Are you one of those bachelors who badly want to buy LCD or Plasma TVs for your pad?  Are you a growing family who needs a large and better TV screens?  Or are you tasked by your boss to purchase something for your office?  I bet everyone spends lavishly on these TVs.  Well, how about the TV stands?

Just like any combo or value meals, your Plasma & LCD TVs go together with TV stands.  So when you buy Plasma & LCD TV stands, the kind of furniture that is required to store and display the new TV must be taken into account.  Some people will already make use of what they have – the normal and old TV stands.  But sometimes this does not do the trick.  There are many ways to set-up Plasma or LCD TVs in a living or entertainment room.  You don’t have to buy TV stands that are expensive.  There are cheap Plasma & LCD TV stands that you can single out from the dozen of list and you will be amazed how attractive it fits your room.

Like what most of my friends did was to get a glass TV stand for their Plasma TV.  The glass stand has enough shelves that have been very functional.  They have used those shelves to store their DVDs, books, or other decorative items. It need not be electronic equipment or devices but it can also hold other items that deems fit on the available spaces.

This type of TV stand is usually recommended for homes without children. The owners have considered the material construction.  A TV stand which is made of glass is usually for single people or for those who doesn’t have kids around.  They won’t have to worry about the safety of their kids.

How about those who owns an LCD TV?  A wooden TV stand seems to be a more appropriate choice for LCD TVs because of its durability.  It is generally safer for homes.

This type of TV stand usually cost more.  It goes without saying that if you want the best quality, you have to be ready to pay for the price.  However, if you are working on a budget, sometimes it connotes that you are given a limited choice already.  This is not true for all.  Here are some ways where you can get the best deal with less cost :

1.    Sign up for a discount alert – Register with online stores that have great Plasma & LCD TV stands.  Quite often they offer great discounts or discount coupons to members.

2.    Wait for clearance announcements – Bargain sales does not mean you go for less quality.  Some of these secondhand Plasma & TV stands are still in good condition and you can get it for less.

3.    Do It Yourself (DIY)–) – You find something you really like but it would cost you too much?  You can have it copied, custom made or DIY.  The best thing about this is that you know that you are not shortchanging yourself with the materials that you are going to use plus you have a control with the cost that you are going to spend for it.

So worry no more and get those Plasma & LCD TV stands without breaking your budget!

Make your own

If you see something that you like then you can ask a carpenter to build your own wooden 42-inch LCD TV stand according to your preference. Nowadays, it won’t be that hard to copy what you see on display.  There is the internet where you can search for patterns or guidelines on how to build the stand.  Or you can always ask a friend or the carpenter and all you have to do is show the picture.  This is cheaper than buying from furniture outlets or from online stores.  Not only will you be pleased to know that you got the style but also you got it for less of what the stores would normally charge you.

Choose something with the best feature and its functionality

At first glance, you may not like the idea of buying the TV stand on rollers with glass doors by coaster.  Its design may just be simple but it has great features.  The coasters give you a mobile function meaning it lets you move your TV around which is great if you want to rearrange your room.  The media shelves can be used as storage for other electronic equipment, gadgets, devices or decorative items.  Finally, the glass doors add some style.

You can also look for a metal 42-inch TV stand which is one of the bestsellers because it can manage heavier LCD TVs plus it is very appealing to the eye.

Visit bazaars, trade fairs and clearance sales

Usually, suppliers who join bazaars or trade fairs are the ones who are just starting out.  Chances are you will get big discounts if you got what it takes.  Sometimes the best deals are the ones that you get from places or events like this.  The designs, styles, colors are even better than the branded ones.  Give your negotiating and persuasion skills a test.

There are ways to getting the best if you know the “where” and the “hows”.  Be on the loop and always update yourself by reading magazines, self-help books, newspapers for those sale announcements and you will obtain so many ideas how you can get more with less.

It is not actually a stand but a cabinet that is made out of wood.  It has drawers and shelves to hold the TV accessories. I also remember those cabinet doors that hide everything when not in use. Yes, those were the days which really worked for 26 and 30 inch TVs.

People seemed to outgrow this already.  With the sprout of newer, larger, and better looking screens, there has been a need to update the manufacturing of TV stands to keep up with these types of TVs.  With this ongoing trend, it is really hard to look for something that will suit your taste.  I was helping a friend look for a 32-inch LCD TV stand and what I thought was an easy turned to be a big head-ache.

At first, I typed-in 32-inch LCD TV stands in Yahoo and Google hoping to find a shortlist of the best suppliers.  The list was endless.  I was overwhelmed with the long list of sites of online stores and manufacturers.  So in my thorough search for the best 32-inch LCD TV Stand, here is what I found.

TV Stand type – You can choose from a variety of TV stand type such as the following :

a.    2-shelf
b.    3-shelf
c.    4-shelf
d.    5-shelf
e.    Cabinet
f.    Cantilever
g.    Corner
h.    LED Illuminated
i.    Motorized
j.    Rectangular
k.    Stands with Castors
l.    Table Top
m.    Trolley Stands

TV Stand Colors

a.     Black
b.    Chrome
c.    Clear GlasGlass
d.    Red
e.    Silver
f.    White
g.    Wood

Price -  Such is the wide range of choices you have but that also goes with the cost that you have to spend for ranging from hundreds to thousands depending on how much you want to allocate.

ManuacturerManufacturer – From A to Z.  You can never run out of list.

The best thing that you can do to have a shortlist is to know what you want.  Visualize the type of TV stand that you need and want.  Say for example you need to look for a 32-inch LCD TV stand, since you already have this information you can plan of the type of TV stand you want.  Then be practical.  By practical, it means choosing something that will fit your space but not compromising the style and design of your TV stand.  Then set a budget.  You won’t lose that needle in the haystack if you do your homework.

a.     Design and dimensions – Will the piece fit the theme and space of your home?  If you’ve been searching for that one piece of TV stand to complete your home be sure to look for something to complement your style.

The display unit may be nice but you might find more if you would inquire about other styles or colors of the same pieces for more choices.

Is the workmanship handcrafted or machine-made?  Why ask?  Knowing the workmanship of the furniture will spell the value of the piece.   If you are looking at second-hand or antique pieces, inquire about previous owners.  If possible, ask when and where it was made to get a brief background.  Again why ask?  You might want to get a little history and check if all original parts are still intact.  You might be surprised to find out that some of this second-hand furniture has been replaced.  Some even refurbish the hardware and finishing.  It is your right as a customer to inspect especially if the doors and drawers are still intact and easy to open.

b.    Materials – Check out by asking the sales attendants about the origin of the material.  Your TV stand is just as important as your LCD television.  This is because LCD TV pictures are of high definition and quality.  This means that it gives the viewer a brighter viewing experience.  So you LCD TV stand’s material should be taken into account as placing your LCD television on a long-lasting stand will provide the unsurpassed protection.  When you have found what you are looking for, make sure that what you are buying is sturdy and durable.

c.    Features and Price Tag – By far, the cost of your LCD TV stand is directly proportional to the price of your LCD TV.  If you go for a cheap LCD TV stand, you will have a wide list to choose from however you better know the features that comes along with it. The array of stands may come in big or small size with wood-, metal- or fiberglass-made.

Where will you place your LCD TV?  Some people want to display it in their spacious living room.  Choose a TV stand with swivel features. This swivel feature will make room for more angle as one can turn around the LCD TV up to 360 degrees for flexible viewing. Others may choose to buy LCD TV stands with castors or wheels.  This allows shifting of LCD television easier from one area to another.

Ask away.  Anything you need to know is just right in front of you if you just know how to ask.  Don’t be afraid to ask.  It is your right to know!  After all, you will be the one paying for it.  Asking things doesn’t mean you know nothing but rather getting what you deserve.

Plan – Lay all your ideas on the table

Before you stuff your head with buying TV stands, carefully assess what you really need.  This will help you keep track of what you are really looking for.  This way you will not get sidetracked and ending up buying something else!  Consider the user, the space layout and the style that suits your home.

Size matters

You have to know the correct dimensions or size of your LCD and Plasma TVs for your space.  Use measuring tape and do a rough estimate on the proportion of the LCD and Plasma TV stands that you are set to buy according to your available space.  Be sure to include the width of stairs, halls and doorways so you can find out in advance how to transport the piece to its intended place.  You can also make a rough sketch of your LCD & Plasma TV stands layout to help you visualize the space.

Set a budget

How much do you have?  How much are you willing to allocate for your LCD & Plasma TV stands?  It is important to set a budget so that you will not overspend.

So what now?

Do your homework and browse through magazines or furniture books for a range of style of inspirations and store details.  You can also solicit advice or tips from family, friends, neighbors or colleagues for any good store recommendations they might have.  Schedule a trip or visit to these stores for canvassing.  It would save you time if you will make a list of stores per area.  Another thing about scheduling is that you should consider your shopping days when there are price markdowns which mean you will get discounts.  Be on the lookout for announcements of sales and discounts in newspapers, radio, or TV.

Shopping essentials

Once you’ve taken all things into account and have finally decided on what LCD and Plasma TV stands to buy, when and where to shop, you are halfway there!  Keep in mind that you must always have with you your list of shops to visit or pictures of inspiration, a tape measure, pen and paper.  This will help you take note of important information such as dimensions, price and store details.   Just in case the store allows quick snapshots then maybe you can bring along a camera.  Lastly, don’t shop alone.  Bring along with you a trusted shopping buddy for that reliable second opinion.