Key takeaways
- Plan the route first: Identify where the wall outlet and any network connection are. Check whether the console has rear openings in the right places; a cutout that sits behind a solid divider may not help.
- Allow room for connectors: HDMI plugs, power adapters, and right-angle connectors take up space. Avoid sharp bends, pinched cables, and tightly bundled power cords.
- Give hot devices breathing room: Follow each device’s ventilation instructions. Do not cover vents or pack a receiver into a closed cubby just because it fits.
- Keep remote controls in mind: Glass, wood, and closed doors can block infrared signals. Use an open shelf or confirm the device supports control through the cabinet.
- Secure the furniture: Assemble it according to the instructions and use the supplied or recommended wall-anchoring hardware, especially in homes with children or pets.
Best media consoles: quick picks by room and TV setup
The best media consoles are wide enough to support your TV safely, deep enough for your devices, and open or ventilated enough to prevent equipment from overheating. For a large living room, choose a low, wide console with adjustable shelves; for a small room, prioritize a compact footprint and closed storage; for a game-heavy setup, favor open bays and generous cable access.
Good options to compare include the IKEA BESTÅ TV unit for modular storage, the IKEA BRIMNES TV unit for budget-friendly enclosed storage, and the Salamander Designs Chameleon line for configurable equipment-focused setups. Dimensions and configurations vary by model, so check the exact unit’s specifications before ordering.
Our top picks
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Comparison: fit, storage, and airflow
The figures below are reference dimensions for commonly sold configurations, not universal measurements for every finish or regional version. Verify the product page for the exact model. “TV width” is a fit-planning guide, not a manufacturer-rated maximum.
| Console | Approx. width × depth | Suggested TV size by width | Storage and equipment access | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IKEA BESTÅ TV bench, 180 cm configuration | 180 × 40 cm | Up to about 75 in | Combination of cabinets and open compartments; cable outlets depend on configuration | Flexible living-room storage |
| IKEA BRIMNES TV unit | About 180 × 41 cm | Up to about 75 in | Closed cabinets with open center shelving; route cables through provided openings | Budget-conscious households needing concealed storage |
| IKEA LACK TV bench, 120 cm | 120 × 35 cm | Up to about 50 in | Open shelf; limited hidden storage and shallow device space | Small rooms and simple setups |
| Salamander Designs Chameleon, selected 236-series cabinets | About 152 × 51 cm | Room for many TVs around 65 in; check stand footprint | Configurable shelves, rear access, and ventilation options vary by model | AV equipment that needs accessible, organized storage |
These consoles differ in construction, configurations, and assembly requirements. Do not assume that a listed width means the TV’s feet will fit: measure the distance between the feet and compare it with the console’s usable top surface.
Choose by situation
For a large TV in a shared living room: IKEA BESTÅ
BESTÅ is a practical starting point when you want a wide top and a mix of open and closed storage. Its modular format lets you plan around a soundbar, game consoles, and accessories rather than forcing everything into one fixed arrangement. Check the selected frame, doors, and legs as a complete configuration: the finished dimensions and cable access depend on what you build.
Choose open compartments for devices that need remote-control line of sight or frequent access. Keep doors from blocking ventilation, and leave clearance around warm components. BESTÅ makes the most sense if flexibility matters more than getting a single, ready-made cabinet with every AV feature built in.
For a tighter budget and a tidy front: IKEA BRIMNES
BRIMNES suits a household that wants a broad console and more closed storage for controllers, discs, or small items. The open center area can hold a frequently used device, while cabinet sections hide clutter. Before buying, check whether your receiver or game console will fit inside the intended compartment with its cables attached—not just whether the device fits on paper.
Closed doors can make a room look neater, but they also restrict airflow and may interfere with infrared remotes. Store heat-producing equipment in an open bay or leave doors open during use if the manufacturer’s ventilation guidance calls for it.
For a small room or uncomplicated setup: IKEA LACK
A 120 cm LACK bench can work for a smaller television with narrow feet and a streaming device or other compact equipment. Its shallow depth helps in apartments and bedrooms, but the open shelf offers little protection from dust or a tangle of cables. It is a poor fit for a deep AV receiver, multiple game systems, or a TV whose feet spread close to the edges.
Measure both the TV’s stand footprint and the available floor space. If either is close to the console’s limits, choose a wider or deeper unit rather than relying on a small overhang or barely fitting feet.
For multiple components: Salamander Designs Chameleon
Selected Chameleon cabinets are designed around AV equipment, with configurable interiors and easier access to cables than many basic furniture benches. That can be worthwhile when you use a receiver, game systems, a disc player, or other components that need room and service access. Confirm the exact cabinet’s shelf spacing, ventilation setup, and finish; features differ across the product line.
Dedicated AV furniture typically costs more than simple flat-pack consoles. Consider the premium if you need sturdy shelves, frequent rear access, or a layout that can adapt when your equipment changes.
Measure before choosing: a worked fit check
Suppose your TV is 65 inches diagonally, its feet are 120 cm apart, and you want a console with at least 10 cm of visible top beyond each foot. The minimum useful top width is:
120 cm + 10 cm + 10 cm = 140 cm.
A 120 cm bench is too narrow for that target, while a 180 cm console provides more margin. This calculation does not establish the console’s load rating or guarantee stability; also verify the TV’s weight against the furniture manufacturer’s limit, and place the feet fully on the supported surface.
Depth matters just as much. Measure from the back of the TV stand to its front edge, then allow space behind devices for plugs and cable bends. A nominal 35 cm-deep console may leave little usable room once a power connector and ventilation gap are included.
Cable management and ventilation: details that prevent headaches
- Plan the route first: Identify where the wall outlet and any network connection are. Check whether the console has rear openings in the right places; a cutout that sits behind a solid divider may not help.
- Allow room for connectors: HDMI plugs, power adapters, and right-angle connectors take up space. Avoid sharp bends, pinched cables, and tightly bundled power cords.
- Give hot devices breathing room: Follow each device’s ventilation instructions. Do not cover vents or pack a receiver into a closed cubby just because it fits.
- Keep remote controls in mind: Glass, wood, and closed doors can block infrared signals. Use an open shelf or confirm the device supports control through the cabinet.
- Secure the furniture: Assemble it according to the instructions and use the supplied or recommended wall-anchoring hardware, especially in homes with children or pets.
Ownership realities: what to check over time
Flat-pack consoles may need occasional tightening as doors are opened and shelves are loaded. Check hinges and fasteners periodically, especially after moving the unit. Keep liquid away from seams and unsealed edges, use a soft cloth for routine dusting, and follow the maker’s cleaning guidance rather than applying abrasive cleaners or soaking the surface.
Dust tends to collect behind consoles and around open electronics bays. Leave enough room to reach the back for cleaning and cable changes. A packed cabinet can also make a modest device run warmer; moving a component to an open shelf is often a better fix than adding more cable ties.
Bottom line
For an adaptable family-room setup, start with IKEA BESTÅ; for a lower-cost mix of open and concealed storage, consider BRIMNES; for a compact, simple setup, LACK is the more space-conscious choice; and for multiple AV components, compare suitable Salamander Designs Chameleon configurations. In every case, let measured stand width, usable depth, device ventilation, and cable access decide the final fit—not TV screen size alone.
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