When I was looking to mount a TV on the wall in my livingroom, I had no idea how high from the floor to mount it. I knew I wanted it to look aesthetically pleasing and I also wanted to make sure that I was viewing it at the right height. I did some research, asked a few experts, and tried a few tricks to figure out the perfect height from the floor to mount my TV.
In this blog post, I’m going to share what I learned and the tips and tricks I used to get the perfect height for my TV. So, if you’re looking for the best way to mount your TV on the wall, read on for my advice on how high from the floor to mount it.
In most cases, you need the screen’s midpoint to be 42 inches from the floor to match your sitting eye level. However, there could be situations where setting the TV higher than eye-level works best, depending on your viewing angle.
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Screen Size | Determine the vertical height of the screen and calculate the distance between the bottom of the screen and the floor. This will help you find the midpoint of the screen that should be roughly 42 inches from the floor. |
| Test Things Out | Test the TV mounting height by sitting naturally on the couch/bed facing the TV and measuring your eye level. Adjust the TV’s height from the floor until the midpoint matches the eye-level mark on the wall. |
| Mounting Above Eye Level | In some cases, mounting the TV above eye level may be necessary. However, using a tilted mount to compensate for the difference in the viewing angle can help reduce neck strain. Situations that may require mounting above eye level include: watching the TV at a reclining angle, accommodating furniture like cabinets and fireplaces under the TV, keeping the screen out of children’s reach, or having a TV in a game room where people will be standing most of the time. |
| Pros | – Optimal viewing angle reduces eye and neck strain – Can accommodate furniture, like cabinets and fireplaces, under the TV ]- Keeps TV out of children’s reach – Can be used in game rooms where people will be standing most of the time |
| Cons | – Need to use a tilted mount to compensate for the difference in viewing angle – Sleek TV mount won’t sit flush with the wall if it’s tilted – Extra safety precautions needed if setting TVs above a source of heat, like a fireplace |
| Takeaway | Generally, the TV’s midpoint should be roughly 42 inches from the floor, but you may need to factor in the viewing angle and room setup. If mounting the TV above eye level is necessary, consider using a tilting mount to reduce neck strain. |
Table of Contents
How High From the Floor Should You Mount a TV?
Your TV’s placement plays a role in reducing eye and neck strain. The issue here is that the optimal placement will depend on your height, sitting posture, room setup, and screen size.
With that in mind, let’s check out two approaches for figuring out the mounting height.
Consider the Screen Size
So, we’ve established that you need the midpoint of the screen to be roughly 42 inches from the floor. However, the next question here is: how much space do you need to leave between the bottom of the screen and the floor to get the midpoint to be at eye level?
Well, the recommended distance changes depending on how large the TV is. The catch is that the screen size advertised on the box isn’t the one you need to consider here since it refers to the diagonal length of the screen.
Instead, you need to consider the vertical height of the screen.
For instance, the screen on a 50-inch TV is actually 24.5 inches tall. So, to get the middle of the screen to be nearly 42 inches from the ground, you need to leave 29-30 inches between the bottom of the screen and the floor.
Similarly, you’ll need to leave around 27 inches under a 60-inch TV, about 25 inches for a 70-inch model, and 21 inches or so under a whopping 85-inch screen.
Here’s a nifty way to help figure out the estimated mounting height for different screen sizes:
- Use a measuring tape to figure out what the screen’s vertical height is.
- Note down half the height measurement.
- Subtract from the recommended 42 inches.
The result is the distance that you need to leave between the bottom of the screen and the floor.
Test Things Out
The 42-inch rule is only an average estimate for sitting eye levels, and it might not work for everyone. So, you can also test the placement yourself to see what TV mounting height matches your situation best.
In that case, you can get a friend to help with the following steps:
- Sit naturally on the couch/bed that’s going to be facing the TV.
- Ask the friend to pull a measuring tape and see roughly how high your eye level is.
- Mark the same distance on the wall where you plan to place the TV.
- Find the midpoint on the screen by running two diagonal strips and checking where they meet.
- Adjust the TV’s height from the floor till the midpoint matches the eye-level mark on the wall.
Can You Mount Your TV Higher Than Eye Level?
While it’s generally best to mount your TV so that the midpoint meets your line of sight, there are still instances where you’ll need to put it above eye level.
However, you’ll need to use a tilted mount to compensate for the difference in the viewing angle and reduce neck strain.
When Should You Set Your TV Above Eye Level?
Let’s take a look at the possible scenarios that could require mounting a TV higher than eye level:
- You’ll mainly watch the TV at a reclining angle.
- You need to accommodate furniture, like cabinets and fireplaces, under the TV.
- You need to keep the screen out of children’s reach.
- Your TV is in a game room where people will be standing most of the time.
Are There Downsides to Setting TVs Above Eye Level?
If you want a sleek TV mount that sits flush with the wall, then having to tilt the screen down can compromise the room’s aesthetic.
Plus, you might need a few extra safety precautions when you’re setting TVs above a source of heat, like a fireplace. In cases like this, mantels and alcoves can help you avoid damaging the screen.
Pros:
- Optimal viewing angle reduces eye and neck strain
- Can accommodate furniture, like cabinets and fireplaces, under the TV
- Keeps TV out of children’s reach
- Can be used in game rooms where people will be standing most of the time
Cons:
- Need to use a tilted mount to compensate for the difference in viewing angle
- Sleek TV mount won’t sit flush with the wall if it’s tilted
- Extra safety precautions needed if setting TVs above a source of heat, like a fireplace
The Takeaway
Odds are, you don’t want to crank your head up while watching a movie, and that’s why figuring out the TV mourning height is crucial.
As a general rule, you’ll want the TV’s midpoint to be roughly 42 inches from the floor. However, you’ll still need to factor in the viewing angle and the room setup. So, if you have to set the TV screen higher than your eye level, consider getting a tilting mount.
