Getting Started with TV Wall Mounting
Hanging a TV on your wall might seem like a daunting task at first glance. I remember staring at my flat screen and blank wall for nearly a month before finally working up the courage to drill that first hole. But trust me, with the right tools, a bit of patience, and this guide, you’ll be enjoying your wall-mounted telly in no time.
Wall mounting isn’t just about saving space (though that’s certainly a brilliant benefit). It creates a cleaner, more professional look in your living room, prevents toddlers or pets from knocking over your expensive electronics, and can actually improve your viewing experience when positioned correctly. EVERYONE who visits my home comments on how much bigger the room feels after I mounted my 55-inch Samsung.
Before we dive into specifics, know this: while mounting a TV isn’t rocket science, it does require careful planning & precise execution. One wrong move could mean a cracked screen or damaged wall — neither of which will impress your mates when they come round for the football match!
Choosing the Right Wall Mount
Perhaps the most crucial decision you’ll make is selecting the appropriate mount for your television. Mounts generally come in three varieties: fixed, tilting, and full-motion (also called articulating). Each has their own set of advantages.
Fixed mounts keep your TV snug against the wall — they’re sleek, simple, and typically the least expensive option starting around £20-30 for smaller tellys. The downside? Zero adjustability once installed. I made this mistake in my bedroom and now deal with afternoon glare because I can’t tilt the screen.
Tilting mounts allow vertical adjustment (usually about 15° downward), which helps reduce glare and improves viewing angles when the TV is mounted higher than eye level — think above a fireplace. These typically cost between £30-60 depending on size and quality.
Full-motion mounts are the posh option, allowing your TV to extend, swivel, and tilt in multiple directions. Brilliant for rooms where you might watch from different positions or need to access the back of the telly occasionally. They’re bulkier and pricer (£50-150+), but provide maximum flexibility. Worth every penny in my large open-plan living space where we sometimes watch from the dining area.
Weight and Size Considerations
Every mount has specific weight and size limitations. Ignoring these is a recipe for disaster — imagine your brand new 65-inch OLED crashing to the floor because you used a mount rated for a 32-inch model!
First, check your TV’s weight. This information should be in your manual or on the manufacturer’s website. Then, look at the VESA measurements — these are the distances (in millimetres) between the mounting holes on the back of your television. Common patterns include 200×200, 400×400, etc.
Most modern flat screens weigh between 10-25kg, but larger models can exceed 35kg. Always choose a mount rated for AT LEAST 5-10kg more than your TV weighs to provide a safety margin. When I replaced my old plasma with a new QLED, I was shocked at the weight difference — nearly 15kg lighter! Technology has certainly improved in that regard.
Remember that size and weight aren’t perfectly correlated. My neighbour’s 55-inch Sony weighs more than my 60-inch LG due to different technologies & materials. Always check the specific numbers rather than assuming.
Essential Tools and Hardware
Having the right tools makes this job significantly easier. At minimum, you’ll need:
– Stud finder (crucial for locating safe mounting points)
– Drill with various bits
– Level (preferably a long one, at least 60cm)
– Measuring tape
– Pencil
– Screwdrivers (both phillips & flathead)
– Socket wrench set
Most mounts come with their own screws & fixings, but in my experience, they’re not always the best quality. I’ve supplmented with better quality wall anchors when needed, especially for heavy TVs. The mount is only as strong as what’s holding it to the wall!
If mounting to a plasterboard/drywall wall, you’ll need to find the wooden studs behind it or use special hollow-wall anchors rated for the weight. Brick or concrete walls require masonry drill bits & appropriate wall plugs. Never, EVER mount directly to plasterboard without proper support — I’ve seen the aftermath, and it’s not pretty.
Wall Assessment and Preparation
Not all walls are created equal! The mounting process varies dramatically depending on your wall material.
For stud walls (common in newer UK homes), use a quality stud finder to locate the wooden beams behind the plasterboard. Mark their centres carefully. These studs are typically spaced 40-60cm apart. The goal is to attach your mounting bracket directly to these studs for maximum stability.
Solid brick or concrete walls provide excellent support but require a bit more effort. You’ll need a masonry drill bit and appropriate wall anchors. Take your time with this — rushing through concrete can overheat your drill or create messy, inaccurate holes.
Before drilling ANYTHING, check for hidden pipes or electrical cables! Most run vertically from sockets or switches, so avoid these areas if possible. Special cable detectors are available at most DIY shops for around £25-30 — a small investment compared to the cost of repairing a punctured pipe or electrical hazard.
Positioning Your TV Correctly
Ergonomics matter! The ideal height places the middle of your screen at approximately eye level when seated. Too high and you’ll end up with neck strain during your next Netflix marathon.
In my lounge, I initially mounted the TV too high (a common misstake) because it “looked right” when standing. After a week of discomfort, I redid the entire installation 20cm lower. Your future self will thank you for getting this right the first time.
Consider viewing angles as well. If your sofa is positioned at an angle to the wall, a full-motion mount might be necessary. Measure the distance between your primary seating area and the wall to determine optimal screen size and positioning. As a rough guide, the distance should be approximately 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size for comfortable viewing.
Cable Management Solutions
A beautifully mounted TV can be ruined by a tangled mess of visible cables. Planning your cable management BEFORE mounting saves headaches later.
The simplest solution involves cord covers — plastic channels that attach to your wall and can be painted to match. They’re inexpensive (£10-15) and require no special skills to install. I used these in my rental flat where I couldn’t modify the walls significantly.
For a cleaner look, consider in-wall cable routing kits (about £20-30). These require cutting holes in your wall to feed cables through, but result in a professionally finished appearance with no visible wires. Just ensure you’re using proper in-wall rated HDMI & power cables that meet fire safety standards.
Wireless solutions are increasingly popular too. Many modern TVs support Bluetooth for audio and WiFi for streaming, reducing necessary physical connections. In my setup, I only have the power cable and one HDMI to my soundbar visible — everything else is wireless.
Final Testing and Safety Checks
Once your TV is mounted, don’t rush to sit down and watch! Perform these essential checks first:
Gently test the mount by applying light pressure in different directions. There should be no movement or creaking sounds. If using a full-motion mount, extend it fully and ensure it supports the weight without sagging.
Check all cables are properly connected and not strained. Cables should have a bit of slack to accomodate any movement of adjustable mounts.
Finally, sit in your normal viewing positions and make any necessary adjustments to tilt or angle before settling in. Small changes can make significant differences in picture quality & comfort.
The Bottom Line
Wall mounting your TV transforms both the functionality & aesthetics of your living space. While it might seem intimidating at first, breaking it down into these manageable steps makes it a realistic weekend project for most homeowners. Just remember: measure twice, drill once, and don’t rush the process.
The satisfaction of completing this project yourself — & saving the £100+ installation fee many retailers charge — is genuinely worth the effort. Plus, you’ll gain some useful DIY skills along the way. My first mounting job took nearly 3 hours; my most recent one was complete in under 45 minutes. Like anything, practice makes perfect!
