Common TV Installation Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

When you're setting up your new TV it’s exciting to imagine all the movie nights and binge-watching sessions to come. But before you start relaxing it's important to get your TV installed properly. Many people make common mistakes during TV installation that can lead to frustration damage or even safety risks. In this article we'll go over some of the most frequent mistakes and how you can avoid them to ensure a smooth setup.

Mounting the TV Too High or Too Low

One of the most common mistakes is placing the TV at the wrong height. You might think a higher mount makes the TV look more impressive but that can actually be uncomfortable. Ideally your TV should be at eye level when you’re sitting down. If it’s too high you’ll strain your neck; if it’s too low you might have to tilt your head up constantly. How to Avoid It: When choosing the spot to mount your TV sit on your couch and measure the height of your eyes from the floor. Aim to have the center of the TV screen at that height. If you’re unsure a good rule of thumb is to keep the center of the screen around 42 to 48 inches from the ground depending on the size of the TV and your seating arrangement. Using the Wrong Wall Mount Not all wall mounts are created equal. If you get a mount that doesn’t fit your TV size or weight or one that's not compatible with your wall type (drywall brick etc.) your TV could end up falling down or getting damaged. How to Avoid It: Make sure the wall mount is designed for your TV’s size and weight. Check the TV’s VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) pattern which refers to the distance between the holes on the back of your TV for mounting. Also consider the type of wall you have. For drywall make sure you use anchors that can hold the weight of the TV. If you're mounting on brick or concrete you’ll need special anchors and tools. Not Hiding Cables -Wires hanging down from the TV can be an eyesore and create a messy unsafe environment. It might seem easier to leave them exposed but it can make your setup look unprofessional and you might even trip over them. How to Avoid It: Invest in cable management solutions.You can use a cable raceway to conceal wires along the wall or even run them inside the wall (if you’re comfortable doing that or hire a professional). Many wall mounts also have a space to hide cables behind the TV for a cleaner look. Forgetting to Leave Space for Ventilation When installing a TV you might be tempted to mount it flush against the wall for a sleek look but this can prevent proper ventilation. TVs need airflow to avoid overheating and if the back of the TV is too close to the wall it could affect its performance and shorten its lifespan. How to Avoid It: Make sure there’s enough space between the wall and your TV. Many mounts have adjustable brackets that allow you to keep a small gap for air circulation. Aim for at least a 1-2 inch gap depending on your TV model for proper ventilation. Not Securing the TV Properly It might seem like you’ve mounted the TV properly but if it’s not securely fastened to the wall you could risk it falling down especially in areas with a lot of movement or vibration. How to Avoid It: Double-check that all screws and bolts are tight and secure. Use a stud finder to ensure that you’re mounting the TV into wall studs not just drywall. If you're unsure about how to do this safely it’s a good idea to get help from a professional installer.
Read also: How to Organize Cables for a Clean and Professional TV Setup

Overlooking the Audio Setup

Most modern TVs come with decent sound but they can’t compete with a dedicated sound system. Many people forget about their audio setup until after the TV is mounted and this can lead to awkward speaker placement or poor sound quality. How to Avoid It: Plan your audio setup before mounting your TV. If you’re using a soundbar or external speakers think about where they’ll go. Make sure the soundbar is positioned correctly and that any cables are hidden or managed well. Not Considering Viewing Angles If your TV is mounted in a spot where you have to look at it from an awkward angle watching TV can become uncomfortable. You might end up straining your eyes or neck especially if you’re sitting off to the side. How to Avoid It: Consider the seating arrangement before mounting the TV. Try to place the TV where it’s visible from every seat in the room. Some wall mounts allow you to swivel or tilt the TV which can be useful if you have multiple viewing spots in the room. Forgetting to Check the TV’s Power Source It’s easy to get excited and mount the TV without checking if there’s an available power outlet nearby. This can be a major inconvenience as you’ll either need an extension cord or may end up with cables running across the floor. How to Avoid It: Before mounting your TV make sure there’s a power outlet within reach. If not consider using a power extension or hiring an electrician to install a new outlet behind the TV. If you plan to hide your cables in the wall you can have a power source installed directly behind the TV for a cleaner look. Ignoring TV Settings and Calibration After you’ve mounted your TV you might just plug it in and start watching without adjusting the settings. This can lead to poor picture quality especially if the TV’s brightness contrast or color settings aren’t optimized for your room.
See also: How to Mount a TV on a Brick or Concrete Wall

How to Avoid It

Take the time to adjust your TV’s settings. You can use built-in picture calibration tools or even look up expert settings for your specific TV model online. Also if you have a smart TV make sure it’s connected to the internet and updated with the latest software. Final Thoughts Installing a TV is not as simple as just hanging it on the wall and plugging it in. By avoiding these common mistakes you can ensure that your TV is mounted safely looks great and works well for years to come. If you’re ever unsure about any step of the process don’t hesitate to call a professional installer to help
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