If you are living in a rented apartment, chances are that you may have been told not to damage the walls or leave any permanent marks. However, this does not mean that you cannot enjoy the luxury of having a mounted TV in your living room or bedroom. In this article, we will take you through every step of how to mount a TV in a rented apartment, without causing any damage or violating your rental agreement.
Why Mounting a TV in a Rented Apartment is a Good Idea
Mounting a TV in a rented apartment can have many benefits. Firstly, it can save valuable space in your living room or bedroom. Secondly, it can give your space a cleaner and more streamlined look by removing the need for a bulky entertainment system. Additionally, a mounted TV can make it easier to position your TV at the ideal viewing angle, preventing neck strain caused by constantly looking up at your screen.
Moreover, mounting a TV can also provide added security in your rented apartment. By securely mounting your TV to the wall, you can reduce the risk of it being knocked over or damaged, which can save you money in the long run. Additionally, if you ever decide to move out of your rented apartment, you can easily remove the mount and take it with you to your new place, without leaving any damage or holes in the wall.
Assessing Your Rental Agreement Before Mounting a TV
Before you start planning on your TV mounting project, it is crucial to review your rental agreement. Check for any clauses that specifically forbid drilling holes or making any permanent changes to the walls. If your agreement prohibits such actions, you have to find an alternative such as standing TV mounts or bookshelf mounts. If the agreement is silent on the matter, you should still seek permission in writing from your landlord or rental management company before proceeding with the mounting.
It is also important to consider the location of the TV mount. Some rental agreements may have restrictions on where you can mount your TV, such as not allowing it to be mounted above a fireplace or on certain walls. Additionally, you should ensure that the wall you plan to mount the TV on can support the weight of the TV and the mount. If you are unsure about the weight limit or the structural integrity of the wall, it is best to consult with a professional before proceeding with the mounting.
Tools and Equipment Needed to Mount a TV in an Apartment
Before you start your TV mounting project, you will need specific tools and equipment to accomplish the job effectively. These include a drill, a screwdriver, a stud finder, a level, a measuring tape, a pencil, wall anchors, and mounting brackets compatible with your TV. Make sure that the mounting brackets you choose are durable and capable of safely supporting the weight of your TV.
It is also important to consider the location of the TV mount. You should choose a spot that is at a comfortable viewing height and does not obstruct any doors or windows. Additionally, you should ensure that there are no electrical wires or plumbing pipes behind the wall where you plan to mount the TV. If you are unsure about the location, it is best to consult a professional.
Before you begin drilling holes in the wall, it is a good idea to create a template of the TV mount on a piece of paper. This will help you to visualize the final placement of the TV and ensure that it is level. Once you have the template, you can use it to mark the location of the mounting holes on the wall. This will help you to avoid any mistakes and ensure that the TV is mounted securely.
Finding the Best Location for Your TV Mount
One of the essential steps in mounting your TV is selecting the perfect location for your mount. The right position will depend on factors such as the size of your TV, the position of your furniture, and the distance from the wall. Generally, it is best to mount your TV at eye level when sitting and ensure a comfortable viewing distance of about 8 to 10 feet away from your couch.
Another important factor to consider when selecting the location for your TV mount is the lighting in the room. You want to avoid placing your TV in an area with direct sunlight or bright lights that can cause glare on the screen. Additionally, if you plan on watching TV during the day, it is best to choose a location that is not affected by natural light. This will ensure that you have a clear and comfortable viewing experience.
Choosing the Right Wall Mount for Your TV
Choosing the right wall mount is crucial as it will determine the stability of your mounted TV. There are several types of mount available – tilting mounts, swivel mounts, or flat mounts, and selecting the right mount for your TV will depend on your preferences and the space available in your apartment. When in doubt, seek advice from the manufacturer or a professional installer.
If you have a large TV, it is recommended to use a mount that can support its weight. A tilting mount is ideal for larger TVs as it can hold the weight and also allows you to adjust the angle of the TV for better viewing. However, if you have limited space, a flat mount is a better option as it keeps the TV close to the wall and saves space.
It is also important to consider the location of the mount. If you plan to mount your TV in a high traffic area, a swivel mount is a good choice as it allows you to adjust the angle of the TV to avoid glare or reflections. Additionally, if you have children or pets in the house, it is recommended to mount the TV higher up on the wall to prevent accidents.
Measuring and Marking the Perfect Spot for Your Wall Mount
Once you have chosen the perfect location and mount, the next step is to measure and mark where the mount should be attached to the wall. Use a level to ensure the wall mount is level and make pencil marks where you will be drilling to create pilot holes. Use a stud finder to confirm the location of the studs in your wall and avoid drilling into pipes or cables hidden in the wall.
It is important to consider the weight and size of your TV when choosing the location for your wall mount. Larger TVs may require a stronger mount and should be attached to a stud for added support. Additionally, if you plan on mounting your TV in a high traffic area, make sure it is at a comfortable viewing height and not obstructing any walkways.
Before drilling any holes, double check the measurements and placement of the mount to ensure it is in the desired location. It may be helpful to have a second person assist with holding the mount in place while you mark the drill holes. Once the mount is securely attached to the wall, test the stability by gently pulling on the mount and adjusting as needed.
Drilling Holes and Installing Anchors for the Wall Mount
With the mount location identified, the next step is to drill pilot holes through the pencil markings made on the wall. The pilot holes should be smaller in diameter than the screws that will secure the wall mount. Once the pilot holes are in place, insert wall anchors into the holes and tap them with a hammer until they are comfortably fitted. The wall anchors will help to hold the screws securely in the wall and prevent them from loosening over time.
It is important to choose the right type of wall anchor for your wall type. For example, if you have drywall, you will need to use a plastic anchor, while a metal anchor is more suitable for a concrete wall. Using the wrong type of anchor can result in the mount becoming loose or even falling off the wall.
Before drilling any holes, it is also important to check for any electrical wires or plumbing pipes that may be hidden behind the wall. You can use a stud finder or a wire detector to locate any potential hazards. It is important to avoid drilling into these areas to prevent damage or injury.
Attaching the Wall Plate to the Wall and Securing the Bracket to the Back of the TV
With your wall mount securely anchored to the wall, the next step is attaching the wall plate to the wall mount bracket. Then, attach the bracket to the back of your TV. Most modern TVs come with VESA-compatible mounting points at the back, which means you only need to install the mounting screws and nuts provided with the wall mount.
Hanging Your TV on the Wall Mount Bracket
The final step in mounting your TV is to lift the TV carefully and attach it to the wall mount bracket. This should be a two-person project since the TV can be heavy and awkward to handle alone. Check that the TV is securely attached to the bracket and tilt or swivel it to your preferred viewing angle.
Concealing Wires and Cables for a Clean Look
No one likes the sight of unsightly wires dangling from their mounted TV, so it’s essential to conceal them for a clean and polished look. Use cable ties to gather the wires and secure them with adhesive clips that blend in with your wall paint color. You can also consider buying cable coverings that run along the wall’s length and conceal all the cables in one channel for a tidy finish.
Adjusting Your TV for Optimal Viewing Angles and Positioning
Once your TV is mounted on the wall, you may need to adjust it to achieve optimal viewing angles and positioning. Most wall mount brackets allow you to tilt or swivel the TV, giving you greater flexibility to position the TV exactly where you want it. Make sure that you adjust your TV for proper height, viewing distance, and angle to reduce neck and eye strain.
Tips for Removing a Wall-Mounted TV When You Move Out
If you’re eventually going to move out of your rented apartment, you need to ensure that you remove your mounted TV without leaving any marks or damage. Do this by removing all the mounting screws, brackets, and wall anchors carefully. Use spackle or filler to patch any remaining holes and paint over the patched areas to blend with the surrounding wall paint. If you’re unsure of how to remove the mount or have doubts about your ability to do it correctly, it’s always a good idea to seek professional help.
Conclusion: Enjoy Your Mounted TV Without Damaging Your Rental Property
Mounting a TV in a rented apartment can seem daunting, but with the right guidance and tools, it’s a simple and rewarding DIY project. By following our step-by-step guide, you can mount your TV safely and securely without violating your rental agreement or damaging your walls. By the end of the project, you’ll have a beautiful and functional TV installation that elevates your space and improves your viewing experience. Enjoy!