TV stands are not the most scintillating topic, I know, but I need a new one badly, because a while back I acquired a new and very large television, and the acrylic stand from CB2 that perfectly fit my old one just barely accommodates the new model. In fact, the new TV is perched on that stand so precipitously that visitors to my home have remarked that they half-expect it to fall over at any moment. Here is the one I could buy if I could have anything I wanted—it’s from a store called White on White down in Tribeca—but it’s not cheap and it’s also too long for the designated space.
Now that I have scoured the internet for TV stands, I can confirm that most are so ugly (and pricey!) that I’ve decided that maybe the way to go is with a coffee table. My top contender is this one from Bludot. I like it because I feel like it will just disappear, in much the same way the acrylic one did. Also, it’s low, and I want something low.
Here is one in raffia from Serena & Lily that’s on the more substantial side and that would play nicely with my blue rug.
And here is a classic from Knoll that I like quite a bit too.
Or maybe I just go for this well-priced number from CB2, which has the added advantage of being on wheels. Thoughts, ladies? I’m being uncharacteristically indecisive at the moment.
I had this same issue — everything I found was overpriced particle board essentially. So actually we did this ikea hack with these legs and it looks great, especially with some of the square baskets that fit in. https://www.infarrantlycreative.net/ikea-hack-shelving-unit-to-tv-stand/, https://www.amazon.com/LEGHEADS-Inch-IKEA-Replacement-Furniture/dp/B016UEXCEK/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=legheads&qid=1550459390&s=hardware&sr=1-2
Would you consider mounting it on your wall? This frees you up to consider a variety of furniture pieces to place beneath it. And maybe you don’t need one? We have our router / DVD player / cable box in the cabinet below but if I didn’t need a spot for those I would just put the cords from the tv in a wrap to blend in with the wall. The Blue Dot and Serena and Lily choices are simple and elegant if you go that way!
Most of my walls are windows, so unfortunately that won’t work.
I’ve been where you are – TV stands are brutal and expensive!
I researched the living daylights out of this issue and finally found a sideboard on sale which wasn’t too high. I like it because it has extra storage.
I liked the idea of a vintage one too but simply couldn’t find one with the right measurements. I had looked everywhere!
Structube or EQ3 may have something that’ll work for you. Or even Wayfair, if you can wade through their zillions of products.
I’m not sure about the coffee table idea. You might need something more substantial on the bottom due to the visual weight of the TV on top? But it might work – only one way to find our!
I think having the same style in different colors could be a great way to tie the room together! Hard to say without seeing, of course. I’m another fan of wall-mounting when possible.
The coffee tables you’ve selected are really nice though. I like the Knoll and the Blu Dot.
Having been through this dilemma and settled for an ugly IKEA “thing” because it was cheap (until moving into a new house and convincing (is “forcing” too harsh a word?) my husband to wall mount the monster that ate the living room above the fireplace (which, as someone suggested above, may be an option for you? The monster really looks smaller that way!) I’d go with the CB2 one at least until you find one you really like (as noted, they may be out there in the form of a vintage piece, etc. The CB2 one looks “good enough” if you end up with it for the life of your monster and is cheap enough in case you do stumble on a more palatable option later….
Get the rolly cart CB2 one – it blends and looks like what it is – form and function. A coffee table may not be strong or sturdy enough for a tv and all the various stuff the tv needs. And wheels are always useful.
I’d look for vintage pieces–there are lots of mid-century consoles that are more attractive than these options. Good luck!
I have mine on a mid century credenza I bought at a thrift store for $50! One of my best finds ever.
It’s also great because the storage underneath holds a miriad of entertainment crap
Though in New York City I’m sure there’s not exactly a wealth of cheap thrift stores….craigslist?
I love the idea of a mid-century console, although they’re not cheap. If not, the Bludot is nice – maybe you can check out the weight specs or call them for advice on how much it will hold?
I like the CB2 one and the one from Bludot. The Bludot one is quite elegant, and the CB2 one is functional.
Are they both within the measurements?
I agree with you, Jamie! Either go with the elegant Bludot one or the CB2 rolling stand, which is functional and looks like what it is, a TV stand. I’ve had a smaller black stand like that from CB2 for a few decades now. I used it in my first apartment to hold my tiny TV, not a flat screen mind you. My son now uses it in his room to hold a small screen for his video games. I like that it’s not obnoxious and isn’t trying to be anything other than what it is. Good luck!
Yes. I agree with you
Hiya!
While I like the blu dot a lot, I think you already have the strut coffee table in pink?
Maybe thats too much of the same thing. I would go for the cheap and cheerful cb2. It’s really nice when your entertainment is on wheels. You can mess with the wires more easily. Or change the angle for comfy viewing and shove back in when people are over. And pretend you don’t watch t.v. often..thats what I do;-)
I knew at least one of you would make that connection! I know it’s a little matchy with the coffee table I already own, but I feel like (hope) that in navy it wouldn’t be too obvious.
We’re a sharp bunch. 😉
I like the blue raffia- then you also have a bit more storage.
Buy the one you like the most. Two TVs ago, we bought a stand that cost more than the (not inexpensive) TV. I felt a little guilty at the time, but the thing is a beautiful piece of furniture, stores/hides all the TV accoutrements, puts the TV at the right viewing height for us (wall mounts are often so high I must tip my head back too far for comfort). In short, what I mean is to consider the stand furniture in its own right. It’s not a temporary or transitional piece, it’s furniture that you will look at often.
Ditto Denise’s advice. We have a RH tv stand — I’m not sure if it was intended as a tv stand, but it’s beautiful — that cost a fortune. I’m so glad we did it because I have had furniture pieces that were utilitarian but just ugh. So, yes, buy what you love, especially if you live in an apartment where every piece is on display.
So I own the CB2 coffee table and use it as such. And I love it. It is sturdy, easy to put together (I did it by myself even though it tells you not to), and the wheels make it super easy to move around (it also has wheel locks so it’s not like it’s going to slide all over the place when you don’t want it to). As a coffee table, it’s a bit narrow, but I think it would be perfect for a big TV. And the shelf is great for a little bit of storage. Finally, the color and style works pretty much with any decor. My space is not modern at all and yet it looks great.
Different direction – how rambunctious are your dogs? You may need something with very solid legs or a solid table that they cannot crawl under when chasing toys (or each other)? I have a Jack Russell Terrier who thinks nothing of diving head first under beds, tables, etc…to retrieve various and sundry objects of desire. Our tv sits on a low stand that has short legs, no casters and storage drawers – no possible way for her to get under it.
I’m loving the coffee table option. Simple and chic.
Did you check allmodern.com? They have some nice things and they’re really affordable.
I’d go with the BluDot
CB2! Apparently I’m the only one that pictures that raffia one with dust embedded in all it’s pores. Or maybe I need to examine my housekeeping skills…
OMG *its*
Mortifying.
I like the top one because of all the color variations. All black you need to dust constantly. If you don’t have anything to store than I would get the Bludot but consider the cord will be visible unless you wall fish it.
Why so low? I think putting the flat screen TV on a coffee table would be too low for comfortable viewing.
I confess I have an extreme aversion to exposed cords and wires. So my suggestion is to hunt for some kind of sideboard that sits on the floor or on very low legs that has no open space that would allow the myriad wires attached to your TV to be visible. The Bludot and Knoll tables are stunning, but by the time you’ve plugged in an Amazon FireStick, Apple TV, DVR player, cable box and any other attendant tech devices that will enhance your viewing capabilities, the jumble of wires can be huge and so unsightly. Before I’d let wires insult the gorgeous simplicity of a well-designed stand I’d have the table or cabinet of my dreams made. A custom design isn’t always more expensive and you wind up with exactly what you want.
I love the idea of using a coffee table! But, what do you do with all the cords? Especially the current acrylic one, there is no masking cords with that see through beauty. And does no one keep dvds anymore? Where do those go?
I don’t want to cause more work but how about a vintage Mid Mod buffet either chalk painted or lacquered. We have several shops in Richmond that do that and present you with the finished product, and if we have several, NYC must have a bunch.
My husband just purchased a mammoth TV. I’m mulling my options – try to disguise it somehow or embracing for what it is, a mammoth TV.
When we first moved in together, I covered his ridiculous TV by draping a gorgeous silk print I bought in China over it. There was no hiding it, obviously, but it made it less grotesque. And it was actually amazing how many people would come over for an evening and say, “You guys don’t have a TV?” lol
Just embrace it, Mary. Unless you can afford a huge piece of art, like a giant movable Rothko at the touch of a remote, to be mounted in front of it.
The Bludot one. Sleek and, like you note, doesn’t call attention to itself. Otherwise, something low with some storage. West Elm has some midcentury media consoles with small cabinets or drawers that might work.
I’m nearly at the point of hiring an interior designer to help me pick out a stupid tv table. Why is it so difficult?? I just bought my first tv (late bloomer apparently!) and I appreciate this post. At least I’m not alone in my frustration.
I get it – when tv’s were smaller, I was so frustrated that I had a cabinet custom made (used as an armoire these days). We wallmount our monster now.
I love your first choice too. I google white and walnut TV stands and came up with a bunch. So many choices! Can’t wait to see what you pick.
Short on space, I recently bought this super-wide and low-depth bookshelf to use for a TV stand: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Concepts-In-Wood-72-x-36-Cherry-Wall-Storage-Unit-MI7236-C/307817259
The height & width is perfect for my living room… Good eyeline for the TV & really utilizes the full width of the wall for book / craft / decor storage that I definitely wouldn’t have otherwise. I couldn’t believe how expensive TV stands were when I was searching! This one did admittedly require some slightly-annoying assembly, but not bad at all for the price.
If there’s really no place to wall mount, then I agree with the CB2, or some other like it. Safety first (or, third?) I assume it can’t tip over? Bc if it could then Idk if wheels would make this catastrophe more likely.
Having said that … perhaps return it and get a smaller one? Over a certain size, who really notices this stuff? (everyone, it sounds like?…) Tech is supposed to work for us, not the other way ’round.
And not that you would, but don’t forget the glare problem.
It is a fun dilemma though. I am *glad* you asked. It’s like Tetris!
I’d check out Room and Board. They have some good modern options. Their “Slim” line (everything from console tables to coffee tables) offers a variety of sizes and colors at a very affordable price. Coffee tables tend to be too wide and low so measure twice, order once:) Otherwise, I prefer the Marcel Breuer.
I agree – I have many Room & Board pieces with lots of size and finish options.
I also love the slim line, I have two of the bookshelves. They are very unobtrusive and fit in with any/every aesthetic–also affordable and made in the USA. Otherwise, try chairish or go with the CB2.
Agree with the Room & Board rec — you can order custom sizes of many of their tables/consoles/what-have-you to fit the space exactly, choose the base/top options, etc. A custom Parsons console in the materials of your choice could be as stylish or unobtrusive as you wish…
Was just scrolling to see if anyone else suggested designing your own piece at Room and Board. You could design something that’s the right length and quite similar to the White on White option, which I really prefer to any of the others.
going through exact same dilemma at the moment (as well as a weirdly shaped San Francisco walk-up/door/hallway/door maze that takes serious geometry to navigate). I think we may have landed on the following:
https://www.1stdibs.com/furniture/storage-case-pieces/shelves/custom-steel-rolling-rack-expanding-shelves/id-f_12611972/
Pretty industrial, which works for our place, although I was trying really hard to find a mid-century credenza with a Mad Men vibe! Good luck!
I have the cb2 one in a finish they don’t make any more, and it’s been great. I like it because it’s unobtrusive and indestructible. Though I have been haunting auctions and estate sales for the perfect MCM credenza!
In a world that begs for less consumer consumption and a more clean/minimal lifestyle, I would wonder why you elected to buy a huge TV set? I mean…. did you really need a huge TV? Which requires a huge new stand/table to carry it?
OK, first of all, it’s not HUGE huge, just bigger than what I’ve been accustomed to. Second of all: What Eloise said.
I understand. This blog is devoted to consumerism (and to your receiving monetary compensation for those items you advertise with successful purchases). i admire your style and your independent way of supporting yourself. I am merely suggesting (I also choose my words carefully) that we as consumers (i include myself) consider rethinking the way we “consume”. It isnt necessary for you or Eloise to be “snippy” with your responses. I am merely “suggesting” we think about our choices. Let’s be civil.
Strange question to ask on a site that is on some macro level – largely, not totally, but largely (albiet, uniquely and wonderfully) – devoted to consumerism……
And, note the word “acquired.” Pretty sure Kim chooses her words carefully.
When we acquired a larger TV we ended up doing a wall mount because we had a wall, but needed some storage and a place to put the inevitable stuff that you need. After looking and looking, and being so over it, we ended up with an IKEA Kallex 8 cube shelf unit that we used horizontally, put castors on so we could easily get behind it to dig out the cat toys that always end up back there (and so we could vacuum away the fur bunnies once in awhile, who am I kidding) and customized it with a couple of contrasting door and drawer inserts. People are shocked when they find out where it came from and it has served its purpose very well. It’s also a great place for the cats to lounge and survey their domain, so win-win.
Article Bios Media Unit looks fairly similar to the White and White option, and it comes in 2 lengths that are $699 or $799. With a little black paint, I think you could get pretty close to the one you really want, but for much less money!
I believe the operative word for me is “wheels.” Buy it.
We faced the same dilemma last year, here’s our solution: https://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/90339290/
It’s a proper TV stand so no need to worry about the screen falling over, and the compartments below hide all the cords, centre speaker, blu-ray, receiver and Apple TV and the mesh keeps all our tech cool and prevents overheating, which blew our last receiver. It looks really good in person and much more expensive than what’s on the price tag.
Let us know what you wind up with!
BLUE DOT! All the way love that.
I like your choices, but if you really prefer what you have except bigger, it’s on CB2 as a console table. https://www.cb2.com/peekaboo-56-acrylic-console-table/s105510
Following myself, you could also source plexiglass/lucite at Canal Plastics or Plastic Works off I-95 in New Rochelle.
I’m also in the same boat. For me, the wires would bother me (unless I were to out some baskets or something underneath?). I’m also on team sideboard if you can find one short enough to suit you. A quick look at NY Craigslist came up with a few nice ones:
Park Slope vintage sideboard:
https://bit.ly/2N2fIsK
Midtown modern white:
https://bit.ly/2UQEDlB
Compact midcentury:
https://bit.ly/2WQZ3wJ
Hi Kim,
I posted earlier but I don’t think the comment went through. Hopefully this one is not a duplicate. I live in the Netherlands, where, as I’m sure you know, space is at a premium. An interior designer I worked with to furnish my house pointed me to Ikea’s Besta cabinets. Skeptical, I nevertheless followed her plan and ordered three of them, and couldn’t be more pleased. They’re low-couch seat height. i put my 42-inch tv on top and and there was enough room left over to put some plants and a lamp on either side of it. The cable box, DVD player, shoes {I have no closet space} went into the cabinets. The total effect is pleasing {to me, at least} and uncluttered. And maybe because of the accessories, the cabinets don’t look IKEA-cheap.
We used the Besta system from Ikea for a small alcove TV area in our home. We mounted the TV above but could just as easily have been set on top. With the separate units and doors, a two tone unit of varied size can be assembled (do need to assemble). It has been in place for several years and as held up great. While there is plenty of inexpensive and cheap stuff at Ikea, many of their products stand the test of time. We used their online design tool to figure what we wanted, then just went to store and picked up pieces at the locations shown on the store site.
Another vote for Besta. I customized mine with doors and pulls, and I use the shelves to store dishes and vases.
I’ve always had that issue. For a while I used Metro shelving on wheels. Currently I’m using a white two shelf bookcase that is very open and it works perfectly.
I will say that I have several items from Bludot and find them to be fantastic in look and quality.
Blue Dot or Serena and Lily. White on White piece is gorgeous, but I think you benefit from an open and airy piece, because a lot of streaming devices, cable boxes etc. run HOT, and then won’t run well or at all! These two also look like they could re-invent themselves as actual coffee tables, or window/bench seats if need be. I like pieces that morph if I move, or rearrange furniture.
I like the cb2 with wheels but would wonder about height. I love the idea of changing angles. I just stream stuff with a slim monitor/roku and have one on a vintage hallway type table with a drawer and shelf underneath (though not in a hallway). Very good for storing some dvds and remotes. The other is on a very wide dresser in my bedroom. Both are unobtrusive, but maybe just because they’re so slim.
I used to have a table very similar to the CB2 model which I also used as a TV stand. The shelf, height, wheels, etc. worked great BUT I eventually got tired of seeing all the ugly cables and blinking devices. And all of those things got incredibly dusty even with regular cleaning. If you want a clean & uncluttered look, you need doors.
Just to be slightly argumentative … one of my many many bad habits … I wouldn’t say this website is about “consumerism,” so much as it is about what exactly to consume. It’s not possible to not consume and still live. Our Kimmie is nothing if not … I can’t think of exactly the right word… judicious? discerning? or my favorite, picky!!? I feel like there’s a much better word for what I mean, but I can’t think of it right now.
Plus … or, so ppl keep telling me … sometimes new gizmos eat less energy. Of course then there is the whole life span thing. Yadda yadda. Auntie Liz, I don’t know if you are new here or not? but we do worry about the kind of points you raise on the regular. Just not, you know, every single post. I don’t blame you, I know what you mean, but let’s face it … ahem, I am about to say something that could be interpreted as sexist!!! alert the Thought Police … the menfolks, they seem to like big tellies. No insider info here, juuuuuust speculating… bc I have seeeen it happen that way before.
and I apologize profusely for being a giant pain. If not today, then soon.
Viajera, you slay me (and you’re correct about the menfolk assumption).
I also went the sideboard route with zero regrets. I can’t stand to see cords and all of the pieces actually meant for TVs are too deep. The sideboard is nice and narrow.
Where do you sit to look at it? Wherever that is, make sure your tv is in the right spot so you don’t get a crick in your neck. Other than that, I think the Knoll will age the best and possibly be of use even if you end up doing something else with your tv someday.
Mecor Modern White TV Stand with LED Lights, 63 Inch High Glossy TV Console Cabinet with Storage 2 Drawers for Living Room Modern Furniture (White) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MFP4X99/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_v7LyCb11XEWC2
You seem to like modern look. Comes in black and also white. It even has a 5 year protection plan. Since you have dogs, this might be good.
Wayfair may have options for you. Use their size filters to see what works for you in your dimensions. Eg
Vicknair TV Stand for TVs up to 60″
https://www.wayfair.ca/furniture/pdp/brayden-studio-vicknair-tv-stand-for-tvs-up-to-60-bray1872.html
I wouldn’t get the same coffee table in a different color. That’s a big nope. I also agree that the raffia could be a pain. I think a MCM-inspired sideboard would be great with wires, etc.
I looked at the raffia and it is shellacked so shouldn’t have issues w unreachable dust FWIW
My hubs built a TV stand with wheels, and I highly recommend, particularly if your space lends itself to different seating scenarios.
I understand. This blog is devoted to consumerism (and to your receiving monetary compensation for those items you advertise with successful purchases). i admire your style and your independent way of supporting yourself. I am merely suggesting (I also choose my words carefully) that we as consumers (i include myself) consider rethinking the way we “consume”. I ask that you and your readers not be offended by my comments. I am merely “suggesting” we think about our choices. Let’s be civil.
At least to me and to others, your comment was more finger wagging than thoughtful. You may claim your comment was not intended to offend or criticize but many of us saw self righteousness and pedanticism. This is a blog about shopping if you haven’t noticed. Stop claiming the higher ground.
I’m digging the CB2 one. Has a cool industrial vibe and the wheels add a bit more function. If in a while you want a change, you can easily paint it! Also, in regards to another comment, I truly could not care less what anyone else thinks about what I buy and how I live. You rock on with whatever new stand you get.
I think some minimal storage and ability to hide cords is an absolute must.
YMMV, but at the end of this blog post there is a good roundup of media stands at all sizes and price points.
https://stylebyemilyhenderson.com/blog/designing-tv-media-console-roundup