TV Stand vs. Wall Mount: Which is Right for You?

Latin worker in uniform installing television on the wall indoors.

My first TV was a small LED model that I placed on a stand. When I upgraded to a larger TV, I decided to mount it on my wall to save space. Want to know what suits you best? This article weighs the pros and cons of TV stands and wall mounts to help you decide.

Choosing between a TV stand and a wall mount will depend on TV size, home layout, budget, and safety concerns.

Quick Decision Table

FeatureWall MountTV Stand
Clean & modern lookYesNo
Easy InstallationNoYes
Ideal for large TVsYesNo
Safe for children and petsYesNo
Suitable for small spacesYesNo
MoveableNoYes
Effective cable managementYesNo

Safety and Security

A fireplace detail with white subway tiles in a cozy living room and a television mounted above.
Photo Credit: Joseph Hendrickson / Adobe Stock / License

In short, wall mounts are safer.

A securely mounted TV eliminates the risk of damage caused by pets or children knocking it over. Additionally, wall mounts prevent the TV from being bumped during cleaning or rearranging. As removing a TV from the mount takes more time than a TV on a stand, the chances of theft are lower. A TV on a stand has a higher chance of falling over, which could damage the screen.

Ease of Installation

TV stands are easier.

Only basic assembly is needed to set up a TV on a stand. The stand usually comes packaged with new TVs, and inexpensive universal stands can fit secondhand sets. Once the stand is ready, you can place your TV on it, and you’re done. On the other hand, installing a wall mount is more complex and time-consuming. You need to locate studs, check the level, drill holes, and tighten screws into the wall. 

See Related: How to Mount a TV on the Wall

Weight and Size Capacity

Living room interior with modern TV on stand
Photo Credit: New Africa / Adobe Stock / License

When it comes to space considerations, the wall mount wins.

For larger TVs, wall mounts are a better option. They can support screens as big as 130 inches and over 200 pounds. While custom stands can fit massive TVs, finding furniture wide enough to support a 70-, 80-, or 90-inch model may be a challenge. If you do choose to use a stand for a larger TV, make sure it is strong enough to handle the weight.

Cost

TV Stands are more affordable.

Most TVs come with some form of stand, included at no additional cost. If you already have furniture, like a table or media console, using the included stand is always less expensive.

For a wall-mounted setup, you need to buy the mount and pay for installation. This whole process can cost up to $400 if you spring for professional installation. It’s worth noting that this one-time investment for safety and space-saving benefits can be worth the cost.

Aesthetics and Decor

Both options allow you to create a stylish and personalized space.

A wall mount is the usual choice for a clean and modern look. With several types of mounts available, including swiveling and corner-mounting options, you can further customize your space. 

See Related: Can You Mount Any TV?

Cable Management

a man tightening the TV bracket
Photo Credit: Naypong Studio / Adobe Stock Free / License

A wall mount offers cleaner solutions.

The wires of a wall-mounted TV can be hidden by running the cords through the wall or using cable hiders. You can still hide wires for TVs placed on a stand in creative ways, such as placing the wires in a cable management box or using cord clips.

Additional Reading:

Main Image Credit: Brastock Images / Adobe Stock Free / License

Rahul Sattineni

Rahul holds a bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering and is a passionate writer. He loves to help people make informed decisions regarding home improvement services. When Rahul isn't writing, he enjoys listening to music, spending time with his family, and partaking in outdoor activities.