If you’re choosing an entertainment unit for a small apartment, the goal is simple: keep the room feeling open while still handling real-life storage (devices, remotes, router, cables). In compact NZ apartments, the wrong unit quickly becomes a “visual block” that makes the whole living area feel tighter.
How we size-check: We prioritise apartment-friendly depth and stable proportions, then validate each recommendation using the product width/depth/height listed on the product page.
Apartment buying is often a trade-off between layout, storage, and spend. If you’re comparing across categories (not just TV units), browsing a wider range from a furniture store NZ can help you sense-check what “small-space friendly” looks like before committing to a single piece.
Decision Box: small-apartment TV unit rules
- Depth first: aim for ~35–40cm depth to protect walkways and reduce visual bulk.
- Go low and wide: low units keep sightlines open and help ceilings feel higher.
- Closed storage beats open shelves: small rooms look messy faster, so hide cables and accessories.
- Stability matters: if the TV sits on the unit, choose a width that feels “settled,” not perched.
What makes an entertainment unit “small-apartment friendly”?
In larger homes, an oversized unit can fade into the room. In apartments, it dominates. The best small-space units tend to share three traits: controlled depth, a low profile, and storage that reduces visible clutter (especially cables and power boards).
Rule of thumb for small NZ apartments: an entertainment unit depth of about 35–40cm usually keeps walkways usable while still allowing functional storage for devices and cables.
Width guide: pick the bracket that matches your wall, not just your TV
- ~120–135cm wide: studios, narrow lounges, or rental layouts where every centimetre counts.
- ~140–160cm wide: most one-bedroom apartments and compact family lounges.
- 160cm+ wide: larger apartments or open-plan living zones (only if your wall width supports it).
Depth & height: the two fastest ways to make a room feel cramped
Depth: Units that push beyond the 40cm range often steal walkway space and make the lounge feel tighter. If your living room is already narrow, depth control matters more than extra shelves.
Height: A lower unit tends to keep the room feeling open. Taller cabinets can work, but they amplify visual weight and make clutter more obvious in compact spaces.
Top Picks: entertainment units that suit small apartments
These are chosen for apartment-friendly proportions and practical storage. Each product is linked once and includes its listed size so the recommendation is auditable (not vibes-based).
Best for studios and very tight lounges (~130cm width)
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Maize 1.3m LED Entertainment Unit - White
Size: 130cm W × 35cm D × 35cm H.
Why it fits: very controlled depth and height for tight layouts; works when you need a compact footprint and a clean, modern look. -
Hudson 1.3M Entertainment Unit - White
Size: 130cm W × 39.5cm D × 54cm H.
Why it fits: same compact width but adds drawers + open shelves for real storage; useful when your small lounge still needs clutter control.
Best “balanced” apartment option (~150cm width)
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Dustin 1.5m Entertainment Unit - Oak Grey + White
Size: 150cm W × 39cm D × 40cm H.
Why it fits: wider surface for a more stable TV setup while staying under 40cm depth; good for most one-bedroom apartments.
Common small-apartment mistakes (that cost you space)
- Buying deeper than your walkway can tolerate: depth hurts daily flow more than people expect.
- Over-using open shelving: open storage reads as clutter faster in compact rooms.
- Ignoring cable reality: power boards, routers and adapters need a plan, or the lounge looks permanently messy.
When a TV cabinet is a better fit than an entertainment unit
If your lounge is extremely tight, a slimmer-profile TV cabinet can sometimes work better than a deeper entertainment unit. You can compare options here: TV Cabinets.
Browse the full entertainment unit range
If you want to shortlist quickly, start by filtering by width and depth first, then style. See the full range here: Entertainment Units.
FAQ
What size entertainment unit is best for a small apartment?
For many apartments, a unit around 130–150cm wide with a depth close to 35–40cm is a practical starting point. The best size depends on your wall width and how tight your walkways are.
How deep should a TV unit be for a small living room?
Depth control is critical in compact spaces. Around 35–40cm depth usually keeps the room feeling open while still providing usable storage.
Should I choose open shelves or closed storage in a small apartment?
Closed storage is usually the better default. It hides cables and accessories that quickly create visual clutter in smaller rooms.
Written by: Treasurebox team (NZ furniture retailer)
Last updated: Feb 2026
