When it comes to decorating the room TV is the one of the main object that takes so much space. Putting it on the right place can be a game changer for the asthatics your room. By mounting it on the wall your room will look much spacious and cleaner. Thinking of how to install a TV wall mount? and it sounds too hard to do by yourself. It’s actually easier than you think. Lets start it step by step, even if you’ve never picked up a drill before.
How To Select Right Location To Mount Your TV?
Choosing the ideal mounting location for your television involves more than aesthetics—it requires careful consideration of structural, environmental, and connectivity factors.
Before drilling into any wall, assess your available options. Your choices may be limited by room layout, furniture configuration, or the position of existing cable outlets and power sources. However, if you have flexibility, several technical considerations should guide your decision.
Lighting and Glare Analysis
Conduct a sunlight assessment during your typical viewing hours. Direct sunlight creates screen washout, reduces perceived contrast ratios, and can elevate panel temperatures, potentially affecting long-term display performance. Map the sun’s path through your space—east-facing walls receive morning light, while west-facing walls catch afternoon glare. South-facing walls (in the Northern Hemisphere) experience the most prolonged direct exposure throughout the day.
Position your TV perpendicular to windows rather than opposite them whenever possible. This configuration minimizes reflective glare from both natural and artificial light sources. Consider the placement of lamps, overhead fixtures, and even reflective surfaces that might create secondary glare points on your screen.
Wall Structure Considerations
Interior walls typically offer the cleanest cable management solutions. These walls contain hollow stud cavities that provide straightforward pathways for routing HDMI cables, power lines, and speaker wires behind the drywall using in-wall rated components.
Exterior walls present significant challenges: they contain additional cross-bracing for structural integrity, thicker insulation materials (fiberglass, foam board, or spray foam), and often include vapor barriers. These obstacles complicate cable concealment and may require surface-mounted conduit or decorative cable covers instead. Additionally, exterior walls may experience greater temperature fluctuations, though modern TVs handle this well within normal climate-controlled environments.
Key Technical Takeaways:
- Stud location is critical: Use a quality stud finder to locate solid mounting points; drywall anchors alone cannot support modern large-format displays safely
- Load-bearing capacity: Verify your wall can support 2-3x your TV’s weight to account for dynamic forces and mount hardware
- Viewing angle optimization: Position the screen at eye level when seated; the center of the display should align with viewer eye height (typically 42-48 inches from the floor)
- Cable accessibility: Ensure proximity to power outlets and signal sources; consider installing recessed outlet boxes behind the TV for a completely flush appearance
- Thermal considerations: Maintain 2-4 inches of clearance around the TV for proper ventilation, especially if mounting in an entertainment center or between walls
- Future-proofing: Install conduit or access panels during initial installation to simplify future cable upgrades without reopening walls
How to Choose the Right Type of TV Wall Mount
| TV Size & Weight | Recommended Mount Type | Why This Mount? |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 32″ (≤15 kg) | Fixed Mount | Stable and cost-effective for smaller, lighter TVs. |
| 33″–43″ (≤20 kg) | Tilting Mount | Offers adjustable viewing angles without extending from the wall. |
| 44″–55″ (≤25 kg) | Full-Motion Mount | Provides flexibility to adjust viewing angles and extend out from the wall. |
| 56″–65″ (≤35 kg) | Heavy-Duty Full-Motion Mount | Supports larger TVs with robust arms and extended reach. |
| 66″–75″ (≤45 kg) | Premium Full-Motion Mount | Designed for extra-large TVs, offering extensive movement and support. |
| 76″ and above (≤50 kg) | Ultra-Heavy-Duty Full-Motion Mount | Specialized mounts with reinforced arms and extended reach for very large TVs. |
Tools & Materials You’ll Need To Install a TV Wall Mount
Before we start, grab these:
- Stud finder
- Tape measure
- Pencil
- Drill & drill bits
- Phillips screwdriver
- Level or spirit level
- Wall mounting bracket
- Ratchet or shifting spanner
- TV (obviously!)
- A friend to help lift
Step 1: Find the Wall Studs
TVs between 65-89″ are heavy. They can weigh up to 30kg. So, you’ll need to screw your TV wall bracket into the wooden studs behind your drywall. Use a stud finder, it beeps when it finds one. No stud finder? Gently knock on the wall. A solid sound usually means a stud is there. Mark it with a pencil.
Step 2: Line Up the TV Mount
Hold your mounting bracket up to the wall and line it up with the studs you marked. Use a level to make sure it’s straight, most mounts come with one built-in. Once it’s straight, mark the holes where you’ll need to drill.
Step 3: Drill Your Pilot Holes
Now grab your drill and make small holes where you marked earlier. These pilot holes help keep the screws steady. Don’t skip this step, it keeps your wall from cracking.
Step 4: Attach the Wall Mount Bracket
Use your ratchet or screwdriver to screw the TV wall mount bracket into the wall. Don’t tighten them all the way just yet, leave a little wiggle room in case you need to adjust.
Step 5: Add the Mounting Brackets to Your TV
Flip your flat screen TV gently and attach the smaller brackets to the back. Each brand is a little different, so check your manual. Don’t over-tighten, you don’t want to crack your TV.
Step 6: Get a Friend and Hang the TV
This part’s not a solo job! Mounting a TV needs two people. Carefully lift the TV and hook it onto the wall mount. Double-check it’s locked in place and sitting straight. Many full motion TV wall mounts let you tilt or swivel the screen, which is great for reducing glare or adjusting the view from your couch.
Step 7: Tighten It and Tidy Up
Use a long screwdriver to secure the bottom of the mount. Give the TV a gentle push, if it doesn’t move, you’re good! Wipe off any fingerprints with a soft cloth.
Bonus Tips for a Clean Setup
- Hide your cables with a cable cover or run them behind the wall.
- If you want to install a TV wall mount on a brick or concrete wall, you’ll need different anchors.
- Always check the weight rating of your TV wall bracket to make sure it can support your TV.
What’s the correct height to mount a TV above a fireplace?
The ideal height to mount a TV is around 4 to 4.5 feet (48–54 inches) from the floor to the center of the screen, which aligns with eye level for comfortable viewing.
When mounting above a fireplace, consider the height of the fireplace. For example, if your fireplace is around 3 feet (36 inches) high, mount the TV at least 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) above it to avoid heat exposure, as excessive heat can damage the TV. Also, ensure that the TV is placed at a comfortable viewing height to prevent neck strain. A gap of about 3–4 feet (36–48 inches) from the floor to the TV and 1–2 feet (12–24 inches) from the top of the fireplace to the bottom of the TV is recommended for a balanced setup.
If your fireplace generates significant heat, it may not be ideal to mount the TV above it. In such cases, using a tilting wall mount or choosing a wall without a fireplace could be better options to prevent damage to the TV.
How can I hide the cables when I wall mount my TV?
You can use a paintable raceway kit to run cables along the wall, hide wires behind furniture like a TV stand, or achieve a seamless look with an in-wall cable concealment kit. For a simpler approach, cable ties or clips can help organize wires discreetly behind the TV.
Also, read our trending topic on how to Install VJ Paneling.
Final Thoughts:
That’s it! Now you know how to install a TV wall mount like a pro. Kick back, grab the remote, and enjoy your clutter-free setup. Want more easy DIY tricks to upgrade your home? Stick around, we’ve got tons of guides to help you feel like a home improvement hero.