TV Beds and How To Use Them
A TV bed is a type of bed designed to house a television within its structure - typically concealed in the footboard. With the press of a button, the TV lifts up for viewing and retracts when not in use. This means you have a tidy, uncluttered bedroom and a TV safe from kids or pets.
Below, we’ll explain:
- What TV beds are and how they work
- What styles and sizes are available
- What storage options they might include
You can also read about how to comfortably watch TV in bed, avoiding neck pain, as well as a few points on how to make your TV bed part of a calming evening routine.
What are TV beds and how do they work?
Before we go further, here’s an explanation of what TV beds are and how to set one up so you enjoy snuggling down and watching your favourite shows.
TV beds are beds that can support a mounted TV. These beds have a tall, padded foot end where the TV is stored.
To watch TV, a button or remote is used to raise the TV up from the foot end so it stands at the end of the bed.
The TV works exactly the same as normal with the wires being stored in the foot of the bed. You can store any TV boxes or game consoles on the media shelf which is located on the side of the bed. This means that everything works just as it would if your TV was mounted on the wall.
How to choose the best TV bed
Whether you’re looking for your first TV bed or if you’re replacing an old one, there are a few key factors to keep in mind when comparing different models. Here are three factors that can help guide your decision.
1. What TV bed sizes are available?
To accommodate the size of the screen, most TV beds only come in double, king and superking sizes.
| Bed size | Imperial | Metric |
| Double | 4'6" x 6'3" | 135cm x 190cm |
| King Size | 5' x 6'6" | 150cm x 200cm |
| Superking | 6' x 6'6" | 180cm x 200cm |
TV beds come in these larger sizes because single beds are not wide enough to fit the screen size of most TVs.
Many people find the king size TV bed provides enough space for the TV to fit at the end of the bed without feeling cramped. The additional sleeping space also makes the overall bedtime experience feel more luxurious.
If you’re still unsure about which bed size is best for you, check out our ‘Bed & Mattress Size Guide’. Here we’ll help you find the right size for you based on your height, how much space you have and whether you share a bed.
2. What special features or technology would you like?
To enhance your pre-bedtime binge-watching experience, some TV beds come with additional bonus features.
Before you start browsing for your new TV bed, consider whether you want the following features:
- Built-in surround sound
- USB ports for charging
- Headphone outlets
- Media storage shelves
These features can be useful for those who enjoy a relaxing evening watching films, playing games or listening to music in bed.
3. Do you need storage?
Storage is always an important factor to consider when buying a bed - and a TV bed is no different. If you’re looking for a TV bed with storage, some models offer ottoman storage or built-in drawers.
TV beds can also come with a built-in media shelf to store any TV boxes or wifi routers you may have.
For more information about different types of storage beds ,read our helpful storage beds guide.
4. What style do you like?
The final thing you need to decide on is the style of TV bed you’d like.
TV beds come in a range of designs or combinations to suit different bedrooms and tastes:
- Upholstered - in fabrics like velvet, chenille or linen
- Faux leather - with a sleek, urban appearance
- Ottoman - with a lift up base to keep clutter out of sight
- High tech or futuristic - with built in speakers, LED lights and USB charging
There you have it - consider those points before you consider different TV beds. To help you compare, we’ve answered some common customer questions below.
TV bed FAQs
Now you know what to look for in a TV bed and what’s available, here are some answers to frequently asked questions that will help you compare products.
Is it worth getting a TV bed?
If you find yourself spending the majority of your evenings relaxing in bed watching TV or gaming, then a TV bed might suit your lifestyle well. They can help you maintain a tidier sleeping space and keep wires safely tucked away.
However, you should remember that only TVs up to a certain size will fit into the mount at the bottom of a TV bed. Before purchasing your TV bed you should see what size TV you require. We explain more about this in the following FAQs.
Do TV beds come with a TV?
No, television sets are generally not included when you purchase a TV bed. This means you should take special note of what TV size and weight limit the bed you are buying accommodates.
Will any TV fit a TV bed?
No, not every TV will fit a TV bed.
This is because the TV panels in the foot end of the beds can only take TVs up to a certain size and depth.
Do TV beds come with a mattress?
Generally, TV beds do not come with a dedicated mattress, but if you buy a mattress with your TV bed, you can usually have it delivered on the same da,y depending on your retailer and their delivery capabilities.
Where do I plug my TV bed into?
You can plug your TV bed into any electrical sockets or extension cables in your bedroom.
You should keep any exposed wires tucked away to avoid them becoming a safety hazard.
Can I connect Sky to a TV bed?
Yes, you can. TV beds typically don’t include the TV, so you can choose one that suits your preferences. The TV that you choose to use will work exactly the same as usual. If your TV is currently connected to Sky or has any other features, those features will still work the same way when you put the TV in your new bed.
Can I use a games console with my TV bed?
Yes, you can connect the cables under the bed for any consoles you want to use.
Can I fit a games console into the TV bed?
The majority of game consoles will fit on the built-in media shelf, which you can find on the side of your TV bed.
However, you should check the dimensions of your console to make sure before you purchase.
Are TV beds safe?
It’s natural to wonder about safety when considering buying a TV bed, especially as wires and electrical items are stored inside it.
Professionally manufactured TV beds are designed with safety in mind. They typically include secure compartments for cables and electrical devices, reducing trip hazards and helping prevent damage to electrical components. TV beds may also shield your screen from accidental scratches or knocks, whether from pets, children or daily use.
For added peace of mind, you can check to ensure that the TV bed you have chosen meets national fire safety standards like the British Standard BS 5852 for upholstered furniture.
When assembling your TV bed you should make sure that the TV is fastened securely to the mount to ensure it won’t wobble or fall off of its stand.
It is also a good idea to regularly check cables and connections as you would with any other electrical goods in your home.
When installed and used as intended, a TV bed can be a safe and practical addition to your bedroom.
Tips on staying comfortable while watching TV in bed
Have you ever woken up with neck or shoulder pain after an evening of watching TV in bed? Since you’re investing in a TV bed, it’s important to be aware of your posture when watching TV in bed to avoid this in the future.
Here’s our list of top tips to make watching TV in bed as comfortable as possible:
1. Make sure the TV is at the correct height
By investing in a TV bed, you are already on your way to solving this problem! When watching TV, you should ensure that the TV is directly in front of you so that you don’t have to tilt or twist your neck to see the screen clearly.
To fully unwind before bed, it is best if your neck muscles are as relaxed as possible.
2. Be mindful of your posture
Once your TV is in the correct position, you should sit at a 90° angle to avoid back ache. Sit with your back straight against the headboard and your legs out straight. This should remove any unnecessary pressure from your spine and hips.
If you find this position too uncomfortable, try using a pillow to support your lower back.
3. Don’t stay in the same position for too long
Sitting in the same position for long periods of time can make your joints feel stiff, so try to move around periodically.
If you’re watching TV as part of your bedtime routine, try to include natural breaks such as putting on your pyjamas or cleaning your teeth. This will make sure that you keep moving.
With these tips, you’ll be able to comfortably watch TV or game without straining your neck!
Watching TV as part of your evening wind down
With up to 82% of Brits sometimes watching TV before bed[1], you might be interested in knowing how you can incorporate screen time into your evening routine without it impacting your sleep quality. Below are a few precautions you can take:
1. Set a screen time limit
You may find it helpful to switch off your TV about half an hour to an hour before you plan to sleep. You could use that final stretch for reading, journaling, or simply relaxing in low light so your brain has time to wind down naturally.
2. Use a sleep timer
Some people find that sleeping with the TV on helps them sleep, but sleep experts suggest turning off screens is the wiser choice. Luckily, many TVs come with a sleep timer function. Set it to turn off automatically so you don’t drift off with bright visuals or sound disrupting your sleep cycle.
3. Keep lighting soft
Pair your TV bed setup with dimmable bedside lamps or warm-tone LED lighting. This creates a cosy environment and reduces blue light exposure, which can make it more difficult for you to fall asleep.
4. Choose relaxing content
Instead of intense dramas or news before bed, consider nature documentaries, slow-paced series, or gentle music playlists. What you watch matters for how easily you’ll fall asleep. If you’d like to know more about what kind of content can help you relax before bed, our sleep expert, James Wilson, has some suggestions for you.
And that’s everything you need to know about TV beds and how to use them. Designed for comfort and convenience, a TV bed can be a great way to enjoy your favourite shows while keeping your bedroom neat and organised.
References:
- Dinic, M. (2022) The YouGov Sleep Study: Part four - The impact of screens, lights, and noise on sleep, YouGov. Available at: https://yougov.co.uk/health/articles/42947-yougov-sleep-study-part-four-impact-screens-lights.
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