TV Stand Alternatives: What to Put Under Your TV Instead

Your TV deserves more than a wobbly old stand. Sick of the standard boxy look? You’re not alone. Tons of folks are ditching TV stands altogether for setups that fit their vibe—and their floor space.

Want more room to move? Floating shelves make a killer choice. No legs to stub your toes on, just a streamlined look. Handy for small rooms or if you want to keep your gaming consoles and remotes out of sight, but still within reach. Got some unique collectibles or indoor plants? Now you’ve got a place to put them right under your screen, adding character without clutter.

• Floating Shelves and Wall-Mounted Consoles
• Dressers and Sideboards
• Baskets, Benches, and Ottomans
• Bookcases and Cabinets
• Going Minimal: No Furniture at All

Floating Shelves and Wall-Mounted Consoles

Floating shelves and wall-mounted consoles have totally changed the game for how people set up their TVs at home. These options save floor space, look clean, and keep cords out of sight. You pretty much get more storage without taking up precious room—perfect for apartments and smaller living rooms.

Most floating shelves are just sturdy boards that mount into the studs behind your wall, so you don’t have to worry about sagging, even with heavy game consoles or a row of books. Wall-mounted consoles offer the same perks, but with closed storage and cable management built-in, so things stay tidy. IKEA’s BESTÅ series and Wayfair’s Brayden Studio line are huge hits here—easy to install and not crazy expensive.

When setting up floating shelves for your TV, you want them about 12-15 inches below the bottom edge of your television. This keeps stuff close but not in the way. Most wall-mounted units list weight limits: BESTÅ supports up to 88 pounds per cabinet if you mount it correctly. Don’t just trust drywall anchors—go for studs, and always double-check your hardware.

• If you’re planning to store devices (like a soundbar or game system), measure first. Not all consoles fit small shelves.
• Hide cables by running them through wall grommets or using peel-and-stick raceways.
• Paint or match the shelves to your walls for that true "floating" look.
• Group decorative items in odd numbers (like three or five). It catches the eye better than even numbers.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet comparing floating shelves and wall-mounted consoles:

Floating shelves rank high for flexibility—you can stack two or three for extra space or use just one for a TV stand alternative that barely makes a mark. Wall-mounted consoles are for those who want something chunkier, with hidden spaces and a more "built-in" look. Both keep your floor clear and your style sharp.

Dressers and Sideboards

Think using a dresser or sideboard under your TV sounds weird? Actually, it’s super practical—and way more common than you’d guess. Most standard dressers are the perfect height for a TV. Plus, those deep drawers and cabinets turn easy-to-lose remotes and extra cables into not-a-problem situations. It’s an awesome way to make your living room look less like a tech store and more like, well, a home.

Folks love sideboards for their clean lines and roomy storage. These pieces fit in whether your vibe is mid-century, farmhouse, or modern. Here’s a tip: sideboards were designed for dining rooms, so they’re sturdy enough for even those big 65-inch TVs. And with so many finishes, from soft matte colors to shiny walnut, you get options—not just what the electronics store is peddling.

If you care about actual stats, check out this quick comparison:

Thinking about where to put your soundbar or game console? Most sideboards have back panels you can drill for cords, or skip the panel altogether for easy cable management. Here are a few tips to make it work:

• Measure your TV legs and the top of your dresser or sideboard before you set anything up.
• Secure your TV with anti-tip straps—furniture made for clothes isn’t always as sturdy as dedicated TV stands.
• Keep heavy stuff low in the drawers to avoid the dreaded tip-over.
• Add baskets inside drawers for organizing remotes, chargers, and wires.

End result? You get a unique, stylish look and a lot more usefulness from a piece you probably already own. That’s a win.

Baskets, Benches, and Ottomans

If you’re tired of boxy furniture, here’s a combo that gives you both style and serious storage. Baskets, benches, and ottomans slip under your TV with almost zero fuss. They work especially well if you’re in a small apartment or you want a setup that you can change around whenever you need.

Let’s start with baskets. These are undefeated for hiding messes—kids’ toys, game controllers, movie snacks, you name it. Just slide a couple of large wicker or canvas baskets under your mounted TV and call it a day. Stores like IKEA, Target, and HomeGoods always have new designs, so it’s easy to match your existing style without breaking the bank. Plus, baskets cost way less than most TV stands. In 2024, the average decorative basket in the U.S. cost about $28, compared to the average ~$170 for a basic TV stand.

Benches are another clutch move, especially if you have guests. Get one with a lift-up seat or built-in storage and you instantly gain a spot for shoes, blankets, or extra pillows. Even better, benches are easy to move when you want to rearrange the room (or quickly hide the clutter before friends show up). You can find upholstered storage benches that double as extra seating—great for those living rooms with more friends than chairs.

Ottomans with hidden storage are like benches on steroids. They look good, and some come with built-in charging ports or trays to hold remotes and cups. Ottomans aren’t just for your feet, either; in a pinch, they become spare tables or additional seats. This flexibility makes them especially popular in apartments and townhouses.

• Pick baskets for easy, open storage that’s budget-friendly.
• Choose benches if you want storage plus extra seating.
• Try storage ottomans for a multi-tasker that works as seating, a table, and more storage.

TV stand alternatives here don’t just save you money—they keep clutter away, work in tight spaces, and let you shake up your living room look whenever you feel like it.

Bookcases and Cabinets

Ever notice how a chunky bookcase or sturdy cabinet can totally steal the spotlight under your TV? Here’s the thing: these aren’t just old-school storage units. They’re real workhorses for stashing board games, controllers, or even your stash of guilty-pleasure DVDs—and they let you flex some style while doing it. Plus, you probably already own one you can repurpose instead of dropping extra cash on a new TV stand alternative.

Shelves aren’t just for books. Turn a wide, low bookcase into your TV’s new base. TVs up to 65 inches generally sit nicely on a bookcase that’s at least 40 inches wide and 16 inches deep. If you like everything hidden, cabinets with doors are clutch. Slide-out drawers keep cables or remotes in check, so your living room doesn’t start looking like an electronics aisle exploded.

Worried about weight? Most standard bookcases can handle up to 100 pounds—just double-check with the manufacturer. Don’t forget about airflow for your devices; don’t block those vents or you’ll cook your gear.

Solution	Best For	Typical Width	Storage Perk
Bookcase	Open display & easy reach	40-72 inches	Books, plants, consoles
Cabinet with doors	Clutter-free look	32-72 inches	Hidden storage, safety

Want a quick upgrade? Slide in some baskets or bins on the lower shelves for a tidier look. If you love the idea of mixing things up, paint the back panel a bold color or line it with peel-and-stick wallpaper. It’s a five-minute character boost with almost zero effort.

One last tip: anchor tall bookcases to the wall if you’ve got curious kids or pets. Better safe than sorry, right?

Going Minimal: No Furniture at All

Sick of tripping over stuff or dusting one more thing under your TV? You don't actually need anything at all under there. These days, wall-mounted TVs without a TV stand alternative look clean, modern, and are easy to pull off. In fact, according to data from the AV Industry Trends Report 2024, about 38% of new TV buyers chose to wall-mount their TVs and leave the floor space totally clear.

Leaving the space under your TV empty gives rooms a bigger, airier feel—great for apartments or homes with tight floor plans. Plus, less stuff means less cleaning. A wall-mounted TV is actually safer for families with little kids or pets since there’s nothing for them to bump into or pull down.

Here’s how to make the minimalist look work for you:

• Pick a sturdy wall mount made for your TV size—look for those rated for your TV’s weight and width.
• Hide the cords! Use in-wall cable kits or slim cable covers that match your wall.
• Think about sound. You can mount a soundbar under your TV or use wireless speakers to keep the setup clean.
• If you use streaming devices or game consoles, go for wall-mounted shelves or racks right behind your TV. Or stash your gear in a nearby closet using longer HDMI cables.

Minimal doesn’t mean boring. You can add some style with a piece of art, a statement plant on the side, or just let that wide open space be the feature. Dave Savage, editor at Home Media Magazine, nails it in saying:

“Wall-mounting your TV and skipping the furniture underneath is the fastest way to modernize a living room. It puts the focus on the screen and opens up your home in a way no bulky stand ever could.”

Check out how much extra room clears up when you drop the TV stand:

Room Size	Typical TV Stand Footprint	Space Gained (Going Minimal)
Small Living Room (150 sq ft)	7 sq ft	7 sq ft (5% of the room)
Medium Living Room (250 sq ft)	9 sq ft	9 sq ft (almost 4%)
Large Living Room (400 sq ft)	12 sq ft	12 sq ft (3%)

No-furniture setups aren’t for everyone. If you love your movie collection or need hidden storage, you might want something under there. But if you want to go full-on minimal, your TV and your floor can finally stop fighting for attention.