TV Stand vs. Wall Mount: How to Choose Your TV Setup

Deciding how to display your TV is a big choice to make when setting up a living room, bedroom, or media space. A TV stand offers flexibility and storage, while a wall mount saves space and provides a more modern look. Neither option is right for everyone. The best choice depends on your room’s layout, your storage needs, and whether you’re willing to (or even can) drill into the wall.

Here’s a closer look at both options, along with the pros, cons, and key differences to help you decide.

What Is a TV Stand?

A TV stand is a piece of furniture designed to hold a television and organize related accessories like streaming devices, game systems, speakers, and cable boxes. Many TV stands also include shelves, cabinets, or drawers for holding decor, DVDs, game cases, and other equipment.

TV stands come in a variety of styles, sizes, and configurations to fit different layouts and storage needs. Here are some of the most common types:

Consoles

Console TV stands are usually the most popular option, featuring a long, rectangular design with a combination of open shelves, cabinets, and drawers. They have plenty of storage for gaming consoles, media equipment, and accessories.

Open Shelf TV Stands

These stands have exposed shelving rather than enclosed cabinets, which can make it easier to reach devices and create better air flow. The open-shelf design is a popular choice for minimalist and modern spaces.

Entertainment Centers

Entertainment centers are larger pieces of furniture that surround the TV with extra shelving, cabinets, and display space. They have room for books, decor, sound systems, and other gear while creating a built-in appearance.

Fireplace TV Stands

Some styles combine a traditional TV stand with an electric fireplace built into the center. They provide storage while adding supplemental heat and a decorative focal point.

Media Chests

A media chest looks like a dresser with multiple drawers and a TV surface on top. These can be a great option for bedroom TVs, where you might need extra storage for clothing.

Pros and Cons of TV Stands

TV stands are popular because they’re versatile and easy to set up, but they aren’t the right fit for every home. Here’s a look at some of the main advantages and disadvantages:

Pros of TV Stands

• Easy installation: TV stands often require little to no installation. Simply assemble the furniture (if needed), place your TV on top, and connect your devices.
• No Wall Modifications: TV stands usually don’t require drilling into walls, making them perfect for renters. (Note that you may need to anchor your stand if you have small children or pets.)
• Built-In Storage: Many TV stands come with shelves, cabinets, or drawers for your gaming consoles, remotes, movies, and other accessories. This can help reduce clutter.
• Flexible Placement: If you rearrange your furniture or move into a new place, you can easily relocate a TV stand without patching holes or reinstalling hardware.
• Wide Range of Styles: From sleek and modern to rustic farmhouse, TV stands are available in countless styles that complement your home’s design.

Cons of TV Stands

• Take Up Floor Space: TV stands occupy valuable floor space, which can make smaller rooms feel more crowded.
• More Visible Clutter: If you have an open-shelf stand, cables, electronics, and accessories will be visible, creating a busier look.
• Limited Viewing Height: Your TV height depends on the stand. If it’s too tall or too short, you may not get the best viewing angle.
• You Need the Right Furniture Size: A TV stand should be at least as wide as your TV, even a few inches wider, to provide enough support and a balanced appearance. Larger TVs often mean larger, heavier TV stands.

What Is Wall Mounting a TV?

Wall mounting means attaching a TV directly to a wall with a specialized mounting bracket, rather than resting it on a stand or entertainment center. This installation can help save floor space and provide different viewing angles.

Wall mounts also come in different styles, including:

Fixed Mount

A fixed mount holds the TV close to the wall for a sleek, streamlined look. This can be a good fit if you always watch from directly across the TV.

Tilting Mount

A tilting mount lets you angle the TV up or down to help reduce glare or improve viewing if it’s placed higher on the wall.

Full-Motion Mount

A full-motion mount gives you complete control over your TV’s positioning. It extends, swivels, and tilts so you can adjust for different seating areas or pull it away from the wall for easier cord access.

Pros and Cons of Mounting a TV on the Wall

Wall-mounting a TV can create a sleek setup and open more floor space, but it also requires more planning and installation than a TV stand. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits and drawbacks:

Pros of Wall-Mounted TVs

• Saves Floor Space: Mounting your TV eliminates the need for a potentially large piece of furniture. It can work well in smaller living rooms and minimalist spaces.
• Clean, Modern Appearance: A wall-mounted TV can create a streamlined look that many homeowners prefer. Hidden cables and a low-profile mount can make the TV look almost flush with the wall.
• Better Viewing Position: Wall mounts let you put your TV at the perfect viewing height. Tilting and full-motion mounts can help improve visibility from different seating areas.
• More Furniture Flexibility: You don’t have to center your space around a TV stand. You’ll have more options for arranging furniture or using the space beneath the TV.
• Harder to Accidentally Bump: Because the TV is securely attached to the wall, it’s less likely to shift, wobble, or be bumped during everyday activity.

Cons of Wall-Mounted TVs

• More Difficult to Install: Proper installation means finding wall studs, selecting a compatible mount, and securely fastening the TV.
• Permanent Wall Holes: Installing a wall mount usually involves drilling into the wall. If you remove the mount, you’ll probably need to patch and repaint the holes.
• Cable Management: Power cords and connection cables may hang visibly unless you install cable covers.
• Less Convenient Access to Connections: Adding a new device or accessory can be more difficult, especially if the TV is mounted close to the wall.
• Limited Flexibility After Installation: Once you’ve mounted your TV, moving the TV or changing its height requires removing the mount, patching the original holes, and reinstalling everything.

Wall-Mounted TV vs. TV Stand Chart

Factor	Wall-Mounted TV	TV Stand
Installation	Requires studs, a compatible bracket, and drilling into the wall	Little to no installation; place the TV on top and connect your devices
Flexibility	Fixed in place once installed; moving it means new holes	Easy to rearrange, relocate, or take with you when you move
Storage	No built-in storage for consoles, remotes, or accessories	Shelves, cabinets, or drawers help keep media gear organized
Appearance	Sleek, streamlined look with a minimal footprint	Wide range of styles, but adds a visible piece of furniture
Cable Management	Cables can be hidden behind the wall, but harder to access	Cables are usually visible unless tucked into a cabinet
Renter-Friendliness	May require patching and repainting when you move out	No wall damage, making it a good bet for renters

 

Is a TV Stand or Wall Mount Right for You?

A TV stand can be a great choice if you:

• Want an easy, no-drill installation.
• Need storage for media equipment and accessories.
• Like the flexibility to move your setup later.
• Rent your home or prefer not to mount a TV.

You may prefer a wall mount if you:

• Want to save floor space.
• Prefer a sleek, minimalist appearance.
• Need adjustable viewing angles.
• Have a smaller room where every square foot counts.

If you’re setting up more than one screen in your home, check out our guide to setting up multiple TVs in one room. And if you haven’t picked out your TV yet, our guide to shopping for a TV can help you find the right fit before you decide on a stand or mount.

Find Your Perfect TV Setup at Rent-A-Center

The best TV setup fits into your everyday life. Whether you prefer the flexibility of a stand or the streamlined look of a wall-mounted display, the right setup can make movie nights, game days, and everyday viewing more enjoyable. With Rent-A-Center’s rent-to-own TVs, entertainment furniture, and home theater and audio equipment, it’s easy to create a viewing space that fits your room and your lifestyle. Browse our furniture and electronics selection online or visit your local Rent-A-Center to find the setup that’s right for you.