Where to Mount a TV on the Wall

Man mounting new TV on the wall. Man installing television at home

If you are ruminating about where to mount your TV on the wall, this article can help you stop overthinking and give a solution.

Interior designer Lalitha says, “TV can be placed in almost every room of the house. The only things one has to consider are safety and a comfortable viewing position.”

Why Choosing the Right Location is Important

One such reason is the TV mount. With so many different types of mounts available, choosing a proper TV mount is a primary step in the TV installation process. The mount you choose depends on the viewing angle, mounting position, or even the room type in your house.

For example, if you’re mounting your TV in a corner, you’ll need a full-motion mount.

See Related: Are TV Mounts Universal?

Viewing Distance

Proper viewing distance is essential for good health and a better viewing experience. To find the recommended distance, take the size of your TV and divide it by 0.55.

For example, if you have a 75-inch flatscreen TV:

75 ÷ 0.55 ≈ 136 inches

This means the optimal viewing distance for your TV would be around 136 inches or about 11 feet. However, this can vary depending on personal preference and your available space.

How High to Mount Your TV

a man using stud finder to find studs
Photo Credit: ungvar / Adobe Stock Free / License

Mukesh Madhar, a leading Midlands Chiropractor and owner of Stafford Chiropractic Clinic, writes:

“Due to the implementation of mounted televisions in patients’ homes, we are experiencing more patients attending our clinic with neck and shoulder complaints from repeated poor posture. 

The ideal height of a television should position the center of the screen at eye-level height when the viewer is seated. This allows the viewer to embrace a choice of positions comfortably, without creating tension and pressure in their joints and muscles. However, when a television screen is mounted on the wall, it typically hangs higher than eye-level and therefore forces the viewer to adopt a single position of poor posture, known as cervical spine extension.”

According to this, height is a key factor in determining where to mount your TV.

Calculate the Correct Height

Measure your TV’s height, divide that number by two, and subtract that result from 42 inches. This will give you the ideal height for the bottom of your TV screen from the floor.

For example, if you have a 55-inch TV:

  • The screen is about 27 inches tall.
  • Divide 27 by 2, which equals 13.5 inches.
  • Subtract 13.5 from 42, which gives you 28.5 inches.

So, the bottom of your 55-inch TV should be around 28.5 inches from the floor.

illustration showing 55 inch TV
Photo Credit: Stephen Kime / Home Gnome

To make it easier, here’s a chart showing the ideal height for different TV sizes when mounted at eye level:

TV Size ( Diagonal Length )Screen Height ( Top to Bottom )Mounting Height
( From floor to bottom of TV)
3215.734.15
4321.131.45
5024.529.75
552728.5
6531.926
7536.823.6
8541.721.15

All measurements are in inches.

Glare and Reflections

Glare can make it hard to see the screen during the daytime. Pay attention to how sunlight enters the room and whether you have blinds to block the glare when needed. It will be distracting to be unable to see half the screen due to glare. A tilt bracket for your TV mount can also help reduce glare from fixed light sources.

Mounting a TV Above a Fireplace

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

Mounting a TV above a fireplace is generally not recommended, as the heat can cause damage. According to experts at Samsung, televisions shouldn’t be exposed to temperatures over 104°F. If mounting over a fireplace is the only option, test the temperature at the mounting spot. Additionally, ash and dust from the fireplace can accumulate on the TV and its vents.

Additional Tips

  • Don’t mount your TV in a spot exposed to direct sunlight. Excessive heat can damage the TV components and affect performance.
  • Unless specified, TVs should not be exposed to water. Mounting a TV near water sources poses a risk of electrical hazards and damage.
  • To prevent overheating, leave at least 10 cm of space around the TV’s top, bottom, and sides. This allows for adequate airflow and helps cool the TV components.
  • If you want your TV in your living room with no wall space, consider mounting it in a corner. If that isn’t an option, placing it on a stylish console or bookcase creates a more aesthetically pleasing setup.

Read more: How to Mount a TV in a Corner

What to Know Next about TV Mounting:

Main Image Credit: dechevm / Adobe Stock Pro / License

Rahul Sattineni

I’m an engineer by education and a writer by passion. My goal is to help people make informed decisions regarding home improvement services. When I’m not writing, I enjoy listening to music, spending time with my family, and partaking in outdoor activities.

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