Guide: How to Mount a TV on the Wall

Wall mounting a TV offers a slew of nifty benefits, from saving space to enhancing aesthetics and achieving optimal height. As it’s impossible to knock over, a securely mounted TV is also safer—that’s a big plus for families with accident-prone toddlers.

But wall mounting a TV requires drilling into plasterboard, making it a tad intimidating for inexperienced DIYers. Don’t fret or call a handyman just yet. The process is surprisingly straightforward, and we’ll show you the ropes in this step-by-step wall-mounting guide.

Preparing for Installation

If you’re renting, ask your landlord whether wall mounting a TV is okay. Many won’t be thrilled with the thought of drill holes in their plasterboard.

You’ll then need to find the right location to mount your TV, taking into consideration viewing angles and glare. Aim to have the center of the screen at eye level when viewed from a sitting position. For a bedroom TV, go slightly higher to reduce neck strain. The bottom of the screen should align with eye level from a typical in-bed viewing position. The ideal distance depends on the size of your TV. Allow at least 1 meter for a regular telly and 1.5 meters for a large (75 inches +) one.

Choosing the Right Wall Mount

A wall mount supports a TV within a certain size range, such as 32 inches to 75 inches. Ensure your soon-to-be-mounted telly falls within this range. Next, double-check the wall mount is rated to carry your TV’s weight, which you can find on the manufacturer’s (and usually the retailer’s) website. Some TVs, such as plasmas, are heavier than others.

Finally, ensure your TV and wall mount correlate with the same Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) size. This standard refers to the distance between the screws in millimeters.

Most TVs fall within the following ranges:

• Up to 32 inches: VESA 100×100 mm
• 32 to 55 inches: VESA 200×200 mm
• 55 to 65 inches: VESA 300×300 mm or VESA 400×400 mm
• 65 inches or more: VESA of 600×400 mm

Now you’ll need to consider your TV wall mount type.

• A fixed mount sits flat (almost flush) against the wall and doesn’t tilt or swivel. Only consider a fixed mount if you are happy with the angle and won’t need to adjust the screen to combat glare.
• A tilt mount tilts up and down (and sometimes side to side) to reduce glare and achieve better viewing angles. However, they don’t sit as flat against the wall as fixed mounts.
• A full-motion mount comes with an articulating arm so you can bring the TV out and swivel it horizontally and vertically. This impressive range of motion lets you watch TV from anywhere in the room, or perhaps even a neighbouring room. Take extra care to ensure the mount can support your TV’s weight.

Tools & Materials Needed

Now you’ve got the correct wall mount, gather the following:

• Spirit level (if your wall mount doesn’t include one)
• Drill and drill bits
• Measuring tape
• Pencil
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Stud finder

How to Hang a TV on the Wall

Let’s get stuck into it, shall we?

Step 1: Find the studs

You’ve found the perfect place to mount your TV, so now it’s time to find suitable mounting hole locations. Timber-frame homes have vertical wall studs, which provide enough support to hold a wall-mounted TV. Use a stud finder to locate them (they’re usually 450mm to 600mm apart) and mark the location with masking tape.

Don’t attempt to attach a TV mount directly to the plasterboard.

Step 2: Mark the mounting holes

Position your TV mount against the wall and use the spirit level to make it dead straight. Mark the location of the mounting holes onto the masking tape with your pencil. The number of required mounting holes varies between wall mounts.

Step 3: Drilling the pilot holes

Choose a drill bit slightly smaller than the screws that came with your wall mount and drill a pilot hole into the marked location.  

Step 4: Mounting the wall mount

Align the wall mount against the wall and screw in your first screw loosely. Use the spirit level to ensure the bracket is level before screwing in the other screws. Recheck the spirit level and make adjustments as necessary.

Step 5: Attaching the hanging bracket

Place your TV face down against a soft surface. Align the hanging bracket with the VESA holes on your TV, ensuring the hooks face downwards. Line up the bolts and washers supplied with your TV mount as necessary. Screw the hanging bracket firmly into the VESA holes on your TV.

Step 6: Mount the TV

Pick up your TV and align the hooks on the hanging bracket with your wall mount. Screw in the hanging bracket screws with a screwdriver.

Get a friend to help you with this bit, especially if you’re hanging a large TV.

Step 7: Hide the wiring

Plug your TV into a power point and position the wiring for a clean aesthetic. While you may not be able to completely hide the cables, there are numerous tricks you can try.

• Mount your TV in front of a power point
• Cut a hole in the plasterboard by your TV and the power point, then thread the cable through both holes (advanced DIYers only)
• Cord clips can help organise cables around your furniture
• Plastic hooks can guide the cable direction for a neater look
• Zip-ties can fasten excess cables in a loop, which you can hide behind the TV
• Cable covers and cable management boxes can hide cords around an entertainment unit
• Décor like coffee table books and paintings can help hide cables

Summary: TV Wall Mount Instructions

Mounting a TV to a wall is surprisingly simple, even for an unconfident DIYer. Follow the steps outlined in this guide to enjoy all the benefits of a wall-mounted TV.

Still feeling apprehensive? Contact Geeks2U. Our expert technicians will mount your TV perfectly straight and hide the cables as best they can under the circumstances.  

FAQ

• How to attach a TV to a wall bracket?

  Align the bracket with the VESA holes on your TV and screw in the screws, using bolts and washers as necessary.

• How to wall mount a TV without wires showing?

  You can cut a hole in the plasterboard near the TV and a powerpoint and then thread the power cable through.

• How to mount a TV on a plaster wall?

  Drill the mounting holes into the wooden studs rather than the plasterboard.

• How to attach a TV to a brick wall?

  Use plastic wall anchors for lighter TVs or concrete screws for heavier TVs.

• How do I find the right spot to mount my TV?

  Look for a location without too much glare and align the center of your TV to eye level from a seated position. commended for gaming, as most games are designed with a landscape orientation.