Choose the Best TV Mount

A full-motion TV wall mount is the most adjustable type of mount. You can move this variety to the left, to the right, or up and down to find just the right viewing angle or avoid glare. You can position some full-motion mounts flat against the wall and pull others out from the wall using a telescopic arm. And if you need a corner TV mount, a telescopic full-motion model is the ideal choice. It’s important to note that, when you’re shopping, you may see full-motion TV mounts labeled using other terms, such as extending-arm mount, swivel TV mount or articulating TV mount.

If you’re looking to mount a TV flat on a wall in a small space or aren’t interested in being able to horizontally adjust your TV or pull it out from the wall, a tilting TV mount may be the best option for you. Tilting mounts allow you to make slight vertical adjustments so that you can angle the TV upward or downward for a better viewing experience. If you want to mount a TV over a fireplace and don’t need a huge range of motion, a tilting TV mount could be the perfect choice.

For those who want to hang a TV and won’t need to adjust it at all, a fixed TV mount will do the job. Fixed TV mounts are the simplest type to install and the most economical. However, one thing you need to take into consideration before purchasing a fixed TV mount is that to plug in or unplug a power cord or HDMI cable, depending on the plug configuration, you may have to remove the TV from the wall. Also, video game enthusiasts may find a fixed TV mount limiting and favor the flexibility of a full-motion mount.

If you can’t mount your TV on the wall or want a simple installation, you can purchase a freestanding wall-mount TV stand that allows you to display your TV on a mantel, tabletop or shelf. This mounting solution is easy to assemble and doesn’t require you drill into the walls, which may be a distinct advantage for renters. 

TV mounts come in sizes from a 29-inch TV mount to a 65-inch TV wall mount or even larger. With the right hardware, you can mount almost any size TV. One way to determine the size of your TV is to grab a tape measure and measure the screen from corner to corner on the diagonal. For some TVs, you can also find the dimensions via the main menu.

When shopping for a TV mount, look at the package specifications to see how to measure your TV and choose the right mount size. Some manufacturers suggest measuring on the diagonal, while others suggest measuring horizontally. In most cases, the manufacturer will make it easy to tell if a particular mount is right for your TV.

Most wall-mount TV stands are made of metal. Some come in a choice of a black finish, chrome finish or powder-coated finish. You can also find some TV stands that are made of wood or have wooden parts. However, if the type of mount you choose won’t be visible once you’ve hung the TV, its finish may not be that important. On the other hand, if you want a telescopic mount and plan to adjust the viewing angle often, it may be best to choose a finish that’s scratch-resistant or even fingerprint-resistant. 

Mounting a TV on a wall is a straightforward project to tackle and only requires minimal do-it-yourself (DIY) skills. The most important thing is to select a mount specifically designed to accommodate the weight and dimensions of your TV and secure the mount to a wall stud. To locate a stud, you’ll need a stud finder. The manufacturer should provide precise instructions for hanging the mount. Many include a template to help you mark and drill the correct configuration of holes. Remember to always follow the installation and safety recommendations closely and to never use any type of hangers that aren’t expressly designed to hold a TV.

An important preparatory step before hanging your TV is to select a comfortable mounting height. Although this ultimately comes down to personal preference, most prefer a TV to be located slightly above eye level in a central location. You’ll also need to make sure that the spot you choose will allow you to connect any necessary power cords or video cables. You may find it helpful to test out a location by measuring your TV and marking its outline on the wall using painters tape. This will allow you to easily make adjustments before you’ve drilled any holes.