Here is the thing about buying a new TV stand: if you do not measure up properly, you are going to end up with a massive headache.
I have seen plenty of folks buy a beautiful piece of furniture only to realise it blocks a doorway or leaves their television looking like a tiny postage stamp.
Getting the scale right is the secret to a living room that feels comfortable rather than cramped. If you want to make sure your new Oak TV unit and Solid Wood TV Unit fits your home, your family lifestyle, and your screen, grab a proper metal tape measure and follow these practical steps.
Step 1: Measure the Actual TV (Not the Screen Size)
TV manufacturers measure screens diagonally from corner to corner. That number is useless when you are trying to figure out if the telly will overhang the edges of your cabinet.
Get your tape measure and find the actual physical width from the far-left edge to the far-right edge.
Write that down.
You want a cabinet that is at least a few inches wider than the TV frame on both sides. This keeps the whole setup visually balanced and stops people from knocking into the screen when they walk past.
Step 2: Account for Depth and Cable Room
Many people measure the depth of the cabinet feet and think they are sorted.
They forget about the bits and bobs behind it.
Plugs, HDMI cables, and power strips often stick out by at least two or three inches. If your cabinet is too shallow, you will have to pull the entire unit away from the wall, leaving an ugly gap.
Remember to check your skirting boards too. A thick skirting board can stop a flat-backed cabinet from sitting flush against the wall, which eats into your floor space.
“I was about to order the standard unit, but after reading the advice about measuring the depth of our AV receiver and the cables behind it, I realised we needed the extra depth. The solid oak cabinet arrived fully assembled and fits like a glove with no cables squished.” — Verified Customer
Step 3: Get the Height and Eye Level Right
If your TV cabinet is too tall, you will spend your evenings staring upward, which is a quick way to get a stiff neck.
Sit on your sofa in your normal relaxing position. Have someone measure the height from the floor to your eyes.
Your television screen should ideally sit with the middle third of the picture directly at that eye level. Take the height of your TV stand, add the height of the TV base, and make sure it aligns comfortably.
Comparing Your Wood Options
When you are buying a piece of furniture that is going to hold heavy electronics and probably get kicked by toddlers or vacuum cleaners, the material matters.
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Solid Oak | Extremely high; resists dents and scratches; lasts generations | Occasional wax or oil; easily sanded down if damaged | Higher initial investment |
| Pine | Soft; dents very easily under heavy items or toys | Needs frequent painting or sealing to prevent staining | Budget-friendly |
| Veneer / MDF | Low; edges chip and peel over time; cannot be repaired | Wipe clean only; moisture causes swelling and ruining | Very cheap |
Our Promises to You
We build our furniture to be kid-proof, vacuum-proof, and generally tough enough to survive busy family life.
When you purchase from us, we accept PayPal and all major Debit and Credit Cards through our secure checkout, giving you complete peace of mind.
For delivery, we offer a Standard service where your item is delivered within 5 business days with full tracking. If you want a proper stress-free experience, you can select our Premium White Glove delivery. We will phone you to book the specific day, provide live tracking on the morning of delivery, carry the cabinet into your room of choice, unbox it fully, and take every scrap of packaging away with us.
Best of all, every pre-assembled piece comes with a 5-Year Structural Guarantee by Oak Castle Furniture. If a joint fails or something goes wrong, we will fix it or swap it out.
Common Questions Answered
1. How long does standard delivery take?
Our standard delivery takes up to 5 business days, and we send you full tracking details as soon as it leaves the warehouse.
2. How do I clean my solid oak media center?
Just wipe it down regularly with a dry, lint-free microfiber cloth to clear away dust. For deeper cleaning, use a damp cloth with a bit of mild soap, then dry it immediately.
3. Can I put hot mugs or plates directly on the wood?
No, you should always use coasters or mats. Hot mugs can leave white heat rings on the finish that are tricky to get out.
4. What should I do if the wood starts looking dry?
Apply a thin coat of clear beeswax or specialist wood oil every six to twelve months. This keeps the oak hydrated and maintains its natural colour.
5. Does the furniture come flat-packed?
No, our oak media centers are delivered fully assembled with proper joints, so you do not have to spend your weekend struggling with allen keys.
6. How wide should my TV unit be compared to my TV?
Your stand should be at least 4 to 6 inches wider than the outer frame of your television. This looks much better and stops the TV from being easily bumped.
7. Are pre-assembled wood TV cabinets sturdier than flat-pack?
Yes, pre-assembled units are built in the workshop with glued and dowelled joints. They will not wobble, sag, or lose their shape under the weight of heavy screens.
8. Why does the wood grain on my unit look slightly different from the website photos?
Oak is a natural product, meaning every single tree has unique grain patterns, knots, and colour variations. This is a sign of genuine timber, not a defect.
9. Can a solid oak unit support a very heavy, older television?
Absolutely, solid oak is incredibly strong and stiff, meaning it will not bow or buckle under heavy loads like cheaper composite boards do.
10. How do I blend a new oak TV stand with my existing darker wood furniture?
You do not need to match everything perfectly. Mixing lighter oak with darker woods actually makes a room look more lived-in and natural, as long as you repeat the lighter tones in a picture frame or lamp base nearby.
11. How can I make a narrow living room feel bigger with my media setup?
Choose a corner unit to make use of awkward wall spaces, or opt for a unit with raised legs so you can see more of the floor beneath it.
12. How do I fix a light scratch on my oiled oak cabinet?
You can rub a tiny bit of matching furniture wax or oil into the scratch with a soft cloth. For slightly deeper scratches, a very light sanding along the direction of the grain before oiling will do the job.
13. What is the best way to hide messy cables behind the cabinet?
Use cable ties to bunch the cords together, and mount a simple extension block to the back of the cabinet frame so only one main cord runs to the wall socket.
Shop Related Categories
If you have an awkward space to fill, take a look at our Corner TV Units. To tie the whole space together, you can also browse our matching Coffee Tables for a coordinated look.