A media console keeps the look balanced when it runs wider than your TV, while a fireplace mantel only works if you already have a hearth below.
The choice comes down to closed cabinets that hide gear, open shelves that keep everything in reach, or a console with built-in heat.
1. Media Consoles
A media console gives you closed storage for remotes, cables and anything else you want out of sight, plus a flat surface for books or a vase.
The console should run wider than your TV on each side so the proportions stay balanced.
Look for one with cable management cutouts in the back if you plan to run a soundbar or gaming console underneath.
2. Electric Fireplace Console
An electric fireplace console puts a heating element and LED flame effect into the base of a media stand.
You get the storage and surface of a regular console, plus supplemental heat for cooler months and a warm glow that fills the space below your screen.
Most electric inserts run on standard 120-volt outlets and produce around 4,600 BTU, enough to heat a 400-square-foot room. The flame effect runs independently, so you can use it year-round without the heat.
3. Closed Cabinets
Closed cabinets hide everything you do not want on display: DVD cases, board games, extra chargers, photo albums. A built-in unit like this one wraps the TV in matching panels and gives you a clean, finished look.
If you are not building in, a low credenza or sideboard does the same job. Cabinets with push-to-open doors keep the front smooth and handleless.
4. Open Wooden Shelving Unit
An open shelving unit in reclaimed wood keeps books, controllers and small decor within reach and gives the space a warm, informal feel. The wood backdrop frames the TV and adds texture without closing anything off.
This setup works well if you like rotating what is on display or need quick access to gaming gear. Keep the shelves edited so the look stays intentional rather than cluttered.
5. Fireplace Mantel
A fireplace mantel shelf sits directly below your TV and bridges the screen with the hearth underneath. It gives you a narrow ledge for candles, a clock or seasonal decor while the floor stays open.
This option only works if you already have a fireplace. The mantel should be deep enough to hold a few items but not so deep that it pushes the TV mount out from the wall.
Cable Management Tips
Route cables through an in-wall power kit rated for safe use inside walls, or run surface-mounted raceways you can paint to match.
I coil any extra cable length inside the console and cinch it with velcro ties so nothing droops below the shelf.
Consoles with a cable channel cut into the back or a panel that flips down let you tuck cords away without touching the wall.
If your TV sits on a full-motion mount that swings out 15–20 inches, leave enough slack in the cable run so the screen can move without pulling on the connections.
Furniture Size Recommendations
Height matters more than most people plan for. A console that sits 30 inches off the floor pushes your mounted screen too high for comfortable viewing.
Look for low-profile pieces in the 18–22 inch range so your eye level lands in the middle third of the screen when you are seated.
Taller furniture forces you to mount higher, and your neck pays for it an hour in.
Styling Advice
Keep decor low and to the sides so you do not block the infrared sensor. Anything tall in the center forces you to aim the remote up and over just to adjust the volume.
Two matching oversized baskets add soft texture under a floating unit and give you a place to toss blankets or chargers. The organic weave balances out the hard edges of the electronics.
Keep the strip right in front of the TV’s sensor empty so the remote reads every time. Asymmetry often reads more intentional, though matching pairs work too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I put under my TV instead of a TV stand?
A console with doors hides clutter and gives you a place to set a plant or stack of magazines.
Floating shelves, open wooden units, or a low credenza work just as well if you want a cleaner look or easy access to gaming gear.
If you already have a fireplace, a mantel shelf bridges the screen and hearth and leaves the floor clear.
What is the thing that people put under TVs for storage?
A media console is the most common piece for storage under a TV.
It hides remotes, cables, DVD cases and anything else you do not want on display, while giving you a flat surface on top. Closed cabinets and low credenzas do the same job if you prefer a handleless, built-in look.
How high should I mount my TV above a console?
Aim for 6 to 8 inches between the top of the console and the bottom of the screen.
Any higher and the TV looks disconnected from the furniture below. Any lower and you lose the space you need for a soundbar or small decor pieces.
Is it okay to leave space under a wall-mounted TV?
You can, but a console or floating shelf finishes the look instead of leaving it hanging.
An empty wall below a mounted screen often feels like something is missing. Even a narrow mantel shelf or a pair of oversized baskets on the floor gives the area visual weight.
