How to Perfectly Place Your TV: A Guide to Stylish and Smart Setup
When it comes to integrating a television into your home, it’s about more than just the right screen size—it’s about thoughtful placement that balances comfort, design, and function. Whether you're mounting a TV above a fireplace, within a built-in, or over a console, a few key guidelines can help you get it just right.
General Rules of Thumb
Optimal Height: Aim to position the center of your TV between 42–70 inches from the floor. Lower tends to be better for a more natural viewing angle.
Viewing Angle: Keep it between 0–15 degrees for the most comfortable viewing experience.
Seating Distance: Sit between 8–12 feet away, depending on screen size. For example:
47 inch TV – 8 feet away
50 inch TV – 8.5 feet away
55 inch TV – 9.5 feet away
60 inch TV – 10 feet away
65 inch TV – 11 feet away
Design Tips to Consider
Hide the clutter: Plan for cord management and a place to store equipment.
Blend it in: In highly visible areas, consider a Frame TV to double as artwork.
Dark wall magic: Mounting the TV on a dark-coloured wall helps it visually recede into the space.
Mounting Above a Fireplace
Height:
Keep the TV 6–8 inches above the mantel, and ensure the center of the screen remains under 70 inches.
Size Matters:
Choose a TV that’s 2/3 to 7/8 the width of your mantel for balanced proportions.
Heat Protection:
Make sure your fireplace includes a mantel or heat shift to prevent damage to the screen.
Pro tip:
A Frame TV here can add sophistication while preserving your room’s style.
Placing Above a Console
Height: Mount the TV 6–12 inches above the console.
Scale: The console should be wider than the TV, giving space for styling with lamps, vases, or books.
Equipment Storage: Ensure your console can house any devices or cords neatly out of sight (check local building code requirements or consult a professional, as certain restrictions do apply).
Style Tip: Add accessories to soften the tech and elevate the room.
Fitting Into a Built-In
Height: Position the TV 6–12 inches above the shelf it sits over.
Breathing Room: Leave 6–12 inches of clearance around the TV to avoid a cramped look.
Hide the Tech: Use the built-in’s storage for media equipment and consider extra room beneath if you're adding a soundbar.
* Be sure to check your local building code requirements or consult with a professional, as certain restrictions do apply when adding electrical inside millwork.