Top Mistakes to Avoid During Table Top TV Installation (Australian Edition, 2026)

Let’s be honest — table top TV installation looks dead simple.
Just assemble the stand, place the TV on a cabinet, plug it in… done, right?

Not really.

In Australian homes, thousands of TVs are damaged every year because of incorrect table top setups — from wobbling stands to unstable cabinets to child-related accidents. A table top installation can be perfectly safe and stylish, but only when done correctly.

This guide breaks down the most common mistakes Aussies make — and how you can avoid them without breaking a sweat.

1. Choosing a Weak or Unstable TV Cabinet

The biggest mistake in table top installation is placing your TV on a cabinet that simply can’t handle it.

Common risky cabinets include:

❌ Glass-top units
❌ Thin particleboard furniture
❌ Narrow consoles
❌ Lightweight IKEA-style units
❌ TV stands smaller than the TV width

What you should do instead:

✔ Choose a cabinet wider than your TV
✔ Ensure it can support at least double the TV’s weight
✔ Pick solid timber or metal frames
✔ Avoid wobbly or uneven furniture

Your TV is only as safe as the cabinet holding it.

2. Incorrect Assembly of the TV Stand

Most TVs today come with table top legs or a centre pedestal stand.
Improper assembly is one of the biggest causes of TV tipping accidents.

Common assembly mistakes:

❌ Screws not tightened fully
❌ Using the wrong screw set
❌ Reversing the legs
❌ Misaligning brackets
❌ Not locking the stand into place

Why it’s dangerous:

A poorly assembled stand = unstable TV + high risk of fall.

Fix it like a pro:

✔ Read the assembly manual carefully
✔ Use all screws provided
✔ Ensure both legs are symmetrical
✔ Perform a gentle wobble test before placing the TV

If the stand wobbles even slightly — it’s unsafe.

3. Placing the TV Too Close to the Edge of the Cabinet

This is a silent but serious safety hazard.

A TV that sits too close to the cabinet’s edge can:

• Fall forward
• Tilt during accidental bumps
• Get pulled by children
• Lose balance from cable tension

Safer placement rule:

Leave at least 5–10 cm between the front edge and the TV base.

This gives the setup stability and reduces the risk of toppling.

4. Ignoring Cable Management (Which Causes Pulling & Tilting)

One pulled cable can drag an entire TV forward — especially HDMI or power cables that run tight.

Bad cable practices include:

❌ Tight cables that pull when moved
❌ Cables dangling loosely
❌ Heavy adapters hanging off the back
❌ Excess wires pushing the TV forward
❌ No slack behind the TV

Smart cable management fixes:

✔ Use cable ties / clips
✔ Keep enough slack for movement
✔ Route cables behind the cabinet
✔ Use a surge-protected power board
✔ Avoid bending cables sharply

Cleaner cables = safer TV.

5. Not Using Anti-Tip Straps (Especially With Kids & Pets)

In Australia, child safety is a huge concern — and TVs are a major tipping hazard.

Without straps, risks include:

• Children climbing the cabinet
• Kids pulling the TV edge
• Pets bumping or jumping
• Sudden tipping during cleaning

Anti-tip straps eliminate the danger:

✔ TV is anchored to the wall
✔ TV stays stable even if pulled
✔ Prevents accidents and falls
✔ Mandatory in many childcare homes

Every family home should use anchor straps — full stop.

6. Wrong TV Height for Table Top Viewing

Putting the TV too low or too high makes viewing uncomfortable.

Australian ergonomic standard:

Center of TV = 106–112 cm from the floor
This is the average seated eye level for most loungerooms.

Common height errors:

❌ Cabinet too tall
❌ Cabinet too short
❌ TV placed too close to seating
❌ TV positioned unevenly

Fix:

✔ Measure cabinet height
✔ Ensure total height meets eye-level standards
✔ Adjust seating distance if needed

Comfort isn’t luxury — it’s essential.

7. Using a Cabinet That Blocks the TV Stand Legs

Some TVs have wide-spread legs.
If the cabinet is too narrow, the legs hang off the sides — a disaster waiting to happen.

Fix:

✔ Choose a unit at least as wide as the leg span
✔ Or switch to a central pedestal-style table top stand
✔ Or upgrade to a wider entertainment unit

Never compromise on leg stability.

8. Placing Heavy Devices Under the TV Without Support

Australian homes often load entertainment units with:

• Gaming consoles
• Sound systems
• Modems
• DVDs
• Speakers

…but if the cabinet shelves bow or shake, the entire structure becomes unstable.

Safe practice:

✔ Store heavier devices on bottom shelves
✔ Avoid overloading drawers
✔ Ensure ventilation for hot-running devices

9. Allowing Kids or Pets Too Close to the Setup

This isn’t a design mistake — it’s a behavioural one.

Kids can pull on the stand.
Pets can bump the cabinet.
Both can cause the TV to fall.

How to child-proof the setup:

✔ Anti-tip straps
✔ Non-slip stand pads
✔ Teach kids not to touch the TV
✔ Place remotes out of reach
✔ Avoid placing toys near the TV cabinet

Prevention > cure.

10. DIY Setup Without Proper Tools or Knowledge

A lot of Aussie homeowners do quick DIY setups that… aren’t as secure as they seem.

DIY mistakes include:

❌ Wrong screw sizes
❌ Misaligned legs
❌ No stability test
❌ Wrong cabinet choice
❌ Poor cable routing
❌ No safety checks

Professional installers fix this by:

✔ Using correct tools
✔ Aligning TV perfectly
✔ Securing all components
✔ Setting up cables neatly
✔ Performing child-safety checks

The difference between DIY and professional?
Stability. Safety. Longevity.

Conclusion: A Safe Table Top Setup Is All About Avoiding These Mistakes

Table top TV installation may look simple, but the wrong choices can lead to:

• Tipping issues
• Damaged TVs
• Child hazards
• Unstable cabinets
• Poor viewing comfort
• Cable disasters

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your TV setup is:

✔ Safe
✔ Stylish
✔ Stable
✔ Child-proof
✔ Long-lasting

Even better?
A professional installer can handle everything — from assembly to safety straps to cable management — leaving you with a clean, secure, modern entertainment area.