How High Should a TV be Mounted?

The location and position of the TV play a vital role in your entertainment. Wall mounting a TV seems fairly easy until you have to finalize the exact height.

An improperly positioned TV will cause discomfort and neck pain. It will also affect your viewing experience. However, you can prevent this with some planning and calculation.  

The general rule of thumb is to mount the TV at eye level height. But measuring the eye level is not simple when each family member is of a different height. You still have to decide the most suitable height to mount the TV. 

So, how high should a TV be mounted? Read on! 

What is the Correct Height to Mount a TV?

Experts say that mounting a TV at 42 inches height from the ground level will place the center of the screen to your eye level. But this comes with exceptions. You need to measure the height of the seating and the length of your upper body when you sit on the seat. 

The total of these two heights should line up with the distance between the center of the TV screen and the floor. Furthermore, the TV center changes depending on its size (height and diagonal measurement). 

So, you calculate the TV mounting height in the following manner: 

• Find the TV’s height based on its dimension. 
• Divide the number by 2.
• Subtract the result from 42. 

For example, a 50-inch TV has a height of 24.5 inches. 42-24.5=29.7 inches, which should be the height of the TV from the floor level. 

Note: We took flat-screen television sizes for calculations

The optimal viewing distance is based on the TV size, TV type, room size, and seating. When watching TV, the viewing angle should be between 15 and 35 degrees.  

Steps to Measure the Center of the Screen 

1. Use a low-stick tape and run it diagonally across the TV screen (from one end to another). 
2. Repeat the process to create an intersection (X) on the screen. 
3. Find the average height of your family and ask the person with the nearest height to sit and face the TV. 
4. Stand right behind them and use a laser-level beam to mark the spot on the wall from eye level. 
5. The mark should align with the midpoint of X on the screen. 
6. Mount your TV at this height and adjust its angle for the best viewing experience. 

Safety Tip: Don’t use the laser beam at the person, and never at their face. It could cause permanent damage to their vision. 

Things to Consider When Determining the Right Height to Mount a TV 

Generalized measurements may not work for everyone. It is essential to take a few factors into account when mounting your TV on the wall. After all, each house has a specific setup. This changes the right height accordingly. 

Wall Size and Height

Find the dimensions of the wall using a tape measure. Mount the TV close to the top of the walls with a low ceiling. Mount it close to the floor on a narrow wall. An ideal height would be higher for a larger wall. 

TV Type and Dimensions 

Mounting a flat-screen TV is different from mounting a curved screen. An SD TV is different from an HD TV. Moreover, a movie screen with 70+ inches will be huge. Finding the center of this screen can be tough as there’s more surface area. You can choose a point between the bottom 1/3rd of the screen and its center to make the job easier. 

Room Size 

A larger room has more area and can easily accommodate a large TV (and more furniture). The TV can be slightly higher than the average height of the ideal viewing distance is followed. This also allows more viewers to watch TV comfortably. 

The Lighting in the Room 

Here, we consider natural and electrical lighting in the room. No light should directly fall on the TV screen as it will cause shadows and reflections, resulting in discomfort for viewers. When mounting your TV, make sure it is not in line with an open window or opposite a light source. 

Layout and Furniture 

The room’s layout, design, furniture, and seating arrangement are personal preferences. That said, these can impact your experience when watching TV.

For example, TVs mounted on a fireplace are almost always higher than sitting eye level. You may have to push the sofa away from the TV to increase the distance and reduce the viewing angle. 

Similarly, a room with barstools (or an entertainment area) is designed with a higher seating arrangement. The TV should be mounted higher to be at eye level for the viewers sitting on bar stools or standing around the room. 

Number and Type of Viewers 

Commercial establishments mount the TV at a high point (~ 50 inches from the ground). This makes the screen visible to several members of the room. You should follow the same rule at home. However, if most viewers are kids, lower the TV height. Kids are shorter and closer to the floor level than adults. 

Also, consider if all the viewers will be sitting at the same level or not. Kids sitting on the floor can find it hard to watch TV high over the fireplace, especially if they are close to the unit. 

Conclusion

Notice that there’s no single TV mounting height that works for everyone. Take time to consider the above aspects. Calculate the sizes (& distances) before finalizing the correct height to mount the television at home. 

FAQs

1. How will I know if the TV is mounted at the wrong height? 

The TV should be at a height where you tilt your head at an angle of around 35 degrees. You will know that the TV is mounted at the wrong height if you have to raise your head too high to lower it close to the chest to watch the screen. Your head, neck, and shoulders will feel cramped and uncomfortable after a while. 

2. What happens if the TV is too high? 

Watching a TV that is higher than necessary will lead to eye fatigue and neck strain. You can increase the distance between your position and the TV to reduce the viewing angle. That said, lowering the TV is a better choice, if possible. 

3. At what height should I mount a 60-inch TV? 

A 60-inch TV should be about 26 inches above the floor height. Measure the distance between the ground and the bottom edge of the TV screen to find the right height and mount the TV. However, you should also measure the height of the seat (the average seat height is 18 inches). 

Julian Taylor