Choosing the Perfect TV Size for Your Space

Choosing the perfect TV for your space can be a very complicated process, but sometimes nothing is more make-or-break than the screen size itself. So how do you choose the size that is right for you? Let’s get into it.

Why Screen Size Matters

Right, I know what you are thinking: is screen size really that important?

If you have ever bought a TV, then you will know that trawling through the technical jargon can be an absolute nightmare. But if you finally set your sights on an OLED, or maybe you have just got your hands on the latest mini LED, the last thing you want is to have spent all of that time trying to understand the technology, dropped big money on it, and then found out it does not quite fit your space the way you hoped it would.

A screen that is too big can make the image come across as distorted if you sit too close. But if you get a screen that is too small, then you are going to struggle to watch it from a distance. And that is without even mentioning how out of place it might look to go too big in a smaller room or too small in a very large open-plan space.

So yes, size really does matter when it comes to TVs, and that is why these simple steps can help you make the right decision.

Step 1: Know Your Sizes

The first thing you want to get to grips with is how TV screen sizes are measured.

It is really simple: measure the distance between one corner and the other diagonally. TV manufacturers usually round this up to the nearest whole inch, so there is no need to worry if it is a little off.

You might think that a 65-inch screen would be perfect for your space, and that may well be true. But not all 65-inch TV screens are the same size, so there are other measurements on the spec sheet that you need to check before purchasing.

If You Are Placing the TV on a Unit or Stand

Look at the:

• Depth
• Width

These measurements vary depending on the brand of TV.

Some TVs have central stands, while others have feet at either end, which can take up extra room. If space is tight, they might overhang if you are not careful.

If You Are Mounting the TV

If you are looking to mount your TV or place it into a custom-fit recess within a wall, do not forget that you need to keep the full physical size in mind too.

Also consider:

• The size of the TV’s bezel
• Leaving room for ventilation

So the spec sheet is going to be your best friend at this point.

Step 2: Work Out the Recommended Screen Size for the Space

The next step is working out the recommended screen size for the space you are going to be using your TV in.

Of course, everyone wants a bigger TV. You might think you already have the optimal size in mind, but you do not want to end up being that person who sits at the front of the cinema staring up at a massive screen for a couple of hours with neck ache.

But if you are that person and you do enjoy sitting in the front row, then that is a different story.

There is no single perfect rule for knowing exactly which screen size is right for your space, but there are a few general rules that can give you a good starting point. From there, you can use the rest of the tips to make the decision that feels best for you and your space.

How to Estimate the Size

1. Decide where your TV is going to be placed.
2. Decide where you are going to be sitting.
3. Measure the distance in inches from where the screen will be to where you will be sitting.
4. Divide that number by 2 to find the screen size.

For example:

• Distance: 109 inches
• Divide by 2
• Screen size: 54.5 inches

That is pretty close to a 55-inch version.

You can use this as the minimum recommended size. It will offer a good level of immersion in your space. But if you want to take it up a level, going from a 55-inch to a 65-inch TV may also work well, depending on the room.

So if you can afford to do it and it works for you, that can also be a good option.

For those looking for even more immersion, take the calculated size as a minimum and work upwards, as long as it suits your budget and everything else.

Of course, this is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to making your choice. If you would like to go bigger, then go for it. But for the average consumer, this is a good starting point.

Step 3: Think About How You Will Use the TV

Have a good think about how you are going to use this TV on a daily basis.

Are you a film fanatic, an avid gamer, or are you just looking for the perfect TV for casual viewing? All of these things will have an impact on which TV size is right for you.

• If the home cinema experience is what you are after, you will probably want to go a little bigger than recommended for a truly immersive cinematic display.
• If you are a gamer, you might find yourself sat in your gaming chair and leaning forward a lot, wanting a more intense and involved viewing experience on a smaller screen size, like a 42-inch.
• You might also want the best of both worlds and be better suited to something in the middle.

It is a very personal approach, and what suits one person may be different for another, but it is definitely something worth considering before you make the final decision.

Step 4: Choose Your Priority

Is it a specific TV technology that you are after, or a certain screen size?

Size is important, but it is not the be-all and end-all when it comes to finding the perfect TV.

There are many different TV technology types out there, such as:

• LED
• OLED
• QD-OLED
• QLED

They all bring something different to the table performance-wise, depending on which one you go for:

• Some are better for brighter spaces
• Some are better for more cinematic viewing
• Some are better for gaming

This matters because not all of these TV panel types come in every single size.

In an ideal world, you would be able to get the technology you want in the size you want, but that is not always the reality. For example, you might have heard good things about a flagship QD-OLED option, but that one may only be available in 55-inch, 65-inch, and 75-inch sizes, which for some people is not ideal.

It is not necessarily a deal breaker, because there are so many great TV options out there that cover a lot of bases. But there may need to be a compromise between screen technology and screen size to find the perfect solution.

It is definitely something worth considering, and something to research before going out on a shopping spree.

Step 5: Know Your Budget and Stick to It

We have all been there: gone to buy something and been upsold the bigger version for a price that feels like a bargain. That might be fine if it is a Big Mac meal, but with TVs you need to be a little more vigilant.

Although a lot of specific TV models increase in price as the screen size increases, not every 75-inch TV is better in terms of actual picture quality, and bigger is not always better.

So take everything into consideration when making your final decision.

The best advice is to go in with a plan, set a budget, and try to stick to it as closely as possible. TVs are a big purchase regardless of what you go for, and nobody wants to take something home and be disappointed with it. It has to work within your price range at the end of the day.

Final Thoughts

Hopefully that has helped you get a little closer to your final decision when it comes to picking the right TV size for your space.

As always, if you are looking for a more personal recommendation, feel free to get in touch with the team, and they will be happy to help. Questions can also be answered in the comments.