Some domestic decisions seem inconsequential until they quietly shape our daily comfort. The placement of a television is one such choice. Too high, and it becomes tiring to watch. Too low, and it feels awkwardly positioned. Between these extremes lies a height that respects both the body and the room.
Before fixing anything permanently, it is worth pausing. Height here is not merely technical; it influences posture, ease, and the way a living space is experienced over time.
Why height matters more than we expect?
Television is, for most of us, a seated activity. We watch it when the body seeks rest rather than correction. A poorly positioned screen asks the neck and eyes to work harder than they should, introducing discomfort that accumulates slowly.
Visually, the effect is just as noticeable. A TV cabinet set at the wrong height disturbs the balance of a room. It pulls attention unnecessarily and interrupts the natural flow of furniture. Good placement allows the television to exist without dominating.
A sensible range
Interior designers often recommend placing a TV cabinet between 40 and 60 centimetres above the floor. This range has endured because it works in most living spaces, allowing the television to meet the viewer’s eye comfortably.
The guiding principle is simple: when seated, your gaze should land naturally near the centre of the screen, without lifting or lowering your head.
Let the seating lead
The television should not be the starting point. The sofa or armchair determines everything.
With a typical seat height of around 45 centimetres, eye level usually falls between 90 and 110 centimetres from the floor. Positioning the centre of the screen within this range creates a viewing experience that feels effortless rather than imposed.
Comfort, in this sense, is not indulgence — it is good design.
Wall-mounted Tvs and visual balance
When a television is mounted on the wall, the cabinet beneath it still plays an important role. It gives the arrangement visual weight and purpose.
Leaving roughly 15 centimetres between the top of the cabinet and the bottom of the screen helps maintain proportion. The television feels connected to the furniture rather than floating too high or pressing down too closely.
Proportion matters
As screens become larger, the supporting furniture must respond accordingly. A wide television calls for a cabinet with sufficient width and presence.
When proportions are mismatched, the arrangement feels uneasy. When they are right, the setup appears calm and intentional — as though it has always belonged there.
Practical details that should not be ignored
Beyond appearance, there are everyday considerations that deserve attention:
Space for media devices and accessories
Adequate ventilation
Clean and discreet cable management
These elements work best when they are almost invisible.
Freestanding cabinets offer stability and flexibility. Wall-mounted units provide a lighter visual effect and precise height control. The choice depends less on trends and more on how the room is used.
There is no single correct height for a TV cabinet. Every space, and every household, is different. But when the height is right, it disappears from thought. The television feels easy to watch, the room feels settled, and nothing competes for attention. That quiet sense of balance is the mark of a well-considered interior.
At what height should a TV cabinet Sit? A small decision with larger consequences