TV size for a small/medium room

[Gardenboy]

I’m considering buying a new TV for my room, which isn’t too big (I haven’t measured it exactly). I’m torn between a 40-something inch and a 50-something inch TV. Could someone help explain which size would be better for a small to medium room? I’m leaning toward the smaller one for cost reasons, but I want to make sure I choose the right size for the space.

[FatimaandAhmed]

Hi there!

In general, for a small to medium room, something in the 43 to 50 inch range is usually a sweet spot. If you're sitting about 6 to 8 feet away from the screen, even a 50" won't feel overwhelming.

That said, if you're leaning toward the 40-something inch size mainly for cost reasons, you're still going to get a solid viewing experience, especially if you're not sitting too far away. Also, newer TVs tend to have slim bezels, so even a 50" doesn’t take up as much visual space as older models used to.

If you can, try to measure the distance from your typical sitting spot to where the TV would go. That’ll help make the decision easier. But either way, you’ll probably be happy with something in that size range for a room that’s not huge.

[Alpha]

It really depends on the distance from your seating to the TV. For a 40-inch TV, the ideal viewing distance is usually about 5 to 7 feet. You’ll get a comfortable experience without straining your eyes.

For a 50-inch, the ideal distance is more like 6.5 to 9 feet. If you’re sitting closer than that, the screen might feel a little too big, and you might have to move your head around more to take everything in.

So, if your room allows for a bit more distance, the 50-inch could be a great choice, but if you're closer to the screen, the 40-inch might be more comfortable.

[Gardenboy]

Thanks so much to both of you for the helpful responses! I haven’t actually measured the distance yet or figured out exactly where I’ll be sitting to watch the TV, so that’s definitely something I’ll need to sort out before making a decision.

By the way, does the type of TV like LED versus OLED or 4K versus 1080p make a noticeable difference in viewing experience at this size and distance? Just wondering if that should factor into the decision too.

[Alpha]

Yeah, definitely worth considering. At screen sizes in the 40 to 50 inch range, the difference between 1080p and 4K can be noticeable, but mainly if you're sitting fairly close, like under 6 feet. The closer you are, the more detail you’ll see with 4K. If you're sitting farther back, the difference becomes less obvious.

As for LED versus OLED, that’s more about picture quality than resolution. OLEDs have better contrast, deeper blacks, and more vibrant colors, especially in darker rooms. But they also cost more. LED TVs can still look really good and are usually more budget-friendly, especially the newer ones with local dimming or QLED panels.

So yes, it does make a difference, but how much depends on your setup and how particular you are about picture quality. If you're on a budget and mainly watch regular shows or streaming content, a good 4K LED is still a solid choice. But if you really care about image quality and can afford the extra cost, OLED can be a great upgrade.

[Gardenboy]

Thanks! If I’m trying to balance price and picture quality, is there a certain feature you think is worth splurging on?

[Alpha]

In short:

• Prioritize local dimming and 4K if you can.
• Look for basic HDR support, but don’t overpay just for more HDR formats unless the panel is bright enough to take advantage of them.
• And of course, stick with a reliable brand with good reviews for real-world performance, not just specs on paper.

That combo should give you the best bang for your buck without compromising too much on picture quality.

[Gardenboy]

Thanks for the tips! When it comes to brands, do you have any recommendations for reliable ones that balance picture quality and price well? Or any brands to avoid?

[Alpha]

For a good mix of picture quality and value, three solid options are:

TCL – Great balance of price and features, especially in the 5 and 6 Series.
Hisense – Strong performance for the cost, with good brightness and contrast.
Sony – A bit more premium, but known for excellent processing and color accuracy if you find a good deal.

These three usually deliver solid results without breaking the bank.

[Gardenboy]

Thanks for all the help!