If you’re searching an entertainment unit size guide, you’re usually trying to avoid two expensive mistakes: buying a unit that’s too narrow for your TV, or choosing a depth/height that makes the living room feel cramped. This guide gives you a simple sizing method that works for many NZ homes and apartments, then shows size-matched examples from our Entertainment Units collection.
Decision Box: the 60-second sizing rules
- Width rule: choose a unit that’s at least TV width + 20–30cm (10–15cm “breathing space” each side).
- If the TV sits on the unit (not wall-mounted): add an extra 10–20cm for a cleaner look and better stability.
- Height rule: in most lounge setups, a 40–55cm high unit keeps viewing comfortable without dominating the wall.
- Depth rule: for smaller rooms, aim for 35–40cm depth to reduce “walkway pressure”.
- Cable rule: if you have a soundbar + console + router, pick closed storage + at least one open bay to reduce visual mess.
Step 1: Measure your TV the right way (don’t start with inches)
TV size (55", 65", 75") is the diagonal. What matters for your unit is the TV width. If you can’t measure easily, these typical widths are a useful shortcut:
- 55" TV: ~122–125cm wide
- 65" TV: ~144–146cm wide
- 75" TV: ~166–168cm wide
Fast shortcut: once you know TV width, add 20–30cm to get a safe entertainment unit width. If the TV sits on the unit, add another 10–20cm.
Step 2: Choose the right unit width (this is where most people get it wrong)
Most “doesn’t look right” setups come from a width mismatch. Use this simple mapping:
Recommended unit widths by TV size
| TV size | Typical TV width | Recommended unit width | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55" | ~122–125cm | 140–160cm | Apartments, compact lounges |
| 65" | ~144–146cm | 160–190cm | Most family living rooms |
| 75" | ~166–168cm | 180–220cm | Open-plan spaces, feature-wall setups |
Step 3: Height & viewing comfort (keep it TV-first)
A practical target is 40–55cm unit height for many lounge setups. If your sofa is low and your TV is wall-mounted, you can go lower. If kids/pets are a factor, prioritise stability (wider base, solid legs) over “perfect” height.
Step 4: Depth & room flow (small spaces: this matters more than people think)
Depth is the silent killer in smaller rooms: a unit that sticks out too far makes the lounge feel tight. For many apartments and townhouses, 35–40cm depth is the sweet spot—enough function, less visual bulk.
Top Picks: size-matched entertainment units (by width)
These examples map cleanly to common TV sizes. Each product is linked once (SEO hygiene) and chosen to make the sizing decision fast.
Best for 55" TVs (and tighter rooms)
- Atlas 1.4m Entertainment Unit with Drawer - Rustic Brown — compact footprint with practical storage. Size: 138cm W × 40cm D × 45.5cm H.
- Dothan 1.6m LED Entertainment Unit - Black — safer width buffer for 55" and some 65" setups; good if you want more presence without going oversized. Size: 160cm W × 35cm D × 53cm H.
Best for 65" TVs (most living rooms)
- Charlie 1.8m Entertainment Unit - White — balanced option for 65" TVs with a clean, low profile. Size: 180.5cm W × 39.7cm D × 40cm H.
- Zoar 1.9m LED Entertainment Unit - White — extra width headroom for accessories and a tidy layout. Size: 189cm W × 35cm D × 45cm H.
Best for 75" TVs (feature-wall / open plan)
- Arvada 2m Entertainment Unit - Black — 2m width gives a clean proportional match for 75" setups while keeping depth apartment-friendly. Size: 200cm W × 35cm D × 45cm H.
Common mistakes (and how to avoid them)
- Buying to the diagonal number: “55-inch unit for a 55-inch TV” is meaningless. Use TV width + buffer.
- Going too deep in small rooms: 45–50cm depth can look fine online, then steals walkway space in real life.
- Choosing narrow + tall to ‘save space’: it often makes the wall feel top-heavy and the room feel smaller.
- No cable plan: if you can’t hide power boards and routers, the lounge will look permanently messy.
Next step: browse by size and style
If you want to shortlist quickly, start with the width bracket that matches your TV, then filter by storage and colour. Browse the full range here: Entertainment Units.
FAQ
What size entertainment unit do I need for a 65-inch TV?
Most 65" TVs are about 144–146cm wide. A good rule is TV width + 20–30cm, so roughly 160–190cm wide. If the TV sits on the unit, add another 10–20cm for a cleaner fit.
Should the entertainment unit be wider than the TV?
Yes. Wider units look more balanced, help with stability, and give you space for consoles, soundbars, and décor without crowding.
How deep should a TV unit be for a small living room?
For smaller rooms, 35–40cm depth is a practical target. It supports common devices while keeping walkways and the room’s “airiness” intact.
Is wall-mounting the TV better than placing it on the unit?
Either works. Wall-mounting can reduce clutter and free surface space, but placing the TV on the unit can be simpler for renters. In both cases, correct unit width and cable management matter most.
How high should my entertainment unit be?
Many setups feel comfortable with a 40–55cm unit height, but sofa height and whether the TV is wall-mounted should influence the final choice.
For many NZ households, choosing the right entertainment unit is part of a bigger decision around creating a comfortable, good-value living space. If you’re comparing options across categories, browsing a wider range of affordable furniture in NZ can help you understand how size, layout and budget fit together before committing to a single piece.
