Assumed hdtv Sit no closer than twice the diagonal screen size. 3x diag = ideal viewing. Of course these are eyeball placement squarely in front of the pic ... at an angle you need to sit suprizingly much closer. Might search for hdtv viewing distance calculator

I'd say turn on the set in your current cabinet and watch it for a few hours. If it doesn't get really warm, you're fine. If it gets too warm, make sure you are getting airflow from those rear vents. ie: make sure the cabinet isn't pushed up against the wall. If it is still too warm, then get a bigger cabinet.

Thank you happyladi, cliff and joann, and lukkiirish for your input! I may be able to fit a 46 or 47 inch TV in the spot so now I need to look at TV stands again to see if it is doable since the stand I liked was only for a 42 inch TV. I don't want to block the windows on one of the walls since that is the only wall with windows and the only place I feel comfortable putting the TV now that I rearranged the room. If I put the TV facing the big wall, I could go bigger but then the room will be made too look smaller and when I am in the kitchen I will be looking at the back of the sofa. But it is good to know that I can go bigger and not have a problem if the TV will fit. I will measure my space and bring a tape measure also when I shop now that I have done a lot of research and read so many reviews of TVs and have an idea what feature does what and what is important. It looks like I should get 120 HZ and 1080P.

I have a 66" console for a 60" tv. I'd prefer something a little wider b/c the speakers are mounted on the wall too. But we already owned this console so its staying for now. Plus we needed the floor space for extra seating and have chairs flanking the tv ( a popular theme!) I love the look of long low consoles . I willed ably replace this one soon with something in the 72-80" range. If you want to display items, I'd go for the 80" but a lower height. Where are your speakers going to go? your width is fine. The height is a little on the high, making your viewing angle less than ideal.