Let’s have a conversation about TVs, specifically, the best place to put them. Although it may seem like a simple decision, there are factors to consider. The right placement of your TV can greatly enhance your viewing experience regardless of the type of TV you have. Where to place a TV?
There are some rules to follow when it comes to TV placement. Firstly, make sure you have the distance, height, and location planned out. Avoid uncomfortable locations that could cause neck and eye strain. Additionally, ensure there is a nearby power source.
Unfortunately, we can’t come to your home to help you find the best location. However, we will provide some general tips to help you access your own space and equipment to find the ideal spot in the room. So, keep reading to discover more about the correct placement of your TV.
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How to Choose a Place for Your TV
Determining the perfect location for your TV is a mixture of science, interior design, and functionality, as we’ve previously covered in our wall-mounted TV guide. Haphazardly placing your TV in any corner may not prevent you from watching it, but it could impact your viewing experience. Although most people are content with this approach, there are ways to improve your TV viewing quality if you’re looking to maximize your experience. By following helpful tips, you can achieve the best TV viewing experience possible.
Check the Height of your TV
Proper TV height is subjective, but some general guidelines can make it easier to decide. It’s best not to place your TV too high, as it can result in an uncomfortable viewing experience. Think back to when you were in the front row of a movie theatre, and how it felt to watch the screen from that position. Placing your TV too high can have a similar effect, requiring you to crane your neck just to see the screen clearly.
If possible, aim to position your TV at or slightly below eye level when seated. Whether using a stand or mounting your TV, this guideline applies. However, if space limitations exist, a slightly elevated TV is not the end of the world. But it’s important to note that extended viewing may result in a neck cramp or discomfort.
Determine the Proper Distance for Your TV
Although it may seem obvious, distance plays a significant role in your TV viewing experience. If your TV is too far away, it can be challenging to discern details, much like attempting to read the small print on a doctor’s eye chart. Additionally, consider your TV’s resolution when deciding on distance.
For instance, if you own a 4K TV like the SAMSUNG (on Amazon), being too far away could mean you’re wasting valuable pixel space. At roughly nine feet, most TVs are positioned too far away from the viewer, making it less than ideal.
While it’s generally recommended not to sit too close to the TV, there are benefits to doing so. For instance, a closer TV fills your field of vision more fully, and you can see more resolution. So, consider the distance when deciding on the perfect TV placement.
Consider Your Surroundings
Now that you have determined the proper height and distance for your TV, it’s time to consider the location. This might be the most crucial factor when it comes to enjoying your viewing experience. In fact, the most significant issue people face with their TVs is glare caused by room lighting.
Almost every modern TV has a reflective screen that causes light to bounce off, distorting the image for viewers. This means that any lighting, whether it be from lamps, overhead bulbs, or even sunlight, can affect your viewing experience. Therefore, it’s essential to check where the sun hits in your room and consider all the lighting that might reflect off the screen.
While closing blinds and turning off lights can help, it’s better to be proactive by planning your TV placement. One option is to purchase a swiveling wall mount like the Mounting Dream Full Motion TV Mount (on Amazon). This type of product allows you to move and tilt the TV depending on the direction of the sun. It’s especially helpful if you have many windows in your home or are using your TV on a patio or other outdoor space.
What to Avoid when Placing Your TV?
When it comes to TV placement, there are certain things to avoid. Following the best practices for TV placement is essential to have an enjoyable viewing experience. However, there are a few factors to consider when positioning your TV correctly. It is also important to read up on _ proper home theater dimensions _ to ensure the best results.
Placing your TV too high can lead to neck strain, which can cause discomfort. Similarly, if you are too far away from your TV, it can cause eye strain and lead to headaches. Hence, it is essential to place the TV at the optimal distance.
If you want to place your TV outside, it is vital to find an appropriate outdoor TV. Using a regular TV outdoors is not recommended as it can get damaged during storms or harsh weather conditions. Additionally, placing your TV above a fireplace might look good, but the heat from the fireplace can cause serious damage to electronics. This applies to both traditional and electric fireplaces. Although, some electric fireplaces vent away and might be better suited for TV placement underneath.
It is also crucial to consider where you will be sitting. If you are not sitting directly in front of the screen, it can lead to strain on your neck and eyes. Therefore, you should ensure all seating has a good vantage point for optimum comfort.
Consider Cable Management of Your TV and Other Devices
It’s no secret that cables can be a headache in any entertainment center (Best Entertainment Centers For Wall-Mounted TVs). They are a necessary evil that can easily turn into a tangled mess. But with some planning, you can avoid the chaos. One critical thing to consider is power. Your TV needs it to function, so make sure to place it near an outlet or two. Depending on your other electronics, you might need to find a spot for a surge protector.
If you have an audio system, gaming devices, and media players, it might be worth investing in an entertainment center. These come in various sizes and designs to fit your room decor and needs. With a well-placed entertainment center, you can keep all of your electronics organized and connected without the clutter of tangled cords.
To Sum Up
In order to find the perfect spot for your TV, there are some general tips that can guide you in the right direction. By doing a little planning, you can avoid many common mistakes. The first thing you want to consider is the height and distance of your TV.
If it’s too far away or too high, your viewing experience could be less than optimal. Additionally, you should avoid placing your TV outside or above a fireplace as these environments can be detrimental to your TV’s health. Another important factor to consider is power. You will need easy access to an outlet or two to ensure that your TV has the necessary power to operate. You may even need a surge protector if you have multiple devices that require power.
An entertainment center (The best for wall-mounted TVs) can be a great solution for managing all of your cables and electronics. These systems come in a variety of sizes and styles, so you can easily find one that fits your needs and matches your room decor. By following these tips, you can create an enjoyable and comfortable viewing experience in your home.
Related Q&A
Why is it important to properly place your TV?
A: Proper TV placement can make all the difference when it comes to enjoying your favorite shows and movies.
What are some general tips for TV placement?
A: Plan out the distance, height, and location of your TV, and make sure a power source is nearby.
Is there a universal standard for TV height?
A: No, but ideally, you want to place your TV at eye level when sitting down.
What is the ideal distance between the viewer and TV?
A: Most TVs are around nine feet in distance from the viewer, but a closer TV fills your field of view easier, allowing you to see more detail.
What is the most important thing to consider when placing your TV?
A: Location, as room lighting and glare can have a significant impact on your viewing experience.
How can you avoid glare and room lighting issues?
A: Check where the sun hits in your room and take into account all lighting that might be reflected off the screen. You can also purchase a swiveling wall mount (Check our guide on how to mount a TV) that can move and tilt depending on the sun.
What should you avoid when placing your TV?
A: Placing your TV too high, being too far away from it, using a regular TV outside, and placing it above a fireplace.
What kind of TV should you use if you want to place it outside?
A: You need to find an appropriate outdoor TV.
Can prolonged viewing of a TV placed too high cause physical issues?
A: Yes, it can cause neck strain.
Should you consider the resolution of your TV when determining the proper distance?
A: Yes, if you have a 4K TV, being too far away means you are wasting all that pixel space.
Is it necessary to purchase a swiveling wall mount?
A: No, but it can be a great option if you are in a home with a lot of windows or if you are using your TV on a patio or other outdoor space.
Can lighting affect your viewing experience?
A: Yes, any light that hits the TV screen will bounce off and mess up the image for the viewer.
What is the number one issue people have with their TVs?
A: Room lighting and glare.
Can you use a regular TV above a fireplace?
A: No, heat from the fireplace can cause some serious melting issues and damage electronics.
Should you plan out the location of your TV?
A: Yes, planning your TV placement can save you some significant headaches down the line.
Is there a difference between placing a TV on a stand versus mounting it on the wall?
A: The same rules apply for distance and height regardless of whether you are using a stand or mounting the TV on the wall.
Can placing your TV too far away cause headaches?
A: Yes, it can cause eye strain and lead to a nasty headache.
Should you make sure a power source is nearby when placing your TV?
A: Yes, it is important to have a power source nearby to avoid awkward cord placement and ensure you can easily turn your TV on and off.
What should you do if you are constricted by space when placing your TV?
A: If you are constricted by space, it’s not the end of the world if your TV is a bit high. Just be aware that prolonged viewing could put a crick in your neck.
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