What Is The Ideal Height Of A TV On A Wall?

Last Updated on July 26, 2023 By Emma W. Thomas

The ideal height of a TV on a wall is at eye level when seated. For most viewers, this means placing the center of the TV screen at around 42 to 50 inches (107 to 127 cm) from the floor. Adjust the height based on the viewer’s eye level for optimal comfort and viewing experience.

How to Mark the Optimal Height of a TV on a Wall

Step	Description
Step 1: Measure Viewer’s Eye Level	Determine the viewer’s eye level when seated. This is typically about 42 inches from the floor for an average adult.
Step 2: Identify TV Size	Check the diagonal screen size of the TV. Larger screens should typically be placed higher than smaller ones.
Step 3: Calculate Optimal Height	The center of the TV should ideally be at the viewer’s eye level. If the viewer has a larger TV (55 inches or larger), it’s acceptable for the lower third of the screen to be at eye level.
Step 4: Consider Room Layout	Take into account seating arrangements, windows, lighting conditions, and other room elements that may affect visibility.
Step 5: Mark the Spot	Once the optimal height is determined, mark this point on the wall with a pencil.
Step 6: Use a Level Tool	For accuracy, use a level tool to ensure the TV will be evenly positioned.
Step 7: Install the Wall Mount	Securely install the TV wall mount according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using the marked spot as a guide.
Step 8: Mount the TV	Carefully place the TV on the wall mount, ensuring that it’s securely fastened.
Step 9: Check Comfort	After installation, check the comfort level of viewing. Make any necessary adjustments to the height or angle.

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 strain. 

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;

• 42/0.55 = 76-inches
• 55/0.55 = 100-inches
• 65/0.55 = 118-inches
• 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 and 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 a 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;

• 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.
• 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. 
• 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. 
• 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 for 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 help 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 the 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 recommended 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.

References:

https://www.thespruce.com/how-high-to-mount-your-tv-5195071
https://www.hellotech.com/blog/how-high-should-a-tv-be-mounted