TV stands – alternatives to TV wall mounts?
Although TV wall mounts are fantastic ways to mount your big screen TV, some consumers may not be comfortable with drilling into walls, paying for workmen to install a wall mount or having their TV’s movement restricted to one pivot point.
Historically this would mean a piece of potentially unattractive furniture to sit the TV on, but with the rise in built in TV brackets, TV stands are becoming increasingly stylish and versatile ways to mount your TV.
TV stands
As TV’s become bigger and flatter, TV stands have seen a move in how they present and support displays. TV’s don’t just sit on top of stands – many stands now support full ‘H’ or ‘T’ shaped flat screen tv wall mounts allowing the TV to be raised, lowered, swivelled and tilted to the same extent as a wall mounted bracket.
Most stands offer a range of additional functionality over flat panel tv wall mounts, including shelving, drawers and even built in speakers and amplifiers. Most stands will feature backboards too, hiding wiring or allowing cables to be run through the pillars holding the TV bracket.
TV stands can be built from a range of materials, from relatively inexpensive plastic to wood, oak, chrome and even reinforced glass. They’re generally more expensive than their lcd TV wall mounts counterparts due to the additional materials used and unsurprisingly, spending more will generally get you a better build quality.
They are often very stylish, providing fantastic clean lines and attractive designs. They also provide a mounting solution that allows repositioning around the room should the need require.
Prices
It’s difficult to put a price on TV stands as the price will be dependant on a range of options including the quality, style and size of stand required.
Simple glass stands can be relatively inexpensive, with costs starting around $75. Of course, the larger and heavier your TV is, the larger and more capable a stand it will require. Clear glass stands for TV’s up to 50″ may cost double that or more.
Stands with pillars and mounting brackets may cost considerably more, from $250 upwards. Stands allowing the brackets to be raised, lowered, swivelled and tilted will cost even more, ranging from $350 and up.
There’s really no limit to how much you can spend on a TV stand and of course, more functionality will cost you even more. If you’re looking for a stand that includes 5-way built in speakers and an amplifier you may be working from a minimum $500 budget all the way up to $3000.
The verdict
The ‘right’ stand for you will probably be limited by your budget. You may have spent a lot on your TV already, so budget may be an issue. If that’s the case, or if you have limited room available, you may want to consider lcd or plasma TV wall mounts. They are generally less expensive and will become completely invisible behind your TV.
On the other hand, if you have a little more to spend, more space available, a need for shelves and drawers, or need to move your TV around the room regularly, you may find a TV stand works for you. As stands will be prominently displayed in your room, consider the best style for your room. If you live in a rustic cottage, consider a wooden stand. If you live in an ultra modern flat, why not go all out with a sleek black glass stand and really make a statement.
The final decision is up to you, but one thing can be assured; your new TV will look better with a professional stand or mount and prices will vary, so shop around first!
Entertainment Centers
Choose from many different types and styles of Entertainment Stands for your home theatre system.
—————————————————————————————————————————–
Simply tv wall mounts is your one-stop-shop for information on purchasing and installing the latest tv’s. For more information on picking the right tv for you, visit TV LED.