What Is a Media Console? A Guide to Finding the Perfect Entertainment Center

The console table—a term derived from the Latin ‘consolidare’, meaning ‘to strengthen’—once served as a decorative piece of furniture, fixed directly to the wall and supported by scroll-shaped legs. Today, this timeless furniture piece has evolved into a far more practical and central feature of our homes, designed to store, organize, and display the cherished items of our daily lives.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the living room. Often placed in living rooms and game rooms, the media console is designed to house not only a television but also a host of entertainment essentials, from sound systems and cable boxes to gaming consoles.

Whether you're choosing the perfect media console, preparing for its delivery, or looking for ways to keep it looking its best, our comprehensive furniture guide is here to assist you every step of the way.

Media Console vs. Entertainment Center vs. TV Stand: What's the Difference?

While these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, there are key distinctions between them. A TV stand is typically the most compact option, with a singular primary function: to hold and display a television. A media console provides a home for the TV while also offering additional built-in storage. An entertainment center is the largest of the three, designed to accommodate not just the television and all its related electronics, but also a wide array of decorative objects like books, candles, and vases.

• TV Stand: The function of a TV stand is simple yet crucial—to provide a dedicated surface for your television. For homes with limited space or fewer entertainment devices, a clean and simple TV stand is an ideal choice.

• Media Console: A media console elegantly balances the need to display a television with the demand for storage. This credenza-like piece of furniture, featuring either enclosed or open shelving, offers flexible storage solutions perfect for living rooms, family rooms, and bedrooms.

• Entertainment Center: Engineered specifically for all-encompassing entertainment needs, an entertainment center is the ultimate anchor for family rooms and media rooms. Offering expansive surface area and abundant storage, it is best suited for larger living spaces where gaming consoles, sound systems, and more can be neatly organized.

How to Choose the Right Media Console

As a visual centerpiece of your living space, selecting the right media console is a critical decision. Factors like size, color, and function will all influence your final choice, leading you to the piece that best suits your personal needs and design style.

Find the Right Size

Choosing the correct size is paramount. Before purchasing, measure both your room and your television to ensure the console will fit comfortably without appearing too large or too small. (Ideally, the top surface of the console should be 4-10 inches wider than the television itself.) For a grand, open-concept living room, a modular system like our Alvar Arched 94.5″ Oak Modular Media Console (Set of 3) offers customizable scale and impact. For smaller living rooms or bedrooms, a compact-yet-stylish option like the Devon Oak Media Console 71" provides function without overwhelming the space. If you need flexibility, an extendable model like the Silas Extendable TV Stand 80" to 110" is an innovative solution.

Consider Color and Tone

With a rich variety of colors, tones, and wood finishes available, the right media console can blend seamlessly with your existing decor. A black or white console, such as the Aurora Oak Media Console 80" in a striking black finish, can create a dramatic focal point in a modern home. Meanwhile, a wood media console, like the beautiful Holt 63″ Solid Oak Console (Set of 2) in a Natural Caramel finish, complements a more rustic, farmhouse-inspired interior.

Focus on Features

Before selecting a media console, determine where it will live and what functions it needs to serve. Assess the size of your room, the dimensions of your television, and the entertainment devices you wish to store. Low-profile consoles offer a sleek, minimalist look, while other models provide more shelving and a wider top surface to accommodate larger televisions and more equipment.

Finding a Media Console to Match Your Style

To find a new console that harmonizes with your existing interior style, take note of the colors, materials, and shapes already present in the space.

• Modern Media Consoles: Characterized by minimalist aesthetics, geometric lines, and neutral color palettes, modern interior design is sleek and serene. A modern media console, such as the bestselling Alvar Oak Media Console 80"W, is understated yet sophisticated, featuring neutral tones and enclosed shelving to maintain a clean, organized look.

• Mid-Century Media Consoles: This iconic design style is defined by clean lines, classic forms, and an elegant mix of materials. A mid-century media console, like the Ewan Oak Extendable Media Console 79" to 110", often features natural wood grains, chic hardware, and softened, rounded edges for a timeless appeal.

• Farmhouse Entertainment Centers: Rustic furniture, simple aesthetics, and a warm, inviting atmosphere are the hallmarks of the farmhouse style. A farmhouse media console in a neutral tone or natural wood finish adds a touch of nostalgic, pastoral charm to your cozy interior. Our Holt 63″ Solid Oak Console brings a rustic, inviting warmth perfect for this aesthetic.

How to Style Your Entertainment Center

A media console is more than just storage; it’s a perfect stage for your personal collections. Decorate your console with beloved books, treasured photographs, and vibrant houseplants. If your unit includes side shelving, try arranging objects in color-coordinated groups or in aesthetically pleasing sets of three. To create a beautifully styled bedroom console, be selective with your decor—we love rotating pieces seasonally—and stick to a harmonious color palette.

With a wide range of sizes, styles, and functions, there is a media console for every space. Shop our collection today to find the perfect media console for your home!