You may be unsure about how to select a TV mount. TV mounts are available in a range of styles to fit a variety of installations and locales. Because your setup and demands are unique to your home, you’ll want to choose the proper mount before putting it up on the wall and realizing it’s not the right fit. If you’re unsure how to choose a TV wall mount, consider the following points before making a purchase. Keep the location of your TV’s inputs in mind when choosing a fixed mount, as you may need to utilize the included spacers to ensure your cords fit properly. A TV mounted on the wall not only looks good, but it also reduces space and keeps your TV from tipping over.
The Different Types of TV Wall Mounts
One of the first things to consider when deciding which
is suitable for your living room or home theatre is the size of the TV. While there are numerous possibilities, there are three fundamental types of TV wall mounts on the market: fixed, tilting, and full motion. The main distinction between the categories is their flexibility.
- Fixed
Fixed TV mounts are the most basic and affordable option. The TV is practically flush against the wall with these wall mounts, giving the room a clean, contemporary aesthetic. However, this also implies that the screen’s angle cannot be tilted or altered. At all times, the screen is parallel to the wall.
A fixed mount can be a good alternative if there is enough wall space to attach the unit such that the screen’s center is at eye level while seated and the same spot is used every time you watch TV. Simply be mindful of any potential glare from surrounding windows at various times of the day. When the TV has to be installed near a window, close the window shades or blinds to keep the glare off the screen. A fixed mount also prevents access to the TV’s back. If the ports behind the TV must be accessed regularly, a fixed mount may not be the best option.
2. Tilting
Tilting TV mounts allow you to modify the tilt of your screen between 5 and 15 degrees up and down. Tilt mounts, on the other hand, do not allow for side-to-side positioning. Expect the wall mount to hold the television around 2 inches away from the wall to allow for tilting.
Tilting TV mounts are a fantastic alternative for those who sit in the same area in front of the TV all of the time but need to hang the TV a little higher than eye level, such as over a fireplace. These wall mounts also provide you a little more choice when it comes to avoiding glare from windows or room lights.
3. Full Motion
Full motion TV wall mounts, also known as articulating mounts, provide you with almost complete control over how you position your television. Viewers can pull the TV several inches away from the wall, alter the angle, and adjust the height. A full-motion TV wall mount is great for individuals who prefer to watch TV from various locations around the room, want to install it in a corner, or require an adjustable screen to block glare.
Full motion mounts, on the other hand, do not fit flush since they require space to allow for full movement. Most mounts leave a space between the mount and the wall of several inches. It’s also crucial to make sure that all cords and cables have enough room to stay put even when the television is pulled out as far as the mount will allow. Full-motion mounts are also one of the more expensive options.
What to Look for When Purchasing a TV Wall Mount
When looking for a new TV wall mount, there is a lot to consider. The viewer’s personal preferences as well as the specifics of a circumstance can all play a role in choosing the best decision. Consider the TV’s dimensions, mounting location, wall type, and viewing angle before making these decisions.
1. Size and Weight Capacity
Every TV wall mount’s packaging specifies which television sizes and how much weight it can securely handle. The best TV wall mounts are UL-certified, which means they’ve undergone extensive testing to ensure they can support the weight they say.
It’s critical not to cut corners by purchasing a mount designed for a smaller or lighter television than the one that will be hung. In the best-case scenario, an undersized mount will sag under the weight, and in the worst-case scenario, the television will fall to the ground if the mount breaks or detaches from the wall.
If you don’t know how much your TV weighs, look it up on the manufacturer’s website under the model’s specifications. When it comes to size, keep in mind that television screens are measured diagonally from corner to corner, not horizontally or vertically across the screen.
2. Material
The construction and material of a wall mount contribute to its longevity and strength, both of which are necessary for properly hanging a television on a wall. The cost is influenced by the material, and some materials are more suited to sustaining larger televisions than others. The majority of TV wall mounts are constructed of iron or alloy steel.
- Iron is affordable, strong, and functional, but it is not as strong as steel pound for pound.
- Alloy steel is robust, stiff, and relatively lightweight, so it works well for all but the largest and heaviest TVs. Steel allows for a lighter frame to be used to attach huge and heavy televisions.
3. Wall Type
The type of anchoring mechanism to use is determined by the wall’s construction. Masonry anchors are required for poured concrete, concrete block, brick, and stone walls. Screw directly into the studs for timber walls or walls with evenly spaced studs. Specialty anchors are required for hollow walls, such as drywall and paneling, where wall studs are not accessible.
- Concrete wall: Predrill holes in the concrete wall and secure with concrete anchor screws.
- Brick wall: Drill holes in the brick or mortar joints and use concrete anchor screws to secure them.
- Drywall: Drill holes in the drywall and secure them with a drywall screw and anchor system.
- Stonewall: Drill holes in the stone or mortar joints and use stone anchor screws to secure them.
- Wooden wall: Predrill (if desired) and screw directly into studs.
- Mounting Interface
The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) mounting interface, which is essentially a rectangle or square pattern of mounting holes present on the back of almost every modern television, is another consideration.
The mounting holes on the wall mount must line up with the corresponding screw holes. Many TV wall mounts are compatible with a wide range of VESA sizes, but the most popular VESA sizes are as follows:
- 400 x 400 mm for televisions up to 60 inches.
- 200 x 200 mm for televisions up to 32 inches.
- 600 x 400 mm for televisions 70 inches or more.
The VESA size of a television is often listed in the owner’s handbook or on the manufacturer’s website. If not, use this approach to figure out the size. To begin, measure the horizontal distance between the higher holes’ centers. Next, determine the vertical distance between the centers of the higher and lower holes.
The VESA size of the TV is represented by these two figures in millimeters. The horizontal measurement is listed first, followed by the vertical measurement on mounting brackets.
5. Level Adjustment
While most TV wall mounts are very straightforward, a few extra functions may be useful. A level adjustment, for example, allows you to alter the mounted television slightly to ensure that it’s perfectly level. Another feature is precision height adjustment, which allows you to shift a mounted TV up or down an inch or two once it’s placed. Other wall mounts feature clamps or grooves that keep cords and wires perfectly aligned, however, some people choose to disguise them with a cable concealer or route them through a cavity wall.
6. Installation
Most TV wall mounts are simple to install for the typical individual, though it’s a good idea to enlist assistance when moving and installing a large set. The following procedures, together with a screwdriver, are generally used to mount a television to the wall.
- Attach the mounting channels to the back of the television first.
- Next, secure the mount’s base to the wall using screws. The method for securely attaching to the wall is determined by the wall type (see Wall Type section).
- Last but not least, place the television on the mount.
Conclusion
To summarise, when choosing a TV wall mount, keep in mind the mount type you’ll require and pay careful attention to the weight capacity of the mount. All you have to do now is sit back, relax, and enjoy your favorite show or movie after the wall mount has been fitted and the TV has been connected.