How Do TV Beds Work? And Are TV Beds Any Good?
A TV bed lets you watch TV in bed without a wall bracket or a TV unit. But how do TV beds work, and are they worth it? This guide explains the TV lift in plain English, shows which TV fits each bed size, and gives you an honest answer on whether a TV bed is right for your bedroom.
How do TV beds work? The short answer
A TV bed has an electric TV lift hidden inside the footboard. You fix your TV to the lift, then press a button on the remote. The lift raises the TV out of the footboard to viewing height. Press it again and the TV lowers back down out of sight. When it's down, the bed looks like a normal upholstered bed with a slightly taller foot end.
How does a TV bed work, step by step?
- The lift sits in the footboard. The foot end of the bed is built as a hollow, upholstered box that holds the TV lift mechanism.
- Your TV is fitted to the lift. The TV mounts onto the lift inside the footboard, facing the bed.
- The remote controls it. One press raises the TV up and out of the footboard; another press lowers it away.
- It runs on mains power. Because the lift is electric, the bed needs a plug socket within reach, just like your TV does.
At British Bed Co, our team assembles the bed and installs the TV lift for you, free of charge. All you add is your TV.
Which TV fits a TV bed?
The biggest TV you can use depends on the width of the bed, because a wider bed has a wider footboard. Here is the maximum TV size for each of our TV beds:
| Bed size | Maximum TV size |
|---|---|
| 4ft small double | up to 32" |
| 4ft6 double | up to 37" |
| 5ft king size | up to 43" |
| 6ft super king | up to 43" |
Measure your TV diagonally, corner to corner, and check it isn't bigger than the maximum for your bed. Not sure which bed size you need? Our guide to king size vs super king beds explains the difference.
What do you get with a TV bed?
- The bed frame, fully upholstered
- The electric TV lift, built into the footboard
- A remote to raise and lower the TV
- Free assembly: we build the bed and install the lift
- Free UK delivery
The TV is not included, and neither is the mattress. You'll need a mattress in the same size as your bed. Browse our mattresses to find the right feel.
Are TV beds any good?
Yes, a TV bed is a good choice if you watch TV in bed and want a tidy, clutter-free bedroom. Like any bed, it has pros and cons, so here's an honest look.
The pros
- The TV disappears. When it's down, there's no screen on show, so your bedroom feels calmer.
- No wall mounting. Great for rented homes, or walls you can't drill into.
- Saves space. You don't need a TV stand or chest of drawers to hold the TV.
- Right height, right angle. The TV rises straight in front of you at the foot of the bed.
- It's still a luxury bed. Our TV beds are fully upholstered, with statement headboards to match the rest of your room.
The things to think about
- TV size is limited. The maximum is 43", so if you want a bigger screen, a wall mount may suit you better.
- The footboard is taller than on a standard bed, so check the space at the end of your bed first.
- You need a plug socket near the bed for the lift.
- Moving it takes more effort than a basic bed frame, because of the lift mechanism.
Choosing your TV bed
All of our TV beds share the same lift and TV sizes. The difference is the style:
- Classic and buttoned: the Chesterfield TV Bed Frame has a deep-buttoned headboard and optional ottoman storage. Love this look? See all our Chesterfield beds.
- Sleek and modern: the Alvera Luxe TV Bed and Velora Electric TV Bed, with its padded square headboard.
- Made to your style: the Zentara Supreme TV Bed and Montera Comfort TV Bed have customisable headboards.
- Extra space: the Elysian Smart TV Bed comes in sizes up to Emperor, with adjustable headboard heights.
Want a statement bed without a TV? Explore our luxury beds, handmade in the UK.
TV bed FAQs
Do TV beds come with a TV?
No. You get the bed frame and the electric TV lift. You use your own TV, up to 32" on a small double, 37" on a double and 43" on a king or super king.
Do TV beds need to be plugged in?
Yes. The TV lift is electric, so you'll need a plug socket near the bed.
Can I fit a 43 inch TV in a TV bed?
Yes, on a 5ft king size or 6ft super king TV bed. A 4ft6 double takes up to 37" and a 4ft small double up to 32".
Is assembly included?
Yes. Our team builds the bed and installs the TV lift for free. All you add is the TV.
Can I get a TV bed with storage?
Yes. Our Chesterfield TV Bed Frame comes with optional ottoman storage underneath.
Ready to choose? Browse all our TV beds, handmade in the UK with free assembly and free UK delivery.