Choosing the right TV size is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a new television. Go too small, and you'll struggle to see details from your couch. Go too large, and you might find yourself constantly moving your head to follow the action, leading to an uncomfortable viewing experience. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to know to find the perfect TV size for your room.
Understanding the Viewing Distance Formula
The relationship between TV size and viewing distance has been studied extensively by organisations like the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) and THX. While personal preference plays a role, there are scientifically-backed guidelines that ensure optimal viewing comfort.
For 4K Ultra HD televisions, which are now the standard, the general rule is that your viewing distance should be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size. This range accounts for the increased pixel density of 4K displays, which allows you to sit closer without seeing individual pixels.
For 4K TVs: Divide your viewing distance (in centimetres) by 1.5 to 2.5 to find your ideal screen size range. For example, if you sit 3 metres (300cm) from your TV, your ideal size is between 120cm and 200cm diagonal, or roughly 48 to 80 inches.
Recommended TV Sizes by Room Distance
Based on the viewing distance formula and real-world testing, here are our recommendations for common Australian living spaces:
Small Rooms (1.5 to 2 metres viewing distance)
For bedrooms, small apartments, or dedicated gaming setups where you sit relatively close to the screen, a 43 to 50-inch TV typically works best. At these distances, a 43-inch screen fills roughly 30 degrees of your field of vision, which is comfortable for extended viewing. Going larger than 55 inches at this distance can feel overwhelming, especially for gaming where you need to track on-screen elements quickly.
Medium Rooms (2 to 3 metres viewing distance)
This is the most common setup in Australian homes. For typical living rooms where your couch sits 2.5 to 3 metres from the wall, a 55 to 65-inch TV is ideal. The 65-inch sweet spot has become increasingly popular because it offers a genuinely cinematic experience without dominating the room. Many viewers who upgrade from 55 to 65 inches report wishing they'd made the jump sooner.
Large Rooms (3 to 4 metres viewing distance)
For spacious living areas, open-plan homes, or dedicated home theatres with viewing distances of 3.5 metres or more, consider 75-inch or larger displays. At these distances, smaller TVs can feel underwhelming, almost like watching content on a computer monitor from across the room. A 75 or 85-inch TV ensures you can appreciate the detail in 4K content without straining.
When in doubt, go bigger. Modern 4K TVs allow closer viewing without visible pixels, and many buyers report that they wish they'd chosen a larger size. You'll never regret a bigger screen, but you might regret going too small.
Consider Your Room's Layout and Lighting
Beyond viewing distance, several other factors influence the ideal TV size for your space. Room layout matters significantly—if your TV will be mounted in a corner or viewed from multiple seating positions, you might want a slightly larger screen to ensure everyone has a good viewing angle.
Lighting conditions also play a crucial role. Rooms with large windows or significant ambient light can make smaller TVs harder to see clearly. In bright Australian living rooms, a larger, brighter display (particularly QLED or Mini LED models) will be easier to watch during daylight hours.
Mounting Height Considerations
When wall-mounting your TV, the centre of the screen should be at eye level when seated—typically around 100 to 120 centimetres from the floor for most couches. If you're mounting above a fireplace (a common Australian setup), consider whether the viewing angle will be comfortable. Looking up at a large TV for extended periods can cause neck strain.
TV Size and Resolution: Why 4K Changed Everything
The shift from Full HD (1080p) to 4K Ultra HD has fundamentally changed TV size recommendations. With four times the pixel count, 4K displays maintain sharp, detailed images even at closer viewing distances. This means you can comfortably enjoy a 65 or 75-inch TV from distances where a 1080p set would look pixelated.
For those considering 8K televisions, the benefits of the increased resolution are primarily visible on very large screens (75 inches and above) at relatively close viewing distances. For most Australian living rooms, 4K remains the sweet spot in terms of price-to-performance ratio.
Practical Tips for Measuring Your Space
Before purchasing, take these steps to ensure you choose correctly:
- Measure your viewing distance: Use a tape measure to determine the exact distance from your primary seating position to where the TV will be placed.
- Create a cardboard template: Cut cardboard to match the dimensions of the TV you're considering and tape it to the wall. This helps visualise how the TV will look in your space.
- Check your furniture dimensions: Ensure your TV unit can accommodate larger sizes if you're not wall-mounting. A 65-inch TV typically needs a unit at least 150cm wide for balanced proportions.
- Consider doorways and hallways: Make sure you can physically get the TV into your room. Measure doorframes and stairwells if you live in an apartment or multi-story home.
Based on our research and reader feedback, the most common Australian living room setup—a 3-metre viewing distance with a standard couch arrangement—is best served by a 65-inch TV. This size offers an immersive experience without overwhelming the room and has become the new "standard" size replacing the 55-inch TVs of previous years.
Final Thoughts
Selecting the right TV size doesn't need to be complicated. Start by measuring your viewing distance, consult the guidelines above, and when torn between two sizes, lean toward the larger option. Modern 4K displays reward bigger screens, and the cinematic experience of a well-sized TV transforms your daily entertainment.
Remember that TV sizes are measured diagonally, and the actual width of a 65-inch TV is approximately 143cm—important information when planning your space. Take your time, measure carefully, and you'll enjoy your perfectly-sized TV for years to come.