- Where the flat-screen TV will be mounted given your available wall space
- What types of wall mounts will provide the most ideal viewing angle
- Whether or not the wall-mounted TV needs to be able to move
- How to implement a cord management system
These details will help you decide between the three basic types of TV wall mounts, which are fixed, tilting, and full-motion. The size of your TV and its bolting patterns on the back (VESA) will determine if you need a small, medium, or large, heavy-duty TV wall mount.
Consider The Walls For The TV Mount
The good news is that all TV mounts follow a standard pattern, known as the VESA pattern. The Video Electronics Standards Association is the organization that came up with this standard, and it basically ensures that any wall mount will attach to your TV.
Most all TV wall mounts can be used on drywall and usually include all the tools, parts, and materials to provide a sturdy anchor for your flatscreen. This will usually require you to use a stud finder to locate a stud or two because even the thinnest TVs are still surprisingly heavy.
Of course, not all walls are created equal. If your walls are made of plaster or any type of masonry, like brick or cement, you’ll likely need extra hardware to punch through your wall and keep your TV in place.
It’s important to note that while the VESA pattern allows for a standard mounting pattern, it does not account for the size and weight of your TV. Wall mounts are rated based on the size and weight of your TV. If, for example, your mount is rated for only a 32-inch TV and you try to mount a 50-inch TV, you can mostly expect a broken mount, cracks in your walls from broken studs, and a flat screen TV on the floor. Double-check the specifications of your wall mount to determine the maximum screen size and weight that it can handle.
Different Types Of TV Wall Mount
Think about what you want from your wall mount. Do you want a simple, straight-forward mount, or do you want the ability to set different angles and adjust on the fly? The main different types of mounts available include:
Fixed TV Wall Mounts
A fixed TV wall mount performs exactly how you would expect; this type holds TVs in a fixed, secure position and does not move in any direction or tilt at a specific angle. The biggest draw to these types of TV mounts are that most of them are considered low profile, designed to position your TV close to the wall for a clean, picture frame look. In addition to small, medium, and large options, there are fixed TV mounts that include a quick-release feature. Some even have a place for a padlock to provide additional security in public places. Simple and affordable, fixed mounting brackets offer no extra adjustments, keeping your TV screen parallel to the wall. Fixed flat screen mounts are best if you mainly sit directly in front of your TV and have the space to keep the TV at an optimal position, angle, and height.
TV Wall Mount with Tilt
Tilting TV wall mounts, like fixed mounts, also perform how you would expect. Tilting mounts are designed so a flat screen TV can be positioned high on a wall and tilted down to reduce glare and provide a more comfortable viewing position. Usually, the ideal position for a wall mounted TV is at eye level, which can be very low on the wall in most family rooms. A tilting mount installed higher on the wall duplicates the experience of eye level viewing, while keeping the TV out of the reach of animals or small children that could possibly damage the screen. That tilting motion naturally forces the TV to be a bit farther from the wall, usually at least two inches. Tilt mounts are best if you have to place your TV above the ideal viewing level, like high on a wall or above a fireplace. If you want to learn how much tilt for a wall mount TV, we can tell you just what you need to know to start articulating angle preferences.
Full Motion TV Wall Mount
Full-motion TV wall mounts are a little more varied, and come in a range of options. A full-motion wall bracket allows the TV screen to be fixed in place, tilted, swiveled, or extended to create a variety of viewing experiences. There are some options to consider, depending on the considerations listed above. A TV that needs to be mounted in a corner and high on the wall requires a mount that can swivel from side-to-side or tilt up and down. A large, heavy TV might require a full-motion mount with two arms instead of one, for a sturdier hold to account for the weight capacity. A TV or touchscreen display that needs to be moved frequently should be supported by a TV wall mount bracket with a gas spring arm so movements are smooth and easy. These mounts usually require the TV to be even farther from the wall, but that might be worth the sacrifice if your TV is in a room with multiple different viewing spots, particularly in conference room settings.
Specialty Mounts Including Corner TV Wall Mount
One more category of TV wall mounts to consider for special use cases is commonly referred to as specialty mounts. Within specialty TV mounts, the main concepts still apply, including fixed, tilting, full-motion, and small, medium, and large, but the designs can be very specific. There are ceiling mounts, under cabinet mounts, fireplace mounts, corner mounts with two wall plates, truss mounts for on-stage use, and even TV mobile carts and stands.
With a better understanding of the basic types and features of TV wall mounts, answering the question of how to choose the right TV mount is less daunting. It’s as simple as understanding the position the TV needs to be in, how large the TV is, and whether or not any special use cases should be considered, where tv angle and glare play a determining factor. The final decision about what TV wall mount to buy should be made with quality in mind.
How To Mount a TV On The Wall?
The final decision about what TV wall mount to buy should be made with quality in mind. Choosing a high-quality solution for TV wall mounting at a reasonable value from a well-known brand instead of buying based on price, alone, is a safer way to protect your TV investment.
Wall mounted flat screens are supposed to provide a clean, minimalist look, but with a cable box, game console, Blu-Ray player, and other HDMI cable accessories plugged into your mounted TV, the trail of wires can be distracting and may ruin the clean look that you’re aiming for.
If you’re worried about the aesthetic or otherwise bothered by the mess of HDMI cables and wires, you have a few solutions to choose from. TV wall mount installation does not have to be difficult. You can install the wires inside the wall, which will require some professional help. You can also get a power outlet installed behind your mounted TV, which can help to hide TV wires and cables but may be less helpful when it comes to wires spreading inches long as they connect the accessory devices to your TV. There are also a variety of covers for cords and kits to help camouflage and organize the wires to at least maintain some order. These systems are referred to as cord caddies and are a great idea when attempting to conceal cords.
Along with the wires, be aware of any ports that you may need on your TV. While most modern TVs include ports at the sides of the screen, mounting your TV too close to the wall may make it hard to access HDMI, USB, or component ports in the back, especially if your tv is not curved.
Choosing a TV wall mount bracket can make or break (literally) your TV, but try not to overthink it. Consider your own needs, the specifications of your TV, and your viewing space, and you should have no problems making the right choice.
Since 2006, Mount-It! has provided high-strength, steel TV wall mounts at value pricing. Customers can always contact the company’s US based support team for additional help or advice.
Sources:
- https://www.digitaltrends.com/home-theater/tv-wall-mount-buying-guide/
- https://www.crutchfield.com/S-tQfIgFkihf3/learn/HDTV/choosewallmount.html
- https://www.cnet.com/how-to/read-this-before-mounting-your-flat-screen/