Wall Mounting Is Trending… But Table Top Isn’t Going Anywhere
As wall-mounted TVs dominate Pinterest boards, interior design magazines, and Aussie renovation shows… you’d expect table top setups to be disappearing.
But in 2026, something surprising is happening:
Table top TV installations are still one of the most popular choices in Australian homes.
Despite the clean, floating aesthetic of wall mounts, households across the country — from renters to new home buyers — still love the simplicity and flexibility of placing a TV on a cabinet.
So why is the table top setup still thriving?
This guide breaks down the real reasons Australians continue to choose this classic (yet modern) installation style.
1. Aussie Renters Love Damage-Free Setups
Australia has a massive renter population.
With strict rental agreements, tenants must avoid:
- Drilling walls
- Damaging plasterboard
- Mounting heavy items
- Making modifications without approval
A table top setup is the safest choice for renters because:
✔ No holes in the wall
✔ No patchwork or repainting later
✔ No risking your bond
✔ Easy to move when relocating
For millions of Australians living in apartments or rental homes, table top is simply the smarter, safer choice.
2. Property Owners Want Flexibility, Not Commitment
Wall mounting is permanent — you drill, you commit.
But many homeowners prefer changing their layout from time to time.
Table top installation allows you to:
✔ Move the TV when rearranging furniture
✔ Shift the cabinet anytime
✔ Reposition for better lighting
✔ Adjust viewing angles by changing the stand
✔ Relocate the TV to another room without hassle
This flexibility matters in homes where:
- Furniture layouts evolve
- Kids grow up
- Rooms get repurposed
- Décor trends shift
Table top = total freedom.
3. Modern TV Cabinets Are Stylish, Functional, and Space-Efficient
Australian homes love showcasing beautiful media furniture.
Today’s TV units offer:
- Stunning timber designs
- Soft-close drawers
- Cable-concealment channels
- Built-in device slots
- Floating-look aesthetics (without actual mounting)
Instead of mounting the TV on the wall, many Aussies prefer:
- A stylish cabinet
- A soundbar shelf
- A clean tabletop display
The entertainment unit itself becomes part of the décor.
4. It’s the Safest Choice for Large, Heavy TVs
Let’s be real — not every wall can support a giant 75–85 inch TV.
Common wall issues:
- Weak plasterboard
- Metal studs
- Thin apartment walls
- No centre studs present
- Incorrect load bearing
In these cases, table top installation is not just easier — it’s safer.
✔ No load stress on walls
✔ No risk of pulling out of studs
✔ No cracks on weak plaster
✔ Safe for extra-large, heavy panels
Big TVs often feel more secure on a strong cabinet than a questionable wall.
5. Very Popular in Bedrooms & Media Rooms
Many Australians prefer their bedroom TVs on a cabinet rather than mounted.
Why?
Bedroom benefits:
✔ Easy to shift viewing angles
✔ Ideal for placing décor and lighting nearby
✔ Works well with lowline bedroom consoles
✔ No drilling near headboard walls
✔ Cosier aesthetic
Media room benefits:
✔ Gaming consoles fit perfectly in cabinets
✔ Sound systems stay organised
✔ LED lighting setups look better
✔ Easier to upgrade or change equipment
The table top style fits beautifully into relaxed, entertainment-heavy spaces.
6. Zero Installation Damage & Minimal Setup Time
One reason table top setups remain hugely popular?
The ease.
Wall mounting requires:
- Drilling
- Stud locating
- Brackets
- Cables in walls
- Height calibration
- Risk of mistakes
Table top installation requires:
✔ A stable cabinet
✔ Proper stand assembly
✔ Good placement
✔ Neat cable routing
That’s it.
Installers love table top setups because they’re fast, safe, and don’t leave behind any damage.
7. Perfect for Aussies Who Move Homes Often
Australians relocate frequently — for jobs, lifestyle shifts, or upsizing homes.
A table top setup adapts perfectly to a mobile lifestyle:
✔ Easy to pack
✔ No patching holes
✔ No taking down brackets
✔ No alignment hassles
✔ No need for professional unmounting
It’s the most move-friendly setup available.
8. Works Best for Older Australian Homes with Delicate Walls
Many older houses have:
- Weak plaster
- Unpredictable stud locations
- Cracked brick
- Thick concrete
- Aging surfaces
These walls shouldn’t be drilled into for heavy TVs.
A table top setup:
✔ Protects the wall
✔ Avoids structural risk
✔ Prevents expensive repairs
✔ Keeps the home intact
It’s often the only safe option in heritage or older homes.
9. Enhances Storage Options
Wall mounting removes the need for a cabinet — which is great for minimalists…
…but what about people who need storage for:
- Gaming consoles
- Speakers
- DVDs
- Routers
- Set-top boxes
- WiFi devices
- Photo frames
- Décor items
- Soundbars
Table top setups offer:
✔ Storage
✔ Style
✔ Stability
It’s a practical win.
10. Aesthetic Preference Still Favors the Classic Look
Despite the floating-wall trend, many Aussies still prefer the classic, grounded look of:
- TV on a cabinet
- Decor on both sides
- A plant on one corner
- A lamp or artwork next to the TV
The table top setup feels warm, familiar, and complete.
Conclusion: The Table Top Setup Is Still King in 2026 — And for Good Reason
Even with the booming wall mount trend, table top TV installation remains deeply popular across Australia.
Why? Because it is:
✔ Flexible
✔ Safe
✔ Stylish
✔ Renter-friendly
✔ Furniture-friendly
✔ Damage-free
✔ Ideal for large TVs
✔ Perfect for moving homes
✔ Compatible with all interior styles
For many households, a wall mount simply can’t match the practicality and versatility of a table top setup.
Table top installation isn’t old-fashioned — it’s smart, adaptable, and perfectly suited to the way Australians live today.