TV Mounting can save space and give your room a clean look. It can also be a lifesaver in the event of a power outage.
Grab a partner and carefully lift the TV up to the height you want. This can be tricky, so make sure to take your time and read the instructions.
One of the most popular ways to display flatscreen TVs is to mount them on a wall, which can be an excellent way to save space in your home and create a more aesthetically pleasing room design. However, choosing the right mount can be tricky, with each type of mount having different pros and cons that should be considered. Whether you want to choose a moveable bracket or a fixed mount will also influence what kind of TV wall mount is right for your needs.
The most basic and least expensive type of mount is a fixed flat mount. This keeps the TV flush against the wall and prevents it from being moved or angled. If you want to be able to adjust the position of your TV, then you need to get a tilting mount. These are usually cheaper than a full-motion mount, and many come with different viewing angle settings for your convenience.
There are also other, more advanced types of mounts that have a wide range of movements and features. These are often called articulating, swiveling, or full motion and can be a good choice for homes with large rooms. To use these, you will need to locate the mounting plate attachment holes on the back of your TV. These may be covered or buried under plastic and should be cleaned off before attaching the plate to the bracket. Once attached, you can then lift the TV onto the wall and secure it using the hardware provided by the manufacturer.
When buying a wall mount, it is important to read the specifications carefully and find one that can accommodate the weight of your TV. Most brands will provide this information in the product description as well as a downloadable spec sheet that you can print out. This can help you make an informed decision about what type of mount is best for your home and will also help you decide the best place to install it.
Another important aspect to consider is the ease of getting access to the ports on the back of your TV. Many wall mounts keep a very low profile, which can make it hard to reach the back of your TV to connect equipment like a set-top box, Blu-ray player, or gaming console. This can be mitigated by choosing a mount that offers wire management features, which are channels in the body of the mount where you can run your cables through them.
Flat Mounts
When mounting your television, you can choose from several different kinds of flat mounts. The most basic of these is a flat mount that holds the TV flush against the wall. This style is easy to install and can be done by most DIYers. It can be very dangerous if not done correctly, however, and it should only be used on a well-anchored wall like a stud. If the mount is not anchored properly, it can fall and damage your TV or hurt someone standing near it.
Another kind of flat mount is one that uses hooks to attach the TV to the mount. It doesn’t offer as much support as a flat mount, but it can be easier to remove the TV to access ports on the back of it. This type of mount is not very common, but it can be useful in some situations.
There are also articulating flat mounts that allow you to tilt and swivel the TV for viewing from multiple angles. These are the most expensive of the options, but they can give you a great deal of flexibility for your TV viewing experience. They can be especially helpful if you are mounting your TV above a fireplace, since it can be difficult to get a good view of the screen from other rooms without using special furniture or moving things around.
Some mounts also have cable management systems built in to help you hide the mess of cords that typically come with most TVs. Nothing ruins the sleek look of a mounted TV quicker than a bunch of wires hanging down from it, so be sure to check for this feature when selecting your flat mount. Most of them will have channels in the body of the mount where you can run your cables, or they will at least have clips to hold your cords in place. Regardless, make sure your mount is rated to handle the weight of your TV and all its accessories. It’s always best to go with a UL-rated mount that’s been tested for safety.
Tilting Mounts
The next level up from fixed wall mounts, tilting TV mounts allow you to adjust the television screen forward to reduce glare from windows and room lights. They are ideal for classic viewing setups centered around the TV, such as over a fireplace. Alternatively, they can also be used to avoid neck strain when watching from sofas or beds.
Whether you want to avoid the glare of overhead lighting or simply adjust the view for comfort, this affordable and versatile mount from Rocketfish does the job. It’s easy to install, with built-in levels for precise alignment and safety locks to keep your TV in place. It fits most flat panel and curved TVs from 30″ to 79″ that weigh up to 132 lb, and it supports a wide range of VESA patterns.
There are two types of locks that can be installed: lever and bolt. Both offer excellent functionality, but we recommend always going for the bolt locks as they can handle the weight of your TV better. They’re also easier to operate and offer better security than the lever style.
One thing to consider with a tilting TV wall mount is that it leaves the TV a few inches off the wall, which can kill the “picture frame” look some homeowners prefer and can also leave a gap behind the television where it’s difficult to hide cable boxes and other equipment. If you’re worried about this, consider getting a full-motion TV wall mount that offers a wider range of movement and angles than just tilting.
Full-motion mounts typically come with an extendable arm or arms that give you the flexibility to move your TV in a variety of different ways. They’re usually suggested for corner spaces or flex spaces where you may need to see the TV from different points in the room. Some even offer a 360-degree range of movement and have the ability to be adjusted at the touch of a button. They’re generally more expensive than a basic tilting TV mount.
Hook Mounts
A hook mount is a simple way to hang a TV on a wall. These wall mounts use aircraft-grade wire with a breaking point of more than 350 pounds attached to steel tabs that connect to the back of the TV. They are also made to snap down if excessively loaded, ensuring safety and security. These types of mounts are popular in fire stations and other emergency response environments.
Choosing a mount for your TV should be done carefully to ensure that you are mounting it in the correct place. This will ensure the best quality of picture as well as minimize the amount of work needed to adjust the TV’s placement after it is mounted. When looking for a location, take into account the optimal viewing angles, how much light will be coming in, and how to avoid glare at different times of day.
After finding the perfect spot for your TV, it is a good idea to mark the wall with painters’ tape to indicate where you want the mount to go. This will help prevent accidentally drilling into drywall or leaving holes in the wall after the mount has been removed. It is also a good idea to check the wall for studs using a stud finder before drilling into it. Locating studs allows you to be sure that your TV mount will be firmly anchored.
Once you have a location marked on the wall, it is time to determine what type of TV mount you will need for it. Most of our mounts have universal mounting brackets that are compatible with most TV brands and sizes. The VESA wall mount standard is determined by the number of screw holes that are built into the back of your TV and their dimensions. You can look this up online by visiting the detail page for your TV on its store or manufacturer’s website and checking for a VESA number.
Before you install your mount, you will need to remove the stand from your TV. Next, mark the wall with a pencil where you will need to make your pilot holes (the small marks that will allow your mounting screws to enter the drywall). You should also have a partner to help lift and support the TV when it is time to attach it to the mount. Lastly, it is a good idea to use a level to ensure your TV is mounted straight on the wall.
