TV wall mount buying guide
Which type of mount is right for your installation?
One of the things that makes flat-panel TVs so appealing is their shallow depth and light weight, which allow them to be mounted on a wall. This gives you a very clean, safe, and space-efficient installation.
Since very few TVs include their own wall-mounting hardware, you'll have to purchase a mount separately. This article explains the differences between various types of wall mounts:
- Fixed mount
- Tilt mount
- Full-motion
- Mantel mount
- Ceiling mount
Wall-mount types
TV wall-mounts range from basic fixed-mount designs to those with nearly unlimited flexibility for positioning your TV.
Think about what you want your bracket to be able to do.
Do you want to be able to adjust the TV to get a better view from different seats?
Would you like to be able to angle the TV for optimum viewing, yet also have it hug the wall when not in use?
1. Fixed mount
This is the simplest, lowest-cost type of mount. It places the TV closer to the wall than other mount types.
A flat wall mount has no angle adjustments — the TV screen's position is parallel to the wall.
This type of mount is a good choice if you'll be sitting directly in front of the TV, and can position the TV at the ideal height, with the center of the screen at about eye-level when you're seated.
Shop for fixed-mount brackets
The popular Sanus LL11-B1 holds the TV about 9/16" from the wall.
2. Tilt mount
By providing vertical angle adjustment, this wall mount type makes it easy to compensate for a TV positioned above the optimum viewing level. The tilt mechanism causes the TV to be spaced a bit further out from the wall — typically at least 2".
Tilt mounts are a smart choice for TVs placed above a fireplace or high on a bedroom wall. The angle adjustment can also help reduce screen reflections from windows or room lights.
Shop for tilt-mount brackets
The ability to adjust the angle of your TV screen can not only reduce glare, it also lets you tilt the TV up for easy cable connections.
3. Full-motion mount
By adding side-to-side swivel adjustment, this wall mount is a smart solution when a TV needs to be angled to provide the best viewing. It's also great for rooms with more than one usual viewing spot.
Shop for full-motion mounts
Full-motion mounts combine up/down tilt with side-to-side swivel, for maximum positioning versatility.
4. Fireplace mounts
Mounting a TV above a fireplace is a popular option, but over time, watching it can literally be a pain in the neck.
A fireplace mount lets you easily pull your TV out and down over the mantel when you want to watch.
Shop for fireplace mount brackets.
5. Ceiling mount
In some situations (say you're dealing with a brick wall), a wall mount just won't work, but a ceiling mount will.
Shop for ceiling mounts
Installation Tips
If you're wondering what it takes to install a TV, check out our how-to guide and video on TV wall-mounting.
Personalized advice from our team of experts
Have questions about which type of mount would best suit your TV and viewing preferences? Our expert Advisors know the gear inside and out. Call, email, or chat with us today
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by Crutchfield's Steve Kindig
Meet Steve Kindig
I'm a longtime audio/video geek. I love learning about and sharing info on the latest A/V tech.
I've been writing about audio/video gear for Crutchfield since 1985. These days, I spend most of my time covering TVs. But I've been an audiophile since high school, and I still often listen to music late into the night. So, whenever I get the chance, I love writing about high-end amps, preamps, and speakers, too.
Over the years, I've found other ways to help people connect with music. I'm a volunteer DJ at community radio station WTJU, where I'm a regular host of the American folk show "Atlantic Weekly," as well as the world music program "Beyond Borders," where I get to share my love of African music.
I'm also a board member of the Prism Coffeehouse, in Charlottesville. We produce a series of concerts featuring traditional and acoustic music. I help out at shows with ticket sales, merch sales for the artists, or anything else that needs doing, and in exchange, I get to hear live music almost every week.
I grew up on a farm in the high desert of Southern California, but have lived in the Charlottesville area over half my life. I love the town and the beautiful surrounding countryside. When the weather's nice, you'll often find me out hiking with my four-legged buddy, Finn the corgi, or biking, or kayaking.
About Steve
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