The technology associated with modern TVs highlights a dramatic improvement since the days of large tubes and those bulky square screens. Not only are TVs much bigger and digitally enhanced but we can also access the internet at the touch of just a button or two. One other major change is the size, or more accurately the depth of our TVs is much thinner. This has led to a surge in the number of people deciding to wall mount their home entertainment systems.
The Pros and Cons of Mounting Your TV
Wall mounting your TV can create more space compared to having a traditional stand or entertainment system. The slim build of many TVs means that they take up as little room as a picture hanging on the wall.
You can also get different varieties of mount – ones that fit straight onto the wall and ones that enable you to pull out and swivel the TV in a particular direction. From a purely design aspect, wall mounting creates a focal point for your room and can also look a lot tidier than a normal TV stand.
On the con side, mounting the TV means that it’s stuck in that one place. You need to consider the type of wall you are placing it on and get the decision right first time if you don’t want to regret it later.
Modern TVs might be slim but they can be rather heavy, especially for new build homes. You need to make sure that the wall can support the weight. Then there’s what you do with the inevitable wires for the ancillary equipment like the satellite box, games console and DVD player.
Choosing the Right Brackets
If you do decide to put your TV on the wall, one of the first choices you need to make is the type of wall mount. You can choose between a fixed one that keeps the TV in one place which is ideal for areas like the living room where you may want a central focus. Then there are models that tilt up and down or articulate left and right – perfect for the bedroom where you may need the TV at different angles.
Checking the Wall
Just as important as the wall mount, is the type of wall you have. First, you need to consider the height at which the TV is going to be placed. Ideally this should be at about eye level when you are sitting down comfortably. It also needs to be in a place where everyone can see. Some walls, in new houses, are not as sturdy as you may think – with the weight of the TV and the bracket, it’s best to attach them to a solid construction rather than a stud wall. You also need to check that there are no electrical wires hiding in the walls before you start drilling.
What to Do with Unsightly Wires
The big problem with wall mounting your TV is what to do with the wires. With TV stands you simply tuck these behind and out of sight. With wall mounting you need to be organised and have a clear idea of how you are going to tidy everything up. This makes the whole mounting exercise a lot more difficult, particularly if you want to drill into the wall and hide the wiring completely. The difficulty level will depend on the type of wall you have, if you do decide to place the wiring in the walls we recommend getting a professional in.
Getting a Professional In
Having your probably expensive TV wall mounted can be far trickier than you think. A professional installer will be able to judge whether your wall is suitable for mounting and they’ll have the tools and knowhow to hide away those wires safely. All that will remain for you to do will be to sit back and enjoy your new view.
