Last Updated on June 3, 2023 by Pro Handyman Editorial Team

Mounting a TV on the wall is more than a task; it’s an art that significantly enhances your home viewing experience. This guide comprehensively explains how to go about this process, from deciding on the TV’s placement to the actual mounting.

Wall Mounting vs. TV Stand: A Comparison

In contrast to placing your TV on a stand, wall mounting requires a degree of technical know-how, particularly if you’re uncomfortable with tools or drilling holes for screws. Typically, modern TVs come with a basic low-profile mount, making wall mounting a viable option. Many TV manufacturers also provide free wall-mounted installation as part of their package, offering convenience if you prefer professional assistance.

The Appeal of Wall-Mounting a Television

The primary advantage of wall mounting your TV is space-saving. This solution is particularly beneficial if you’re dealing with a small room or house, eliminating the need for a table or other flat surfaces. It also presents an aesthetic appeal, allowing for a minimalist design and the flexibility to place your TV wherever you wish. You can select your ideal height for the TV, and if your wall is big enough, wall mounting also addresses any size constraints.

A Detailed Step-by-Step Guide to Wall Mount Your TV

Decide on the TV’s Placement

Choose your position carefully, as viewing angles are crucial for optimizing picture quality. Once you’ve chosen a spot, remember that relocating the TV later will require additional work and leave unnecessary holes in your wall.

Locate the Wall Studs

Use a stud finder to locate the wall studs. Mark the location with painter’s tape when your stud finder finds a stud, allowing you to remember its position.

Mark and Drill Pilot Holes

Once you’ve marked the locations for the mounting screws, hold the mount against the wall and use a level to ensure it’s straight. Next, make light pencil markings where you’ll drill holes. Next, attach a masonry bit to your drill and create holes at your marked locations.

Attach the Mounting Bracket to the Wall

Hold the mount against the wall and drill the mounting screws into the pilot holes you made in the previous step.

Attach the TV to the Mounting Plate

Remove the TV stand if it’s still attached. Next, locate the TV’s mounting plate attachment holes—these may have plastic coverings or pre-existing screws. Remove these and use the provided hardware to secure the plate to the back of the TV.

Mount Your TV on the Wall

This step requires assistance. Lift the TV carefully using your legs (not your back) to avoid accidents. Once you’ve aligned the TV’s mounting arm or plate with the wall bracket, connect them following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Relish Your Newly Mounted Television!

Relax and enjoy your favorite shows or movies with your newly mounted TV.

Benefits of a Wall-Mounted TV

Space-Saving: Wall-mounted TVs free up space in your home and create a tidy appearance.
Cost-Effective: You can avoid purchasing expensive furniture for your TV, saving your wallet and preserving space.
Flexibility: Wall mounts enhance your TV’s adjustability, simplifying the process of plugging and unplugging any device.
Safety: Having your TV on a stand may pose a risk, especially around children or pets. Mounting your TV on the wall reduces potential hazards in your home.

Safe Cable Management for a Wall-Mounted Television

Just as the metaphorical cherry tops off a sundae, managing the cables after mounting a television on the wall polishes the entire setup. However, a seemingly straightforward task like this has nuances that require careful planning and execution to avoid risks. This section delves into various ways to hide television wires effectively and safely without causing a tripping hazard or impacting the space’s aesthetic appeal.

Strategies for Safe and Effective Cable Management

There are multiple ways to manage cables, each with advantages and considerations. However, the three methods discussed in this section are practical, efficient, and safe for any residential setting.

Using Wall Edges and Carpets

An innovative method to manage cables is to use the edges of walls and existing carpets. Running wires along wall edges and tucking them under carpets creates a clean, clutter-free environment. Not only is this a cost-effective solution, but it also ensures that no one trips over the wires and damages the cable or injures themselves.

Harnessing Furniture to Hide Wires

Another way to hide cords on a wall-mounted television is by strategically utilizing the furniture. Cables can be anchored along the back edges of your furniture, keeping them out of sight. For added organization, bundle the wires together using cable ties. Then, fasten them behind the table using adhesive clips. In case of the absence of clips, black electrician’s tape can serve as a handy alternative.

Employing Cable Tunnels or Tracks

A cable tunnel or plastic track is an effective tool for managing TV wires. These items can be mounted directly on your wall or skirting board as an organizer and cover for your cables. These cable management tools are handy if the television is far from the power source.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Install a Wall Cable Track

To achieve a clean, wire-free appearance for your wall-mounted television, follow these simple steps to install a cable tunnel or track.

Materials Needed:

Tape measure
Cable sleeve kit (includes cable tunnel or plastic track)
Hacksaw
Screwdriver

Installation Steps:

Measure the required distance: Start by measuring the height from the ground to the base of the television screen. Next, calculate the distance the wires must cover to reach the desired outlets.
Prepare the track: Using the measurements taken, cut the cable tunnel or track to the appropriate size using a hacksaw.
Mount the way: Fix the raceway base to the wall using screws and connecting corner joints, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Insert the cables: Once the floor is securely attached, lay the TV wires inside the track and snap the cover on top.
Blend the way with the wall: Choose a color that matches your wall to make the track less visible. If necessary, the plastic can be spray-painted before installation.

Safety Considerations for Cable Management

Despite the seemingly straightforward process, cable management does pose certain risks, mainly when wires are run inside the wall. Keep TV cables separate from standard electrical wirings, such as computers, phones, or speakers. This practice minimizes the risk of electric shocks and reduces interference between devices.

If the option exists, running wires through interior rather than exterior walls is recommended, as the latter typically have more bracing and insulation that provide better protection. Before you begin drilling or cutting, turn off the breakers in the electrical box to reduce the risk of accidental electrocution.

In conclusion, with these careful planning and safe installation practices, you can effectively manage the cables for your wall-mounted television. Considerable attention should be paid to the aesthetic appeal of the space while ensuring the safety and functionality of the setup.

Post-Installation Tips for Cable Management

Following the successful installation and arrangement of cables, it’s essential to keep certain practices in mind to ensure the continued effectiveness of your cable management system.

Cable Maintenance and Cleaning: Over time, dust and dirt may accumulate on the cables and inside the cable tracks. Regular cleaning is required to maintain the wires’ longevity and your television system’s performance. Use a dry microfiber cloth to clean the cables and tracks gently. It’s advisable to unplug the wires before cleaning to ensure safety.

Periodic Cable Check: Regularly inspect the cables for any signs of wear and tear, including fraying, exposed wires, or kinks. If these signs are noticed, the line should be replaced immediately to prevent potential electrical hazards.

Cable Labeling: For homes or spaces with multiple devices and numerous cables, labeling each cable according to its corresponding device is beneficial. This helps identify which cable belongs to which device, especially during troubleshooting or maintenance.

Wireless Options: As technology evolves, consider adopting wireless solutions to reduce the clutter of wires. Wireless HDMI kits, for instance, can eliminate the need for HDMI cables that connect your devices to your TV.

Professional Assistance

Despite the comprehensive guidelines, installing cable tracks and managing cables for a wall-mounted television can be complex for some individuals. If you need clarification on any part of the process, it is highly recommended to hire a professional. This ensures the work is done correctly and safely and can also prevent potential damage to your wall or television.

Conclusion

Cable management for a wall-mounted television demands a blend of practicality, aesthetics, and safety. By diligently following the strategies and tips mentioned above; you can achieve an organized, clutter-free TV Wall Mount setup that complements your home decor without compromising security. Even as technology advances, these timeless practices for cable management will continue to serve as valuable guidelines for any home entertainment system.