The Most Elegant Sideboard TV Unit Designs That Will Leave You Inspired

Written by: Emma Cyrus, Senior Copy, Content & Editorial Writer
Reviewed by: Cristina Chirila, Senior Interior Designer at FCI London
Edited by: Zoona Sikander, Interior Design Writer & Social Media Content Creator

Table of Contents

• The Contemporary Challenge
• What Defines Excellence in a Modern Sideboard TV Unit?
• The Complete Collection
• Material Considerations: Making Informed Choices
• Practical Considerations: Beyond Aesthetics
• Avoiding Common Missteps

A curated selection of sophisticated storage solutions that balance form and function for the modern home.

After two decades of designing living spaces for clients across London and beyond, I've observed that few elements in a home can be as transformative-or as challenging to select-as the luxury sideboard TV unit. This seemingly straightforward piece of furniture carries a remarkable burden: it must showcase our technology while concealing its less attractive elements, provide ample storage while maintaining a light presence, and serve as a focal point without overwhelming the space.

The Contemporary Challenge

The evolution of the modern living space has redefined our relationship with television. No longer is it acceptable to allow a black rectangle to dominate our carefully composed interiors. Today's sideboard TV unit must perform a delicate balancing act—housing not just the television but often an entire ecosystem of media devices, while simultaneously serving as a statement piece that enhances rather than detracts from your interior scheme.

In my experience working with clients in Chelsea and similar distinguished neighbourhoods, I've found that the right TV unit can single-handedly elevate a living space from merely adequate to genuinely sophisticated. The wrong choice, conversely, can undermine even the most thoughtfully designed room.

With that in mind, I've compiled this selection of twenty exceptional sideboard TV units that stand apart in today's market. Each offers a unique approach to the modern challenge of media storage, and each deserves consideration for different reasons. Let's explore these options with an eye for both beauty and practicality.

What Defines Excellence in a Modern Sideboard TV Unit?

Before we delve into specific recommendations, let's establish our criteria. A truly exceptional sideboard TV unit should offer:

• Architectural presence without visual heaviness
• Intelligent storage solutions that accommodate evolving technology
• Material integrity that stands up to both scrutiny and use
• Design longevity that transcends passing trends
• Proportional flexibility to work in various spatial contexts

Armed with these principles, let's explore nine outstanding options that meet these exacting standards.

1. The Modernist Marvel: Floating Linear Sideboard TV Unit

This wall-mounted design exemplifies contemporary minimalism with its clean lines and apparent weightlessness. The floating design creates an impression of spaciousness, making it ideal for apartments where square footage comes at a premium.

Crafted from engineered veneer over a substantial substrate, this unit offers remarkable structural integrity despite its seemingly delicate profile. The absence of visible hardware maintains visual purity, while push-to-open mechanisms provide convenient access to internal storage.

The sleek sideboard TV unit configuration allows for flexible media placement without the conventional limitations of fixed compartments. This adaptability proves invaluable as technology continues its relentless evolution.

2. The Heritage Reinterpreted: Oak TV Unit and Sideboard

This substantial piece draws inspiration from mid-century design vernacular but executes it with distinctly contemporary precision. The solid oak construction delivers both aesthetic warmth and genuine durability—a consideration often overlooked in today's disposable furniture landscape.

The unit features thoughtfully proportioned drawers with dovetail joinery (a detail that speaks volumes about quality construction) and adjustable shelving to accommodate various media components. The natural variation in the oak grain ensures each piece possesses a unique character, unlike mass-produced alternatives.

For traditional homes seeking to incorporate modern functionality without sacrificing character, an oak corner TV unit is usually the perfect solution.

3. The Urban Statement: Black Sideboard TV Unit with Brass Accents

For clients seeking visual drama, this bold composition balances the graphic impact of matte black surfaces with refined brass detailing. The combination creates a sophisticated tension between contemporary and classic elements.

The substantial proportions allow for generous storage, while articulated doors conceal media components without impeding remote functionality. The brass handles develop a natural patina over time, adding character rather than showing wear—a hallmark of truly well-conceived design.

This black sideboard TV unit particularly shines in converted warehouse spaces or new-build apartments with industrial influences, where its architectural presence can stand up to expansive wall spaces and higher ceilings.

4. The Scandinavian Sophisticate: Low Sideboard TV Unit

Embodying the principles of Scandinavian design without resorting to cliché, this low-profile piece demonstrates that restraint often yields the most compelling results. The reduced height creates a horizontal emphasis that complements contemporary architectural spaces.

Crafted from pale ash with oil-finished surfaces, this low sideboard TV unit ages gracefully, developing subtle character while maintaining its essential visual lightness. The integrated cable management system addresses practical concerns without compromising aesthetic integrity.

This design proves particularly effective in settings with large windows, where maintaining sight lines becomes an essential consideration.

5. The Geometric Innovator: White Gloss Sideboard TV Unit

For those drawn to contemporary design language, this piece offers architectural interest through its geometric composition. The alternating solid and void elements create rhythm and prevent the white surfaces from appearing monolithic.

The high-gloss polyurethane finish reflects light in a way that animates surrounding spaces, while a specialized coating technology ensures resistance to scratching and yellowing over time. This technical innovation addresses the traditional vulnerabilities of gloss finishes.

This white gloss sideboard performs particularly well in minimalist interiors where its sculptural qualities can take centre stage without competition from other decorative elements.

6. The Italian Artisan: Tall Sideboard TV Unit with Display Capabilities

This vertically oriented unit departs from conventional proportions to create a distinctive presence. The taller configuration provides expanded storage while maintaining a relatively modest footprint—an intelligent solution for homes where space efficiency matters.

Produced by a third-generation Italian manufacturer, the piece features hand-applied lacquer finishes and precision-engineered internal components. The upper display section incorporates subtle LED lighting to highlight decorative objects, effectively transforming the tall sideboard TV unit into a curated exhibition space.

For collectors of art objects seeking to integrate media functionality without compromising their display opportunities, this design offers a sophisticated compromise. You can find stunning pieces like these from many Italian brands like Giorgio Collection and Cattelan italia.

7. The Modernist Monolith: Large TV Unit Sideboard in Concrete and Timber

This substantial piece makes a confident architectural statement through its material combination. The concrete elements provide visual weight and contemporary character, while timber components introduce necessary warmth and tactility.

Despite its imposing presence, thoughtful design ensures the large TV unit sideboard maintains visual lightness through recessed bases and careful proportions. The generous dimensions accommodate larger screens without appearing overwhelmed—an increasingly important consideration as display sizes continue to grow.

For open-plan living spaces where establishing distinct zones without physical walls becomes essential, this piece serves as both functional storage and spatial divider.

8. The Material Mixer: Grey TV Unit and Matching Sideboard

This coordinated pairing demonstrates how effectively a grey palette can bridge diverse material expressions. The subtle tone allows the textural qualities of different surfaces to emerge without color distraction.

The TV unit features intelligent cable management and ventilation solutions, while the matching sideboard offers complementary storage with slightly different proportional relationships. Together, they create a cohesive environment without the monotony of identical pieces.

This grey set works particularly well in transitional interiors that balance contemporary and classic elements, providing a neutral foundation that accommodates evolving decorative directions.

9. The Japanese Minimalist: White TV Sideboard Unit with Bleached Ash

Drawing inspiration from Japanese design principles, this piece achieves visual serenity through material restraint and proportional harmony. The white-pigmented ash retains subtle grain patterns while projecting overall lightness.

The composition features asymmetrical elements that create visual interest without unnecessary ornamentation. Internal storage incorporates traditional Japanese joinery techniques, eliminating the need for visible hardware while ensuring exceptional structural integrity.

For clients seeking to create contemplative environments free from visual noise, this white TV sideboard unit offers a refined solution that doesn't sacrifice functionality.

The Complete Collection

Here are some more exceptional design ideas that address diverse aesthetic preferences and practical requirements:

• The Artisanal Revival: Handcrafted sideboard and TV unit sets featuring traditional joinery with contemporary proportions
• The Material Innovator: Recycled composite surfaces with unexpected textural qualities
• The Architectural Solution: Bespoke corner TV unit and matching sideboard designed specifically for challenging spatial conditions
• The Luxe Contemporary: Italian-designed modern sideboards and TV units featuring rare veneers and specialized finishes
• The New Classic: Traditional forms reinterpreted with contemporary technical capabilities
• The Statement Maker: Sideboard and matching TV unit with dramatic material contrasts and unexpected proportional relationships
• The Tech Integrator: Custom solutions for comprehensive technology management without visual compromise
• The Bespoke Original: Completely customised large sideboard TV unit developed in collaboration with master craftspeople
• The Compact Solution: Space-efficient design that maximises functionality without sacrificing presence
• The Future Classic: Investment-quality design with timeless proportions and exceptional construction standards

Material Considerations: Making Informed Choices

The selection of materials for your sideboard TV unit deserves careful consideration beyond mere aesthetics. Different materials introduce distinct characteristics that influence both appearance and performance over time:

• Solid Timber offers authentic warmth and develops character with age, but requires understanding of natural movement and appropriate care. Premium hardwoods like walnut and oak justify their investment through longevity.
• Engineered Veneers provide consistent appearance and improved stability, particularly valuable in central London's fluctuating humidity conditions. Look for substantial veneer thickness (minimum 0.6mm) that allows for future refinishing.
• Metal Elements introduce visual precision and structural opportunities impossible with other materials. Specification of marine-grade finishes prevents oxidation issues.
• Glass and Stone create sophisticated surface variations that resist wear while introducing reflective or textural interest. Advances in tempering and sealing technologies have addressed traditional vulnerability concerns.

Practical Considerations: Beyond Aesthetics

While the visual impact of your sideboard TV unit naturally dominates initial decision-making, several practical considerations deserve equal attention:

• Cable Management: Effective systems should accommodate not just current needs but anticipate future requirements as technology evolves. Look for generous apertures and accessible pathways that don't require furniture displacement for modifications.
• Ventilation: Electronic components generate significant heat that requires appropriate dissipation. Proper ventilation prevents both component failure and potential damage to the furniture itself.
• Weight Considerations: Contemporary televisions have become remarkably lightweight, but sound equipment and other components still impose substantial loads. Ensure structural integrity appropriate to your specific equipment profile.
• Adaptability: The most successful designs anticipate technological evolution rather than narrowly accommodating current needs. Modular components and adjustable elements extend functional lifespan considerably.

Avoiding Common Missteps

After witnessing countless living room transformations, I've observed several recurring mistakes worth avoiding:

• Disproportionate Selection: A sideboard TV unit that overwhelms its surroundings creates visual imbalance, while undersized pieces appear apologetic and insufficient. Careful measurement and spatial visualization prove essential.
• Insufficient Storage: Optimistic assumptions about equipment needs inevitably collide with reality. Always plan for expansion rather than reaching capacity immediately.
• Prioritizing Trend Over Function: While visual appeal matters tremendously, sacrificing practical considerations for momentary stylishness yields inevitable disappointment.
• Material Misalignment: Selecting materials incompatible with household patterns—white gloss in homes with young children, for instance, sets up unnecessary conflicts between aesthetics and practicality.

The Integration Equation

The truly successful sideboard TV unit transcends its individual presence to enhance the broader interior composition. Consider these integration principles:

• Complementary rather than matching relationships with other furniture create more sophisticated environments than rigid coordination.
• Scale relationships between the television and its housing should achieve balance without unnecessary bulk. The unit should frame rather than dominate the screen.
• Material continuity with key architectural elements creates cohesion without requiring strict adherence to a singular design language.
• Lighting consideration both on and around the unit dramatically influences its presence. Integrated illumination can transform a simple storage piece into a gallery-like display.

Key Takeaways

The sideboard TV unit occupies a unique position in contemporary interiors—simultaneously technical support system, storage solution, and decorative anchor. Its selection deserves thoughtful consideration beyond mere function.

While trends in this category continue to evolve, the principles of quality construction, material integrity, and proportional harmony remain constant. Investment in pieces exhibiting these characteristics yields not just immediate satisfaction but enduring performance.

For those seeking personalised guidance navigating these considerations, our design team remains available for a free consultation. Our showroom offers the opportunity to experience many of these exceptional pieces firsthand, allowing for informed decisions based on both visual and tactile assessment.