Creative Alternatives to TV Stands: Stylish & Functional Options for Your Living Room

No one talks about how much a TV affects the vibe of a room. That sleek black rectangle gets all the attention, but the real design magic often happens underneath. I know the old TV stand is safe, but let's face it: it’s often boring, clunky, or just doesn’t fit modern lifestyles. If you’re hunting for alternatives, you’re not alone. The right choice can show off your personality, open up space, or even make you feel like your home finally reflects who you are. There’s a heap of brilliant, eye-catching options just waiting—if you’re willing to ditch the old rules.

Why Skip the TV Stand? The Case for Rethinking What Sits Below Your Screen

First, let’s get one thing clear: TV stands aren’t mandatory. In fact, more people are looking for smarter, neater, or just cooler ways to support their TVs. One huge reason—open-concept designs are surging. In Auckland and elsewhere, apartments are shrinking. According to Stats NZ, the median Auckland apartment size dropped from 72m² in 2013 to around 61m² by 2023. The old cabinet-style stand hogs valuable floor space. It’s no wonder homeowners and renters crave lighter setups.

There’s also the shift toward wall-mounting. Once you’ve got the TV floating up there, you’re left with a big empty space shouting for attention. It’s prime real estate—not for a clunky box, but for whatever suits your lifestyle. The options are nearly endless: extra storage, art displays, minimal shelving, eye-catching baskets, even plants. Want a dog bed or a Lego city under there? Who’s stopping you?

More than looks, thinking outside the TV-stand box means your tech fits your life, not the other way around. Got a soundbar, gaming consoles, or a speaker system? Every gadget needs a home, but not always a giant piece of furniture. Why not tuck things into the wall, float shelves across, or simply let your robot vacuum roll freely?

And let’s be honest, Kiwis are practical. Furniture needs to work hard. A TV stand can turn into a clutter magnet, so switching it up is a smart way to keep things tidy and fresh. The right alternative could even save you hours cleaning and extra dollars on something that does more than one job.

Storage Meets Style: Genius Options for Under-TV Living

All right, so what actually works in real-life, messy living rooms? The goal is to balance storage, style, and function. Here are the favorites that get the job done—without feeling like you’re in a show home:

• Low credenzas: These wide, shallow cabinets look sophisticated and offer heaps of hidden storage. Great for consoles, board games, or cords you’re constantly hiding from kids and pets.
• Wall-mounted floating shelves or floating cabinets: These create an airy, uncluttered look. They literally ‘float’ under the TV, leaving space for baskets or robot vacuums. IKEA’s BESTÅ series is a classic example. It’s seen everywhere from chic Airbnbs in Ponsonby to Wellington apartments.
• Bookcases (turned sideways): This one’s super popular with renters. Just flip a bookcase on its side, shove baskets inside the cubbies, and you get a modern, snug spot for your TV gear. KALLAX units are an Auckland staple.
• Storage benches or ottomans: Perfect if you live in a smaller space. Pop the lid and you’ve got room for throws, remotes, controllers, and even shoes.
• Vintage or upcycled trunks: These add a one-of-a-kind, ‘collected’ feel to your living room. Plus, they last forever and hold a ton.
• Short dressers: Yes, dressers aren’t just for bedrooms. Choose a sleek mid-century number or go full thrift-shop chic if you’re on a budget.

Each of these options can be customized—paint, swap handles, add legs, or stencil the front. They create visual interest, help with storage, and pull their weight in everyday life. Here’s a quick comparison of how these options stack up for size, price, and storage capacity:

Open Shelving, Minimal Hacks, and the Magic of Empty Space

Sometimes, less really is more. If you want to go even lighter, open shelving or even nothing at all under your TV can be a statement. White space is underrated—it gives your eye a break and lets your walls or floor shine. Think of those calm, minimalist spaces you see in magazines. The TV almost blends in when there’s nothing underneath to weigh it down.

So what are some tricks for pulling this off? Start with sturdy wall anchors if you use shelves. Never trust cheap plasterboard alone to hold heavy tech or stacks of books—look for products with good reviews or consult a pro. Floating shelves come in every finish these days: light oak for Scandi vibes, matte black for a dramatic mood, or bright colours to jazz up rentals where you can’t paint.

Try arranging just one or two striking objects—like a big ceramic vase, a leafy Monstera plant, or a stack of coffee-table books with a quirky lamp. Don’t be afraid of open space. If you have wooden floors, the negative space can make your room look bigger instantly. Put a plush rug below and the area feels even more deliberate.

If you really want to do nothing beneath your TV, keep cords out of sight with cable-concealing kits or ‘in wall’ drop-ins. Wireless soundbars are a gamechanger for this look (just remember to keep at least one power source handy).

An unexpected tip—bonus points if your vacuum robot can cruise through the open space and keep things dust-free. You wouldn’t believe how many people pick furniture based on how easily the vacuum fits underneath these days.

Unique Decor Ideas: Going Bold With What’s under the Screen

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not treat the space under your TV as a gallery? Think murals, statement art, or a rotating display shelf. A lot of Aucklanders are opting for large canvases or custom wallpaper just under the telly, creating a beautiful break between the screen and the floor.

Gallery walls can wrap around your TV and extend below it. Mix small frames, mirrors, souvenir plates, or collectibles—make sure they’re well-anchored if you’ve got kids or rambunctious pets running about. Another cool idea people pull off: neon or LED strip lights. You can mount these behind floating shelves or along the bottom of your TV for cozy movie-night vibes. Change colours as the mood fits—some models even sync with what’s on the screen.

If you’re a gamer, set up your console and controller collection on open cubbies, with small bins labelled for each system. Want something softer? People have tucked fluffy dog or cat beds in this space, which keeps pets happy and close to the action without fur getting into your electronics.

If you collect vinyl or have a sound system, short record crates or a stylish turntable cabinet (they’re making a big comeback) can fit perfectly under the TV. Some even build little ‘charging stations’ so phone and tablet cords stay forever untangled and out of sight.

Still not sure? Go for temporary solutions: baskets you can swap out, collapsible bins, or even a row of poufs. Quick tip: keep heights low and colours complementary so the setup doesn’t compete with the big screen for attention.

Choosing the Best Alternative for Your Space and Lifestyle

Here’s the real trick: the best alternative isn’t what looks flashiest on Pinterest or Instagram. It’s what actually makes your life easier and feels like home. Before you run out and buy something new (or drag something in off the curb—no shame, we’ve all done it), think about your day-to-day routine. Do you need more storage or do you crave a clutter-free spot for your feet?

Test-drive the look by arranging boxes or stools where the furniture would go and live with it for a week. Pay attention to how you use the space—maybe the old TV stand actually blocked your heater or dominated the view from your dining table. Or your dog finally has a favorite new nap zone.

Light also matters. If big furniture under the TV makes the room darker, swap it for something lighter in color or transparent materials. Glass shelving or lucite cubes can give storage without blocking natural light. Shifting things around for the afternoon sun can change the entire mood of the space.

Check the TV’s height, too. The ideal eye level for watching from your couch is usually the center of the screen at about 100–110 cm from the floor. Placing too much bulky stuff underneath might push the TV up too high. Speaking from personal experience (and one unfortunate rugby final), there’s nothing worse than a stiff neck from watching a mounted screen that’s too high.

Finally, stay open to remixing the space as your needs change. Got a new flatmate? Baby on the way? Suddenly working from home more often? Furniture that pulls double duty always wins—especially when it looks good and keeps everything in reach. The right alternative will blend style, practicality, and even a bit of surprise. The only real rule: make it work for you.