If you’re upgrading your home theater system, chances are you’ve upgraded to a sleek, flat panel TV.  You’ve got the equipment… now you need a place to put it!  How about a 42 inch TV stand?

But did you know there’s more to picking the right 42 inch TV stand for your flat panel than just matching up the numbers?

You need to think about the proper support, how much space you have in your entertainment room, how much storage space you need, how durable the stand is, and finally how you want it to look.

One 42 Inch TV Stand Does Not Fit All

Obviously, your first concern is finding a stand that is the correct fit for the size of your TV.  But you also need to make sure that it will hold the weight of your TV, and anything else you may put on it.

Check your TV manual to find the weight of your TV, and keep this information with you when you are shopping. You want to make sure that your 42 inch TV stand will not tip over because your TV is too heavy.

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Not only will this damage your expensive equipment, it can hurt your pets, your kids, or you.

You also want to make sure that the width of the stand is wider than the base of your TV. Know how wide your total TV is (not just the screen, the whole thing) and choose a 42 inch TV stand that is wider. The more space you leave on either side of your TV, the sturdier it will be.

You also need to know how much space you have in your entertainment room, and keep not only fit but scale in mind. If you have a big room, you want a 42 inch TV stand that will be a large enough size so as not to be overpowered by the other furniture in the room. If your room is small, keep the size of your stand as small as possible.

Tucking It All Away

If you’re like most people, you have other components that need a home. Speakers, receivers, DVD players, game consoles… all of these items need to have a place to go so they are close to your TV, and also neat and tidy. Make a list of everything you want to keep together with your TV, and look for a 42 inch TV stand that includes more than enough room to accommodate them all. Remember that components need enough space to cool off, so don’t wedge them in to a tight space.  Also, look for a unit that has space for cords and wires to run through.

The Look And Feel

Finally, choose a 42 inch TV stand that is made from a good, durable material.

Plywood, surprisingly, is actually stronger than ‘real’ wood and makes a great choice for your 42 inch TV stand. If you have kids, keep in mind that stands with tempered glass can break into small pieces.

Choose a 42 inch TV stand than matches the overall styling of your entertainment room.