Living in a compact space doesn't mean sacrificing a quality entertainment setup. Australian apartments, particularly in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, often challenge residents to think creatively about furniture placement and selection. The good news is that thoughtful planning and the right TV unit can deliver both functionality and style even in the tightest spaces. This guide explores practical solutions for maximising your living area while creating an entertainment zone you'll love.
Assessing Your Space
Before shopping for a TV unit, thoroughly assess your available space. This step prevents the common mistake of buying furniture that technically fits but overwhelms the room or blocks traffic flow.
Measuring Essentials
- Wall width: Measure the wall where you plan to place the TV unit, accounting for any obstacles like doors, windows, or radiators
- Depth available: How far can the unit extend into the room without blocking walkways? In small spaces, every centimetre matters
- Height restrictions: Check for any overhead obstructions like shelving, air conditioning units, or sloped ceilings
- Viewing distance: Measure from the proposed TV location to your primary seating—this affects what TV size is appropriate, which in turn affects unit size
Use painter's tape to mark out the footprint of potential TV units on your floor and wall. Live with these marked boundaries for a few days to see how they affect movement through the space before purchasing.
Space-Saving TV Unit Types
Floating Wall-Mounted Units
Wall-mounted entertainment units are the ultimate space-savers for small apartments. By mounting the unit on the wall rather than placing it on the floor, you create the illusion of more space and free up valuable floor area for other purposes. The visual "breathing room" underneath floating units makes rooms feel significantly larger.
Floating units work particularly well in studio apartments where the living area serves multiple functions. The open floor space beneath can accommodate floor cushions for extra seating, storage baskets, or simply remain empty to enhance the sense of openness.
Consider these factors for wall-mounted units:
- Ensure your wall can support the unit's weight—stud mounting is typically required
- Professional installation may be worthwhile if you're not confident with wall mounting
- Choose units with integrated cable management to maintain the clean aesthetic
Corner TV Units
Corner placement utilises space that often goes wasted in small rooms. A well-designed corner unit tucks neatly into the junction of two walls, leaving the main wall surfaces free for other furniture or simply to reduce visual clutter.
Corner units are especially effective in rooms where the layout doesn't naturally accommodate a centred TV position, or where a central placement would block windows or doorways. They also work well for creating a defined entertainment zone in open-plan apartments.
Slim-Profile Consoles
Modern slim-profile TV consoles feature reduced depth—sometimes as little as 30-35cm—compared to traditional units at 45-50cm. This difference is significant in small spaces where every centimetre of walkway width matters.
When choosing slim-profile units, consider what equipment you need to store. Gaming consoles and some AV receivers may not fit in very shallow units. Measure your devices before purchasing and ensure the unit's shelf depths accommodate them.
Key Takeaway
Wall-mounted units create the most dramatic space-saving effect, making them ideal for very small apartments. Corner units are perfect for awkward layouts, while slim-profile consoles work when you prefer floor-standing furniture.
Multi-Functional Furniture
In small spaces, furniture that serves multiple purposes is invaluable. The entertainment area offers several opportunities for multi-functionality.
TV Units with Concealed Storage
Look for units that maximise hidden storage. In addition to media equipment, your TV unit can store:
- Board games and card games for family entertainment
- Extra throw blankets and cushions
- Books and magazines
- Remote controls and chargers in dedicated compartments
- Seasonal decorations when not in use
Units with a combination of drawers, closed cabinets, and open shelving provide flexibility for both hidden storage and display space.
Integrated Desk Options
Some modern entertainment units incorporate a small desk surface or pull-out work area. For apartment dwellers who work from home, this can eliminate the need for a separate desk, freeing considerable floor space. Look for designs where the work surface can be concealed when not in use.
Room Divider Entertainment Units
In studio apartments or open-plan spaces, a freestanding entertainment unit can serve as a room divider, creating visual separation between living and sleeping areas. Choose units finished attractively on both sides, with some open sections to maintain light flow through the space.
Visual Tricks for Small Spaces
Beyond choosing appropriately sized furniture, several design strategies make small spaces feel larger.
Light Colours and Reflective Surfaces
Light-coloured furniture reflects more light and creates an airy feel. White, light oak, and pale grey TV units feel less imposing than dark timber or black finishes. High-gloss surfaces similarly reflect light, enhancing the sense of space.
If you prefer darker finishes, consider units with glass or mirror accents that add reflective qualities without sacrificing your style preference.
Minimalist Designs
Furniture with clean lines and minimal ornamentation appears lighter and less imposing. Avoid units with heavy detailing, ornate hardware, or bulky proportions. Scandinavian-style pieces with their emphasis on simplicity work particularly well in small Australian apartments.
Leggy Furniture
TV units raised on legs rather than sitting directly on the floor create visual continuity across the room. The visible floor beneath the furniture makes the space feel more open. This principle applies across all furniture—the more floor you can see, the larger the room feels.
Matching or closely coordinating your TV unit colour with your walls creates visual unity that makes both the furniture and the room feel larger. The unit "disappears" into the wall rather than standing out as a separate visual element.
Smart Sizing for Small TVs
In small spaces, choosing an appropriately sized TV is just as important as choosing the right unit. An oversized TV overwhelms a compact room and requires a proportionally large unit to balance visually.
Viewing Distance Guidelines
For optimal viewing in small rooms:
- 1.5m viewing distance: 32-40" TV is ideal
- 2m viewing distance: 40-50" TV works well
- 2.5m viewing distance: 50-55" is comfortable
With a smaller TV, you can choose a more compact unit, preserving precious floor space. Modern 4K resolution means smaller screens still deliver excellent picture quality at close viewing distances.
Wall Mounting in Small Spaces
Wall-mounting your TV above a compact console or floating shelf maximises space efficiency. This approach:
- Eliminates the need for the TV unit to support the television's weight
- Allows you to choose a slimmer, shallower unit
- Creates a cleaner, more streamlined appearance
- Positions the TV at optimal viewing height regardless of unit height
Specific Solutions by Living Situation
Studio Apartments
Studios demand maximum efficiency. Consider:
- Floating units that don't consume floor space
- Corner placement to keep the main living area open
- Units with hidden storage to reduce the need for additional furniture
- Room-dividing units that create zones within the single space
One-Bedroom Apartments
With a separate bedroom, the living area can focus more on entertainment:
- Slim-profile consoles that provide adequate storage without overwhelming the room
- Units with display space for personal items that would otherwise require additional shelving
- Consider matching or complementary pieces (coffee table, side tables) from the same range to create a cohesive look that doesn't feel cluttered
Open-Plan Living
Open-plan apartments combine living, dining, and sometimes kitchen areas:
- Use the TV area to help define the living zone visually
- Choose units that complement both the living and dining furniture
- Consider low-profile units that don't block sightlines across the space
Shopping Checklist for Small Spaces
Before purchasing a TV unit for your compact living area, confirm:
- You've measured the space precisely, including walkway clearance
- The unit's depth won't protrude too far into the room
- The proportions suit your TV size and room scale
- The storage capacity meets your needs without requiring additional furniture
- The finish is light or reflective enough to enhance the sense of space
- The design is clean and unfussy to avoid visual clutter
- Any assembly requirements are manageable in your space (some large items can't be manoeuvred through narrow corridors)
Small-space living requires thoughtful furniture selection, but the constraints can actually lead to more intentional, satisfying choices. The right TV unit for your apartment will prove that great things really do come in small packages, delivering functionality, style, and a sense of spaciousness despite limited square metres.