Media Consoles

The console should be at least as wide as your TV, and ideally 4 to 8 inches wider on each side for visual balance. For a 65-inch TV, a console of 71 to 79 inches works well. For a 75-inch TV, consider an 87-inch model.

The center of your TV screen should be at seated eye level, which is roughly 42 inches from the floor. Most low-profile media consoles are 20 to 24 inches tall, which works well when the TV is placed directly on top or wall-mounted above.

Closed cabinets hide clutter and reduce dust on equipment. Open shelves provide better ventilation for heat-generating devices like gaming consoles and receivers. A combination of both is the most practical layout.

Select models offer two-tone options beyond the standard single finishes. The Malu Low Media Board is available in White + Walnut and Taupe + Noir Oak combinations. The Lilo Media Board comes in Bleu and Taupe. Most other models are available in White Oak, Noir Oak, or Walnut.

A multifunctional board is a console designed to serve as a media unit, sideboard, or dresser, depending on room placement. The Ele Multifunctional Board, for example, combines drawers and cabinet compartments suitable for living room, dining area, or bedroom use.

Darker finishes like Noir Oak tend to show dust more but conceal minor surface scratches better than lighter finishes. White Oak shows scratches more visibly, but is easier to touch up with matching wood filler. Walnut falls between the two.

Engineered wood with veneer finishes resists humidity-related warping better than solid wood. In Hawaii's 60 to 80 percent humidity range, avoid placing consoles directly against exterior walls or in rooms without air circulation.