How to wall mount a TV step-by-step

Learning how to wall mount a TV is a great way to free up space and create a more streamlined setup in your home theatre or living room. It’s the perfect look if you feel less is more, lets you find the perfect viewing angle from anywhere in the room, and it’s a rewarding process you can proudly look back on once it’s mounted securely and ready for your first movie night.

It can be a fiddly process finding the right surface to stick it to, not to mention neatening the spaghetti of cables that poke out from behind. Fortunately, we’re here to walk you through where to put your display, what you need to mount it, how to fix it securely so your best TV doesn’t end up a broken mess on your floor, and all the tips and tricks to hide unwelcome wires.

Here’s everything you need to know about mounting your TV...

Choose the right wall mount

Credit: ECHOGEAR

There are a variety of mounts available, so it is important to select one that is compatible with your TV's size and weight. There are three main types of mounts, so you'll also need to pick between the following:

• Fixed mounts: These mounts do not allow the TV to move. They are the most straightforward and typically the least expensive of the three types.
• Tilt mounts: These mounts allow the TV to tilt up or down. This can be helpful if you want to adjust the viewing angle of your TV.
• Articulating mounts: These mounts allow the TV to tilt, swivel, and even extend. They are the most versatile mount type, but they can also be the most expensive.

Can my TV be mounted on a wall?

Not all TVs can be wall mounted, so you'll need to double-check this first before purchasing a mount. To do this, look for the VESA mounting pattern on the back of the TV.

The VESA mounting pattern is a series of four holes that attach the TV to the wall mount itself. The VESA mounting pattern is measured in millimeters, so, for example, a TV with a VESA mounting pattern of 200x200 means that the four holes are spaced 200mm apart horizontally and vertically.

If your TV does not have VESA mounting pattern, there are still some options available to you. You can purchase a non-VESA mount that will allow you to secure your TV to a wall. However, non-VESA mounts can be less secure by comparison, so most TV manufacturers provide VESA options as standard.

What do you need to mount a TV on a wall?

In addition to the TV itself, you will likely need the following items to mount your TV:

• A wall mount.
• A drill.
• A level.
• A pencil.
• Screws and wall anchors (included with the wall mount).
• A Phillips head screwdriver.
• A ratchet or socket wrench.
• Safety glasses.

How to wall mount a TV

Credit: Wayfair

Once you have gathered the necessary materials and tools, you can begin mounting your TV. To do so, you'll need to:

• Choose a mounting location: You'll want to pick a level spot with enough space for the TV to sit flush against the wall. It is also important to ensure that the mounting location is positioned in a way that allows the TV to be easily seen from every angle.
• Mark the mounting holes: Once you've chosen a mounting location, you'll need to mark the mounting holes on the wall. Use a level to make sure that the marks are in line with each other.
• Drill the mounting holes: Use a drill to make the necessary holes. If your wall is made of drywall, you'll need to use wall anchors.
• Attach the mounting bracket to the wall: Use the screws that came with your mount to attach the bracket to the wall.
• Attach the mounting plate to the TV: Use the screws that came with your mounting plate to attach it to the back of your TV.
• Hang the TV on the mounting bracket: Carefully hang your TV on the mounting bracket. Make sure that the TV is level and secure before releasing it.
• Connect the cables: Once your TV is mounted, you'll need to connect the cables. This will most likely include the power cable, the HDMI cable, and any other cables you need to connect your TV to your devices.

Tips for mounting a TV to a wall

• Ensure the wall mount you purchase is rated for the weight of your TV.
• Use a level to make sure that the TV is mounted evenly.
• Do not overtighten the screws when attaching the TV to the wall mount. This could damage the TV.
• If you are not comfortable wall mounting your TV, you can hire a professional to do it for you.

How to hide TV wires in a wall

Credit: Wilko

Hiding TV wires in the wall is a great way to keep your home looking neat and tidy. To accomplish this task, you'll need:

• A drill
• A level
• A pencil
• A cable concealer
• Drywall mud
• A putty knife
• Safety glasses

Once you have your supplies, follow these steps:

• Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs behind where you want to mount your TV. The wall studs are the wooden beams that support the drywall.
• Use the pencil to mark the location of the wall studs on the wall.
• Use the drill to make a hole in the drywall that is big enough to fit the cable concealer through.
• Thread the cable concealer through the hole with a long piece of string. It'll help guide the cable concealer through the hole.
• Feed the wires through the cable concealer until they are on the other side of the wall.
• Use drywall mud to secure the cable concealer to the wall.
  Allow the drywall mud to dry completely before painting or wallpapering the wall.

Tips for hiding TV wires without cutting into your wall

• Use a cable tie to bundle the wires together. It helps to keep the wires organised and less noticeable.
• Run the wires along the baseboard or behind your furniture. This will hide the wires from view.
• Use a cable cover or raceway to hide the wires. Cable covers and raceways are available in various colors and styles, so you can find one that matches your décor.

By following these tips, you can easily hide TV wires and keep your home looking neat and tidy.