The Ultimate TV Stand & Lowboard Guide for Modern Living Rooms

The TV stand has evolved from a simple box to an essential design element. A well-chosen lowboard not only supports your television but defines your living room's entire aesthetic. Here's everything you need to know about choosing and configuring the perfect media furniture.

What Is a Lowboard?

A lowboard is a low-profile cabinet, typically 35-50cm in height, designed primarily for media equipment and display. The term comes from German design tradition, where height-based furniture naming is common:

• Lowboard: 1 row high (35-40cm) — Media equipment, below-TV storage
• Sideboard: 2 rows high (70-80cm) — General storage at hip height
• Highboard: 3+ rows high (100cm+) — Tall storage reaching chest height

Why Modular Lowboards Excel

Perfect Media Integration

USM Haller and Klackjoy lowboards accommodate modern media needs:

• Cable management — Route cables behind back panels
• Ventilation — Open configurations prevent equipment overheating
• Flexibility — Reconfigure as your equipment changes

Scalable Width

Unlike fixed TV stands, modular lowboards expand to match your TV size:

Configuration Ideas

The Minimalist Float

Configuration: 2 × 1 | Wall-mounted style | Graphite Black

Mount your TV above a sleek, unadorned lowboard. The minimal footprint creates the illusion of floating media.

Best for: Small apartments, minimalist interiors

Configure this look →

The Media Hub

Configuration: 3 × 1 | With drop-down doors | Pure White

Generous width accommodates soundbar, gaming consoles, and streaming devices. Drop-down doors hide the inevitable cable mess.

Best for: Home entertainment enthusiasts, families

Configure this look →

The Asymmetric Statement

Configuration: 3 × 1 + 1 × 2 side extension | Steel Blue

Break the horizontal line with a taller section for decorative objects or books. Creates visual interest while maximizing function.

Best for: Design-forward homes, collectors

Start designing →

The Full Wall

Configuration: 4 × 1 lowboard + 2 × 3 side towers | Anthracite Grey

For dedicated media rooms. The lowboard stretches wall-to-wall, flanked by tall storage units. A complete entertainment solution.

Best for: Home theaters, large living rooms

Start designing →

Technical Considerations

TV Mounting Options

On-stand mounting:

• Place TV directly on lowboard top surface
• Ensure lowboard depth accommodates TV base
• Standard 350mm depth works for most TVs up to 55"

Wall mounting above lowboard:

• Lowboard handles components only
• Cleaner look, no base visible
• More flexibility in lowboard positioning

Heat Management

Electronics generate heat. Ensure adequate ventilation:

• Avoid fully enclosed compartments for active equipment
• Leave back panels open or use ventilated versions
• Consider open shelf configurations for gaming consoles

Weight Capacity

Steel modular systems handle serious weight:

• Standard shelf: 50kg evenly distributed
• Reinforced configuration: 75kg+
• Always check specifications for heavy equipment

Styling Tips

Create Visual Balance

The lowboard should relate proportionally to your TV:

• Lowboard width = TV width + 20-40cm on each side
• Creates a grounded, intentional look

Add Warmth

Steel and glass can feel cold. Balance with:

• Wooden decorative objects
• Ceramic vases or sculptures
• Textile elements (runners, baskets)

Light Consider

Position lowboards away from direct sunlight:

• Prevents screen glare
• Protects equipment from heat
• Maintains color vibrancy of panels

Lowboard vs TV Stand: The Verdict

Ready to design your perfect lowboard? Launch the 3D Configurator and visualize your media setup.

Related Articles:

• Living Room Sideboard Ideas
• USM Haller Colors Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

How wide should a TV stand be for my TV?

Choose a TV stand at least as wide as your TV, ideally 15-20cm wider on each side for visual balance and accessory space. A 55-inch TV (about 123cm wide) suits a stand of roughly 140-160cm. A modular system like Klackjoy lets you build the unit from standard tube modules to match your screen, mixing widths and depths as needed.

What is the ideal height for a TV stand or lowboard?

The ideal height places the centre of the screen near seated eye level, around 100-110cm from the floor. For most sofas that means a stand or lowboard 40-60cm tall, since the TV adds further height. Lower lowboards around 35-45cm suit relaxed seating, while higher units improve viewing from a dining chair.

How do I hide cables in a TV stand?

Route cables down the back of the unit and bundle them with clips or a fabric sleeve, leaving a gap behind for airflow and access. Choose a media unit with an open back or rear cutouts so plugs reach the wall socket. Modular steel systems let you leave the rear panel off any compartment, keeping wiring tidy yet reachable.

How much storage do I need in a media unit?

Plan one open shelf per device that needs ventilation or a remote signal, such as a console, receiver or sound bar, plus closed compartments for discs, games and clutter. Mixing open and closed sections keeps gear cool and accessible while hiding mess. A modular lowboard lets you add or remove compartments as your setup grows.

What is the difference between a lowboard and a TV stand?

A lowboard is a long, low cabinet that often runs wider than the TV and doubles as living-room storage, while a TV stand is usually a smaller piece sized mainly to hold the screen. Lowboards suit larger TVs and open-plan rooms. A modular media unit like Klackjoy spans both roles, since you set the length, height and mix of shelves and doors.