Reader’s Question: How High to Mount a TV

When it comes to mounting a flat-screen TV on your wall, one of the first questions that comes up is how high to mount a TV. This is important whether you’re talking about your home, office, or home office. Getting this right is key for an optimal viewing experience.

The general guideline is that the center of the TV should be at eye level when seated. There are a number of factors to consider – room layout, audience position, TV size, and mount type can all impact ideal placement. AVIXA (the AV association) has developed a guideline for size and viewing distance.

– A 43-inch TV should be 56 inches from the floor to the center

– A 55-inch TV should be 61 inches high

– A 65-inch TV, 65 inches high

– A 70-inch TV, 67 inches high

Proper seating distance is also important. A good rule of thumb is to divide the TV screen size by 0.55 to get the ideal viewing distance in inches.

Angling the TV is another consideration – no more than 15 degrees vertical tilt and 40 degrees horizontal to avoid neck strain.

Special Cases

Special mounting situations like over a fireplace mantel or in a corner come with their own placement challenges as well. Mantel mounts that drop down can help in some cases.

Cabinet height, sunlight glare, and outlet placement are other variables installers need to assess when determining TV placement. Getting it right leads to an immersive, theater-like experience in the home. But the wrong height or angle can mean eye and neck strain for viewers. When you are spending hours staring at the screen watching sports or spreadsheets, this can be a huge deal,