With TV mounts rising in popularity, people are quickly figuring out the benefits of having one in their home.
While TV mounts can save you a ton of space, installing them does come with its own set of challenges.
One particular confusion that many people have is how high they should mount their TV.
Quick Summary
In this post, we will discuss how you can determine the best height for your TV mount in order to achieve the highest level of comfort and flexibility.
Let’s get started.
How High on the Wall Should I Mount My TV?
It should go without saying that you should carefully plan the height of your TV mount before you actually start drilling for it.
Once the drilling starts, the damage will be done and there’s really no going back (unless you want a ton of holes in your wall).
Hence, it’s a good idea to have the best height planned before you actually start working on it.
How Do You Determine The Best Height For Flat Screen TV?
Well, there are certain factors that can help you estimate the best height for your TV.
These factors are:
TV Size
This is fairly self-explanatory. The size of your TV plays a huge part in determining how high up it should be from the floor.
Before you start with the mounting process, taking notes of the size of your flat-screen TV will allow you to choose an appropriate height while keeping enough room for extra space that might be required for additional add-ons.
It’s important to note that when judging TV mounting height, you are not calculating the distance from the floor to the TV’s top or bottom.
Rather, you are calculating it from the floor to the center of the TV.
Also, please note that the size of your TV refers to its diagonal viewing area.
This means that a 55-inch TV would have a diagonal viewing area of 55 inches; Not a horizontal or vertical length of 55 inches.
Some common distances from the floor to the TV center based on TV size are:
- 42-inch televisions need to be mounted 56 inches from the floor to the TV center.
- 55-inch televisions need to be mounted 61 inches from the floor to the TV center.
- 65-inch televisions need to be mounted 65 inches from the floor to the TV center.
70-inch televisions need to be mounted 67 inches from the floor to the TV center.
Viewing Distance
The best viewing distance you can have from your TV is also determined based on the size of your TV.
This needs to be a balance between:
- Not so far that you can’t make out the details shown on the screen.
- Not so close that you have to look around and strain your neck to catch everything.
Number of viewers:
The height should be optimized for comfortable viewing by all intended viewers, taking into account their eye levels and seating positions.
Seating options:
The type of seating arrangements, such as couches or recliners, will affect the optimal height to mount your tv to ensure a clear line of sight for everyone.
Size of the room:
The dimensions of the room play a role in determining the appropriate TV height, as it should be positioned for optimal visibility without overwhelming or underutilizing the available space.
Obstacles in the room:
Any obstacles like furniture, shelves, or architectural features should be considered to avoid obstructing the view of the TV and ensure an unobstructed viewing experience.
Eye Level Height:
A common recommendation is to mount the center of the TV screen at eye level when seated. This ensures a comfortable viewing experience without straining your neck. Typically, eye level is considered to be around 42-48 inches (106-122 cm) from the floor.
Bedroom Layout:
If you’re someone who likes to watch TV in bed, you’ve probably wondered what the optimal mounting height for your TV is in your bedroom. Consider the layout of your bedroom, including the height of your bed and any furniture you may have. You want to make sure the TV is mounted at a height where it can be easily viewed from your preferred seating area without any obstructions. Moreover, it also matters which size tv for your bedroom you use, although it is recommended to use a tv above a 55-inch tv screen to have a bigger and clearer view.
Personal Preference:
Ultimately, the height at which you mount your Television will depend on your personal preference. Some people prefer a slightly higher or lower placement based on their comfort and the aesthetics of the room. You may want to experiment with different heights before making a final decision.
Why Is the Distance Of The TV Screen Important?
Being too far from the TV screen can lead to a less immersive experience when watching the TV.
However, being too close to the wall-mounted TV can lead to headaches, so the television should be mounted a few feet from the tv. Being at an optimal viewing distance will lead to a better experience altogether.
One approach is to position the bottom of your TV slightly higher than eye level when seated, as this allows for a comfortable viewing experience without straining your neck. Alternatively, you may prefer to mount the TV at eye level, ensuring that the center of the screen aligns with your eye level for optimal viewing.
The Ideal Height For Viewing Distance
Although the ideal height to hang the TV is based heavily on personal preference, make sure to account for the eye-level height.
The picture quality of your TV will depend on your screen height.
In order to achieve this balance, you can take the help of a simple formula:
To determine the best viewing distance based on your TV’s size, you can divide the size of your TV (in inches) by 0.55.
The answer you get through this calculation will be the best viewing distance (in inches) for your particular TV.
For example, a 42-inch television has an ideal viewing distance of 76 inches. Similarly, a 55-inch television would have an ideal viewing distance of 100 inches.
Viewing Angle
Lastly, you need to worry about your eye level and the angle at which you’ll be watching TV.
Naturally, you don’t want to get an estimate of this angle while you’re standing up. Instead, you want to calculate it from a position where you’d normally sit and watch TV.
Sit on your favorite couch or chair that you normally watch TV on and get an approximation of where you’d look if the TV was mounted on the wall.
You don’t need to be super precise here but of course, it’s important that you mount it so that the angle is comfortable for your neck.
General Rule For A Viewing Angle
If you’re someone that does want precision, then the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) states that the viewing angle should be no more than 30 degrees.
While that’s the absolute extreme of it, you must know that most people don’t recline their heads more than 10 to 15 degrees when they are sitting casually.
Hence, keep these numbers in mind when you’re about to drill holes for your TV mount.
Quick Tip: If you’re not confident about mounting a flat-screen tv on the wall with a TV mount at the proper angle, you have a couple of options.
You can opt to call a professional mounting service that can determine the best height for you as well as install a tv mount.
You can also choose to invest in a TV mount whose angle is adjustable so that you can place the tv at any angle you want. That way, even if you mount it at a slightly improper height, you can adjust it later to get the ideal viewing angle.
Factors To Consider When You Mount Your TV
There are several factors you need to consider when you decide on mounting a TV in your room.
Some of them are more impactful than the rest, however, here is a quick go through some of the most important factors that you should consider when mounting your TV:
- The biggest factor to consider would be individual height when you need to mount a tv whether high or low. This can quickly turn into a problem as the number of people who use the TV increases. However, this could be fixed by not using the same viewing distance for different people.
- The hanging height(the height should the tv be hung) of the TV will decide what angle the TV will tilt and how deep the tilt is going to be.
- TV sizes also play an important role in defining the distance and height of the TV to be mounted. The bigger the size of the TV, the farther away you need to be to get the full picture. So, you must know how many feet away from the tv you need to keep your seating.
- The location you are mounting the TV plays a very important role in the process as well. For example, if you decide to mount it in a game room, it’s highly likely that you will have a laid-back couch in front of the TV. In such a case, the distance and perfect height of the mounted TV will change. So, the tv mounted in this way will give a more clear viewing experience.
When deciding the height of the TV, make sure that the center of the screen is at the right height in terms of eye level.
Determining the Height Of TV In Different Arrangements
Determining the height of a TV in different arrangements can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Here’s a brief guide for each scenario:
- Mounting Your TV in your Bedroom: Consider the height of your bed and your preferred viewing position. Ideally, the center of your TV should be at eye level when you’re sitting or lying in bed. Measure the height of your bed and calculate the appropriate mounting viewing height, ensuring a comfortable viewing angle.
- Mounting Your TV in an Entertainment Room: The viewing distance and TV size play important roles here. The TV should be mounted at a height where the center of the screen is at eye level when you’re seated in your favorite viewing position. Take into account the size of your TV and the distance between the TV and the seating area to determine the optimal height.
- Hang a TV Above a Fireplace: Be cautious when mounting a TV above a fireplace, as the heat and smoke may damage the electronics. Consider the vertical height of your TV in relation to the fireplace and ensure it’s not mounted too high. The bottom of the TV should typically be positioned at eye level when you’re seated to avoid strain on your neck.
- Mounting Your TV Above Furniture: When mounting a TV above furniture, such as a console or cabinet, the bottom of the TV should be positioned at a height that allows comfortable viewing from the seating area. Aim to have the center of the TV at eye level when seated. Consider the height of the furniture and the size of your TV to determine the ideal position.
Remember, these guidelines can vary based on personal preferences, room layout, and furniture arrangements. It’s important to find the right balance between comfort and aesthetics to enhance your overall viewing experience.
Tools Required To Mount A TV
Although the process of mounting a TV can be a little difficult, with the right set of tools, you can streamline the process.
However, some of these tools are just here to help you make the job easier, while some of them you cannot work without.
So without any further ado, here’s a list of all the tools that you would require to properly mount a TV in your house:
- Power drill. You could require a hammer drill if you want to drill in a brick wall.
- Stud finder.
- Screws
- Wall Mount
- Level checker
What Calculations Do I Need For Mounting A Tv To A Wall?
To determine the accurate viewing distance and TV mount height, you can use the formula of dividing the TV size by 0.55. For example, a 42” TV would have an optimal viewing distance of 76 inches, while a 55” TV would require a distance of 100 inches.
As a general rule, a 42” TV should be mounted about 56 inches from the floor to the center of the TV, and a 70” TV should be mounted around 67 inches to the center of the screen. However, personal preferences may vary.
The viewing angle of the TV from your sofa or chair is an essential factor in determining how high to hang your TV. Additionally, consider the average eye level from the floor for a comfortable viewing experience.
Remember, when mounting your TV, aim for a height that allows the center of the TV to be at eye level when you are seated, and take into account the viewing distance and size of your TV to optimize your viewing experience.
Are TV Mounts Worth It?
We’ve talked at length about the best way to determine the height for TV mounting. However, some people may ask themselves: are TV mounts even worth it?
When you ask this question from experts and professional reviewers, you’ll be met with a resounding yes.
That’s because TV mounts have a ton of benefits that can make your life much easier.
The First Benefit
They save you a ton of space. Instead of having a big, blocky table for your television, it will just be suspended against your wall.
This opens up all of the space underneath your TV and you can utilize it in any way you want.
The Second Benefit
TV mounts are much cheaper than the TV tables you’ll find in the market. Not only do they save space, but they also save your budget too.
If you have a fireplace, having a TV with a TV table in that particular room can be quite difficult. TV mounts fix this issue as you can mount the TV right above your fireplace.
Things To Determine The Best Height At Which To Hang A Flat-Screen TV
When determining how high a TV should be mounted, or how high should i mount TV in bedroom, entertainment room or anywhere in the living area, there are several factors to consider. Every time you watch tv the ideal height will depend on various aspects such as the size of the TV, the viewing distance, the height of the bed or seating area, and personal preferences.
Generally, it is recommended to mount the TV at eye level when seated, which ensures a comfortable viewing experience without straining the neck. This means that the center of the TV screen should be positioned at the same height as the viewer’s eyes.
However, it is important to avoid mounting the TV too high or too low, as it can lead to discomfort and hinder the overall viewing experience. To determine the appropriate height, you can measure the height of your bed or seating area and take into account the viewing distance.
Whether you want to mount your TV in the bedroom or any other room, a wall-mounted installation offers a sleek and space-saving solution. Consider measuring the height of the wall and taking into account the top of the TV to determine the appropriate positioning.
Avoid mounting the TV too high, as it can lead to discomfort and strain. Similarly, if the TV is positioned too low, it may cause neck strain and compromise the viewing experience. If you have a larger TV, ensure that it is securely mounted at an appropriate height to maintain stability. Ultimately, finding the proper height for your TV is essential to enjoy your favorite shows and movies in the most comfortable and immersive way.
Additionally, considering the vertical height of the TV and the weight of the TV is important to ensure proper installation and stability. By finding the right balance and positioning the TV at a suitable height, you can create an optimal viewing position for watching TV & enjoying your favorite TV shows and movies.
How High to Mount TV - Conclusion
That’s pretty much how you determine how high should you hang a tv.
We hope you gained some insight into how you can fix your TV mount perfectly as well as some confidence when it comes to mounting it.
If you have any further questions, let us know in the comments below.
Adam F.
A/V and Home Theater Expert that focuses on providing clear as well as concise reviews for anything and everything Audio Visual. From TV's, TV Mounts, Soundbars, and Wiring, my focus is to provide expertise in everything Audio Visual focused.
