How High Should I Mount My Flat Screen TV?

The optimal height to mount your flat screen will vary depending on the following factors:

1. The size of the TV
   
2. The distance you will be watching the TV from
   
3. The room layout (e.g. position of lounge, bed, chairs etc)
   
4. Whether you’re likely to be sitting, standing or laying down while watching TV
   
5. Other mount considerations (placement intended above fireplace, bar area etc)
   

In our experience every case is different, the rooms, the layout and the way in which people intend to use the TV is different, so we recommend starting with the following steps to help you decide how high to mount.  It’s important to note here that most people when mounting their TV’s themselves, mount too high.  Try to be aware of this as you want to avoid neck and eye strain as well as ensuring optimal picture quality of your HD TV.

1. Sit, stand or lay down where you intend to mostly watch the TV from
   
2. Where possible place some markers (e.g. post-it notes) on the wall to outline the edges of the TV
3. Keep adjusting the height until you feel the position is comfortable for your neck and encourages optimal viewing.  You should not have to look upward or lift your neck to watch TV comfortably.
   

Here are my top tips for a common installation scenarios:

Standard Mount

For most lounge room installations where you will be sitting while watching, the centre of the TV will usually be 1 - 1.3 metres from the floor.  Standard (static or low profile) mounts will function well in this situation, as you will be looking at the TV directly at eye level.

Tilting Mount

If however, you prefer the look of a higher installation or if you’re mounting over a fireplace, you will need a tilting mount. Tilting mounts will allow you to point the TV downward so you can still view the TV easily. The average height for most tilting mount scenarios is 1.3 – 1.5 metres from the floor (sometimes more where an obstacle is involved (e.g. fireplace).

Swivel Mount

If you are likely to be watching the TV from various angles (such as lying down in bed or standing up at different points in a room such as kitchen or bar area), you should consider a swivel TV mount.  These mounts not only tilt downward but swivel left and right as well. Swivel mounts provide the greatest flexibility to adapt to the environment and the viewing activity. Like the tilting mounts, Swivel mounts are also typically mounted about 1.3 – 1.5 metres from the floor.

If you are looking for the most suitable mounting solution for your TV, give us a call and we’d be happy to provide a free assessment and quote for mounting your TV.


Geoff

---