The reality is that the TV for many of us is the focal point of our living room, and if statistics are correct, we apparently spend an average of four hours a day watching it. It is our go-to place for pure entertainment and relaxation, so it seems fitting that we should extend our design aesthetics to the entertainment units that house our televisions.

If you are looking for a space-defining, stylish and functional entertainment unit then take your time reading the tips below before embarking on that search. These will help guide in choosing exactly what is right for YOU!

1. ROOM SIZE
It’s a good idea to get back to the basics before you head out in search for the perfect entertainment unit. Measuring the room and configuring the layout on a piece of paper is a fabulous place to start. Consider the current layout of your room, are you happy with it? What scale of unit will work well within this configuration? Do you have limited space/height/depth to play with? Ideally, you want the size of your entertainment unit to be in sync with the rest of your room as it is a defining feature of the living room space, which is why considered planning is key! If you have a larger room there is a real trend at the moment towards overall storage systems that attach to the wall behind the TV.

2. STYLE AND DESIGN
Before you head out shopping there are a few design and style questions you should be asking yourself. An entertaining unit is a serious purchase and one that can often be around for quite a while in your home, and should never be an impulse buy! Whether you're upgrading or purchasing your first unit it is vital to consider the pre-existing aesthetics of your home and living room space, a sleek modern unit would look a little out of place amongst retro mid-century vibe furnishings after all.

Natural light is another area of consideration, if you tend to have a darker room then you should consider lighter oaks and white tones as they offer a contrast. On the other hand if light isn't an issue in your room then darker entertainment units in smoky ash and walnut tones or matt black finishes can really work to anchor the room. In terms of style you need to decide if it is a free-standing unit you are after or a wall unit that hovers above the floor, did you want multiple display and storage compartments or a more understated cubic style unit?

3. FUNCTIONALITY
Are you after unit that offers you more than just a space to display your TV? Do you need additional storage for all your electronic gadgets, books and trinkets? Would you like a unit that offers you the chance to display some colour and personality with books, art, treasured objects and a plant or three? Ensure that when you are choosing your TV cabinet you consider what function the unit will have or will need to have for you and your space. If your living room already has a bookshelf styled up with all your books and collectables then extra shelf space isn't really something you may need but if you, on the other hand, have a fairly minimal room and would like to green things up with some plants or displays of ceramics then maybe a shelving style unit or an open wall unit is the most functional choice for you!