Size:
As stated by Darryl Carter, your TV stand should be proportional to your TV. This will prevent both a lot of awkward-looking empty space or your TV from looking too big for the stand it's on. TV stands often take up a lot of floor space, too, so it's important to keep the area around your stand clutter-free for a more open look. If you have a small space to work with, go for a TV stand between 40-50 inches wide (always check it is compatible with your TV, of course). This is a good size and still allows for storage space. For larger spaces, you can go as big as you like, though keep in mind the above advice to not leave a lot of spare space between where your TV ends in comparison to your stand.
Material:
Aside from metal accents and hardware, a low profile TV stand will usually be made from manufactured wood, otherwise known as MDF. Manufactured wood is usually relatively inexpensive unless it is mixed with solid wood, in which case it may be more expensive. If your TV stand has metal legs, you'll need to clean them with a dry cloth regularly to prevent rusting, especially if they are coated for a rose gold or gold effect. To clean manufactured wood, regular polish is fine, though make sure not to saturate the cloth as manufactured wood absorbs liquid quickly, an issue that can lead to warping.
Style and Color:
Due to the TV stands on this list being low profile, most will have a contemporary look. However, contemporary doesn't have to mean dull. Mixing things up with a two-tone TV stand can make up all the difference -- a white base with dark doors or shelving is a great example of this. Additionally, the design of a TV stand can add depth and texture to your living room. A ridged TV stand is a good choice for a room completely decorated in neutral colors, as it will fit in with the on-trend Scandi style without being too dull. Look at the legs, too. Tapered legs will give off a retro mid-century vibe, whereas square and block legs are undeniably contemporary.
Storage:
Most low profile TV stands come with at least one or two shelves. These shelves can be used for storing DVDs or gaming consoles, or simply for decoration to add an accent touch to your TV area. Kelly Behun recommends choosing a TV stand that has at least two shelves, preferably that are hidden away behind doors or a panel. This will help to hide any mess and will also allow you to organize your TV-related items away so you can find them easily when you need them. Moreover, a small nook is always useful for storing the TV remote, so you won't waste time looking for it when you want to catch up on your latest show.
Additional Features:
Per Nicole Hollis, if there's one additional feature you should look out for with a TV stand, it's cable management. Even having a small hole at the back of your stand can help disguise wires. Cable management is also a great added safety measure if you have pets or children, as they won't be able to access any hanging wires as easily. Another cool extra is LED lighting. LED lighting can be used to set an ambiance up, whether you want calm background lighting for when friends come around or prefer bright red for watching a horror film. Though these features aren't the most necessary, they add to your TV-watching experience so it's the best it can be.