What is a TV bed? Things to Know Why You Need It – Home Inside

If you live in the United States, chances are the term “TV bed” is unfamiliar to you.  Although these unique pieces of furniture have been around for years in U.K. and other countries across the pond, TV beds are relatively new to those of us in the U.S.  So what is a TV bed, how do they work, and what are the advantages?   

What is a TV Bed?

A TV bed is exactly what the name implies – a bed with a built-in TV.  TV beds use a lift mechanism to lift the TV from a concealed position to a viewing position.  Most commonly, the TV is concealed within the footboard of the bed.  The footboard then has a hinging top that allows the TV to go up and down.  TV bed mechanisms are usually powered via an electric motor that is initiated either with a manual switch or by remote.  To enhance the viewing experience or to allow for easy connectivity, TV beds may come with a variety of accessories including built-in speakers, HDMI hubs to allow for easy connectivity of multiple devices, or IR emitters that allow you to point the remote at the TV regardless of the actual position of the receiving device (DVD player, cable box, etc.).

Is the TV Too Close in a TV Bed?

One of the most common questions asked by those who see a TV bed for the first time is whether the TV is too close for comfortable viewing.  The simple answer to this question is no.  However, there are things to consider, including the size of the TV that you plan to use.  This is, of course, obvious when you think about it.  You would never want to sit as close to the movie theater screen as you would to the TV in your living room.  So the real question here is what size TV can I use in my TV bed?  If you are in a king-size bed, your eyes will be around 75” from the screen, plus or minus a few inches depending on the exact model of TV bed that you are using.  At this distance, any 1080p HDTV from about 32” to 55” (measured diagonally) will offer a comfortable viewing experience.  With a higher definition TV, such as 4K TV, the minimum viewing distance is much lower, allowing for a comfortable viewing experience with TVs up to 75”.  One note that I need to make here as an experienced designer and builder of TV beds, is that for many TV beds, a 75” TV will actually be larger than the footboard the TV is meant to be housed in.  So if you are interested in using a very large TV in your TV bed, please consult with the TV bed manufacturer first to ensure the TV will fit.

How Can a TV Bed Transform Your Bedroom? 

The main, and most obvious, advantage to a TV bed is that it offers the best and by far the most comfortable viewing experience money can buy.  Especially if you don’t have the desire or means to invest in an expensive home theater system.  There is nothing quite like putting on your pajamas, pulling up the covers, and turning on your favorite movie or TV show. However, for many people there are also practical advantages to TV beds.  Depending on the size, shape, and configuration of your bedroom, there simply may not be a good place to put a TV.  Or perhaps there is a place for a TV, but by putting a TV in the spot that works, you have to sacrifice a window.  Additionally, for many buyers of TV beds it simply comes down to aesthetics.  TVs are great for entertainment, but not that great as bedroom décor.  Whatever your reason, there is no doubt that a TV bed has several obvious advantages to a standard bed and offers a unique solution to your entertainment and comfort needs.

Conclusion

Now you know a little bit about TV beds! They can make for an excellent centerpiece in any bedroom, and they make for an incredible viewing experience. So, if you like relaxing at the end of the day with one of your favorite TV shows, imagine if you were watching that TV show on a TV bed. But be careful, because once you’ve experienced a TV bed, there’s no going back. Nothing will ever be as good.