What Size TV Should You Get? Plan Your Living Room Before You Shop
Screen size is measured on the diagonal, so check the real width, stand, seating distance, glare and connections before you choose a rent-to-own TV.
Electronics2 min read
A bigger television can be exciting, but the best TV for your home also needs to fit your furniture, where you sit, and how you watch.
Before shopping for a rent-to-own TV, take a look at the room where you'll watch it. A few quick checks help you avoid a screen that feels awkward once it's home.
Start from your usual seat
Sit where you normally watch. Look at where the screen would go and think about the distance, height, and angle.
- Will most people watch straight on, or will some sit off to the side?
- Does a window glare on the screen in the afternoon?
- Will you need to move furniture?
Those details matter as much as the screen size.
Measure the actual television
TV sizes describe the diagonal of the screen. That number doesn't tell you the TV's full width, height, or depth.
Check the exact model's dimensions, including its stand. The feet are often near the edges, so a TV stand that looks wide enough may not be.
For wall mounting, make sure the wall, the mount, and the TV work together. Plan where the cables and outlet will go before you hang it.
Think about what you watch
Make a short list of how your household uses the TV.
- Streaming: check that the model supports the apps you use.
- Gaming: check that it works with your console and the features your games use. See our gaming section too.
- Sports and family viewing: see how the picture looks from the seats people will actually use.
If you're connecting a game console, streaming stick, or soundbar, count the ports you need before choosing.
Remember sound and controls
Picture quality gets most of the attention, but clear dialogue and an easy remote matter every day.
Decide whether you'll use the built-in speakers or a soundbar, and check that your equipment connects rather than assuming it will. It's worth trying the menus too: switching inputs or opening an app should feel simple.
Compare TVs with your room in mind
Before you come in, write down:
- The width of your TV stand or wall space
- About how far your couch is from the screen
- The devices you plan to connect
Then browse our televisions and ask about availability and agreement details at our Henderson or Nacogdoches store. The goal is a TV that works in your room, whether it's a quiet evening show or game day.
