Stylish Long TV Units for Spacious Australian Living Rooms
What Is a Long TV Unit?
A long TV unit is a wide, low-profile piece of furniture designed to support or sit beneath a television while providing storage for entertainment equipment, media accessories and decorative objects.
Unlike a compact TV cabinet, a long TV unit extends across a greater section of the wall, creating a stronger visual anchor for the living room. Depending on the design, it may include cupboards, drawers, open shelving, cable-management holes or a combination of concealed and open storage.
In Australia, long TV units commonly range from around 160 cm to 200 cm or more in width, although there is no fixed definition. Current Australian furniture examples include 180 cm and 200 cm designs, with some specifically marketed for larger living rooms and larger television screens.
Quick Facts
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Also called: Long TV cabinet, entertainment unit, TV console or TV lowline
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Main purpose: TV support, media storage and living-room styling
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Common widths: Around 160–200 cm+, depending on the design
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Popular styles: Contemporary, modern, coastal, Scandinavian, Hamptons and mid-century
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Common materials: Timber, timber-look finishes, MDF, engineered wood, metal and rattan
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Useful features: Cable holes, adjustable shelves, cupboards, drawers and open shelving
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Best for: Medium to large living rooms and larger televisions
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2026 direction: Warm timber, textured finishes, low profiles, curved details and concealed storage
Why Choose a Long TV Unit?
A television can look visually disconnected when placed above a small cabinet on a large wall.
A long TV unit solves this by creating a broader horizontal line beneath the screen. The result can feel more balanced and intentional, particularly in a spacious living room.
A long unit can also provide valuable storage for:
- Gaming consoles
- Streaming devices
- Blu-ray players
- Speakers
- Remote controls
- Games
- Books
- Decorative objects
- Board games
- Entertainment accessories
Some current Australian designs combine multiple cupboards with open shelves and dedicated cable holes, making it easier to keep equipment accessible while hiding everyday clutter.
What Size Is a Long TV Unit?
There is no official width that makes a TV unit “long”.
As a practical design term, anything around 160 cm or wider can create a substantial horizontal presence, while units around 180–200 cm are particularly useful beneath larger televisions.
For example, current Australian models include:
- 160 cm TV units
- 180 cm TV units
- 200 cm TV units
A current 180 cm entertainment unit from Temple & Webster is approximately 180 cm wide, while another extra-long model measures 200 cm wide.
The right size depends on the width of your television, wall and surrounding furniture.
How Long Should a TV Unit Be Compared With the TV?
A TV unit generally looks balanced when it is wider than the television, rather than exactly the same width.
This creates some visual breathing room at either side and gives the entire media wall a more grounded appearance.
For example, a long console can work particularly well with a large television when the cabinet extends beyond the screen on both sides.
However, the television itself should always be considered alongside the cabinet's recommended weight capacity and dimensions.
Current Australian TV units vary considerably in their recommended capacities, so check the manufacturer's specifications before placing a television on top.
What Types of Long TV Units Are Available?
Long TV Cabinet With Doors
Cupboard storage keeps electronics, games and everyday clutter hidden.
This is ideal if you prefer a calm, uncluttered living room.
Long TV Unit With Open Shelves
Open shelving provides easy access to devices while giving you somewhere to display books, ceramics, artwork and decorative objects.
Long TV Unit With Drawers
Drawers are particularly useful for smaller items such as:
- Remotes
- Cables
- Controllers
- Batteries
- Charging accessories
Long Lowline TV Unit
A lowline has a lower profile and creates a clean, contemporary appearance.
It works especially well beneath a wall-mounted television.
Long Wall-Mounted TV Unit
A floating design attaches to the wall rather than sitting directly on the floor.
Wall-mounted units can create a lighter visual effect and leave open floor space underneath. Current Australian examples include 180–200 cm wall-mounted designs.
Long Rattan TV Unit
Rattan-fronted doors introduce texture and a relaxed natural character.
They work beautifully with timber floors, linen upholstery and coastal or contemporary interiors.
What Materials Work Best?
Timber
Timber and timber-look finishes bring warmth and versatility.
Oak, natural timber and warm wood tones work particularly well with neutral upholstery and contemporary Australian interiors.
Engineered Wood
MDF and particleboard can provide practical, affordable construction while allowing manufacturers to create a wide variety of finishes and door styles.
Current Australian TV units use combinations of MDF, particleboard and timber veneers.
Rattan
Rattan adds texture and a relaxed, organic quality.
It is especially appealing when paired with natural materials elsewhere in the room.
Metal
Metal legs or frames can give a long TV unit a lighter, more contemporary appearance.
Black metal paired with timber is a particularly versatile combination.
Mixed Materials
Combining timber, metal, glass, rattan or stone-look surfaces can create a more layered furniture piece.
How Do You Choose a Long TV Unit?
1. Measure the Wall
Start with the available wall width.
Then consider:
- Skirting boards
- Power points
- Windows
- Doorways
- Nearby furniture
- Wall-mounted televisions
- Walking space
Don't choose a cabinet simply because it fits the wall on paper. Leave enough visual breathing room around it.
2. Measure the Television
Check:
- TV width
- TV height
- TV weight
- Stand dimensions
- VESA mounting requirements if wall-mounted
A long TV unit should comfortably accommodate the television and any accessories without looking overcrowded.
3. Check the Depth
Depth matters particularly in smaller living rooms.
A deep unit may provide more storage, but a slimmer unit can preserve valuable floor space.
Current Australian long TV units range from approximately 30 cm to 45 cm deep, illustrating how much this dimension can vary.
4. Think About Storage
Ask yourself what you actually need to store.
If you have several consoles and media devices, open shelving and cable holes can be useful.
If your priority is hiding clutter, choose more enclosed cupboards and drawers.
5. Consider the Height
Low TV units can create a sleek, contemporary look.
A slightly taller unit may provide more storage and can work well when the television sits directly on top.
Long TV Unit With a Wall-Mounted TV
A long cabinet beneath a wall-mounted television can create a particularly polished media wall.
The television becomes the visual centre while the cabinet provides a horizontal foundation.
A floating TV unit can make the arrangement feel even lighter and can leave visible floor space beneath the cabinet. Some current wall-mounted models are approximately 200 cm wide while being only around 30 cm deep.
If mounting a unit to the wall, use appropriate mounting hardware and ensure the wall structure can support the load. Some manufacturers recommend professional installation.
How Do You Style a Long TV Unit?
A long TV unit gives you plenty of surface area, but that does not mean every centimetre needs to be decorated.
Keep the Centre Relatively Clear
If the television sits directly above the unit, avoid placing too many tall objects around it.
Add One or Two Statement Pieces
Consider:
- A sculptural vase
- Ceramic object
- Decorative bowl
- Small artwork
- Books
- Greenery
Create Height at the Ends
A lamp, tall vase or plant can help frame the television.
Use Open Shelves Carefully
Mix practical electronics with decorative pieces rather than filling every shelf with accessories.
A simple combination of books, ceramics and greenery can create a more relaxed appearance.
Long TV Unit Styling Ideas
Warm Contemporary
Oak TV unit + cream sofa + textured rug + black accents + greenery
Coastal
Light timber + white walls + woven accessories + soft blue + natural fibres
Modern Luxe
Dark timber + brass details + sculptural décor + neutral upholstery
Scandinavian
Pale timber + simple ceramics + soft grey + warm white + minimal accessories
Hamptons
White or light-toned cabinet + classic detailing + coastal artwork + natural textures
Long TV Unit for Small Living Rooms
A long TV unit can still work in a smaller living room if you choose the right proportions.
Look for:
- Slim depth
- Low height
- Raised legs
- Wall-mounted designs
- Closed storage
- Simple silhouettes
A floating TV unit can be especially effective because the visible floor beneath it helps maintain a sense of openness.
Avoid choosing an oversized deep cabinet simply because the wall is available. The goal is to create balance rather than fill every possible space.
Cable Management
Cable management is one of the most practical features to look for.
Cable holes can allow television, gaming and streaming-device cables to pass neatly through the rear of the unit.
Some current long TV units include multiple cable holes specifically for keeping wiring organised. The 200 cm Hava unit, for example, includes four cable holes and adjustable shelving.
Before buying, think about where your power points are located and whether the cabinet will allow easy access.
TV Unit Safety
Furniture stability matters, particularly in homes with children.
The ACCC warns about furniture and television tip-over hazards, and current Australian TV-unit listings commonly include anti-topple kits or anchors. Manufacturers also advise securing televisions and preventing children from climbing on furniture.
Always:
- Follow the manufacturer's assembly instructions.
- Use supplied anti-topple hardware where required.
- Secure the television appropriately.
- Keep cords organised.
- Don't allow children to climb on drawers, doors or shelves.
- Check the unit's weight capacity.
Long TV Unit Trends for 2026
Warm Timber
Natural and warm timber tones continue to bring softness into contemporary living rooms.
Low-Profile Furniture
Long, low cabinets create a streamlined media wall and work particularly well with wall-mounted televisions.
Concealed Storage
Minimalist interiors benefit from storage that hides gaming equipment, remotes and everyday clutter.
Textural Doors
Fluted, rattan, ribbed and other tactile fronts can give a simple cabinet more visual character.
Soft Curves
Curved edges and rounded details are helping soften the strong horizontal lines traditionally associated with TV furniture.
Mixed Materials
Timber combined with black metal, woven panels or contrasting finishes creates a more individual look.
Floating Designs
Wall-mounted TV units remain appealing where homeowners want a contemporary appearance and easier access to the floor underneath.
Benefits at a Glance
| Benefit |
Why It Matters |
| Wide proportions |
Creates balance beneath larger TVs |
| Generous storage |
Keeps entertainment areas organised |
| Low profile |
Creates a clean modern appearance |
| Cable management |
Helps reduce visible wiring |
| Decorative surface |
Provides space for styling |
| Multiple configurations |
Suits different living-room layouts |
| Long-term versatility |
Can remain useful as technology changes |
House of Isabella Recommendations
At House of Isabella Australia, a long TV unit can become the foundation of a beautifully styled living-room media wall.
For a warm contemporary home, consider a long cabinet in natural timber, oak, warm walnut or a softly textured finish. Pair it with a generous neutral sofa, tactile rug and carefully chosen decorative accessories.
If the television is wall mounted, a lowline or floating unit can create a sophisticated horizontal composition. If the television sits directly on the cabinet, choose a unit that extends comfortably beyond the screen while maintaining a safe, stable base.
Don't be tempted to fill the entire surface. A few considered pieces — perhaps a sculptural vase, books, artwork or greenery — can provide enough visual interest while allowing the television to remain the focal point.
Collections and brands such as Florabelle Collection, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero and Emac & Lawton may also provide complementary inspiration when styling the surrounding living space.
House of Isabella Australia offers Afterpay and Zip, fast Australia-wide delivery, East and West Coast warehouses, a large in-stock catalogue, exclusive and unique designs, and Australian-based customer care.
Common Questions
What is a long TV unit?
A long TV unit is a wide, usually low-profile cabinet or console designed to support or sit beneath a television while providing storage and space for decorative items.
How long should a TV unit be?
There is no fixed rule, but a unit around 160–200 cm or wider can provide a substantial appearance for medium and large televisions. Ideally, the cabinet should be wider than the television to create visual balance.
Is a long TV unit suitable for a small living room?
Yes. Choose a slim-depth or wall-mounted design to create the appearance of a generous media wall without taking up excessive floor space.
Should a TV unit be wider than the TV?
Generally, yes. A cabinet that extends beyond the television on both sides often looks more balanced and provides useful space for decorative objects.
What should I look for in a long TV unit?
Consider width, depth, height, television weight, storage, cable management, materials, floor space and stability. Anti-topple hardware is particularly important in households with children.
Related Glossary Terms
- TV Unit
- TV Cabinet
- Entertainment Unit
- TV Lowline
- TV Console
- Wall Mounted TV Unit
- Living Room Furniture
- Media Unit
Finishing Touch
A long TV unit can turn an otherwise functional television setup into a considered part of the living room.
The most successful designs balance proportion, storage and style. Choose a width that complements your television, a depth that suits the room and a material that connects naturally with your existing furniture.
For 2026, warm timber, tactile finishes, low profiles, concealed storage and softly curved details offer an elegant way to create a media wall that feels contemporary without becoming overly technological.
Disclaimer
Mentions of brands such as Florabelle, Gallery Home, Café Lighting & Living, Zaffero, Emac & Lawton and others are included purely for descriptive and contextual purposes. House of Isabella Australia is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or associated with these brands. All trademarks remain the property of their respective owners.