What Size TV To Buy?

Often, people think bigger is better when it comes to TV screen size; but that is only true to a point. A large TV in a small room will seem awkward and may make watching TV uncomfortable. On the other hand, a TV that is too small will force you to squint to make out details and pull you out of the experience of what you are watching. Making the right decision about the size of your television is the first step in TV buying.

TVs range in size from 5 inches up to 64 inches and greater. TVs are measured by their screen size. This measurement is made diagonally across the viewing area. You can use this measurement to help you decide which size is right for the space you'll be using.

Start by mentally placing the TV in the room. Most TVs get deeper and heavier as the screen gets larger. Make considerations for height, width and depth when placing it in the room. Make sure your location is reasonably close to a good power source. Once you've placed the TV, measure the distance from your couch or viewing area.

If you already have an entertainment center or armoire that you don't plan to replace, then you will be limited to the TV size it can hold. Remember, when fitting a TV into a piece of furniture, you need to consider depth and weight in addition to height and width. You should also factor in a couple of inches into your measurement to allow for proper ventilation for the new set.

Generally speaking, 27 inches or less is good for a bedroom or secondary television. Thirty-two inches and larger is a nice size for a family television or entertainment center