Most buyers walk into a showroom and measure the TV width, then double it. That is a mistake. A 120cm console fits a 50-inch set, but a 180cm unit swallows the wall space in a 4-room BTO living room. You need to leave breathing room.
Storage depth beats width every time. Most units sit at 30cm deep, but a router and power box need 25cm alone. If the cable mess hides behind it, great. If it sticks out, the wall looks messy. Want hidden storage? Check the back panel. This one sturdy. A shallow shelf looks nice but holds nothing.
Humidity, that one really kills cheap timber. HDB flats sit in 80%+ dampness all year round. Particleboard swells and crumbles within two years. Solid wood or plywood handles the moisture better, even if it costs more upfront. Buyers often ignore this until the drawers stick already. The local climate is unforgiving on materials.
Don't oversize just for the look. A console spanning the entire wall traps dust and costs more than needed. A slightly shorter unit with deep drawers beats a shallow shelf every time. Get the measurement right first. Then check the delivery path. HDB lift doors are tight, often only 90cm wide. You need a buffer, lah. Some units won't turn the corner.
There is one exception. If you have a massive media wall built by your contractor, a floating unit fits better. Floor-standing consoles take up floor space. You cannot fit everything in a 3-room flat. Measure the room, not just the TV. That is the real advice.
Console leg strength: A critical factor for supporting heavy TVs