Small bedroom
Distance: 5 feet. Use: retro gaming and movies. Suggested size: 13–19 inches. A 19-inch CRT on a low stand near the foot of the bed usually works well. Avoid anything larger than 20 inches unless you can place it in a sturdy corner.
Pick a TV size that actually fits your room.
This guide is for people using older CRTs, small flat-screens, or budget TVs in real rooms. Enter your distance and how you watch, and it will suggest a comfortable screen size range. It also flags weight, depth, and placement problems before you move the furniture.
Your room
Saved setups
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Suggested size
13–19 inches
A small set works well at this distance.
Best fit
17" CRT
Depth needed
~18 in
Weight warning
Moderate
Viewing angle
Comfortable
Placement notes
- Place the TV so the center of the screen is close to eye level when seated.
- Leave at least 4 inches behind a CRT for cables and heat.
- Keep the screen out of direct window glare if possible.
Enter your distance and room type to see a suggestion.
Setup notes for older TVs
Older CRT televisions are not like modern thin screens. A 27-inch CRT can weigh more than 90 pounds and need almost 18 inches of depth on a stand. A 32-inch CRT can weigh over 120 pounds and need more than 20 inches of depth. That changes what furniture you can use and how close you can safely place it to a wall.
Early flat-screens are lighter but often have narrower viewing angles. If you sit too far to the side, the picture can look washed out. Budget modern flats are easier to place, but cheap stands may not hold a heavy CRT at all. Always check the stand weight limit and the base size before you put an old TV somewhere new.
Example room layouts
Living room
Distance: 8 feet. Use: mixed TV and console gaming. Suggested size: 20–27 inches. A 25–27 inch CRT on a wide media console is a common setup. Make sure the stand is deep enough and can hold the weight.
Retro gaming corner
Distance: 4 feet. Use: retro gaming only. Suggested size: 13–20 inches. A smaller CRT or early flat on a sturdy table keeps the picture readable without forcing you to sit too far forward.
What to double-check
- The actual depth of your TV, not just the screen size.
- The weight of the TV and the stand limit.
- Airflow behind CRTs. They get warm and need space.
- Cable length for your consoles, power strips, and power outlets.
- Whether your seating can actually sit at the suggested distance.
Common mistakes
- Buying a huge CRT for a small room. It may look cool at first, but a 32-inch CRT in a small bedroom can dominate the space, force you to sit too close, and strain your neck.
- Ignoring depth. People measure width and forget depth. A CRT that sticks out 20 inches can block walkways, doors, or windows.
- Using a weak stand. Cheap glass or thin wood stands are risky with heavy CRTs. Use a wide, flat base and avoid tall, narrow stands.
- Sitting too close. With older sets, sitting too close makes the picture look soft and the scan lines harsh. Step back a foot and the image often looks better.
- Forgetting cables. Retro consoles often need short cables and easy access to outlets. Plan power and video cables before you lock in the TV position.
Printable cheat sheet
Use the print button on this page to get a short reference sheet. It includes the suggested size ranges, basic placement rules, and a few example setups. You can tape it inside a cabinet or keep it near your retro gear while you rearrange the room.
Quick reference
| Distance | Suggested size | Use | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3–4 ft | 13–19" | Gaming corner | Large CRTs block the room |
| 5–6 ft | 19–20" | Bedroom TV | Stand depth and weight |
| 7–9 ft | 20–27" | Living room | Cable reach and stand strength |
| 10+ ft | 27–32" | Big room | Very heavy CRTs, needs space |
- Leave at least 4 inches behind a CRT for cables and heat.
- Center of screen near seated eye level.
- Avoid direct light on the screen.
- Check stand weight limit before moving the TV.
Assumptions and limits
This guide assumes you are using consumer CRTs or common early flat-screens, not professional monitors or modern OLED panels. It uses simple distance-to-size ratios and general weight and depth estimates. Your exact TV may be lighter, heavier, deeper, or shallower than the examples here.
The saved setups live only in your browser. Clearing site data removes them. If you want to keep a record, use the print or share link options.