If you are in the market for a TV stand chances are you are replacing your old bulky television with a flat screen version. In addition to their slim profile, the new screens have a different aspect ratio, necessitating an entirely different design for their supporting stands.
There are a few advantages of purchasing a flat screen TV stand online. Because online retailers do not have the same overhead as brick and mortar stores, they can deliver to the consumer at significantly less cost. In addition they can offer a huge number of styles in all price ranges because they are not limited by the same floor space constraints, and competing products (such as televisions), that retailers are concerned with.
Of course the starting point in selecting a flat screen stand, is to first determine the exact size and weight of the flat screen TV. Once this is known, you can start with stands that are at least as wide as the screen. In my opinion, if the screen is wider than the stand, the result is visually unpleasing, even if the stand is capable of supporting the weight. Double check the stand specifications to confirm that it is designed to carry the TVs weight.
Choosing the visual characteristics of the stand will be a matter of individual taste. Some will elect to obtain a stand that matches their existing furniture as close as possible, while others will go for a contemporary look, even if the balance of their furnishings are more traditional.
When choosing flat screen TV screens it is essential that you figure out how much storage you are going to need. If you are like most people then not only do you have the flat screen television, you also have surround sound speakers, tons of DVDs, a stereo system and possibly some gaming equipment. Rather than having to get a separate storage unit for all of your other electrical equipment, you can buy an all purpose flat screen TV stand that will hold everything you have in a neat and organized way.
The TV screen size as well and the size of the stand will in large part be dictated by the size of the room where it will be placed as well as the viewing distance. Be aware it is possible to purchase a screen that is too large for a given room and seating configuration. Some rooms will dictate that the screen be placed in the corner; fortunately there are stands available that are designed for corner placement.
The look of the stand in large part will be dictated by the materials of construction. Usually the more modern designs will be made of metal, glass and other synthetics, while the more traditional units will usually be constructed of wood or its variants such as veneered plywood, MDF, or even veneered particle board in the economy-priced stands. Expect that some assembly will be required, as stands are shipped unassembled.
There are a surprising number of features that are available on some flat screen TV stands. Some feature that you may want to consider when selecting a stand are adjustable shelving, and a system of cable management to visually hide all of the necessary cables. If you think you may want to rearrange the room furniture placement, a stand that has integrated casters is a great addition. Also if you have a collection of movies and CD’s, you may want to consider a stand that has provisions for media storage.
