Yes, a sideboard or credenza can work as a TV stand if it is at least as wide as the screen, low enough to keep the screen center near seated eye level, deep enough for the TV's feet, and ventilated for devices. Low sideboards around 22 to 25 inches high suit most 55 to 75 inch TVs; a wall mount solves taller cabinets.
A media console is not the only thing a TV can sit on. Many people would rather have a beautiful sideboard or credenza on the TV wall: it holds more, looks less like electronics furniture and can move to the dining room later.
It works well, as long as you check four things before you buy: width, height, depth and how cables and devices will live inside. Here is how, with real numbers for our own low sideboards.
The four checks
| Check | What to look for | How to measure |
|---|---|---|
| Width | At least as wide as the screen, ideally wider | Diagonal × 0.87 for a 16:9 TV |
| Height | Screen center near seated eye level | Cabinet + TV feet + half the screen height |
| Depth | TV feet sit fully on the top | Compare foot depth with the cabinet depth |
| Devices | Room, airflow and a path for cables | Measure each device and its plugs |
Width: wider than the screen
A TV's size is measured diagonally. For a standard 16:9 screen, multiply the diagonal by about 0.87 to get the width: a 65-inch TV is about 57 inches wide. Choose a sideboard at least that wide, and ideally several inches wider so the TV does not look top-heavy. Check that both feet sit fully on the top. Our TV stand size guide has the full chart from 55 to 98 inches.
A low, long front for the TV wall
Our Wavora sideboard starts at 22 inches high on the 55- and 65-inch sizes, rising to 29 inches on the 85-inch size, all 14 inches deep, from $2,940.
Height: the most common problem
Many dining sideboards are taller than TV stands, which can push the screen too high. Measure your seated eye height, often around 40 to 42 inches, then add up where the screen center will land:
- Cabinet height, floor to top.
- Gap under the screen, set by the TV's feet or pedestal.
- Half the screen height, about 16 inches for a 65-inch TV.
For example, a 65-inch TV on a 22-inch sideboard with 3 inches of feet puts the screen center at about 41 inches, close to eye level. The same TV on a 32-inch cabinet lands at about 51 inches, which most people find too high for long viewing.
| TV size | Screen width | Our low sideboard size | Center of screen* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 55" | About 48" | 55"W × 22"H | About 39" |
| 65" | About 57" | 65"W × 22"H | About 41" |
| 75" | About 65" | 75"W × 25"H | About 46" |
| 85" | About 74" | 85"W × 29"H | About 53", consider a wall mount |
*Estimated with 3 inches of TV feet and a 16:9 screen. Sizes match our Wavora, Cascara and Alpinea sideboards.
Use an anti-tip strap to secure the TV to the wall, especially with children or pets at home, and never let the screen overhang the ends of the cabinet.
Depth, cables and devices
- Feet and soundbar: our sideboards are 14 inches deep; check that your TV's feet and soundbar fit within that.
- Remote signals: closed wood doors can block infrared remotes. Keep the receiver end of devices near the front, or choose devices that use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remotes.
- Airflow: game consoles and receivers need space around them; leave a door open while gaming if a device runs warm.
- Cables: plan the path from the wall outlet to the TV before the cabinet goes in, and leave a little gap behind it.
Three carved doors, all storage
Our Alpinea sideboard hides devices and games behind a carved mountain front, in four widths from 55 to 85 inches, 22 to 29 inches high and 14 inches deep, from $2,980.
Sideboard or dedicated TV stand?
Choose a sideboard if…
- You want closed storage for games and clutter.
- The piece may move to a dining room later.
- Your TV is wall mounted or the cabinet is low.
Choose a TV stand if…
- You want open shelves for devices and airflow.
- You need a very low or very wide piece.
- The TV is large and sits on the stand.
Open shelf, made for the screen
Our Solenne TV stand has an open shelf for devices, in four widths from 65 to 92 inches, 22 to 25 inches high and 14 inches deep, from $3,180.
A sideboard makes a good TV stand when it is at least as wide as the screen, low enough to keep the screen center near eye level, deep enough for the TV's feet and planned for cables and airflow. Low sideboards around 22 to 25 inches suit most 55 to 75 inch TVs; for taller cabinets, mount the TV on the wall.
Keep the top of a TV sideboard almost bare: one low plant at one end and a book stack at the other. The screen is already the focal point.
Size the screen with our TV stand size guide, check the sideboard size guide, or browse handmade sideboards and TV stands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a sideboard be used as a TV stand?
Yes, if it is wide enough for the TV, low enough for comfortable viewing, deep enough for the feet and has room for cables and devices.
Is a credenza a good TV stand?
Often, yes. Credenzas are usually low and streamlined, which suits a TV wall.
How wide should a sideboard be for a 65-inch TV?
At least about 57 inches, the screen's width, and ideally a little wider. A 65-inch sideboard is a comfortable fit.
What height sideboard is best for a TV?
Low pieces around 22 to 25 inches keep most TVs near seated eye level.
Will closed doors block my remote?
They can block infrared remotes. Keep the device's receiver near the front, open a door, or use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi remotes.
Should I wall mount the TV above a sideboard?
It is a good option with a taller cabinet or a large screen, and it frees the whole top for decor.
Editor's note: Screen sizes are calculated for a standard 16:9 TV; check your TV's manual for exact dimensions. Product sizes and prices were checked on woodfurnist.com on October 30, 2026. Room images are styled product images for inspiration. See our shipping policy for production and delivery times.
