As TVs have become thinner while providing greater visual fidelity, wall mounting has become the go-to solution for setting up screens in a home setting. While fixed TV mounts offer simplicity and a clean aesthetic, tilted mounts are becoming more popular as a means of getting the best viewing experience while allowing adjustments on the fly for different TV viewing situations and the ability to hide wires.
However, once you choose a tilting TV wall mount, knowing when and how to tilt your TV with them can be confusing. How much tilt for a wall mount TV do you need? Read on to learn more.
Tilting TV Wall Mount - What is it?
Where fixed wall mounts are (as the name states) fixed at a set angle, tilted wall mounts offer vertical angle adjustment, which allows you to change the viewing position. The one potential downside to this is that it requires your TV to be a bit farther from the wall in order to provide space for tilting. That usually means at least two inches of space, while fixed wall mounts allow your TV to be nearly flush with your walls.
Why Get a Tilt TV Wall Mount?
Aside from the clean aesthetic, a tilted wall mount allows for varying degrees of vertical adjustment. This is optimal if your TV is placed above the optimal viewing level, allowing you to tilt the screen down to prevent neck strain while you’re watching your favorite shows. The angle adjustment can also come in handy if you’re dealing with any glare or screen reflections from room lights or open windows without blinds.
How Much Tilt for a Wall Mount TV?
TV Wall Mount Tilt Viewing Height
Figuring out the right angle for tilting starts with figuring out the viewing height of your TV. Ideally, your TV should be high enough such that the exact center of the screen is at eye level when you are sitting down. That works fine if it’s just you watching TV, but that’s not exactly feasible if you have multiple people watching one screen. When you can’t achieve the “ideal” height, you have to compromise and find a comfortable medium for everyone.
Even if you are considering yourself, viewing angle can change based on your height, your sofa, the monitor’s height, and the distance from your seat to the screen. The best place to start: measure your approximate seated eye height from the floor using some measuring tape, and then take that measurement to your wall. That gives you a general indication of where the center of your screen should be. Assuming that the mount connects to the center of the TV, that should give you your sweet spot.
Most of the action on TV occurs in the middle third of the screen. Take the height of your TV and divide by three. Measuring that from the bottom edge of the screen and you get a general idea of where the middle third starts, with some variations based on bezels and frames.
In reality, a lot of this comes down to trial and error, but remember that you don’t have to look for an exact formula. You’re looking more for a comfortable range.
How to Adjust and Tilt a Wall Mount TV?
Viewing angles are also fairly subjective. Having a tilt of +/- 25 degrees is acceptable, but this can also depend on your room situation. Your own comfort, glare reduction, and lack of neck strain are more important than exact degrees of tilt.
Furthermore, thanks to the progression of technology, TVs can be very forgiving when it comes to viewing angles. Based on the clarity, refresh rate, resolution, and overall image quality of the modern TV, getting to any sort of “sweet spot” with the angle is almost superfluous.
Tilting tv wall mounts can take the neck strain out of your viewing experience and reduce glare, making your TV sessions much more comfortable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How to Take the TV Off a Tilting Wall Mount?
Remember to be careful when removing the TV from the wall mount, as TVs can be heavy and fragile. Ask a friend or family member for help lifting the TV. To take a TV off a tilting wall mount, you can follow these steps:
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Unplug any cables or wires that are connected to the TV.
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Locate the locking mechanism that holds the TV onto the wall mount. This is usually located on the bottom of the mount. You might need a screwdriver to loosen the locking mechanism.
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Once the locking mechanism is loose, gently lift the TV up and off the mount. Depending on the size and weight of the TV, make sure you ask someone for assistance.
Should a Wall Mounted TV Be Tilted?
Whether or not a wall mounted TV should be tilted the specific viewing setup in your room and your personal preferences. It's always a good idea to experiment with different angles and positions to find the setup that works best for you.
If you are mounting the TV at eye level or slightly above eye level, you may not need to tilt the TV at all. However, if the TV is mounted higher up or lower down on the wall, tilting the TV can help improve the viewing angle and reduce any discomfort or strain on your neck.
Tilting the TV can also be useful if there are windows or lights in the room that create glare or reflections on the screen. Tilting the TV downward can help reduce these distractions and improve the viewing experience.
How to Adjust the Tilt of a TV Wall Mount?
To adjust the tilt of a TV wall mount, follow these steps:
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Locate the tilt adjustment knobs or screws on the TV wall mount. These are usually located on the sides or bottom of the mount.
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Loosen the knobs or screws with a screwdriver or wrench.
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Gently adjust the angle of the TV to the desired tilt.
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Tighten the adjustment knobs or screws back up to secure the TV in place. Make sure to tighten them enough so the TV doesn't move or shake, but not so tight that the mount or TV is damaged.
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Check the tilt and angle of the TV from different viewing positions to ensure that it's comfortable to watch and not causing any strain on your neck.
If you're unsure of how to adjust the tilt of your specific TV wall mount, consult the manual that came with the mount or contact the manufacturer for assistance.
How Much Should a TV Wall Mount Be Tilted?
The amount a TV wall mount should be tilted depends on the viewing angle of the room and personal preference. However, as a general guideline, it's recommended to tilt the TV down slightly if it's mounted higher up on the wall, and tilt it up slightly if it's mounted lower on the wall.
The ideal tilt angle also depends on the size and type of TV you have. For example, larger TVs may require a more significant tilt to provide an optimal viewing experience, while smaller TVs may only need a slight tilt.
As a general rule of thumb, it's recommended to tilt the TV between 5 to 15 degrees for the best viewing experience. However, you should adjust the tilt angle to suit your specific viewing needs and comfort.
Sources:
1: https://www.crutchfield.com/S-xdaPtu1gq3f/learn/HDTV/choosewallmount.html
2: https://www.tomsguide.com/us/how-to-mount-tv,news-24719.html
