Mounting a TV high on the wall has multiple benefits. For one, you’ll save plenty of space below to put any piece of decor you want, or even put a couple of futons and create a seating area. Secondly, you’ll protect the TV from unfortunate incidents. For example, if you have pets or kids at the house, a TV on a stand can be a dangerous gamble.
If you already have the TV, the wall, and you’ve already decided to mount it, all that’s remaining is knowing how high to mount the TV on the wall.
There are multiple different ways to mount your TV. It depends on its placement in the room, your height, and whether there’s a fireplace under it.
That’s what we’re here for!
How High to Mount TV in a Regular Seating Area
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Experts conclude that the precise middle of your TV should be at your eye level when you’re sitting. In most cases, that’s approximately 42 inches from the middle of the TV to the ground. Of course, it differs according to your own height and seating area; the 42-inches measurement is merely an average.
If you want to calculate the TV’s correct position in accordance with the average measurement, you should first measure the height of your TV. Then, divide the number by two, and subtract the resulting number from 42. That’s how far the bottom of your TV should be from the floor.
It’s worth noting here that you shouldn’t use the TV’s screen size to do this measurement. Manufacturers measure the TVs by drawing a diagonal line between two opposing corners. What you want is the height, not the screen size.
For example, if you have a 60-inch TV, and it’s 30-inches tall, you need to divide 30 by two. You’ll get 15, and then you should subtract it from 42, which gives you 27 inches. As a result, the bottom of your TV should be 27 inches away from the floor.
If you want to get a precise measurement, you can always measure your eye level, so you have it accurately if it doesn’t equal 42 inches. It’ll come in handy if you’re shorter or taller than average. Remember to measure it while you’re sitting, not when standing.
How High to Mount a TV If You Recline
If you tend to recline while watching TV, you may have to mount your TV a bit higher than average. In this case, you’ll have your back tilted to the back, so your head will be pointing upward.
There are a couple of things to know if you do that, though. For starters, it’s recommended to keep your viewing angle limited to 15 degrees or less, above and below the screen’s precise center.
Unfortunately, measuring the tilting angle and the right height of the TV isn’t as easy when you recline. So, you can instead use a calculator. Then, all you have to do is measure the reclining angle, which you can get approximately. Other than that, you’ll need the screen size and the watching height.
If you want to find the center of your TV, there’s an easy way to do it. Sit on the couch, close your eyes, and point to the exact center of your vision. Then, reopen your eyes and mark the center on the wall using a pen. Repeat the process around five times until you get a solid average.
How High to Mount TV Above a Fireplace
Of course, mounting the TV without any obstacles under it isn’t the same as mounting a TV over a fireplace or any piece of furniture. Fireplaces, in particular, aren’t preferred to be under TVs because of the risk. In the end, the TV has multiple electrical wires coming out of it. Putting them at risk of overheating isn’t recommended.
That said, if you absolutely have to mount a TV over a fireplace, it should be around 65–68 inches high from the ground. It differs according to your own height and the fireplace’s size.
If the fireplace is low on the ground, you may mount the TV lower than 60 inches. And, if you find yourself having to strain your eyes or raise your neck to see the TV, then it’s too high.
If the fireplace is too high to mount a TV over it, it’d be wise to change the placement plan altogether.
Additionally, if you can’t mount it on your own, you can always get a professional to do it for you.
How High to Mount TV If You’re Watching From a Home Bar
If you’d normally mount the TV 42 inches from the ground, you should raise it to 53 inches if you’re watching TV from a home bar. Typically, bar stools are higher than regular chairs, and you need the TV to be at eye level with you.
Most bar stools are 24–29 inches high to be able to reach the high bar, while regular chairs are around 18–20 inches. You need to compensate for that height with the TV to get it at eye level.
If you want to know how high you should mount a TV above a home bar, you can add 24 inches to the bar stool’s height.
How High to Mount TV If You Watch It While Changing
Although it sounds a bit off, some people watch the TV while standing. On top of that, some people mount TVs in entertainment rooms, so they mostly use them for fun purposes while they’re standing. Not only that, but TVs in home gyms also need to be mounted higher because users usually watch it while on the treadmill.
If you’re one of those people, you should at least mount the TV so that its center is 60 inches from the ground.
Conclusion
As you see, there are multiple different ways to mount your TV. It depends on its placement in the room, your height, and whether there’s a fireplace under it. As long as you have this guide, you’ll hopefully know how high to mount your TV.
Remember, if you’re sure of the TV’s mounting position, you can always ask for professional help.
