Television Beds: Are They Worth It?

How Television Beds Work

A television bed hides a flat-screen TV inside a panel at the foot of the frame. At the touch of a remote control button, the screen rises smoothly into a viewing position. When you are finished watching, it lowers back into the frame and disappears completely.

Most TV beds also include space for a satellite or cable box, games console, or media player. The wiring is routed through the frame so nothing is visible when the screen is lowered.

Who They Suit

Television beds work well in several situations:

• Bedrooms where there is no wall space or furniture for a separate screen
• People who watch TV or stream content in bed regularly
• Anyone who wants a cleaner, more streamlined bedroom without visible electronics
• Hotel suites and rental properties where a premium touch adds value

The main appeal is convenience. The bed, the screen, and the media equipment are combined into a single piece of furniture that keeps the room uncluttered.

Choosing The Right Size

The size of the bed determines the maximum screen size it can hold:

• Double: comfortably fits a 21 to 26 inch screen
• King: fits screens up to 32 inches
• Super king and larger: can accommodate screens up to 50 inches and a maximum weight of around 80 kg

Measure your bedroom before buying. TV beds are larger than standard frames because of the mechanism built into the foot. Make sure the room can accommodate both the bed and enough distance from the screen for comfortable viewing. Our UK mattress sizes guide covers standard dimensions and room requirements.

Materials And Build Quality

TV beds are available in a range of materials, including faux leather, genuine leather, fabric, and wood. Genuine leather costs more but ages better and feels more premium. Faux leather is more affordable but can crack or peel over time.

Pay attention to the lifting mechanism. A well-engineered motor should be quiet, smooth, and rated for thousands of cycles. Cheaper models may have noisy or unreliable mechanisms.

What To Check Before Buying

• Television brand: the TV is typically the component most likely to need replacing. Choose a model from a recognised manufacturer (Samsung, LG, Sony) with a full warranty.
• Bed warranty: check that the warranty covers the mechanical lifting mechanism, not just the frame. Motor faults are the most common complaint.
• Cable access: all wiring should be concealed but easily accessible if you want to swap out equipment later.
• Safety: if you have young children, look for a model with a safety lock to prevent the TV from being raised unsupervised.
• Storage: some TV bed models include ottoman-style storage under the mattress, which makes good use of the additional bed depth.

For current prices on TV beds and standard bed frames, check our mattress listings page.