What To Do When Your TV is Bigger Than Your Stand
It’s a familiar scenario – you’ve just purchased a shiny new flat-screen TV, eager to upgrade your home entertainment setup. You unwrap your TV Bigger Than Stand, ready to place it on your existing stand, only to find that your new wider, heavier TV overhangs the stand on all sides. Uh oh. Now what?
Having a TV that’s too large for its stand is more than just an inconvenience – it can also turn into a safety hazard if your expensive new television is left teetering on an undersized platform. The good news is there are plenty of solutions for properly supporting your plus-sized flat-screen and enhancing your viewing experience. This article will walk you through all the key considerations for making sure your TV Bigger Than Stand situation is resolved.
Understanding TV and Stand Sizing
To find the right solution for a TV that exceeds its stand, it helps to understand a bit about how TV and stand dimensions work.
TV Screen Size
A TV’s screen size is measured diagonally from corner to corner of the viewable display area. Screen sizes for flat-panel TVs typically range anywhere from 24 inches up to 85 inches or more. The larger the screen size, the more space required to properly support the TV.
TV Dimensions
In addition to diagonal screen size, you’ll also want to look at the overall TV dimensions – width, height and depth. Larger screens tend to be wider and deeper than smaller ones. Measure your TV width to determine how much surface area you’ll need for your stand.
Stand Dimensions
Stands are designed with a maximum TV size capacity based on their own dimensions. Check the stand’s specs to see the recommended TV sizes it can handle. Stands need to be at least as wide as your TV to provide stability.
Viewing Distance
Optimal viewing distance is about 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size. A wider TV may require moving seating further back. Make sure you have enough room for ideal viewing positioning.
TV Weight
Consider the weight of your TV – heavier screens require more substantial bases. Compare your TV’s weight to your stand’s maximum weight rating. Too much overhang or a stand that can’t handle the load increase the risk of tip-overs.
Safety Concerns
A TV that exceeds the stand in any direction can potentially fall over, causing injury and serious damage. Proper support is especially crucial in homes with kids, pets or earthquakes. Don’t take safety lightly.
Selecting the Right-Sized TV Stand
To keep your too-big TV stable and secure, the first priority is finding a TV stand that’s large enough to properly accommodate it. Here are some key factors to guide your choice:
Stand Width
Confirm that the width of the stand platform is equal to or greater than the width of your TV. Even an inch or two of overhang on either side can put your TV at risk of toppling over.
Weight Capacity
Select a stand rated to safely handle the weight of your specific TV model. Compare specs to ensure adequate strength and support.
Stand Height
Consider your ideal viewing height and any clearance issues for below-stand components like a soundbar. Look for height-adjustable stands if needed.
Material and Build Quality
Sturdier materials like solid wood generally provide more stability for big TVs than hollow plastic stands. High-quality craftsmanship also imparts enhanced structure.
Wall Mounting
For very large TVs, a wall mount can provide optimal support. Just be sure your wall can handle the weight load and that you have the hardware needed.
Professional Installation
For complex or risky TV stand installations, don’t hesitate to call in a pro. Safety and proper setup should be the top concerns.
Take measurements of your space as well as your TV’s specs when shopping for a new stand. Talk to an expert if you need help determining the right solution. Investing in the appropriate TV stand is a small price to pay to securely support your precious new flat-screen.
Safety Measures and Tips
A TV that overhangs its stand is an accident waiting to happen. Luckily some simple precautions can help anchor your large TV and minimize the risks.
Secure to Wall or Stand
Use brackets, toggles and straps to firmly secure your TV to the wall or stand. This prevents tipping and provides extra stability.
Anchor Stand to Wall
Anchoring a large stand directly into wall studs adds significant reinforcement against TV tremors and forces. It also helps prevent stand shift.
Place Stand Against Wall
Positioning the entire setup against a wall limits risk of it falling backwards and gives added structural support on one side.
Velcro Stand to Surface
Velcro tape applied to the bottom of the stand and the floor below keeps the unit from sliding away from the wall.
Cord Management
Hide and anchor dangling cords to prevent kids and pets from inadvertently pulling over the TV. Use cord covers and clips.
Out of Reach
Place your TV out of easy access for children. Ideally position at least 36 inches from floor to the bottom of the screen.
Low Profile Stand
A low, wide stand is most stable. Avoid tall narrow stands that can be more easily tipped.
Simple safety steps will make all the difference in protecting your investment and preventing catastrophic accidents. Don’t take a gamble with gravity – take preventative action securing your oversized flat-screen TV.
Decor and Aesthetics
A TV that’s too large for its stand may dominate your room visually. But a little style and creativity can integrate your plus-sized television into a polished space.
Accent the Positive
Draw the eye towards the beautiful television display instead of an undersized base. Spotlight and decorate the wall around it.
Streamline Cords
Minimize messy wires with cord covers and containments to keep surrounding areas tidy and refined.
Stylish Stand
Look for an attractively designed stand that complements your decor instead of cheaper plastic models.
Conceal Hardware
Hide anchoring brackets, straps and wall mounts behind or under the TV for a sleek appearance.
Plants and Objects
Strategically place greenery, vases or decor onto the stand top to visually widen it and tie in room aesthetics.
Symmetry and Scale
Flanking large stands with matching décor creates attractive symmetry and enhances scale.
Elevate TV
Raising the TV height draws eyes up and makes furniture below less obvious.
Downsize Other Elements
Surround your TV with lower profile furniture and décor to avoid competing focal points.
Lighting
Ambient lighting or backlighting builds focus on your featured flat-screen television.
Get creative with décor solutions and displayed items to direct attention where you want it. Your dream TV will look like it was designed for the space when paired with the right aesthetic enhancements.
DIY Solutions
Lacking an appropriately sized stand? Crafty solutions can temporarily support your too-big TV until you upgrade. But use caution – DIY rigs come with risks.
Outdoor Patio Stones
Heavy concrete patio stones stacked and adhered make a dense support base.
Wood Shelving
Reinforced wood shelving units securely fastened to the wall hold significant weight.
Plywood Platform
A cabinet-grade plywood sheet on a basic frame creates an instant flat surface.
Repurposed Furniture
A strong, stable wooden dresser, bookcase or table can substitute as a makeshift TV stand.
Brick and Wood
Alternating stacked bricks and wood provides density and reduces vibrations.
Hang on Wall
Mount your TV directly to wall studs using a French cleat or specialized hardware.
Add Support Legs
Bolt on additional legs to undersized stands for a wider footprint.
Secure to Existing Furniture
Carefully attaching your TV to larger, immobile furniture adds important support.
When relying on DIY solutions, be absolutely certain your creations are reinforced and anchored properly. Consult professionals if needed and use your best judgement to reduce tip-over risks.
Conclusion
Purchasing a TV that exceeds the limits of your existing TV stand is an easy mistake to make. But ignoring improper size matching can have disastrous results. Protect your investment – and family – by taking the issue seriously and securing your oversized television.
Carefully select a new wide base stand or wall mount rated for your exact TV model’s specs. Employ common sense safety measures like anchoring to studs, avoiding height, and securing from falls. Simple design choices and décor can polish the aesthetic impact of your grand new screen. And utilize creative DIY options cautiously if lacking an ideal stand.
Following this advice will let you get back to enjoying your shiny big-screen TV the way it was intended. No more worrying about toppling televisions or living rooms dominated by disproportionate displays. Properly sizing and securing your TV creates the ideal viewing environment and prevents nasty accidents.
So go ahead and enjoy the enhanced picture and immersive size of a new flat-panel without sacrificing safety or décor. With the right stand selected and preventative measures taken, you can finally relax and reap the benefits of a supersized screen that outshines its base. Just be sure your awe-inspiring TV doesn’t also inspire fear of falling. By taking the critical steps outlined here, you can rest assured knowing your TV Bigger Than Stand dilemma is not only handled – it’s history.
