Choosing the right television size is one of the most important decisions you'll make when upgrading your home entertainment system. Too small, and you'll squint at distant images; too large, and you might find yourself overwhelmed or experiencing eye strain. The good news is that there's actually science behind finding the perfect TV size, and once you understand the key principles, the decision becomes much clearer.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through everything you need to consider when selecting a TV size, with a particular focus on why 65 inch televisions have become the sweet spot for most Australian living rooms.
Understanding Viewing Distance
The relationship between your TV size and viewing distance is the foundation of a comfortable viewing experience. Sit too close to a large screen, and you'll notice individual pixels and experience neck strain from constantly moving your eyes. Sit too far away, and you won't appreciate the detail and immersion that a larger screen provides.
The general rule of thumb for 4K televisions is that your viewing distance should be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size. For a 65 inch TV, this translates to an optimal viewing distance of approximately 2.4 to 4 metres. This range accommodates the higher resolution of 4K displays, which allow for closer viewing without visible pixelation.
55 inch TV: 2.1 - 3.4 metres | 65 inch TV: 2.4 - 4.0 metres | 75 inch TV: 2.9 - 4.7 metres | 85 inch TV: 3.2 - 5.3 metres
Measuring Your Room
Before purchasing a new television, take accurate measurements of your viewing space. Start by determining where you'll place the TV and where your primary seating will be positioned. Use a tape measure to find the distance between these two points—this is your viewing distance.
For most Australian living rooms, the typical viewing distance falls between 2.5 and 4 metres. If your measurements fall within this range, a 65 inch TV is likely to be an excellent choice. However, room dimensions aren't the only consideration.
Room Layout Considerations
Think about how your room is arranged and how people typically use the space. Consider the following factors:
- Seating arrangement: Will everyone have a clear view of the screen, or will some viewers be at an angle?
- Room traffic: Is there a path between the TV and seating area that people frequently walk through?
- Furniture constraints: Does your entertainment unit or wall space limit the maximum TV size you can accommodate?
- Multiple viewing positions: If you have an open-plan living area, will the TV need to be visible from the kitchen or dining area?
The Field of View Factor
Home theatre enthusiasts often reference the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) recommendations for optimal viewing angles. According to these guidelines, your TV should occupy approximately 30 degrees of your field of view for a comfortable viewing experience. For a more cinematic, immersive experience, you might aim for 40 degrees.
At a viewing distance of 3 metres, a 65 inch TV provides approximately 30 degrees of field of view—right in the sweet spot for extended viewing sessions without eye fatigue. This is one of the key reasons why 65 inch TVs have become the most popular size category in Australia.
For a viewing distance of 2.4 to 4 metres—which covers most Australian living rooms—a 65 inch TV provides the ideal balance of immersion and comfort. It's large enough to create a cinematic experience without overwhelming your space.
Resolution Matters
The resolution of your TV directly impacts how close you can sit before noticing individual pixels. With 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), you can sit significantly closer to your TV compared to older 1080p Full HD displays.
This increased resolution has actually enabled the trend toward larger TVs in recent years. A 65 inch 4K TV at 2.5 metres will look sharp and detailed, whereas a 65 inch 1080p TV at the same distance might appear pixelated. If you're upgrading from an older HD television, you may be pleasantly surprised at how much closer you can comfortably sit to a modern 4K display.
Brightness and Room Lighting
Your room's lighting conditions should also influence your TV size decision. In brighter rooms with large windows, a larger screen can help combat the effects of ambient light by providing a bigger, more visible image. Conversely, in a dedicated home theatre with controlled lighting, even a slightly smaller screen can create an immersive experience.
For Australian homes with plenty of natural light, the larger viewing area of a 65 inch TV helps ensure that picture details remain visible even during the day. This is particularly relevant for living rooms with north-facing windows that receive strong afternoon sun.
Wall Space and Aesthetics
Your TV should complement your room's design, not dominate it. Before committing to a size, consider how the TV will look when mounted or placed on a stand. As a general guideline, ensure there's at least 5-10 centimetres of space on either side of the TV.
A 65 inch TV measures approximately 144 centimetres wide by 81 centimetres tall (dimensions vary slightly by brand). Make sure your wall or entertainment unit can accommodate these dimensions with room to spare.
Future-Proofing Your Purchase
Television purchases are typically long-term investments—most people keep their TVs for 7-10 years. When choosing a size, consider how your viewing habits might change over time. Streaming services continue to offer more 4K and HDR content, which benefits from larger displays. Gaming consoles now support 4K at 120Hz, making bigger screens more appealing for immersive gameplay.
In our experience, people rarely regret buying a TV that's slightly larger than they initially planned, but often wish they'd gone bigger after living with a smaller model. If you're debating between two sizes and your room can accommodate either, the larger option is usually the better choice.
Conclusion
Selecting the right TV size comes down to understanding the relationship between your screen, viewing distance, and room characteristics. For most Australian living rooms with viewing distances between 2.4 and 4 metres, a 65 inch TV offers the perfect balance of immersive entertainment and practical everyday use.
Take the time to measure your space, consider your viewing habits, and don't be afraid to go slightly larger if your room allows. With modern 4K resolution and advanced display technologies, today's 65 inch televisions deliver exceptional picture quality that you'll enjoy for years to come.