3 Tips for Mounting a Flat Screen TV
Mounting your flat screen TV to the wall can save on space and make your room look more polished. But first, it’s important to do your research and make sure you’re mounting it correctly so you don’t end up with a broken TV.
If you feel like you’re ready to tackle this DIY project, check out our tips first!
1. Choose the right mounting bracket.
Flat screen TVs range from small to pretty enormous, which means there are a wide variety of mounting brackets to support various screen sizes and weights. If your TV did not come with a mounting bracket designed specifically for it, you’ll want to make sure you find one that is in your TV’s size range and can support your TV’s weight.
Every TV has a pattern of mounting holes on the back that usually complies with standards set by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). You can also look in the manual that came with your TV for a VESA size and find a corresponding mount.
2. Mount the TV at an optimal level.
Ideally, the image quality is best when the middle of your TV is at eye level. It also keeps you from having to strain your neck to see it. Above the fireplace is a popular spot to mount a TV, but that particular spot poses two problems: 1) The TV is too high for comfort, and 2) If you have a wood-burning fireplace, the heat and smoke can cause damage to the TV over time.
If you would like to hang your TV higher on the wall, one option is to consider a tilting wall mount. This kind of mount will let you adjust the height and angle.
One other important mounting tip: Locate two studs (wood, not metal) in your wall to mount the bracket. No matter the size, TVs are heavy and drywall won’t hold the weight alone.
3. Hide the cords correctly.
One of the reasons people like to mount their TV is because it makes the room look neater. However, cords can be tricky, so it’s a good idea to think about how you want to hide them before you choose a spot to hang your TV.
There are a few different options:
- Cable management raceways or cable ties
- Hiding cords in the wall
- Running cords behind molding or baseboards
While all of this is definitely doable if you’re an avid DIYer, it can be tricky to make sure everything is installed right and your TV will stay on the wall. You may want to consider hiring a professional audiovisual installer to do it for you.
At Texadia Systems, we have experience technicians that can install your TV correctly and also provide custom AV solutions for your home.
