In today’s world, we’re all about compact living spaces. A wall-mounted TV is a great way to save some valuable space in your home. Installing a small TV on the wall not only looks sleek and stylish, but it also provides a more comfortable viewing experience. But how do you go about wall mounting a small TV? In this article, we’ll take a look at all the essential steps and tools required to mount a small TV on a wall.
What tools do you need for wall mounting a small TV?
The first thing you need to do is to gather all the necessary tools. Here’s a list of the items you’ll require:
- Drilling machine or screwdriver
- Screws and wall plugs
- Measuring tape
- Spirit level
- Pencil or pen
- Stud finder (Optional)
- Wrench or pliers (Optional)
- Wire cutters (Optional)
Before you start mounting your TV, it’s important to consider the weight and size of your TV. If you have a larger TV, you may need additional support such as a bracket or mount. It’s also important to ensure that the wall you are mounting the TV on is strong enough to support the weight of the TV. If you’re unsure, it’s best to consult a professional or use a TV mounting service.
Choosing the right wall mount for your small TV
Choosing the right wall mount for your small TV is crucial. You want to ensure that the mount is rated for the weight of your TV and offers the appropriate VESA pattern for mounting. You can refer to the manual or the manufacturer’s website to find out the VESA pattern of your TV. There are different types of wall mounts, including fixed mounts, tilting mounts, and full-motion mounts. Choose the one that best suits your needs and budget.
Another important factor to consider when choosing a wall mount for your small TV is the viewing angle. If you plan on mounting your TV in a room where you will be sitting directly in front of it, a fixed mount may be the best option. However, if you need to mount your TV in a room where you will be viewing it from different angles, a tilting or full-motion mount may be a better choice.
It’s also important to consider the installation process when choosing a wall mount for your small TV. Some mounts may require professional installation, while others can be easily installed by the homeowner. Make sure to read the installation instructions carefully and determine if you have the necessary tools and skills to install the mount yourself.
Finding the perfect location to mount your small TV on the wall
Before you start drilling, it’s important to choose the right spot to mount your TV. Consider factors such as height, angle, distance from seating, and proximity to the power outlet. You can also use a cardboard cut-out of your TV to determine the ideal placement.
Another important factor to consider is the wall type. Different wall materials require different types of anchors and screws for mounting. For example, drywall requires anchors to hold the weight of the TV, while brick or concrete walls may require masonry screws. It’s important to choose the right hardware to ensure your TV is securely mounted and won’t fall off the wall.
Measuring and marking the spot for your small TV mount
Once you’ve found the ideal spot, it’s time to measure and mark the exact spot where you’ll be mounting the TV. Use a measuring tape, spirit level, and pencil to mark the spot. You can also use a stud finder to locate the studs in the wall. This step is crucial to ensure that the mounting is secure and safe.
Before you start drilling holes into the wall, it’s important to consider the viewing angle of the TV. You want to make sure that the TV is mounted at a comfortable height and angle for your viewing pleasure. A good rule of thumb is to mount the TV at eye level when seated.
Additionally, if you plan on connecting any cables or wires to the TV, make sure to leave enough space between the mount and the wall to accommodate them. You don’t want to have to remove the TV mount every time you need to adjust or replace a cable.
Preparing your wall for installation of the TV mount
Before you start drilling, it’s important to prepare the wall for installation of the TV mount. Clean the area thoroughly, remove any electrical switches or sockets that may interfere with the mount, and ensure that the wall is smooth and even.
It’s also important to locate the studs in the wall before drilling. Use a stud finder to locate the studs and mark them with a pencil. This will ensure that the TV mount is securely attached to the wall and can support the weight of the TV. If you’re unsure about locating the studs, consult a professional or use a mounting bracket that doesn’t require drilling into the wall.
Installing the bracket onto the back of your small TV
The next step is to install the bracket onto the back of your small TV. Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for this step. Ensure that the bracket is securely attached to the TV and that it is level.
It is important to note that the weight of your TV should be taken into consideration when selecting a bracket. Make sure that the bracket you choose can support the weight of your TV. If the bracket is not strong enough, it may not be able to hold the TV securely, which could result in damage to both the TV and the bracket. Always check the weight limit of the bracket before making a purchase.
Attaching the mounting plate to the wall
Once the bracket is attached to the TV, it’s time to attach the mounting plate to the wall. Drill the holes for the screws and wall plugs and attach the mounting plate to the wall. Ensure that the plate is level and that the holes are drilled into the studs if possible.
Before drilling any holes, it’s important to locate the studs in the wall. You can use a stud finder or knock on the wall to find the solid areas. If you can’t find a stud, use wall anchors to secure the mounting plate to the drywall.
Once the mounting plate is attached to the wall, double-check that it is level. Use a level tool to ensure that the plate is straight. If it’s not level, adjust the plate before tightening the screws. This will ensure that your TV is mounted securely and won’t tilt or fall off the wall.
Mounting your small TV onto the wall bracket
After both the bracket and mounting plate are securely in place, it’s time to mount your small TV onto the wall bracket. Align the bracket hooks with the mounting plate and gently push the TV onto the wall bracket until it clicks into place.
Before mounting your TV onto the wall bracket, make sure to double-check the weight limit of the bracket and ensure that your TV falls within that limit. It’s also important to have a second person assist you with the mounting process to ensure that the TV is properly aligned and secured onto the bracket.
If you’re unsure about the mounting process or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, it’s always best to consult a professional. They can ensure that your TV is mounted safely and securely onto the wall bracket, giving you peace of mind and preventing any potential accidents or damage to your TV.
Adjusting and securing your small TV on the wall mount
Now that your small TV is mounted to the wall bracket, you need to adjust the TV to the desired angle and secure it in place. Depending on the type of mount you’ve used, you may need to use a wrench or pliers to tighten the screws and bolts that secure the mount in place. Ensure that the TV is level and that all screws and bolts are tightened securely.
Once you have secured the mount, you can adjust the TV to the desired viewing angle. This can be done by loosening the screws on the mount that hold the TV in place and tilting it up or down. You can also adjust the TV from side to side by loosening the screws on the mount that allow for horizontal movement.
It is important to take your time when adjusting the TV to ensure that it is at the perfect angle for your viewing pleasure. You may need to make small adjustments and step back to check the angle before making any final adjustments. Once you are satisfied with the angle, tighten all screws and bolts to ensure that the TV is securely in place.
Tips for hiding cords and cables when mounting a small TV on the wall
Now that your TV is mounted, you may find yourself struggling with cords and cables. Here are some tips to help you hide the cords and cables when wall mounting a small TV:
- Use a wire management kit to hide the cords
- Install a cord cover to hide the cords
- Use a power outlet box to hide the cords and power source
Troubleshooting common issues when mounting a small TV on a wall
If you encounter any problems during the installation process of mounting your small TV on a wall, here are some common issues and solutions:
- If the TV isn’t level, adjust the mount until it is level
- If the mount isn’t secure, tighten all screws and bolts until secure
- If the TV is too heavy for the mount, choose a stronger, sturdier mount
How to safely remove a small TV from a wall mount
If you ever need to remove your small TV from the wall mount, here’s how you can do it safely:
- Unplug all cords and cables from the TV and the wall
- Find the release button on the mount and press it to release the TV from the wall
- Slowly lift the TV off the wall mount and place it on a flat surface
Maintenance tips for keeping your wall-mounted small TV in good condition
To keep your wall-mounted small TV in good condition, you should:
- Dust the TV and mount regularly
- Clean the TV screen with a microfiber cloth and screen cleaner
- Check the mount and screws regularly to ensure they are secure
Comparing different types of mounts for small TVs and deciding which is best for you
There are different types of mounts available for small TVs, including fixed mounts, tilting mounts, and full-motion mounts. Here’s a breakdown of these mounts and their features:
- Fixed mounts: These are the most basic type of mount and offer no movement or adjustability. They are best for TVs that will not need to be adjusted once they’re mounted on the wall.
- Tilting mounts: These mounts allow you to tilt the TV up or down for better viewing angles. They’re ideal for rooms where glare or reflections are a problem.
- Full-motion mounts: These are the most versatile and adjustable mounts. They allow you to tilt, swivel, and extend the TV away from the wall. They’re perfect for larger rooms where you may need to adjust the TV frequently.
Now that you know how to wall mount a small TV, you can enjoy your favourite shows and movies in style. Follow these steps carefully, and your TV installation process will be a breeze.