What Size TV Unit for a 65″ TV? (Plus a Size Guide for Every TV)

A 65-inch TV is now one of the most popular sizes in UK living rooms. But it’s also big enough that the wrong TV unit can look awkward, or worse, be unstable.

The short answer: for a 65″ TV, choose a TV unit at least 160cm wide, ideally 165-185cm, about 40-55cm high and 40-50cm deep.

Below, we’ll explain why, and give you the right TV unit size for every common screen from 43″ to 85″.

Why “65 Inches” Isn’t the Width of Your TV

TV sizes are measured diagonally across the screen, from one corner to the opposite corner. So a 65″ TV is not 65 inches wide.

A typical 65″ TV is actually about 145cm wide and 83cm tall (excluding the stand). That’s the number to work with when choosing a TV unit.

TV Unit Size Guide by Screen Size

TV size	Approx. TV width	Minimum TV unit width	Ideal TV unit width
43″	96cm	110cm	120-140cm
50″	111cm	125cm	135-150cm
55″	122cm	140cm	145-165cm
65″	145cm	160cm	165-185cm
75″	166cm	180cm	190-210cm
85″	188cm	200cm	210-230cm

TV widths are approximate. Always check the exact width of your model, including the bezel.

How Wide Should a TV Unit Be?

The golden rule is that your TV unit should be wider than your TV, ideally by 20-40cm in total (10-20cm each side).

This matters for two reasons:

• Looks: a TV that overhangs its unit looks top-heavy and unbalanced. A little clear surface either side frames the screen.
• Safety: a wider base is more stable, especially if you have children or pets.

If you also want space for a soundbar, speakers, a lamp or a plant, go wider still. Many people with a 65″ TV choose a unit of 180cm or more, which is where low large sideboards come into their own. For a 43″ or 50″ TV in a smaller room, a small sideboard of 110-140cm is often all you need.

Check Where Your TV’s Feet Sit

This is the mistake most people don’t see coming. Many modern TVs don’t use a central stand. Instead they have two feet near the outer edges of the screen.

On a 65″ TV, those feet can sit 120-140cm apart. So even if a unit is technically wider than your TV, its surface needs to be wide enough to support both feet safely, ideally with a few centimetres to spare at each end.

Check your TV’s manual or product page for the “stand width” or “foot span” before buying a unit.

How High Should a TV Unit Be?

For comfortable viewing, the centre of the screen should sit roughly at eye level when you’re seated, which for most people on a standard sofa is around 100-110cm from the floor.

For a 65″ TV (around 83cm tall), that means a TV unit of roughly 40-55cm high. Larger TVs need lower units; smaller TVs can sit on slightly taller ones.

TV size	Suggested TV unit height
43″-50″	50-65cm
55″	45-60cm
65″	40-55cm
75″-85″	35-50cm

If your TV is too high, you’ll be tilting your head back to watch, which gets uncomfortable over a long film. This is one reason a standard sideboard (usually 75-90cm high) works for smaller TVs but often puts a 65″ screen too high. Our sideboard dimensions guide covers lower “media sideboards” that work well as TV units.

Low, leggy designs are especially good here. Mid-century and Scandi sideboards tend to sit low and wide, which is exactly the shape a big TV needs.

How Deep Should a TV Unit Be?

Most TV units are 35-50cm deep. For a 65″ TV, aim for at least 40cm, so the feet or stand sit comfortably on the surface with room behind for cables.

Go deeper (45-50cm) if you’re storing a games console, AV receiver or set-top box inside, as these need space for cables and airflow.

If your living room is narrow, a slim unit around 30-35cm deep can work, but consider wall-mounting your TV above it so the depth of the TV stand isn’t an issue.

Wall-Mounted TVs: Does the Unit Size Still Matter?

Yes, mostly for looks. If your TV is wall-mounted, the unit below it doesn’t need to support the screen, but it should still be at least as wide as the TV so the two look balanced.

Mount the TV so the bottom of the screen sits around 15-25cm above the top of the unit, keeping the centre of the screen near seated eye level.

How Far Should You Sit From a 65″ TV?

For a 4K TV, a comfortable viewing distance is roughly 1 to 1.5 times the screen size. For a 65″ TV, that’s about 1.7-2.5 metres from your sofa.

If your sofa is much further away, a larger screen may suit the room better. If it’s much closer, a 55″ may be more comfortable. Our guide to average sofa sizes can help you plan the rest of the layout.

Choosing a Style and Finish

Once the size is right, the TV unit is a chance to add character, because a big black screen needs something to soften it.

• Warm wood, such as an oak or walnut sideboard, balances the cold, dark surface of the screen.
• High gloss suits a sleek, modern room, but watch for reflections if the unit faces a window.
• Industrial designs with metal frames and open shelves make it easy to run cables and ventilate consoles.

To dress the surface around the screen, see our guide to styling a sideboard.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy a TV Unit

• Measure your TV’s actual width, not the screen size in inches.
• Check the distance between the TV’s feet.
• Choose a unit 20-40cm wider than the TV.
• Aim for 40-55cm high for a 65″ TV.
• Make sure it’s at least 40cm deep.
• Check the unit’s maximum weight capacity against your TV’s weight.
• Look for cable holes or an open back if you have consoles or set-top boxes.
• Measure the wall space, leaving room either side of the unit.

FAQs

What size TV unit do I need for a 65 inch TV?

At least 160cm wide, ideally 165-185cm, about 40-55cm high and 40-50cm deep.

Can a TV be wider than the TV unit?

It’s not recommended. A TV that overhangs its unit looks unbalanced and can be less stable, particularly if its feet sit near the edges.

What size TV unit for a 55 inch TV?

At least 140cm wide, ideally 145-165cm.

How high should a TV unit be?

For most TVs, 40-60cm high, so the centre of the screen sits around seated eye level (about 100-110cm from the floor). Bigger TVs need lower units.

Can I use a sideboard as a TV unit?

Yes, if it’s wide and strong enough. A standard sideboard is often 75-90cm high, which can place a large TV too high, so low “media” sideboards of 50-65cm are usually a better fit for TVs of 55″ and above.

Find a TV Unit That Fits

Once you know your measurements, you can browse sideboards from over 100 UK retailers on Flitch, including low and large sideboards that double as media units. Filter by size, colour, material and style to find one that fits both your TV and your room.

Or let us find it for you. Send your TV size, room measurements and a few photos to a Flitch stylist, and we’ll come back with a handpicked shortlist of units that fit.