Before we take a deep dive into Oak TV Units, let’s review a bit of their history. Ever since their invention in the 1920s, televisions have been the gathering point in our homes. It’s the place where we go to relax and enjoy screen time as a family. Although they were initially built with their own box for support, their evolution has reduced their ability to remain independently stable. This gave rise to the need for TV stands and eventually, luxury TV units.

Though these terms are often used synonymously, a TV stand refers to a movable piece of furniture that requires no installation at all, whereas a TV unit refers to an entire housing station that typically cannot be moved. Think of the TV unit as the elegant combination of the TV stand’s functionality and sturdiness and the polished, organised look of a wall-mounted TV.

Stylish oak brown wooden corner TV unit complementing a coffee table, perfect for a minimalistic living room décor.

These centerpieces steal the show in many homes, acting as the focal point and often setting the tone for the rest of the home’s aesthetic. However, as technology evolves and televisions become sleeker and more compact, their placement remains an ongoing debate. Should you get a TV stand or a TV unit? Well, the answer is simple: think of your space, storage needs, and aesthetic preferences.

A TV stand takes up a considerable amount of floor space, and for those with children, this is less than ideal. Thankfully, design experts saw this common struggle as an opportunity to not only add convenience but also elegance to your space. They’ve crafted a storage space that not only solves the issue of where your TV and all its accessories should go but also remains true to the reputation of this gathering point as a space for elevated living and family enjoyment.

What is Oak Wood

Hailing all the way from the northern hemisphere, oak is a type of hardwood with an astonishingly durable and dense constitution. This magnificent tree’s unequalled longevity is evident in its resistance to fungal attack, and its naturally light hue adds a gentle whisper of subtle earthy energy to any space.

There are more than 600 types of oak trees, and each possesses unique qualities of their own. The various finishes that can be added influence its appearance, which is why there are so many options to choose from when searching for the perfect piece. Regardless of the finishes, the oak tree’s captivating grain is a constant reminder of the softer variations you can find in natural wood.

Classy solid oak wood tv unit  with media consoles complemented by greenery for a lively room atmosphere.

Pros and Cons of Oak TV Units

In a world where everyone’s a graduate of the University of Google, take some advice from the leading team in luxury furniture on the advantages and disadvantages of getting an oak TV unit.

Pros

Durability

Regarded as one of the most durable hardwoods, oak has extended itself beyond the confines of indoor furniture. It is commonly used in flooring, gardening, outdoor furniture and foundations, and even boat building. It is tremendously durable and not only has a natural defense against mould and pests, its density ensures it doesn't stain, chip, or crack easily.

Aesthetically pleasing

The light hue creates openness and a sense of natural light in your home. Regardless of the chosen aesthetic, light oak TV units create a sense of space and gentle sophistication.

Versatility

The naturally light shade paired with its porous characteristics makes this wood a breeze to stain. So, for those who prefer darker variants of oak, you can easily achieve a warmer, earthier aesthetic by opting for dark wood TV units of reliable brands like Cattelan Italia.

Low maintenance

With adequate oiling every now and then, oak can withstand the test of time. There’s no need for harsh chemical treatments that may compromise its structural integrity and slowly diminish its visual appeal.

Well-priced

Seeing as how this addition to your home is not only something for you to enjoy now but something you can pass down to your children, the price you’re paying for its longevity pales in comparison to the years of use and enchantment.

Elegant light oak wood TV unit with shelves and media console, perfect for a spacious living room.

Cons

When it comes to the pros and cons of anything, it’s imperative that you consider your personal preferences and perceptions of what is inconvenient for you and what isn’t.

Too porous

This is a matter of personal preference; however, there are some who feel the highly porous nature of oak makes it more difficult to smooth out, and even when done, it doesn’t look quite as smooth as finer-grained woods.

Heaviness

As a dense hardwood, it goes without saying that it will have a significant weight to it. Many find this problematic in the event of moving homes or simply wanting to redesign their layout.

Vulnerable to moisture

Despite its resistance to water, prolonged and sustained exposure to excessive moisture can not only swell but permanently warp oak. So perhaps you should opt for a different hardwood if you live in high-humidity regions.

Stunning  Oak brown TV unit with LED lighting and console, adding elegance to the living room

Do Luxury Interior Designers Recommend Oak TV Units?

You bet! The craftsmen of these gems as well as the designers who endorse them do so for well-established reasons.

The leading experts of luxury design understand that it’s commonplace to relax in front of the TV after a busy day of work. And what better environment than one where you can admire a work of art that not only houses your television but also conveniently stores everything you might need as you sit back and unwind?

With everything that comes with a TV in current times—your gaming console, internet routers, streaming devices and sound systems—keeping everything tidy and within reach can be a nightmare. For this reason, luxury designers have incorporated the usefulness of these contraptions into attractive creations that elevate your space and add opulence to a largely functional item.

They’ve far surpassed the sole purpose of offering you a space to store items and have reached a level of ultimate grandeur by assuming the role of the nucleus around which the entire family gathers.

The advancement of technology has made it possible for designers to add to its allure by adding modern accents that increase its functionality, like touch controls, LED lights and charging ports. Whether you’re looking for light or dark, modern or rustic designs, you cannot go wrong opting for the delicate warmth that oak offers.

Closer view of a large oak TV unit with book shelves, providing a stylish and functional storage solution.

Things to Consider When Buying

Every addition you make to your home should not only be functional and durable, but should also reflect your personal taste. That said, our expectations and reality are often misaligned, as we don’t realistically consider the capabilities of what we buy and where we put them beforehand.

Below are key tips directly from the experts to ensure you walk out of the store with everything you hoped for and more:

Measure

The television is the first thing you’re going to measure. You need to know how much space you’ll need to comfortably fit the TV. Next, have a proper look at the designated space for your unit in order to establish how much room you have available. This measurement will be a vital part of selecting the type of unit.

Storage

Consider everything you need to store as well as everything you want to display. Some people prefer simply having a space for their TV accessories only, while others like to incorporate a space for books, photos and ornament displays.

Material

The material you choose can either make or break your entire design style. Select a material that blends with your existing decor. For a vast, airy atmosphere, light oak is a terrific choice, and for intimate coziness, darker oak will be a more appropriate choice. Some oaks are also more durable than others, so keep the longevity you’d like to get out of it in mind.

Organisation

If you’re going to be hooking a bunch of things up to the TV frequently, cable management is essential. It not only protects your devices from accidental damage but also ensures they are neatly stored. You might even like to add some drawers to keep certain items completely hidden.

Modern living room with a stylish grey and oak TV unit offering plenty of storage space.

Design Considerations

There’s an array of design styles to choose from, and knowing what you want can make the process a lot easier. Here are some of the most desired ones:

Media consoles

This is a matter of personal preference; however, there are some who feel the highly porous nature of oak makes it more difficult to smooth out, and even when done, it doesn’t look quite as smooth as finer-grained woodsThese low, cabinet-style wall units have drawers with no shelving and resemble stands. They are primarily for storage and minimal display.

Fireplace

Stunning, contemporary units that come with a fireplace below. They exude refinement and are just a pleasure to behold.

Corner

Also limited on display space but optimal for small spaces where extra storage space is needed.

Built-in

They act as display walls, so be prepared to arrange your decor in accordance with its demands.

Wall-mounted

Whether you choose to stick to the simple storage and display options or transform the unit itself into a work of art by creating bespoke shapes and patterns, wall-mounts are perfect as display walls too.

Compact dark oak brown TV unit with media consoles, offering a clean, minimalist look.

How FCI London Can Help You

Every member of our team—from artisan to designer—has a paramount appreciation for the finer things in life and a wealth of knowledge that they’re just waiting to share. Our dedicated team is available seven days a week, offering guidance and insights wherever it’s needed.

Come and explore our expansive range of over 700 of the world’s finest luxury brands under one roof and witness firsthand the artistry it takes to transform a 30,000-square-foot showroom into a breathtaking tapestry

Book an Appointment with London’s Best Design Team

Still looking for the perfect TV unit? Simply make an appointment to visit our stunning showroom and our expert team will walk you through all your options.

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