Are you Smart with your TV size?

“Does size matter?” The answer to this age-old question depends on who you ask and — when it comes to purchasing a new TV — what your specific needs are.

Deciding what size TV to buy can leave you feeling a bit like Goldilocks trying to find one that is “just right”. Too small, and you might miss key plot points or sporting moments. Too big, and you run the risk of the TV dominating the room and getting too close to the action. But it’s about more than maxing out your budget or sticking to what you know. Picking the right size for you (and your space) is crucial for a great watching experience.

Rule one of TV buying club? “Finding the right TV is about more than screen size”. To keep everyone satisfied, here’s a Smart TV buying guide to help you find the perfect TV size for you. 

1. How far should I be from my TV for the best experience?

A TV screen should occupy 40 degrees of your field of view for the best, most immersive viewing experience.

Hitting that magic number means sitting a specific distance away from the screen depending on how big it is. Measure your “viewing distance” from your favourite spot for watching telly to help decide what size is right for you.

Don’t worry, you don’t need to be a maths whiz to work it out. We’ve done the hard bit for you in the table below which shows suggested viewing distances for various TV sizes:

2. Is a big TV always the best option?

Bigger isn’t always better in the world of TVs. It can be tempting to buy the biggest screen your budget allows, but it’s important to think about the room it will go in.

A 65” screen might be perfect for a spacious living room but could totally dominate the space in a smaller kitchen or bedroom. Think about how much space you want the TV to take up – is it the centrepiece of the room, or something that should be more subtle?

3. How big should my TV be for watching sports?

If you’re a sports fan, you’ll want a TV that is big enough to see all the action when it matters. But if you mostly watch movies and enjoy binging TV shows, a smaller TV will likely do the job.

Remember, TV screens are measured diagonally. So, while a 55” screen is 55 inches long from the top left to bottom right corner, its real proportions are 49 inches wide and 29 inches in height. Roku TVs have narrower bezels, so the change isn’t dramatic.

4. Who is going to be watching the TV?

A general rule of thumb is the more people that are going to be watching, the bigger the screen should be.

If you have a big family or like having people over for the big game or movie night, a bigger screen will make sure everyone has a good view – and put an end to arguments over who gets the best seat on the sofa.

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a TV in your bedroom for gaming or streaming solo, a screen in the 32-43″ range could be a better match.

5. What’s your budget?

TVs come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. Knowing your budget can help you zero in on what screen size makes sense for you.

But it doesn’t have to be about hunting for the biggest bargain or going big with the largest screen you can afford. It’s about using the tips in the rest of this article to find the best option to deliver what you need at a price range that matches.

So, in the end, does size matter? The short answer is yes. But there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Doing your research and thinking about how, where, and when you’ll be using the TV will help you land the winning option.

Next time someone asks you if size matters when buying a TV, send them this link, or alternatively, shop online at Currys and find our full selection of TVs to buy. 😉