so that everything stays organised and family members know where to find what they need.
Remember that your TV unit serves as both storage and display space. Regularly edit your displayed items, rotating seasonal decorations or showcasing new acquisitions to keep your entertainment area feeling fresh and intentional.
The 120cm TV unit offers the perfect combination of substantial storage, attractive design options, and proper proportions for modern living spaces. By carefully considering TV compatibility, room layout, safety requirements, and styling opportunities, you can create an entertainment area that serves your family’s needs while enhancing your home’s overall aesthetic appeal.
Take time to measure your space accurately, consider your current and future entertainment needs, and choose a style that will grow with your home’s evolving decor. With the right 120cm unit, you’ll have created a functional, beautiful foundation for countless hours of family entertainment and relaxation.
Future-Proofing
When investing in a TV unit for your living space, it’s wise to think ahead and choose furniture that can adapt to your changing needs. Future-proofing your entertainment area means selecting units with ample storage to accommodate new devices, gaming consoles, or accessories as technology evolves. Opt for TV units with flexible features, such as adjustable shelves or modular cabinets, so you can easily update your setup without needing to replace the entire unit. Timeless designs and neutral finishes ensure your furniture remains stylish even as trends change. Additionally, consider the height and size of your TV unit in relation to your seating arrangement to maintain comfort and optimal viewing angles for years to come. By choosing versatile, high-quality entertainment furniture, you’ll create a living space that continues to support your lifestyle, looks great, and provides the storage and functionality you need for years to come.
