Find The Perfect Mounted TV Placement For Your Living Room

Mounting your television on the wall can be a great way to free up space and create a clean, modern look in your living room. But determining the optimal placement for a mounted TV requires careful consideration of your room's dimensions, furniture layout, and decor. Follow these best practices when deciding on mounted TV placement to ensure ideal viewing angles and seamless integration into your living room design.

Measure Your Living Room's Dimensions

Before mounting a TV, it's important to measure the length, width and ceiling height of your living room. This allows you to map out potential placement options relative to your existing furniture and traffic patterns. Having accurate room dimensions ensures you can achieve ideal viewing distances once the TV is installed on the wall.

Consider sketching a simple floor plan to visualize different mounted TV placements. Make note of doors, windows, aisles, and walkways to determine an optimal position. Also account for future furniture rearranging when deciding on a spot.

Consider the Size of Your Television

The size of the television you plan to mount is a key factor for determining placement. Larger screens naturally require further viewing distances for ideal comfort and visibility. As a general rule of thumb:

• 32-inch TVs: 5-8 feet viewing distance
• 55-inch TVs: 8-11 feet viewing distance
• 65-inch TVs: 10-13 feet viewing distance

Also consider the TV's height and dimensions. Wall mounting a 50-inch TV at eye level may place it too high if it's only a couple feet wide. Refer to the manufacturer's specs for recommended mounting height relative to your model's screen size.

Types of Mounts and Their Placement Options

The versatility of your wall mount hardware impacts placement possibilities. Fixed mounts limit adjustability compared to mounts with articulating arms or tilting capabilities.

Fixed mounts work best centered on a wall at eye level when seated. Their viewing angle is rigid once installed.

Tilt mounts allow tilting the TV screen up or down, increasing placement flexibility. Consider mounting slightly higher and angled downwards.

Articulating arm mounts extend out from the wall and swivel for enhanced adjustable viewing. They can be placed higher on the wall and pulled closer as needed.

Above the Fireplace Mounting

Mounting a TV above the mantel is a popular option for creating a focal point without taking up floor space. But improper placement can hinder visibility and enjoyment.

Position the TV at least 18-24 inches above the mantel. Any lower could impact viewing above seated eye level. Consider a mantel mount with extended arm to pull the TV out further when needed.

Also factor in heat and soot concerns from the fireplace affecting TV electronics. Ensure adequate ventilation and airflow around the set.

Create a Focal Point Wall

Strategically placing the TV on a focal wall grabs attention. Angle surrounding chairs, seating areas and lighting toward the TV wall. Flank it with media consoles, shelving and cabinetry for a unified entertainment zone.

Hide unsightly cords and cables to maintain a clean, streamlined aesthetic. If possible, run wiring through the wall directly to components like speakers, game systems and streaming devices.

Go Off-Center

Avoid letting the TV dominate by mounting it off-center on the wall. Place it closer to one corner or side, using an asymmetric layout to de-emphasize the screen as the sole focal point.

Balance the off-set TV with decor like artwork or plants on the adjacent side. Make the surrounding wall areas cohesive through paint colors, wall paneling and other architectural elements.

Integrate into a Media Wall

Seamlessly incorporate the TV into a media wall of built-in shelving, cabinets and storage. Surround sound speakers can be worked in alongside the screen and supplementary lighting adds drama.

For a more concealed look, experiment with media walls outfitted with sliding barn doors to discreetly hide the TV when not in use. This creates a unified, polished appearance.

Check Viewing Angles

Analyze sight lines from main seating areas when finalizing placement. Avoid awkward side angles that strain the neck and eyes. Wall-mounted TVs should face straight on to the primary spots for TV viewing in the living room.

Tilt, swivel and extend your mount to tweak the angle as needed. If sunlight is an issue, consider blackout curtains to darken the room.

Hide Unsightly Cables

Prevent a tangle of wires from marring your mounted TV installation. Feed cables through the wall cavity to keep connections concealed.

For simpler wire management, secure cords to the back of the wall mount. Cable Raceways adhered to the wall for discreet cord channels are another clean option.

Decorating and Design Around the TV

Visually balance your mounted television by decorating the surrounding wall space. Add artwork, wall mirrors or shelving on either side. Place floor lamps or directional lighting to avoid glare on the screen.

Ground the TV with a console or media cabinet below. Built-in shelving flanking the set provides display space for books, decor items and plants to soften the atmosphere.

Determining the optimal placement for your mounted TV requires assessing your living room's dimensions, available space and seating areas. Wall mounting above the fireplace or off-center are popular options. Integrating into a media wall also allows for a unified appearance.

Ideal placement provides comfortable viewing angles from seating areas without the TV overwhelming the living room. Proper mounted TV positioning results in an entertainment focal point that blends seamlessly into your interior design.