The slim design of flat screen TVs has allowed a lot more flexibility on how a screen can be positioned for the best viewing. Mounting your television not only frees up space but allows you to enjoy a theatre-like viewing experience.
Getting the TV off the cabinet and onto the wall requires a sturdy wall mount. You will need to consider size, weight, and functionality. So how do you know which TV wall mount is best? In this guide, we tell you everything you need to know when choosing a TV wall mount.
Things to Consider When Choosing a TV Wall Mount
The Type of Wall Mount
There are three main types of wall mounts to choose from:
Fixed TV Wall Mounts
Fixed TV wall mounts hold the screen level against the wall so that it faces straight forward.
Pros
- These are the least expensive and simplest type of TV wall mounts.
- Fixed wall mounts allow your screen to double as a contemporary design feature in the room with clean lines.
Cons
- Fixed TV wall mounts are not flexible and do not allow you to adjust the angle of the screen. This means you will not be able to adjust the angle to avoid glare from light reflecting in through windows.
- You will need wall space to mount the screen at your eye level while seated.
- You will need to sit in more-or-less the same spot when watching TV.
- A fixed wall mount limits access to the back of the television. If you need to reach ports at the back of the TV, a fixed TV wall mount is not the right choice.
Tilting TV Wall Mounts
Tilting TV wall mounts allow you to adjust the angle of the TV up and down between five and 15 degrees. To allow enough room for tilting the wall mount will need to be two inches away from the wall. Tilting wall mounts are a good choice if you sit in the same place while watching TV but need to hang the screen a little higher than eye level due to space or other restrictions.
Pros
- These types of wall mounts give you some flexibility to avoid glare from windows or lights.
Cons
- Tilting TV wall mounts don’t allow side-to-side adjustments.
- You will need to sit in more-or-less the same spot when watching TV.
- If you need to reach ports at the back of the TV, it won’t be impossible, but it might be challenging.
Full-motion TV Wall Mounts
Full-motion, or articulating wall mounts, allow almost full-range flexibility in terms of the TV's positioning. You will be able to angle it sideways, adjust it forward and backward, as well as up and down.
Pros
- You can watch TV from any spot in the room with an optimal view of the screen.
- You can adjust the screen to avoid glare.
- There are no limitations to reaching ports at the back of the television.
Cons
- Full-motion TV mounts are the most expensive.
- You won’t get a flush fit with a full-motion mount since it requires a sizable gap between the mount and the wall to allow for full movement.
- You will need to take care of cords and cables, ensuring they remain in place despite the movement and various angles.
Weight
The packaging of the TV wall mount will indicate what capacity it can safely support. Look for a wall mount that is UL-certified. This indicates that they have undergone testing to verify they can hold the weight indicated. Do not (ever) buy a mount that is suited to a smaller or lighter TV than the one you are hanging.
If you are swapping a TV for a bigger one, make sure to change the wall mount accordingly. You don’t want the mount to sag, or worse yet for your television to crash to the ground if the mount detaches from the wall or breaks.
If you are not sure how much your television weighs, you can check the manufacturer’s website. Look under the listed specifications for your specific model.
Size
Television screen sizes are not measured by their width and height. The size is measured diagonally from one corner to another. When it comes to the television size, the VESA mounting interface also needs to be considered. This refers to the rectangular or square mounting pattern of holes found on the back of television sets.
The mounting holes need to correspond with the screw-holes on the chosen wall mount. Many television wall mounts accommodate a range of VESA sizes. You can find your TVs VESA size on the manufacturer's website or in the owner’s manual. The following are the most common VESA sizes:
- 200×200 for TVs up to 32 inches
- 400×400 for TVs up to 60 inches
- 600×400 for TVs 70 inches or more
Adjustment Features to Consider
Television wall mounts are pretty simple but a few extra measures are recommended to make sure the mount is properly and safely installed.
Level Adjustment
A level adjustment will let you fine-tune the mounted television installation to ensure that it’s completely level.
Precision Height Adjustment
Precision height adjustment provides you with approximately an inch leeway to adjust your mounted TV up or down once installed.
TV Wall Mount Cable Covers
Wall mounts can come with cable clips, channels, or covers to keep the wires tidy and hazard-free.
TV Wall Mount FAQ
Q: At what height should you mount a TV?
A: The middle of your TV should be at eye level when seated. The general measurement is approximately 42 inches from the ground to the middle of the television.
Q: Can you mount a TV too high?
A: Do not position your TV so high that viewers need to tilt their heads excessively to get a good view. If you need to tilt your head more than 35 degrees from eye level to see the top of the screen, it is too high.
Q: Can you mount a TV on drywall?
A: Drywall should be able to support a television weight of up to 100 lbs. It is, however, advisable not to take the risk since the mount may require additional support. It is recommended to only mount the brackets to the studs inside the wall. The studs will provide a stronger anchor point.