Last Updated on June 10, 2021 by
The ideal height of a TV on a wall depends on various factors such as its size, viewing distance, viewing angle, and the viewer’s eye level from the floor. But, as a general rule, for a 42-inch TV, the distance between its center and the floor should be 56-inches. A 55-inch TV should be mounted about 61-inches, while 65-inch TV needs a mounting height of 65-inches.
Mounting Height For A Flat-Screen TV
| TV Size | Approximate Height From Floor To TV’s Center |
42-inch | 56 inches |
55-inch | 61 inches |
65-inch | 65 inches |
70-inch | 67 inches |
Factors That Influence The Height Of A TV On A Wall
Before deciding on the ideal height of a TV on a wall, one needs to consider various aspects that include;
The TV Size
The size of a TV represents its viewing area, and it greatly affects its mounting height on a wall. When mounting your TV, it is necessary to know its size and then measure its center’s distance to the floor. Since your TV size represents the diagonal viewing area, you can use a tape measure to determine how far above your screen center is.
Viewing Angle
For perfect viewing of your TV (according to the Society of Motion picture and television engineers), the viewing angle of a TV should not exceed 30-degrees. However, some people sit casually reclined at angles between 10-15 degrees.
Ensure that you get maximum comfort and reduced glare as much as possible for you to enjoy watching the TV.
Eye-Level
Eye-level represents how you will watch your TV while sitting but not standing. One needs to measure the distance between the floor and the eyes to determine how high one will be sitting. This distance needs to offer great comfort for you to watch your TV without straining.
If there are multiple viewers in your home, it may not be practical or even fair to consider only one set of eyes. In this case, it is crucial to consider a comfortable range for everyone. When determining the eye level, entertain the viewer’s height, the screen’s distance from the seats, the height of the TV screen,
Viewing Distance
The perfect viewing distance also depends on the TV size, and it is a measure of the ideal distance between the screen and your sitting position. To get the right viewing distance, divide the size of your TV by 0.55. For example;
1. 42/0.55 = 76-inches
2. 55/0.55 = 100-inches
3. 65/0.55 = 118-inches
4. 70/0.55 = 127-inches
It is, however, necessary to hire the services of a professional to mount your TV.
Reflections And Glare
The position of windows in a room is vital when mounting a TV, especially for those who watch it during the day. Ensure that the reflections and glare do not interfere with your viewing. Consider where sunlight gets into the room during the day and place blinds where possible to block the light.
Ensure also that no lamp reflects on the TV during the day. You can also install a tilt bracket to minimize any glare from fixed light sources in the room.
Away From The Fireplace
Never mount your TV above a fireplace, whether active or otherwise. A TV has sensitive electronics inside that could be damaged by the intense heat, smoke, and soot from hire. A fireplace may also be high, affecting your viewing angle resulting in a stiff neck.
However, if your room’s shape, furniture orientation, and habits of TV usage dictate mounting your gadget above an inactive fireplace, you can use a flexible mounting bracket. This bracket helps tilt your device forward hence protecting you from the stiff neck after a long period of watching.
Tips For Mounting Your TV On A Wall
Now that you know the factors to consider when mounting a TV on the wall, learning how to go about it is also very important. The following tips are worth considering to give an ideal height;
1. Position the mounting to the TV’s center; Since most of the focus will be at the middle of your TV screen regardless of what one is watching, it is necessary to place the mid-section at a perfect eye level.
2. Check the TV’s mounting holes; Some TVs have mounting holes at the middle of their chassis while others are at the bottom. Check the position of these holes and use this guide to place the mounting hardware on the wall.
3. Mark your spots; Use an erasable marker or a pencil to mark at the right and left of your TV. Ensure that you note the position where the TV’s screen center will be and decide where to attach the wall mount to be at this level.
4. Consider the TV’s weight; Ensure that you consider the weight of your TV to give it maximum support. Screw some studs into the wall to enhance its support and prevent your TV from falling, as this may lead to breakage and damage.
What Is The Recommended TV Height In Different Rooms And Conditions?
The perfect height of mounting your TV may also depend on the room, your viewing position, and whether any wall obstructions may block you. Here’s what you need to know;
Different Rooms And The Ideal TV Height
Room | Recommended TV Height On-Center |
Convention room ( watching while seated) | 42 inches |
A home bar | 48 to 53-inches |
Game room | 60 inches |
Above media centers or shelves | Between 4 and 6-inches |
Above a fireplace | 6 to 12-inches |
A Conventional Room For Standard Seated Viewing
If you plan to be watching your TV in a conventional room while seated, you can position it about 42 inches on-center. A traditional sofa seat is commonly raised 18-inches above the floor, and 42-inches factors in that. The remaining 24-inches helps to reach an average adult’s eye level in a seated pose.
Regardless of the TV size, positioning the gadget this way ensures that everyone in the room can view the screen’s middle well. The center of the TV will also be close to the eye level of every seated member.
A Home Bar
Since bar stools are more raised from the ground than sofas, the eye-level needs to be adjusted. You can add 24-inches to the stool’s height to come up with the best mounting height, which will range between 48-inches and 53-inches. If you view the TV from a home bar, then 48 or 53-inches on-center will be more appropriate.
A Game Room
In a game room, viewing is typically done while standing, requiring a height of 60-inches on-center. In this room, equipment such as foosball or pool tables occupy the main focus, and a TV set is meant for watching as one waits for their turn. The same case may apply in a home gym where one views the TV while on equipment such as a treadmill.
Mounting the TV at the height of 60-inches on-center helps to place its screen’s mid-section at an average (5-ft, 6-inch tall) person’s eye level.
Above A Wall Obstruction
If you realize that mounting the TV at the recommend height causes it to interfere with an existing device or piece of furniture, position it as close to the standing or seated eye level as possible. Ensure that you leave some clear space between the TV and the obstruction.
For a media center or shelves, the perfect clearance will be about 4 to 6-inches. This distance is the same as that from a mirror to a dresser. If you are mounting your TV above a fireplace, a clearance of 6 to 12-inches between the mantel’s top and the TV’s bottom is ideal. If there is no mantel, this distance should be from the fireplace’s top to the TV’s bottom. Doing this will reduce the risk of damaging your device, but you need to be aware that placing it above a fireplace may cancel its warranty.
Wrapping Up
While the ideal height for mounting your TV may depend on personal preference, factors such as its size, viewing angle, eye level, and viewing distance are crucial. Ensure that this height makes your viewing as comfortable and stress-free as possible and that it doesn’t interfere with existing appliances or furniture pieces.
