TV Stand Alternatives: Creative Bedroom Solutions That Really Work

Having a TV in the bedroom sounds great—until you realize you don't actually own a TV stand. Good news: you probably have the makings of a perfect TV stand already sitting in your room. Why not use your dresser? It’s sturdy and usually has enough space for your TV plus a few remotes or a game console. If you have a low bookshelf, that can work too. Books add personality, and you even get a cool little display under your TV.

Short on space or feeling like dressers dominate the room? Maybe a storage bench is more your speed. Those are strong enough to support a TV and double as extra seating or a spot to toss your shoes at the end of the day. Compact nightstands also work for smaller screens. If you’re feeling handy, even a simple set of crates stacked side by side can do the trick—plus, you can stash cables and controllers out of sight.

• Everyday Furniture You Already Own
• DIY TV Stand Ideas That Work
• Space-Saving Tips for Small Bedrooms
• How to Choose What Fits Your Style

Everyday Furniture You Already Own

You don't have to splurge on a fancy TV stand for your bedroom. Chances are, you already have furniture that can handle the job perfectly. Let's talk about what works best and why it makes sense for your setup.

Dressers are a classic choice. They’re sturdy, wide, and the height is usually just right for watching TV in bed. According to a 2023 survey from the National Home Furnishings Association, over 51% of people use their old dressers as TV stands, especially in bedrooms and guest rooms. That’s for good reasons: dressers hold a lot, and you get extra storage for clothes, remotes, and cables.

• Dressers: Solid, hard-to-tip, multi-functional, and easy to find in most homes.
• Low bookshelves: These help lift your TV off the floor, and the shelves give you a spot for books, speakers, or a streaming box.
• Nightstands: Perfect if you have a small TV or a tight space. You might need two—one for each side—to make things look balanced.
• Storage benches: These often sit at the foot of your bed and hold blankets or shoes, but they’re sturdy enough for most TVs, too.

TV expert Craig Bennett from TechAdvisor says, "A strong dresser or low bookcase is often safer and more practical than wobbly purpose-built stands, especially for larger screens."

If you really want to compare your options, check out this quick breakdown:

If you want your TV to double as room decor, mix in some other items around it—like baskets, books, or small plants. This helps your screen blend into your bedroom’s look instead of standing out as the only thing on the furniture.

DIY TV Stand Ideas That Work

You don't have to spend a ton to get a decent TV stand for your bedroom. A lot of people get creative and try out DIY hacks instead. These projects can save you cash and let you tailor things to your room. Plus, there’s something satisfying about looking at your finished setup and knowing, “Yeah, I made that.”

Here are a few DIY TV stand ideas that almost anyone can pull off:

• Wooden crates: Stack two or three wooden crates side-by-side. You can secure them together with screws or brackets if you want extra stability. The openings are perfect for holding game consoles, DVDs, or even shoes.
• Pallet TV stand: Grab a wooden pallet—lots of warehouses or home stores give these away for free. Sand it down and add small legs (you can find cheap furniture legs online). Instant rustic vibes and lots of space for storage underneath.
• Cinder blocks and boards: All you need are two or four cinder blocks and a sturdy wooden plank. Set the blocks on each side and lay the board across. If you want it to look more polished, paint the blocks or plank to match your decor. It’s super budget-friendly and easy to move if you like to change things up.
• Floating shelf: For a cleaner look, consider a floating shelf. Just make sure to use heavy-duty anchors to keep your TV safe. This really saves space—especially helpful in a small bedroom.

If you’re wondering about weight, most typical bedroom-sized TVs (under 43 inches) weigh less than 20 pounds. A standard wooden crate or well-secured shelf can handle the load without a problem.

Make sure everything’s stable and safe. Whatever you build, tip your TV slightly forward to reduce glare, and run cords neatly to keep things looking good. With a little effort, you can have a unique TV stand that suits your style and your wallet.

Space-Saving Tips for Small Bedrooms

If your bedroom feels tight, every inch matters when picking a TV stand. Bulky furniture can make even a decent-sized bedroom look packed. Instead, think about options that do double duty or take up less floor space.

Wall-mounting is a classic move that wins every time. You skip the need for a physical TV stand altogether. Modern TV wall mounts support most flat screens, and some have shelves for a soundbar or small devices. According to a 2023 survey by the Home Organization Association, about 48% of people with TVs in their bedroom pick wall mounts to save space — it’s that popular.

If you can’t or don’t want to drill into the wall, consider using floating shelves. Mount shelves just under the TV for your streaming box or speakers. Make sure the brackets can handle the weight; safety matters here, especially if you have kids or pets.

Here are a few more ideas that work in a small bedroom:

• Dresser-as-Stand: Put your TV on top of your dresser and keep all your clothes out of sight underneath.
• Rolling Carts: A rolling cart gives you a mobile TV stand and lets you move the screen if you’re rearranging or cleaning.
• Corner Shelves: Use that weird corner with a purpose-built shelf or a small table;
• Hideaway TV Cabinets: Look for slim TV cabinets that close flat when not in use, keeping things tidy.

Can’t decide? Take measurements before shopping or rearranging. Make sure the TV stand or alternative is wide and deep enough for your TV (add at least two inches on each side), and check the weight limit. If you’re buying something new, look for stands labeled as space-saving or small-room friendly. These will usually be lower and more compact, perfect for tight spots.

Space-saving with your TV stand just takes a little planning. You can make your room feel bigger and look better without sacrificing your screen time.

How to Choose What Fits Your Style

Picking a TV stand for your bedroom shouldn’t feel like a chore—think of it as a chance to show off your taste. The key here is matching it up with your room’s vibe and your actual needs.

Start by checking your bedroom’s size and layout. If space is tight, a wall-mounted TV or floating shelf under your screen keeps things light and modern without eating up floor space. Got more room? A sturdy bedroom furniture piece, like a big dresser or a classic media console, anchors the look and gives you extra storage.

Here’s what to look at when making your pick:

• Material: Wood gives a cozy, classic feel and usually holds more weight. Metal and glass add a more modern, lighter look.
• Color: Go for something that works with your wall and bedding colors. Neutral tones blend in, bold colors stand out if you want your TV spot to catch the eye.
• Storage: Love a tidy look? Pick a stand with drawers or closed doors to hide wires and tech gear.
• Cable management: Open shelving is easy, but stands with holes for cords keep things neat.

Don’t get stuck thinking you have to buy something new. According to Apartment Therapy, “Some of the best TV stands are actually repurposed pieces that bring more personality to the room.”

"Turning a low bookshelf or vintage trunk into a TV stand can stamp your personal style on any room, and you won’t break the bank doing it." — Apartment Therapy

If you’re eyeing a DIY TV stand, measure first: make sure the surface is wide enough for your TV’s base and stable enough to handle the weight, especially with older, heavier models. For most modern flat-screens, anything that’s at least a couple feet wide and rock-solid will do the trick.

Here’s a quick look at some options and their popular features:

Above all, there’s no one-size-fits-all. The best TV stand in your bedroom is the one that looks great, keeps things organized, and just feels right when you kick back and hit play.