How to Choose the Right TV Size: A Complete Guide

Many people are often caught up in choosing the right TV size for their homes. With many manufacturers offering a variety of screen sizes and advanced features, it can get more complex to decide. While bigger is always better, it doesn’t necessarily apply when choosing your TV size. Other factors like price, space, resolution, and viewing distance come into play.

Nowadays, you can get a smaller high-end OLED TV with powerful features that can double as a monitor and TV. However, larger screens like 65- and 75-inch TVs are becoming more popular, and more people are opting for these sizes due to improved viewing experience. Larger screens are becoming ideal for gaming, sports, and home theater setup because of their immersive and life-like images.

Join us as we examine the critical factors you need to consider when choosing the right TV size for your needs and preferences. Let’s get into it!

Does Size Matter?

Although there are other variables to consider when selecting a TV, size is critical if you want a better viewing experience. A smaller set, for example, may be ideal if you use your TV in a small space, such as an apartment or bedroom. If you have a spacious living room, a larger set will let you make the most of the available space. You should also ensure that the television you choose fits properly in the room you’re installing it in; if it’s too big for the space, it won’t look good and may become an eyesore.

How to Choose the Right TV Size: Step-by-Step

A TV is a huge investment, and you want to be sure you get it right. You don’t want to end up with a screen size that will cause your eyes to strain either because it’s too small or too big. Choosing a TV involves more than just walking into a shop, identifying a size you think is okay, and installing it in your living room. While your preferences are key in selecting a TV size, there are other factors that should inform that critical decision.

Room Size

The TV you choose should be proportional to the size of your room. Generally, the larger the room, the bigger the TV can be. To ensure you don’t overpower a small space with too-large a TV, it’s important to measure the length and width of your room. This will give you an idea of how much space you have to work with.

If you are purchasing a TV for your living room, the size will be different from that of a bedroom. Remember, you can change the screen size but not your space, so be careful to get the right size.

A general rule of thumb is to choose a TV size that corresponds to the distance you will be viewing. To ensure the best picture quality, manufacturers recommend that viewers sit no closer than 1.5 times the vertical screen size of the TV they plan to buy. For example, if you are sitting 7 feet away from the TV, you should choose a TV around 60 inches.

Viewing Distance

This refers to the distance between your screen and your sitting position. Viewing distance is crucial in ensuring you get the most immersive experience possible.

Larger TVs are best watched from a distance; otherwise, you might not see the whole picture without eye strain. You should first arrange the furniture so that you get the correct estimate of your viewing distance. The standard viewing distance for 72 inch TV or less is 9 ft (2.7 m).

Such distance ensures you won’t strain your eyes to take in all the image details. If you’re too close, your eyes will have to work extra hard to focus on the picture, leading to eye fatigue and headaches.

If you plan to sit farther away from the TV, you may want to consider a bigger model. It will ensure that the image still looks crisp and clear even if you’re sitting farther away. Additionally, a closer viewing distance is recommended for 4K or 8K resolution TVs as it can enhance the viewing experience.

Resolution

Resolution refers to the number of pixels that make up a TV’s display, and it is measured in horizontal by vertical pixels (e.g., 1920 x 1080p). A higher-resolution TV will have more pixels per inch, resulting in a clearer and more detailed image.

The most popular TV resolutions are 1080p, 4K, and 8K. 1080p, often known as Full HD, is a standard resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. The resolution of 4K, commonly known as Ultra HD, is 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is four times that of 1080p. 8K has a resolution of 7680 x 4320 pixels, which is eight times that of 1080p.

The higher the resolution, the closer you can sit to an image before noticing pixelation. This means that you can sit closer to a 4K TV (3840 x 2160p) than you can to a 1080p TV. A lower resolution of 1080p will be sufficient for smaller TVs (under 40 inches). For larger TVs (above 40 inches), a higher resolution of 4K UHD or 8K is recommended.

When choosing a resolution, you should consider the type of content you will be watching. Given that standard DVDs and Blu-ray discs only support 1080p material, 1080p may be adequate if you intend to watch mostly this kind of content. On the other hand, 4K UHD or 8K UHD is advisable for the finest picture quality if you intend to view streaming video services like Netflix or Hulu.

It’s also important to think about HDR support. HDR offers a wider range of color and contrast than usual standards. This results in a more vibrant image and a more accurate representation of dark and light elements on-screen. A 4K TV with HDR is the best option for most people, but if you intend on sitting far away from the TV, you may want to go with a larger screen and more excellent resolution.

TV Position

You can set up your TV in several ways, and each positioning will affect the viewing experience. Consider the distance from the wall and the room you want to allow around the TV (such as if you intend to mount the TV on the wall). This is crucial if you plan to put bookcases or photographs over or next to the TV. Make sure the TV fits comfortably without obstructing doorways or other furniture in the room if it is mounted on a stand or other furniture. To guarantee a comfortable viewing angle, ensure the TV is not placed too high or too low.

Furthermore, the placement of the TV with respect to the seating arrangement can influence the optimum size of the TV. If the TV is viewed from numerous angles or from a distance, a larger TV may be required to ensure that the picture is clear and the sound is heard from all corners of the room.

Budget

The cost of a television varies substantially based on its size, technology, and brand. Larger TVs are often more expensive than smaller ones, and the most recent technology, such as 4K and 8K resolution, are more expensive. As a result, when making your decision, keep your budget in mind.

You might have to settle for a smaller or lower-resolution TV if you’re on a tight budget. If money is not an issue, you can consider acquiring a larger TV with cutting-edge technology for a better viewing experience. It’s also worth remembering that TVs are frequently on sale, so keep looking for specials and discounts.

Personal Preferences

Different people have different tastes and preferences. This explains why different TV manufacturers produce different TV sizes with different features to cater to diverse needs. While some people prefer a smaller TV that takes up less space in their home, others choose a larger TV for a more immersive viewing experience. It’s crucial to consider your tastes when choosing the ideal TV size for you. In addition to taking up more space in your home, a larger TV can provide a more cinematic experience.

In contrast, a smaller TV might be more practical for rooms with limited space, but it might not offer the same level of immersion. What matters most, in the end, depends on your needs and intended uses for the TV.

To select the ideal size for you, measure your room and required viewing distance, consult a TV size chart, and consider your preference.

Final Thoughts

TVs come in all sizes and features. As technology advances, TV technology is also evolving, and companies are continually upgrading their offerings to match the trend. For instance, HDR and quantum dot technology are becoming increasingly popular in modern-day TVs. Brands like Samsung are now producing large screens of up to 88 inches with premium designs and fantastic picture quality. The advent of 8K resolution and LED backlighting has brought a new dawn to our viewing experience.

With all these developments, it can be challenging to choose the appropriate size. While it’s tempting to go for the largest size in the market, don’t forget to measure your space, viewing distance, and resolution. The good thing is that there are easy ways to calculate the ideal TV screen size for your home. The factors discussed in this guide are the beginning of your journey toward getting the right TV size for the best viewing experience.