TV Unit & Coffee Table: 9 Styling Rules That Always Work
Elegant living rooms start with a pair that reads as one: the TV cabinet and the coffee table. Choose an entertainment unit that slightly exceeds the width of your screen to ground the view; then pair it with a coffee table scaled to the sofa and set just below seat height. When the TV unit echoes the table’s tone or texture, the eye moves smoothly and the room feels larger, even in a small living room. Prioritise a TV stand with discreet storage and planned cable management so remotes and chargers disappear. If you prefer a slimmer media console, mirror its clean line with an oval or rectangular tabletop and let a generous rug pull both pieces into one setting. The result is calm, cohesive living room styling that works every day.
1) Begin with proportion
Good rooms start with numbers, not guesswork. Choose an entertainment unit about 20–30% wider than the screen so the TV feels visually grounded. A coffee table works best at ½–⅔ the sofa length and level with (or 2–5 cm below) the seat height. Quiet ratios; big payoff.
2) Leave breathing room
Comfort needs space. Keep 35–45 cm between sofa and table so you can reach a glass without a stretch, and preserve clear walkways—especially vital in a small living room.
3) Let the shape suit the layout
- Long rooms and straight sofas favour rectangular or oval tables that echo a low, linear media console.
- L-shaped lounges benefit from round tables to soften corners and ease movement.
- If your space works hard, nesting tables add surface when needed and tuck away when it doesn’t.
4) Limit finishes for cohesion
Restrict the palette to two or three finishes. Try warm timber for the TV unit, stone or glass for the coffee table, and a refined metal accent. Pair a deeper walnut cabinet with a lighter table to avoid visual heaviness. Fewer materials, more serenity.
5) Match storage to real life
Cables, controllers and remotes multiply. Pick a storage TV unit with drawers or doors; choose a coffee table with hidden compartments or a lift-top for laptop sessions. Streamers and gamers will appreciate open shelves and adjustable sections with thoughtful cable management.
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6) Tidy technology early
Plan wiring before it frays the look. Choose units with rear cut-outs and channels, group cords with ties or sleeves, and allow ventilation around devices. Less clutter, cooler gear, better sound.
7) Use a rug to unite the zone
A rug (yes, the right area rug) is the stage your furniture sits on. Aim for a size that holds the coffee table and the front sofa legs so the setting reads as one. Leave a slim frame of visible floor to define the room. If your TV cabinet is low and long, sizing up the living room rug balances the wall.
8) Style in layers, not clutter
Keep the screen calm and the surfaces intentional. On the coffee table: a low tray or book stack, a green touch, and one sculptural piece. On the TV stand: cluster décor to one side and keep the centre clear for a soundbar. Consider it a curated breathing space.
9) Make small spaces feel generous
Wall-mount the TV and choose a slimline unit to free floor area. Round or oval tables minimise bumps and look lighter. Pale timbers, soft whites and mirrored accents amplify light. Nesting or lift-top designs appear for guests and vanish when they don’t.
Looks to borrow (then make your own)
- Scandi Calm: Light-oak TV unit, round timber coffee table, sandy textiles, quiet greenery.
- Modern Luxe: Walnut entertainment unit, oval glass table, black metal accents, warm lighting.
- Coastal Fresh: White TV cabinet, rattan-detail table, ocean blues, airy cotton throws.
Quick FAQ
What size entertainment unit suits a 65" TV?
Around 150–180+ cm wide (roughly 20–30% wider than the screen) keeps the setup grounded.
How high should a coffee table be?
Level with your sofa seat or 2–5 cm lower for comfort and clean lines.
Round, oval or rectangular—what’s best?
Round/oval is forgiving in compact or busy rooms; rectangular maximises surface on long layouts.
Where should the soundbar go?
Centred on the TV unit below the screen with the front unobstructed; keep cable runs short and tidy.
Ready to refresh your living room? Start with the right proportions, anchor with a beautiful rug, then layer storage and texture to suit how you live. When you’re set to upgrade, discover designs that work hard and look beautiful: shop coffee tables and shop TV units & stands.
