How High Should You Mount Your TV?

Now that you know how to wall-mount your HDTV for practically nothing, it's time to figure out where you need to mount it. Scope out your cable outlet, find a sturdy stud—then ask yourself the one question: How high?

If you're looking for a hard and fast rule for measuring how high to mount your TV, we're sorry. There isn't a one-fits-all solution. But if you take a moment to thoughtfully consider how you watch TV, the answer (and soon your TV) will be right in front of you.

What room is it in?
And ideal TV placement won't be the same in every room. For instance, you'll probably want your TV mounted higher up in the bedroom so piles of sheets won't block your view.

Where are you when you watch it?
Figuring out how high to mount the TV has everything to do with where people sit when they watch it. Tall stools? A low-to-the-ground sofa? A good rule of thumb is to mount the TV so that its center lines up with the eye level of the people watching.

Are there any existing features to work around?
The "ideal" height might not always be attainable or desirable, especially if you're trying to work the TV into a room's decor. Things like chair rails or built-in shelving can get in the way, so just try to get as close to eye-level as possible. And if you've always had your eye set on an above-the-fireplace TV mount, go for it. Just make sure the elevated height won't strain your neck—sit on the sofa and practice staring at the area for several minutes.

(Images: Flickr member mk30 licensed for use under Creative Commons, Notting Hill House's TV Above the Fireplace)

Comments (7)

"Eye level" is the only correct answer to this question.

in a space where you are sitting, put it at eye level. far to often I see wonderful rooms ruined by a TV that is impractically high over the fireplace. Unless you are standing at a bar, this is bad for your neck and the quality of the picture.

It won't work with the hanging method describe in the link, but if you're forced to mount higher a tilting mount can make a huge difference. My tv is about 18" higher than ideal but tilted enough that it still works quite well.

Hmm... The majority of entertainment units and media stands out there seem far too close to the ground. Making the TV placement way below "eye level" from sitting on the couch... We settled for mounting on the wall, but I'm wondering if anyone else feels this way.

This suggestion about putting it above the fireplace cracks me up, given last week's "What's Next In Design" link in which a consortium of interior decorators banded together to whine about how horrid this trend is. So which is it? Go for it or God forbid? :) (We have a projector instead of a television, so I don't have to solve this debate in our household.) Also, the above-eye-level height is actually a *good* strain for most people who have lost much-needed curve in their cervical spine.

Mine is high and its working well for the following reasons...
- am able to place a credenza/dresser under it easily, living in a small space, some clothing resides in our living room
- open space kitchen/living, can easily see the tv from the kitchen island even is someone is sitting on the couch in front of me
-as ginnielizz says, its a good position to pull the shoulders back while sitting on the couch, I spend way too much time hunching over a desk all day and now have shoulders that round forward.
-draws the eyes upward, making the small space appear larger

What they don't consider is content. When watching any sports the best placement is on the floor. You are simulating the natural camera angle in the stadium cameras. I discovered this while doing a reno in my place. I had the tv on the floor and after seeing a hockey game live I noticed that when watching a game the next day on tv it looked as if I was there. So now I have it slightly below eye level so when I want to watch regular content I lounge but for sports I sit up