Do you want to know which mount suits your TV best? This article will help you choose the best mount based on your specifications.
The three common types of TV wall mounts are fixed, tilt, and full-motion, each offering unique features. Read on to find out what makes each kind of wall mount unique, and learn about alternative ways to mount your TV
Fixed Mounts
A fixed mount is the most basic option. It keeps your TV fixed against the wall and doesn’t allow movement or adjustments.
Best For: Rooms where you can place the TV at eye level, directly in front of your seating area.
| Movement | No movement |
| Best For | Eye-level placement |
| Adjustability | None |
| Proximity to Wall | Very Close |
| Ease of installation | Easy |
| Cost | Lowest |
Pros: Simple to install, low cost, and keeps the TV close to the wall. Many models come with a quick-release feature and even an option for added security with a padlock.
Cons: No movement (You can’t tilt or adjust the TV’s angle after mounting). It’s also not ideal if the TV needs to be placed higher than eye level.
Tilt Mounts
A tilting mount allows you to adjust the vertical angle of your TV. This type of mount is perfect for reducing glare or improving the viewing angle when the TV is mounted higher than eye level.
| Movement | Tilts up/down |
| Best For | High placement |
| Adjustability | Vertical tilt only |
| Proximity to Wall | Close, but up to 2 inches from the wall |
| Ease of installation | Easy |
| Cost | Low to moderate |
Best For: TVs mounted above eye level, such as over a fireplace or higher on a bedroom wall. Tilting down reduces glare from windows or lights and helps you see the screen more comfortably.
Pros: The ability to adjust the angle helps make higher placements more comfortable to watch. It also keeps the TV out of the reach of children and pets.
Cons: Doesn’t allow side-to-side movement and keeps the TV a little further from the wall than a fixed mount, typically at least 2 inches away.
Full-Motion Mounts
The most flexible one is a full-motion mount. It allows you to tilt, swivel, and extend the TV away from the wall. This mount allows you to adjust the viewing angle from different spots in the room.
| Movement | Tilts, swivels, and extends |
| Best For | Multiple viewing spots |
| Adjustability | Full adjustability |
| Proximity to Wall | Further from wall |
| Ease of installation | Moderate to Complex |
| Cost | Moderate to high |
Best For: Large rooms with multiple seating areas or situations where you often need to adjust the TV’s angle. Full-motion mounts are also great for mounting a TV in a corner.
Pros: Maximum adjustability with side-to-side swivel and tilt options. Some models even have gas spring arms for smoother movement. This type of mount can also handle heavier TVs with more robust designs.
Cons: More expensive and difficult to install than fixed or tilting mounts. The TV will also sit farther away from the wall, but this trade-off might be worth it for flexibility.
Alternatives to Wall Mounts
Furniture Mounts
A furniture mount secures your TV on top of a piece of furniture, such as a cabinet, desk, or counter. It’s a practical alternative if you want to avoid mounting your TV on the wall.
Best For: In situations where wall mounting isn’t desired or possible, you still want a secure setup.
Pros: Easy to set up and avoids the need for wall drilling. It’s also flexible since you can move the furniture as needed.
Cons: Doesn’t offer the sleek, modern look of a wall-mounted TV and might take up more floor space.
If you still need to decide about wall mounting versus placing your TV on a stand, check out our article, “TV Stand vs. Wall Mount: Which is Right for You?“
Ceiling TV Mounts
A ceiling mount lets you hang your TV from the ceiling using a straight or curved pole. These mounts offer height adjustments and the ability to tilt or swivel the TV, with some models even rotating 360 degrees.
Best For: Commercial spaces like restaurants, travel stations, or public displays.
Pros: Ideal for environments where wall mounting isn’t possible. Also, it saves wall space.
Cons: Not commonly used in homes and can be more complex to install. It might not suit a standard living room setup.
There are three different types of ceiling mounts.
| Type of Ceiling Mount | Description | Features |
| Flip-Down Mount | Lets you open and close the TV mount. Hides the TV when not in use. | Easy to use. TV is out of sight |
| Drop-Down Mount | Hangs the TV from the ceiling on a pole. You can tilt it and rotate it. | Rotates 360 degrees. |
| Full-Motion Mount | Similar to drop-down but allows more angle adjustments at the ceiling. | Full range of motion, good for angled ceilings. |
How to Pick the Right TV Wall Mount
When my neighbor bought a TV online, he didn’t opt for installation from the company experts. Instead, he decided to go the DIY route and bought tools that were not available to him. He ordered a mount online and did not check its specifications properly. Unfortunately, he purchased a non-returnable product. He could have saved some money if he had checked these details earlier.
VESA Compatibility
Make sure the mount you pick matches the VESA pattern of your TV. You can usually find your TV’s VESA standard size in the user manual provided by the company or on the manufacturer’s website using the model number.
Read More: How to Measure Your TV for a Wall Mount
Check the Weight Rating
The weight limit is usually listed in the mount’s manual or specifications. Always pick a mount with more capacity than your TV’s weight to avoid damage or fall.
Where to Mount the TV
Look for mounts only after you decide where to mount your TV. The mount you choose can vary on where you plan to install your TV.
For example, if you plan to install the TV higher or in a larger room, you might want a mount that allows for some adjustment in angle or position. Think about how you’ll watch the TV and what position will give you the best view.
Read More: Where to Mount a TV on the Wall
When to Hire a Pro
If you are still confused about what mount suits you best or the mount you chose is difficult to fix, Home Gnome is always available to help.
Additional Reading:
- How to Mount a TV on the Wall
- How Long Does it Take to Mount a TV?
- Can You Mount Any TV?
- How to Remove a TV from a Wall Mount
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled handymen and handywomen in seconds and leave the rest to us.
Main Photo Credit: sosiukin / Adobe Stock Free / License
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