How To Buy A Flat Screen TV Stand

Now that you're getting a flat screen TV, it's time to think about your flat screen TV stand. This is a more important decision than most folks think. After all, you're not just buying something to put your TV on - You're buying a new piece of furniture!

You'll have to get out the measuring tape and take a good look at the space. Your flat screen TV stand can come in a variety of sizes, styles, colors and materials. There's a mind-boggling variety to choose from, so let's take a look at how to choose the right flat screen TV stand for you.

The Simplest Design - Pedestal Mounts

The first, and biggest, decision to make is what kind of stand you'd like. A flat screen TV stand can be as big or small, light or heavy, simple or complex as you want it to be. Let's start by looking at the simplest models possible.

The most basic flat screen TV stand is the pedestal style. This is a simple pedestal with a solid base, and your TV sits on a pair of arms at the top. These are sturdy enough to hold your TV, but small enough to be hardly noticeable in the room.

These models are simple, but you can sometimes take advantage of nice little features. Some have a little shelving where you can mount a DVD player, or some of your favorite movies. Most are adjustable, so that you can raise or lower your TV, and some allow you to adjust the angle.

Pedestal stands are the cheapest, lightest and easiest to move.

Consoles And Entertainment Centers

If you want a real piece of furniture for your flat screen TV, go with a console. Consoles can be as small as a bench that your TV sits on, or they can be quite complex, with drawers, shelves and cases built in. The most attractive stand designs are made of wood. They include walnut, oak and also stands that have a wooden finish. This gives you the advantage of a wood look, but it's much lighter and cheaper.

For full scale television furniture, you'll want an entertainment center. This takes the console idea even further by giving you a solid cabinet for your set. They're very attractive and make a nice compliment to your room's decor. The only downside is that they're bulky and costly, but a good entertainment center will last you years to come. It will become a regular part of your home.

Wall Mounts

Another great option for a flat screen TV stand is to try a wall mount. Since flat screen TVs don't have all that stuff in the back, they can be easily mounted on a wall or even on the ceiling. Wall mounts come in different types with various levels of adjustments. The greatest advantage is that they save you space and allow you to enjoy your TV watching in a new way.

Choosing the right flat screen TV stand is almost as important as buying the set itself. It'll make a major difference in how you enjoy your new TV. Take some time and decide exactly what you want.