Mounting a TV too high on the wall is a common mistake that can negatively impact your viewing experience. This guide will provide tips on the ideal TV height and explain why it‘s important to get it right.
The Ideal TV Height
According to experts, the center of your TV screen should be at eye level when seated. For most rooms, this is around 42 inches from the floor to the middle of the screen.
This guideline applies regardless of your TV size. So for a 50-inch TV, the bottom of the screen should be about 28 inches off the floor. For a 65-inch screen, the bottom should be roughly 20 inches from the floor.
Why TV Height Matters
Having your TV positioned too high forces you to look upwards for extended periods. This strains your neck muscles and eyes, leading to fatigue and discomfort during viewing sessions.
Alternatively, a TV that‘s too low means you‘re looking downwards constantly. While less taxing on the neck, this can still cause eyestrain over time.
The proper height puts your eyes and neck in a neutral position as you watch. This allows you to comfortably view the TV for hours without unnecessary strain.
TV Too High Symptoms
Here are some signs that your TV may be mounted too high on the wall:
- Neck, shoulder or back pain during or after watching TV
- Eyestrain, headaches or blurry vision after viewing
- Slouching or sinking into the couch to see the screen better
- Missing subtitle text on the lower portion of the screen
If you‘re experiencing any of these issues, it‘s likely your TV height needs adjusting.
Tips for Proper TV Placement
Follow these tips for positioning your TV at the optimal viewing height:
- Place the TV at eye level while seated on your couch or armchair.
- Adjust the height so you don‘t have to crane your neck up or down excessively.
- For mantle mounting, keep the bottom of the screen 4-6 inches above the mantle.
- Don‘t place the TV so high that you miss subtitle text on the lower portion of the screen.
- Consider tilting the screen down slightly if mounted high on a wall.
- Use an articulating mount to easily adjust the height as needed.
Should You Put the TV Above a Fireplace?
Mounting a TV over the mantel is popular for creating a focal point in a room. However, this often positions the TV too high for comfortable viewing.
The intense heat from fireplaces can also damage TV components over time. This risk depends on the type of fireplace and ventilation.
If mounting above a fireplace, keep the bottom of the screen no more than 4-6 inches above the mantel. Articulating mounts allow you to tilt and drop the TV down when in use.
A better option is to place the TV on an adjacent wall, where you have more flexibility with the height.
TV Height for Wall or Stand Mounting
The ideal TV height is the same whether you wall mount or place it on a low-profile stand. This keeps the center of the screen near 42 inches off the ground.
One exception is if you have a high TV stand or media console. In this case, you may need to wall mount the TV slightly higher to achieve the proper screen elevation.
Measure the distance from your seated eye level to the floor to find the optimal height. This ensures you get the TV placement right regardless of the mounting method.
Getting the TV Height Right
A little tweaking is sometimes needed to dial in the perfect TV viewing height. Measure first, then make small adjustments until you find the TV position that minimizes eye and neck strain.
The ideal placement may vary slightly depending on your room layout, furniture, and personal preference. But following the general rule of keeping the screen near eye level will get you close.
With the right TV height, you‘ll enhance your viewing pleasure and avoid unnecessary fatigue. Your eyes and body will thank you.
