The 8 Best Media Consoles That Are Worthy to Sit Underneath that Flatscreen

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links. Here’s how we test products and why you should trust us.casterly / cb2 / westelmProsEven mix of drawers and open shelvingBeautiful wood that's made to lastEasy, modular assemblyConsNeed to purchase the larger units to take full advantage of the modularityWhen it comes to craftsmanship, design, and versatility, there is nary a TV stand that comes close to the Thuma Nest Credenza. It is made from 100 percent up-cycled wood, which is then given a gorgeous solid finish. No matter how you stack it, it is sure to turn heads from your buddies as they file in for movie night.We say "stack it" because that is really all assembly comes down to. This 2x3 is a great start with four drawers and two shelving areas. But when you buy bigger, the modular nature starts to show. It's easy to assemble with no tools and, granted your stack doesn't exceed 47 inches tall, you have freedom to arrange the parts together as you see fit.ProsThe shelves are adjustableYou can keep the doors open or shutSix storage spaces for organizational easeConsReviewers say it's smaller than you thinkIt's very heavy when it's delivered and you have to assemble it yourselfYou don’t necessarily need to shell out the big bucks to get a solid piece of furniture. Thanks to Wayfair’s Verified program, you can rest assured that this media console has been tested and tried by the brand’s panel of furniture experts.Affordability aside, this minimalist, elevated design comes in four colors and multiple sizes, so you can get the one that’s best suited to your living room. Plus, and this is the kicker, it even has integrated USB ports and an outlet so you can connect your devices straight to it. With over 2,000 five-star reviews, it’s not just Wayfair’s experts that love it: it’s the masses.Advertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsAcoustically transparent so you can store your soundbar without compromising qualityDoors easy to slideFully open in the backConsAccordion doors might not be for everyoneWhat makes this one of our favorites is the hybrid design. You can use it as a TV console or do-all credenza situation. It features large accordion doors and comes in three different gorgeous shades of oak or walnut finish.Above all, this is a media cabinet designed for electronics. The slated front shades and open-air back mean you can keep everything enclosed without risking an overheating Xbox. The shallow top shelf is designed explicitly to house a TV soundbar, with the slatted design allowing the sound to fully penetrate through, keeping your equipment concealed, but never muffled.ProsAvailable in three sizesTextured fluted front looks greatFair Trade CertifiedConsMay be too tall for some spacesSo you don't want something easy to build and modular. That's fine, the multiple doors and open spaces isn't everybody's vibe. Instead, here's an option that provides a maximal amount of storage space while achieving a minimalist look. Small round handles and a fluted pattern on the front give it that aesthetic edge. This particular piece is made from Fair Trade Certified wood in a FTC factory. The basic 48-inch width size opens up to one large, multi-tiered cabinet space and a small cable opening in the back. Opt for the more expensive 60 or 80-inch models and you will get an extra cabinet. Features at a GlanceDimensions48"W x 24"H x 18"DColor OptionsBlonde, BlackAssemblyWhite GloveAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsGorgeous glass doors and shelvesFSC certified materialsBoth dark and light wood color optionsConsStarts expensive and only goes up if you want bookshelf attachmentsSome of us want all our embarrassing nerd gear stashed away inside a large black console. If you're proud of your decor and gadgets, though, you may want to look for a way to show them off—like this Crate and Barrel media stand with two sets of glass doors. It comes in both natural light or dark wood finishes, all made from Fair Trade Certified materials. You'll love it for both the way it looks and how much it can store. Features at a GlanceDimensions90"W x 32"H x 19"DColor OptionsNatural, BlackAssemblyWhite GloveProsBronze doorsRustic, industrial vibe Includes in-home deliveryConsOnly available in the one shapeMay be too wide for some spacesIf the vibe you've cultivated is more forward-thinking, this CB2 credenza with industrial-looking metal doors is the media console you want. It's an impressive designer piece, 85-inches wide (enough to house your massive 77-inch TV) and sporting four separate drawers with gorgeous dark bronze doors. Each drawer has simple adjustable shelving and the two on the ends have small cutouts for cable concealment and management. $2,000 might seem like a lot, but take into account that total includes white-glove delivery and assembly. Just tell the guys where you want it and it will get assembled on the spot. The only thing that will feel more luxury than the service is the furniture itself.Features at a GlanceDimensions85"W x 22"H x 18"DColorDark brown acacia wood and bronze metalAssemblyWhite GloveAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowProsPerfect if you have a smaller TVAmple shelving High quality woodConsNeed the 107-inch to fit a 55-inch TVAnd that gets expensiveThe TV storage system is a choice you have to commit to. If you don't want to mount a TV on your wall, but don't love the look of a 43-inch screen standing free, it's what you get. The extra shelving on each side will likely safe you on needing a bookshelf. This 87" console will fit any TV under 50 inches—perfect if you're nursing an old TV. Many modern 4K TVs start at 55 inches, though, so if you want to fit one of those you will need the larger 107" cabinet. Just fair warning to triple check all the measurements before buying if this is the route you want to go.Features at a GlanceDimensions87"W x 73.2" H x 17.7" DColorSolid acacia woodAssemblyNo tools requiredProsUnder 60 inches wideCan hold a TV up to 150 poundsDeceptively spaciousConsSet aside time for assemblySlats may be too transparent for someIf you ask us, furniture isn't one of the things you should skimp on. Janky doors and wood finish that chips easily aren't deal breakers on day one, but after a year you'll wish you'd made a better choice. If you're paying $100 for a media console, you're going to get what you pay for. But that doesn't mean there aren't deals to be had. This apartment-sized 59-inch long cabinet is currently $35o and features two spacious drawers and two cabinets. The materials are high quality, but some users have taken issue with the space between slats not completely concealing what was inside. And it's worth pointing out that what you save in cost you will have to make up in assembly time. No white glove service here. Features at a GlanceDimensions59.5"W x 25"H x 15.5"DColorTerra OakAssemblyDIYAdvertisement - Continue Reading BelowWhy Trust Esquire?At Esquire, our editors and testers live at the intersection of form and function. That's how we could find the media cabinets and TV stands that look great and work even better. With combined decades of expertise with style and fashion, grooming products, home electronics, and entertainment, we know what to look for