Choosing the Right TV Size
Today, a television is not just a technical device but an integral part of your home interior – especially when it comes to the living room or bedroom. However, choosing the right TV size is not only about design; it significantly impacts the comfort of watching television. Many still believe that the bigger the screen, the better – but it is not that simple.
In reality, many factors should be considered: the size of the room, the viewing distance, the resolution of the device, and how the TV stand or cabinet fits into the space. This article helps you clearly understand the criteria to base your decision on – whether you approach the question from your sofa or your living room furniture.
What Determines the Ideal TV Size?
Room Size and Layout
One of the most important factors to consider is the size of the room and how it is laid out. For example, in a 20-square-meter living room, a 75-inch TV might not be practical, especially if the sofa is less than 2.5 meters away. In contrast, in a more spacious room, a larger screen not only looks great but also visually fills the space.
The placement of a corner sofa or U-shaped seating arrangement also affects from where and at what angle you watch the TV. That’s why it’s best to choose the optimal size based on the distance between the sofa and the screen. Ideally, you should measure the available space in advance and choose accordingly – or consult our experts on one of our TV stand or living room furniture subpages.
Resolution and Technology
It makes a difference whether the device has Full HD, 4K, or even 8K resolution. The larger the screen, the more noticeable the pixels can be – unless the resolution is high enough. For example, a 55-inch Full HD TV may appear "grainy" when viewed up close, while a 4K TV of the same size can be comfortably viewed from even 2 meters away.
Therefore, resolution influences the optimal viewing distance, which in turn affects the TV size you should choose. This is especially important if a floating TV stand or a compact cabinet is placed in the living room, closer to the seating area. So don’t focus only on screen size, but also on how it fits into the space!
Viewing Distance Guidelines
What Is the Optimal Viewing Distance?
One of the key factors of comfortable TV watching is the proper viewing distance. This is the space between the sofa and the TV screen, which significantly affects the visual quality and eye strain. The rule is simple: the larger the screen, the farther you should sit – but the higher the resolution, the closer you can sit and still enjoy a clear image.
In general, for a Full HD TV, the ideal viewing distance is about 2.5 times the screen diagonal. For a 4K resolution TV, this ratio can decrease to 1.5 times, as the image's detail richness allows for distortion-free viewing from closer range.
Examples for Different Sizes
Let’s take a 55-inch (140 cm) TV as an example. The ideal viewing distance for this size is:
- For Full HD: approx. 2.8–3.5 meters
- For 4K resolution: approx. 1.7–2 meters
If your sofa is closer than this, it's worth choosing a smaller TV or considering higher resolution. Conversely, if your seating is farther away and you don't plan to get a 4K TV, then a larger screen size is recommended to maintain image detail.
Considerations for Living Rooms and Bedrooms
In the living room, the space is usually larger, so 65” or bigger screens work well – as long as the distance from the sofa allows for it. The alignment between the sofa and the TV is important: a well-positioned corner sofa not only adds comfort but helps optimize the space. You can find such models on our sofa sets page.
In the bedroom, however, smaller TVs are often sufficient, as the bed is close to the screen. It's especially important that the TV is not mounted too high – ideally, the center of the screen should tilt slightly downward relative to the lying position. For wall mounting, you can use a tilting bracket or choose a low bedroom cabinet from our furniture collection.
Tabular Guidelines
TV Size – Viewing Distance Summary
The following table helps you navigate which viewing distance is recommended for each screen size. The values are general guidelines showing how far you should sit from a given TV size for the best visual experience – whether it’s a 4K or Full HD device.
The shorter distance provides a cinematic effect, while the longer distance is ideal for comfortable everyday viewing. Always consider the room size, the sofa placement, and the type of furniture – whether it’s a TV stand, floating cabinet, or chest of drawers.
Recommended Viewing Distance by TV Size
| TV Diagonal Size (inch / cm) | Recommended Viewing Distance (m) |
|---|---|
| 24″ (≈60 cm) | 0.7 – 1.0 m |
| 32″ (≈81 cm) | 1.1 – 1.4 m |
| 40″ (≈102 cm) | 1.2 – 1.7 m |
| 43″ (≈109 cm) | 1.4 – 1.8 m |
| 50″ (≈127 cm) | 1.5 – 2.1 m |
| 55″ (≈140 cm) | 1.7 – 2.4 m |
| 60″ (≈152 cm) | 1.8 – 2.6 m |
| 65″ (≈165 cm) | 2.0 – 2.8 m |
| 70″ (≈178 cm) | 2.1 – 3.0 m |
| 75″ (≈190 cm) | 2.3 – 3.2 m |
| 80″ (≈203 cm) | 2.4 – 3.4 m |
| 85″ (≈216 cm) | 2.6 – 3.5 m |
| 100″ (≈254 cm) | 3.0 – 4.1 m |
The recommendations are based on guidelines from internationally recognized professional organizations (e.g., SMPTE – Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers) and major manufacturers. The lower distance provides a cinematic experience, while the upper value is ideal for comfortable everyday viewing.
TV Size and Furniture Selection
TV Stand or Wall Mount?
Choosing the right TV size is just the first step – the next question is: where should the device go? The two most common options are using a wall mount or a TV stand or cabinet. Both have their advantages, and the decision should also consider the room layout and style.
A wall mount is ideal for modern, minimalist interiors. It allows the device to stay off the floor or furniture, thus visually enlarging the space. It looks excellent on a darker, accent wall or in front of a custom panel backdrop. The floating effect can be enhanced even further with TV cabinets.
On the other hand, a TV stand or cabinet is a practical solution if you also need storage space. You can place your media box, game console, or DVD collection in the drawers or shelves. It's important that the height of the stand matches the ideal viewing angle – typically 50–60 cm is optimal, but you should also adjust it to the TV size and sofa height.
Furniture and Style – How to Create Harmony?
A well-chosen TV unit is not just a technical accessory but also an aesthetic element. If your home is furnished in a more classic style, a wooden cabinet or antique-style TV stand will blend in harmoniously. For modern interiors, it’s worth opting for simple, lacquered, or floating solutions.
Also consider the color and material harmony of the furniture. A black TV blends into a dark wall panel, while it will stand out more in front of a light background. If you don’t want the device to dominate, use decorative elements around it: pictures, shelves, plants can soften the contrast. Models needed for designing the entire living room can be filtered by style.
TV and Sofa Position – More Important Than You Think
Don’t forget about the relationship between the sofa and the TV! Ideally, the sofa should be placed directly opposite the screen so the image is clearly visible from every seat. If you have an L-shaped or U-shaped sofa, it’s a good idea to use a swivel wall mount so you can adjust the screen angle for any position.
The type of sofa also matters: when choosing a right- or left-sided corner sofa, consider which direction fits the room layout. If you’re unsure, the second half of this article will cover that too – or feel free to ask our colleagues for help.
TV in the Bedroom
Smaller Size, Shorter Distance
Watching TV in the bedroom follows entirely different rules than in the living room. Here, the space is often smaller, so there’s no need to consider a very large screen – a 32–43 inch device is often a perfect choice. The viewing distance typically ranges between 1.5–2.5 meters, so you should choose a suitable model accordingly.
Placement: Wall or Furniture?
In the bedroom, many people opt for a wall-mounted TV, as it doesn’t take up space and is safer – especially if there are small children in the household. In this case, it’s important that the bracket is slightly tiltable, making the screen comfortable to watch even when lying down. As an alternative, a low TV cabinet can also be considered, especially if your bedroom has a more traditional setup.
Remember: the bedroom’s primary function is relaxation. It’s advisable to avoid overly bright lights and long TV sessions before sleep. If you still enjoy watching movies before bed, use a sleep timer and reduce the backlight. A well-positioned TV and matching bedroom furniture will help keep this space both comfortable and aesthetically pleasing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What size TV fits a 20 m² living room?
For a room of this size, a TV between 50 and 65 inches is typically the ideal choice, depending on the viewing distance. If there is at least 2.5 meters between the sofa and the screen, a 55” 4K TV already provides an excellent experience. It also matters what type of furniture or wall mount you place the device on.
What does it mean when a sofa is left- or right-sided?
The left or right orientation of corner sofas is always determined when viewed from the front. If the longer, extended part is on the right, it’s right-sided; if on the left, it’s left-sided. This is an important aspect if the TV’s location is fixed and the sofa must be adjusted accordingly.
Is it worth getting a 4K TV if I sit close to it?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of 4K resolution is that it delivers detailed, sharp images even from a closer distance. So if the room layout prevents you from sitting more than 3 meters away, a large screen will still provide an enjoyable experience – as long as you’re watching high-resolution content.
What if I can’t watch the TV from the front?
In this case, it’s worth choosing a swivel or tiltable wall mount that allows you to adjust the screen angle to the current seating position. Also, the right sofa layout and seating placement can help solve the issue. Browse among our corner sofas or convertible sofas to find the right fit for your space. [Internal link goes here]
Among the Tomasella living room units, you’ll also find solutions where the TV is not only mountable on a wall or piece of furniture, but can be attached to a rotating panel or even hidden behind a cabinet section. These modular units are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical for various viewing positions.
We also help with the custom design of Tomasella living room units – our expert team is ready to assist you in selecting sizes, colors, and functional layouts to ensure the final result perfectly fits your home.
Summary
Choosing the right TV size is not just a technical but also an interior design decision. To ensure the device delivers the best possible experience, you must consider the room size, seating position, resolution, and furniture placement. A well-positioned TV can be not only comfortable but stylish too – especially when it harmoniously blends into the space.
If you’re planning to buy a new TV or rearrange your living room, browse our selection! Among our TV units, sofas, corner sofas, and cabinets, you’ll find inspiration for every style and need – whether you live in a modern or classic home. With the right furniture, not only will your tech be in place, but your entire space will feel more unified and homely.
Do you have questions about choosing the right size, position, or furniture? Our expert team is happy to assist you – online or in person at our showroom. Don’t let uncertainty hold you back – the right TV and furniture together shape the heart of your home.
