You've probably seen posts on social media that say "I was today years old when..." and then the poster shares something that they were surprised to discover as an adult.
Well, I recently had that sort of experience when Jeff explained to me that standard TV sizes are based on their diagonal measurement! So if someone says that they have a 75" TV, that doesn't mean that the TV is 75" wide. That is the diagonal measurement from the top left to the bottom right. The actual width of a 75" TV is 65".
The fact that TV sizes are based on a diagonal measurement is important to know when you go out shopping for your perfect credenza or media console. Online the consensus is that the rule of thumb is to aim for your furniture to be 3 to 4 inches wider than your TV on either edge of the TV. We say, when you are creating your space with vintage high quality pieces, there's some wiggle room.
The pieces that we sell are at least 50 years old. Although they coordinate well with modern uses, they were not originally made to pair with a TV. Televisions used to be furniture, remember! So there are some limitations to the dimensions of mid century modern case pieces. Go with your instincts when considering purchasing that cool vintage piece to pair with your TV. Does it fit your overall aesthetic/vibe of your space? Will it fit comfortably in your space? Do you plan to set anything on it or is it simply for your TV to sit on or to be mounted above?
Many credenzas were originally used in offices to be opposite the desk as storage. They work well today as a storage piece beneath the television. Likewise vintage sideboards and buffets that used to flank the dining room table also make great media consoles! Lowboy dressers are also a popular option for a modern use as a media console. The vintage case pieces that we have sourced are usually 30"-31" tall, and 18" to 20" deep. Usually the widths are 56"-70". The largest piece we have ever had was 84" in width, but that was exceptional and heavy!
Whatever you decide, I hope this guide was helpful to you as you go shopping for furniture. Or maybe you're like me and when you find that perfect piece of furniture, you go shopping for a bigger TV! 😜