TV Mounting Height: The Guide Nobody Actually Gives You

The most common mistake I see after mounting hundreds of TVs: the TV is too high.

I get why it happens. People look at the wall, pick what looks visually balanced, and drill. Then six months later their neck hurts, the picture looks washed out from the angle, and they wish they'd done it differently.

Here's how to get it right.

THE RULE OF THUMB

The center of your TV screen should be at eye level when you're seated. For most adults, that's between 42 and 48 inches from the floor.

That's it. That's the rule.

But of course, it's never that simple — here's how it breaks down by room:

LIVING ROOM (Standard sofa seating)

→ TV center height: 42–48 inches from floor

→ Typical mount height: varies by TV size (a 65" TV needs the mount at ~27–29" to center at 45")

BEDROOM (Watching from bed, slightly elevated)

→ TV center height: 52–58 inches from floor

→ You're often reclined, so a slight upward tilt is natural

ABOVE FIREPLACE (The most common mistake in home tech)

→ Honestly? I try to talk people out of this when possible.

→ Fireplace mantels average 54–60 inches, putting the TV center at 70–80+ inches — way too high.

→ If you must mount above a fireplace, use a full-motion articulating mount so you can tilt it down toward the seating position.

BASEMENT / HOME THEATER

→ Lower ceilings and distance matter more here

→ Follow the 42–48" center rule but confirm with the THX guideline: the screen should fill roughly 36 degrees of your field of view

WHAT ABOUT TV SIZE?

Bigger TVs need lower mounts to keep the center at the right height. Here's a quick reference:

●     43" TV: mount bracket at approximately 28–32" from floor

●     55" TV: mount bracket at approximately 24–28" from floor

●     65" TV: mount bracket at approximately 20–25" from floor

●     75" TV: mount bracket at approximately 16–22" from floor

These are starting points — always confirm based on your specific TV dimensions.

CABLE MANAGEMENT: DON'T FORGET THIS PART

The height is only half the battle. Where your cables go matters too.

In-wall cable routing gives the cleanest look — cables run inside the wall between the TV and outlet. This is the right solution for most drywall installs.

Surface raceways (plastic channels) are a good option when in-wall isn't possible (brick, concrete, or renters who can't open walls).

WHEN IN DOUBT, TEST FIRST

Before drilling anything permanent, tape a piece of paper to the wall at your target mount height and sit down to watch for a few minutes. Your body will tell you if it's right.

Questions about your specific situation? I'm happy to assess before you commit to a location.

Need help with this? Call or text: (763) 393-6892

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