The open shelving design is quickly becoming the most popular, especially for those who are looking for a more less obtrusive setup, conserving space and providing an open visual element. Usually a central frame holds several shelves, and often provides a mounting bracket for the television itself.

With a singular, holistic shape, the console design incorporates useful shelving and abundant surface area into a concise piece of furniture. Most models have closed shelving and a rectangular structure.

The TV stand with audio towers is a modular form that mimics most of the functionality and presentation of a full entertainment center, with a pair of tall structured shelves flanking the central stand and television itself. These allow for the placement of speakers and any other supplemental equipment.

The hutch is a venerable piece of furniture, where cabinetry or shelving are stacked atop a horizontal counter space. The TV stand variation merely makes room for the television and carries flanking cabinetry.

The cabinet TV stand design comes in two major flavors: one more akin to the console models, with closed cabinetry below an open surface upon which the television sits, and one not unlike a standard armoire, with drawers set below a fully enclosed large space where the screen can be hidden away when not in use.

The floating design is a wall-mounted unit that allows for completely open floor space and a clean, unobtrusive look. These contain shelving and, often, cord concealment. TVs can be stood on top, or wall-mounted themselves above the floating stand.

The entertainment center is a venerable furniture piece that can really set a living room off, with its singularly massive presence, artful presentation of the television and associated electronics, and rich, detailed construction. These units are larger than any standard TV stand, and often contain shelving or closed cabinetry for housing art pieces, books, and your media collection.

The second most important consideration for your new TV stand will be the build material. Do you want a more traditional and timeless wood model? Maybe you prefer something more industrial or minimalist in metal construction. Glass models are gaining popularity, with a bevy of reinforced glass models making the nearly transparent TV stand a common occurrence.

Wood, being the most traditional furniture material, is also the most common TV stand construction. Although metal and glass units have risen in popularity, the breadth of style, color, and utility give an edge to wood. The most luxurious models often appear in wood, with ornate details and rich surface tones.

Contemporary design is defined by its essence of the now. These are new, fresh designs that couldn’t have appeared decades in the past. Whether minimalist or ornate, wood or metal, contemporary styled TV stands will make a boldly progressive appearance in any home.

Traditional style evokes a timeless look, with rich wood tones, dresser-like cabinetry, and a solid, natural appearance.

As a style based on the cutting edge forms of the mid 20th century, modern furniture holds a unique, forward thinking look. With bold, often minimalist lines, this style emphasizes function and form in equal measure.