How to Choose Wall Mount Tv

Mounting a TV on the wall can save you space, provide better viewing angles, and add an elegant touch to your home decor. However, to achieve these benefits, you need to choose the right wall mount for your TV size, weight, and viewing preferences, and install it properly with the necessary tools and precautions. In this guide, we will take you through the complete process of choosing and installing a wall mount TV, from the benefits and types of wall mounts to the maintenance tips and additional accessories that can enhance your viewing experience. So, let’s get started!

Table of Contents

Benefits of Wall Mounting Your TV

Wall mounting your TV can offer several advantages over placing it on a stand or a table. Firstly, it saves floor space and makes your room look less cluttered and more spacious. Secondly, it allows you to adjust the height and angle of the TV to your eye level and preferred viewing position. This can reduce eye strain, neck pain, and fatigue, especially if you watch TV for long hours. Thirdly, it can increase the security of your TV and prevent it from getting knocked over by pets, children, or clumsy visitors. Finally, it can add a sleek and modern touch to your wall, and hide the cables and cords behind the TV for a clean and organized look.

Types of Wall Mounts: Fixed, Tilt, Full-Motion

There are three main types of wall mounts available in the market, each with its own features and functions:

Fixed Wall Mount:

A fixed wall mount is the most basic and affordable option for mounting your TV on the wall. It consists of two brackets that attach to the back of your TV and the wall, respectively, and hold the TV in a fixed position parallel to the wall. This mount is suitable for TVs that need to be mounted at eye level, and offer no adjustable viewing angles or positions.

Tilt Wall Mount:

A tilt wall mount is similar to a fixed mount, but it allows you to tilt the TV up or down to adjust the viewing angle. This can be useful if you need to mount the TV above eye level, or if you want to watch TV from different seating positions in the room. A tilt mount can usually tilt up to 15 degrees in either direction, but may require more clearance behind the TV to achieve ideal angles.

Full-Motion Wall Mount:

A full-motion wall mount, also known as an articulating arm mount, is the most versatile and expensive option for mounting your TV on the wall. It consists of a bracket that attaches to the back of your TV and an arm that extends from the wall, allowing you to swivel, tilt, and extend the TV in any direction and angle. This mount is suitable for TVs that need to be mounted in a corner, or for rooms with multiple seating positions, as it offers the most flexible viewing options. However, a full-motion mount may require more space behind the TV, and may be harder to install and adjust than a fixed or tilt mount.

Understanding TV VESA Standards

Before choosing a wall mount for your TV, you need to check its VESA standards, which determine the size and spacing of the mounting holes on the back of the TV. VESA stands for Video Electronics Standards Association, and it sets the industry standards for different TV sizes and models. To find the VESA standards for your TV, you can look at the user manual, the specifications sheet, or the label on the back of the TV. The VESA standards are expressed in millimeters, and indicate the horizontal and vertical distance between the mounting holes. For example, a TV with VESA 200×200 means that it has four mounting holes spaced 200 mm apart horizontally and vertically.

Size Matters: Choosing the Right Wall Mount for Your TV Size

The size of your TV and the type of wall mount you choose are interrelated, as the weight and dimensions of the TV can affect the stability and installation of the mount. To choose the right wall mount for your TV size, you need to consider the following factors:

The weight of the TV: This is the most important factor in choosing a wall mount, as it determines the weight capacity of the mount. The weight of your TV can be found in the user manual or on the label on the back of the TV. You need to choose a wall mount that can support at least the weight of your TV, and preferably more, to provide a margin of safety and stability.
The screen size of the TV: This can affect the placement of the wall mount, as larger TVs may need to be mounted higher on the wall to avoid neck strain or reflection. As a general rule, the center of the TV screen should be at eye level when you are seated in your usual viewing position, and the distance between the TV and the seating position should be 1.5 to 2 times the diagonal screen size of the TV.
The mounting pattern and spacing of the TV: This refers to the arrangement and size of the mounting holes on the back of the TV, and determines the compatibility of the TV with different types of wall mounts. Most TVs follow the VESA standards, but some models may have non-standard spacing or off-center holes that require special mounts.

Weight Limitations and Load-Bearing Walls

Mounting a TV on the wall involves drilling holes in the wall and attaching the mount to the wall studs or brackets. This requires some knowledge of the weight limitations and load-bearing capacity of the walls in your home, as well as the right tools and hardware to secure the mount. Here are some tips to ensure a safe and stable installation:

Check the weight capacity of the wall mount and the TV, and make sure they are compatible.
Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs behind the drywall, and mark their position with a pencil.
Measure the distance between the wall studs, and make sure it matches the mounting pattern of the TV.
Use lag bolts or toggle bolts to secure the mount to the wall studs, and avoid using drywall anchors or screws that may not withstand the weight of the TV.
Avoid mounting the TV on a wall that is not load-bearing, or that has electrical, plumbing, or other hidden elements that may interfere with the installation.
If in doubt, consult a professional installer or a structural engineer to assess the safety and feasibility of the wall mount installation.

Placement Options: Height and Viewing Angles

The placement of your wall mount TV can affect your viewing experience and the overall aesthetics of your room. Here are some tips to choose the optimal height and viewing angles:

Mount the TV at a height that is comfortable for your eye level, and that avoids neck strain or reflection. A common rule of thumb is to mount the center of the TV at eye level when you are seated in your usual viewing position.
Factor in the distance between the TV and the seating position, and choose the viewing angles that offer the best image quality and contrast.
Consider the ambient lighting and the glare from windows or lights, and adjust the tilt or angle of the TV accordingly.
Use a full-motion mount if you have multiple seating positions or need to adjust the TV frequently.

Tools Needed for Installing a Wall Mount TV

Installing a wall mount TV requires some basic tools and hardware, including:

Drill and drill bits
Screwdriver or power screwdriver
Level
Stud finder
Lag bolts or toggle bolts
Washers and spacers
Cable ties and clips

Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Wall Mount TV

Here is a step-by-step guide to installing a wall mount TV:

Choose the right wall mount for your TV size and weight, and make sure it is compatible with the VESA standards and the wall studs.
Mark the position of the wall studs with a pencil, and use a level to mark the vertical and horizontal lines for the mount.
Use a drill and a drill bit to make pilot holes in the wall studs. Make sure the holes are slightly smaller than the lag bolts or toggle bolts you will use.
Attach the mounting plate to the back of the TV, using the screws and spacers that fit your TV’s mounting pattern. Make sure the plate is level and centered.
Use a helper or a sling to lift the TV and attach it to the mounting plate. Tighten the screws and check the alignment and stability of the TV.
Attach the mounting arm or bracket to the wall studs, using the lag bolts or toggle bolts and washers. Make sure the mount is level and centered.
Attach the mounting plate to the mounting arm or bracket, using the screws and spacers provided. Tighten the screws and check the alignment and stability of the TV.
Hide the cables and cords behind the TV, using cable ties and clips. Make sure the cables are not stretched or twisted, and are safely secured to the wall.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Installing a Wall Mount TV

Here are some common mistakes to avoid when installing a wall mount TV:

Not checking the weight capacity and compatibility of the wall mount and the TV.
Not using the right tools and hardware for the installation.
Mounting the TV too high or too low, or at an awkward angle or position.
Not securing the mount to the wall studs or using inadequate hardware that may fail under the weight of the TV.
Not hiding the cables or leaving them exposed, which can look untidy and pose a tripping hazard.

Cost Comparison: DIY vs Professional Installation

Installing a wall mount TV can be a DIY project if you have the necessary tools and skills. However, if you are not confident or comfortable with the installation process, or if you have a complex or heavy TV that requires special tools or hardware, you may want to consider hiring a professional installer to do the job for you.

Maintenance Tips for Your Wall Mounted TV

Once you have installed your wall mount TV, you need to take care of it to ensure its longevity and performance. Here are some maintenance tips:

Clean the screen and the mount regularly, using a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth that is dampened with water or a mild cleaning solution. Do not use abrasive or chemical cleaners that can damage the screen or the mount.
Avoid touching the screen with your fingers or other hard objects that can scratch or break it.
Check the mount periodically for any signs of damage or wear, such as loose screws or cracks in the frame. If you notice any issues, dismount the TV and contact the manufacturer or a repair technician for assistance.
Adjust the tilt or angle of the TV as needed, to optimize the viewing experience and reduce glare and reflection.
Use additional accessories such as a soundbar or a smart remote to enhance your viewing experience and control the TV from a distance.

Enhancing Your Viewing Experience with Additional Accessories

If you want to further enhance your viewing experience and convenience, you can use additional accessories such as:

A soundbar or a home theater system that can improve the audio quality and surround sound of your TV.
A smart remote or a universal remote that can control multiple devices and offer advanced features such as voice search, programmable buttons, and channel guides.
An HDMI switch or a wireless HDMI transmitter that can connect multiple source devices such as a gaming console, a Blu-Ray player, or a streaming device to your TV.
A cable management kit or a cord cover that can hide the cables and cords behind the wall or along the floor, and prevent them from getting tangled or damaged.

Safety Precautions When Installing a Wall Mounted TV

Finally, when you are installing a wall mount TV, you need to take some safety precautions to avoid any accidents or injuries:

Have a helper assist you with lifting and mounting the TV, especially if it is heavy or bulky.
Wear protective goggles and gloves when drilling or anchoring the mount, to avoid inhaling dust or debris, or getting cut by sharp objects.
Turn off the electricity to the room or the wall socket where you will be working, to avoid electrocution or short circuits.
Avoid mounting the TV near doors, windows, or where it may obstruct the traffic flow or pose a tripping hazard.
Store the tools and hardware in a safe and organized manner, and dispose of any sharp or hazardous materials properly.
If you encounter any issues or difficulties with the installation, do not force or improvise any solutions, but seek professional assistance or advice.

By following these guidelines and tips, you can choose the right wall mount TV for your needs, and install it safely and securely, and enjoy a comfortable and stylish viewing experience in your home.