How to Select a Stand for an LCD TV

LCD TV stands for liquid crystal display television. LCD screens offer a better quality picture and more intense colors than regular TV screens. This type of television tends to be lightweight with a thin screen. Because of its sleek design, LCD TVs are easy to fit in even very small spaces, such as dorm rooms and studio apartments. Before you can start enjoying your new LCD TV, however, you do need to select a stand to put it on.

Instructions

1

Measure the area of your home where you're planning to put the stand. This will help you determine how large a stand you can select for your LCD TV.

2

Research the difference between a traditional TV stand and an entertainment center. Traditional stands sit close to the ground and the TV sits above one or two cabinets or shelves. Entertainment centers are much larger and have multiple shelves and cabinets. In an entertainment center, the TV sits inside the stand. Entertainment centers can offer your LCD TV more protection from damage, with walls that can keep your TV from getting bumped into and a surface on top of it that can limit the amount of dust that gets in. However, entertainment centers do take up more space.

3

Pay attention to the style of the TV stand. You want it to match the overall dcor of your room. For example, if you have all modern, black furniture, don't choose a traditional wooden hutch-style stand. Instead choose something more sleek and modern. Also consider matching the stand to your LCD TV.

4

Look for high-quality stands. Your LCD TV was a significant investment, so you don't want to put it on a flimsy stand that doesn't offer the protection it needs. Push down on the stand to test its stability before you put your TV on it. Some high-quality materials include hardwoods, softwoods, stainless steel and brass. Hardwoods include oak, maple and mahogany and are more expensive because they have more density. Softwoods include cedar and pine. While these are less expensive and not as sturdy as hardwood, they are still a much more long-lasting choice than plywood, which is just wood that's been shaped together from wood fragments.