Getting a new TV is exciting, but once you unbox it, you have to figure out where to put it. If you mount your TV too high or too low, you won’t get the best picture quality. Thankfully, there’s an easy way to know exactly where to mount your TV based on how big it is, how far you are sitting, and more. Here’s how high you should mount your TV, no matter which room it’s in.
Read More: How to mount your TV right the first time
How High Should You Mount Your TV?
Experts recommend keeping the middle of your TV at eye-level while seated. This is normally about 42 inches from the floor to the middle of your TV. However, this might be different for you, depending on how tall you are when sitting on your couch.
To calculate how high your TV should be from the floor, simply measure the height of your TV and divide it by two. Then subtract that number from 42, and that’s how high the bottom of your TV should be from the floor.
It is important to note that television manufacturers measure a TV from one corner to another, so you shouldn’t use your TV’s screen size to find its center point.
So, if you have a 55-inch TV, it is probably around 27 inches tall. In that case, you would divide 27 by 2, which is 13.5 inches. Then subtract 13.5 from 42, which is 28.5 inches. So, the average 55-inch TV should be mounted 28.5 inches from the floor to the bottom of the TV.
If you’re shorter or taller than average, you might want to measure how high your eye level is. Then you can use that number instead of the average eye level of 42 inches.
While this height might seem lower than you expected, it is the recommended height for a TV from a sitting position. However, most people recline a little when they watch TV, which means their eye line is pointing up. So, you might want to mount your TV a little higher if you recline.
It is important to note that you should only mount your TV higher than eye level if your mount can be tilted down. Otherwise, you won’t be able to see the screen properly. If you haven’t already bought one, check out our list of the best full-motion TV mounts to find one that works for your setup.
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Adjusting for Reclining
If you’re reclining, you might need to mount your TV higher, but THX recommends that your viewing angle not exceed 15 degrees above or below the center of your screen. According to the prominent cinema certification program, mounting your TV too high will distort the picture quality.
To find the ideal height for mounting your TV when reclining, you can use this TV mounting height calculator.
If this still doesn’t seem right, you can also find where the center of your TV should be by sitting on your couch, closing your eyes, and pointing to the center of your vision. When you open your eyes, leave a mark on the wall where you were pointing. Then repeat the process until you have a good average, and you will know where you want the center of your TV to be.
Mounting Your TV in an Entertainment Room
If you are mounting a TV in an entertainment area, where guests are standing up most of the time, the center of the TV should be around 60 inches above the floor. This is around the same height that galleries and museums hang their pieces for optimal viewing.
If you’re mounting your TV in a home bar, check the height of the barstool. Then add 24 inches to it, which will let you know where the center of your TV should be.
Mounting Your TV Above a Fireplace
Fireplaces and furniture can affect how high a TV should be mounted. However, most manufacturers advise against keeping your TV above a fireplace. A TV has delicate electrical wires, which can be damaged if they get too hot.
While you can mount your TV yourself, it can be a difficult process, especially if you have a larger TV. If you are uncomfortable mounting your TV yourself, you can always contact a professional at HelloTech to do it for you. We have thousands of experts across the country ready to visit your home and mount your TV for you.
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