I get asked this all the time down at the workshop. Someone’s just finished decorating their living room—maybe they’ve gone for that classic “modern country” look—and they’re stuck. Do you go for the chunky, traditional oak unit that looks like it was built a hundred years ago, or something a bit sleeker?
Honestly, there’s no wrong answer, but there’s a few things you should think about before parting with your hard-earned cash.
If you’re after that proper, cosy farmhouse feel, traditional is usually the way to go. I’m talking about units with those thick, heavy tops and the classic panelling on the doors. They’ve got a bit of “heft” to them. In my experience, these are the real “buy it once” pieces. They can handle the chaos of a family home. If your kids are anything like mine, they’ll be bashing their toys against the skirting boards, so you want something that can take a knock without looking tatty.
But look, don’t write off contemporary oak just yet. If your room is quite bright and you’ve gone for cleaner lines—maybe some Oak Sideboard Styling: Coastal, Farmhouse and Rustic Inspiration—then a modern unit can actually stop the space from feeling too “heavy.” These usually have slimmer legs and a lighter finish, which helps the room feel a bit more airy.
I reckon the main thing is the grain. Whether it’s modern or old-school, you want to see that natural character. It’s what makes oak, well, oak. If you’ve got a massive telly, you might even want to check out TV stands for 85 inch TVs to make sure the proportions don’t look wonky.
Which one you pick really depend on the room’s vibe. If you’ve got exposed beams and a stone floor, go traditional. If it’s a new build with a farmhouse “nod,” go contemporary.
Comparing Your Options
| Feature | Traditional Oak Units | Contemporary Oak Units |
|---|---|---|
| Durability | Absolute tanks. Kid-proof and heavy. | Very sturdy, but slimmer profiles. |
| Cost | Usually a bit more due to more timber. | Often better value for smaller spaces. |
| Maintenance | Low. A bit of wax now and then. | Easy. Just a quick dust and polish. |
“Absolutely chuffed with the Heritage unit. It’s proper solid—my toddler has given it a right bashing with his toy cars and there isn’t a scratch on it. It’s the centerpiece of our lounge now. Proper quality stuff.”— Verified Customer
Common Questions I Get
1. Is solid oak too heavy for my floor?
Unless you live in a house made of cardboard, you’ll be fine. Oak is heavy—which is a good sign of quality—but any standard floor can handle a TV unit. Just use some felt pads if you’ve got hardwood floors to avoid scratches.
2. How do I hide all the messy cables?
Most of our units come with pre-drilled holes in the back. I always suggest using a few Velcro ties to keep the “spaghetti” tucked away behind the central pillar.
3. Will the colour change over time?
Oak is a natural product, so it’ll mellow slightly as it ages and sees the sun. It usually just gets a bit deeper and richer, which I personally think looks better anyway.
4. Can I put a massive 75-inch TV on a small unit?
You can, but it’ll look top-heavy and might be a bit unstable if someone bumps into it. Always try to have at least a few inches of wood showing on either side of the screen.
5. Do I need to assemble it myself?
Most of our oak range comes pre-assembled. I hate flat-pack as much as the next person, so we try to save you the headache where we can.
💳 Payment & Security We accept PayPal and all major Debit & Credit Cards. Transactions are securely encrypted for your peace of mind.
🚚 Delivery Options
- Standard: Delivered within 5 business days (Full Tracking).
- Premium (White Glove): We call you to book the day. Includes live tracking, room-of-choice delivery, unboxing, and packaging removal.
🛡️ 5-Year Structural Guarantee by Oak Castle Furniture We stand by our oak. If there is an issue with your pre-assembled furniture, we will fix it or swap it out. No hassle.
Shop Related: