As a proud owner of a 50 inch TV, I know the struggle of trying to figure out the best height to mount it. After hours of research, comparing the pros and cons, and finding the best tips and tricks, I’m here to share with you how I solved this issue – and a few other solutions I discovered along the way.
The best possible mounting height for 50-to-80-inch TVs is between 58 and 70 inches. However, this is also affected by resolution and viewing distance. The best mounting height for a 50″ TV is 58″ at 7 feet away, while for 80″ TVs, it is 69″ at 11 feet and 2 inches.
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Based On Its Size, How High Should My TV Be Mounted?
You can calculate the ideal mounting height of a TV to a wall using their size, the suggested viewing distance, the eye-level height of viewers, and the expected level of recline of viewers as the key variables. The ideal viewing distance is proportional to the size of the TV, which then is also an essential factor in the level of recline of viewers.
The formula for calculating the ideal mounting height of a TV relies on calculating the viewing distance and chosen level of recline based on the screen size. Couch manufacturers design seats to provide comfortable viewing angles between 10 and 15 degrees. Most adults should have an eye level of approximately 40″ when watching a TV at this recline.
When using a comfortable eye-level height of 40″ and an average level of recline of 12.5 degrees, the ideal mounting height equals 0.3674 times the screen size plus 40.
Similarly, you can determine the distance between the floor and the bottom of the screen by obtaining the vertical portion of the screen’s size and subtracting this value from its ideal mounting height.
Ideal mounting heights and viewing distances for TVs according to their screen size:
TV Screen Size | Ideal Viewing Distance | Distance From Screen’s Bottom To The Floor | Distance From The Screen’s Center To The Floor |
50-Inch | 7 feet | 43 Inches | 58 Inches |
55-Inch | 7 feet and 8 Inches | 43.5 Inches | 60 Inches |
60-Inch | 8 feet and 4 Inches | 44 Inches | 62 Inches |
65-Inch | 9 feet and 1 Inch | 44.5 Inches | 64 Inches |
70-Inch | 9 feet and 9 Inches | 45 Inches | 66 Inches |
75-Inch | 10 feet and 5 Inches | 45.5 Inches | 68 Inches |
80-Inch | 11 feet and 2 Inches | 46 Inches | 69 Inches |
The Viewing Distance And Angle Of Different TV Sizes
The ideal distance for viewing a TV screen depends not only on the size of the screen but also on its resolution. With viewing distances farther away, the mounting height also increases. Should you wish to mount your TV at a particular position, you can alter the ideal viewing distances depending on the screen’s resolution.
Recent models have increased resolution and image quality which you can view from closer than older screens, as the pixel density is usually higher. Improved resolutions lead to a broader range of acceptable viewing distances- closer and further away.
Based on the resolution of 720p TVs, an optimal range for a 50″ screen extends from 10 to around 18 feet. And an 80″ TV has an optimal range of between 16 and 23 feet. There is a sweet spot for any TV between 50″ and 80″ at 16 feet.
The optimal range for TVs with a 1080p resolution extends between 6 and 10 feet for a 50″ TV. And for an 80″ TV, the optimal range lies between 10 and 15 feet. The sweet spot for TVs between 50″ and 80″ lies at around 10 feet for 1080p resolution TVs.
A 50″ 4k resolution TV has an optimal range between 3 and 6.5 feet, while for an 80″ TV, the ideal distance lies between 5 and 10.5 feet. For 4k TVs, there is a sweet spot at around a distance of around 5 feet.
For 8k or higher resolution TVs, you can sit very close without losing detail, but this will likely cause neck strain. It would be best to keep at around the distance of 3 feet for 50″ TVs and move up to 5 feet away for 80″ TVs. If watching TV is too uncomfortable from up close, it would be better to move further back, as the loss of detail in the trade-off will be negligible.
The TV Viewing Angle
When you view your TV, you’ll want to ensure that there are no obstructions or glare on the screen. Reflections on the screen, walls, and fixtures, including strings, chandeliers, and curtains, can seriously dampen your experience.
Consider in which room you will install the TV. If your TV is in a bar area, the seating might be higher, or people might even be primarily standing, and then you would want to put the TV higher against the wall. In a gym or a children’s play area, you might want to reposition that TV lower so you can watch it while seated on smaller chairs or exercise equipment.
Unique Mounts For Larger TVs To Improve Viewing
Before you mount your TV, you may want to consider alternatives as to how and where you want to place it.
Manufacturers designed unique solutions to improvise as larger TVs bring about complications regarding where to store them and the viewing angle. By introducing mounts that allow the TV to swivel, tilt, rotate or move, you can eliminate problems with the size and the viewing angle.
With the right equipment, you can set up your TV to fit into just about any space and work in any room. Mounts design allows for extension, vertical and horizontal swivel, and tilt. The ability to move the TV up and down will significantly simplify your decision regarding the height of mounting your TV.
Full motion motorized mounts allow your TV to rotate even 180 degrees and tilt to prevent glare. Strong anchors with extended arms provide stability and flexibility to suit your needs. You can find dedicated brackets and automated frames to support your TV for sale on Amazon or other web stores.
Pros:
- Can mount the TV at the ideal height
- Eliminates any obstructions or glare
- Can maximize viewing pleasure
- Can improve the overall aesthetics of the room
Cons:
- Can be expensive to purchase the necessary equipment
- Installation is complex and can be difficult
- May require additional drilling and wall mounting
Conclusion
You’ll want to mount the TV at a particular height against the wall based on the size of the TV. Larger TVs are well suited to be viewed further away, as they project larger images but have lower pixel density. The increased viewing distance also raises the ideal mounting height of the TV.
Generally, a TV’s center should be around eye-level height. Still, where to place the TV, the expected audience, and the set’s resolution can all influence your choice of positioning. To further increase your options for TV placement, unique, specialized mounts allow for the movement and tilt of the TV set to the maximum viewing pleasure.
Read more: TV too big for stand