So, you're ready to get that TV up on the wall. It’s one of the best ways to free up floor space and give your room a clean, modern look. But before you start drilling, a little prep work goes a long way. Trust me, spending a few minutes planning now will save you a world of headaches later.
Rushing this part is the number one mistake I see people make. It can lead to a crooked TV, a wall full of unnecessary holes, or worse, a mount that isn't secure. We're going to avoid all that by doing it right from the start.
Find the Right Mount for Your Space
First things first, you need to pick a mount. This choice really shapes how you'll use and see your TV, so it's worth considering your options. There are three main flavors, and each one serves a different purpose. You can explore our main collection of TV mounts and accessories to see the full range.
To make it easier, here's a quick comparison of the most common types of TV wall mounts. Think about where your TV will live and how you like to watch it as you review your options.
Choosing the Right TV Wall Mount
| Mount Type | Best For | Movement | Profile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed | Dedicated viewing spots where the TV sits directly across from the seating area. Great for a clean, minimalist look. | None | Sits closest to the wall for a picture-frame effect. |
| Tilting | Rooms with glare from windows or lights, or for mounting above eye level (like over a fireplace). | Tilts vertically (up and down). | Sits slightly further from the wall than a fixed mount. |
| Full-Motion | Large, open-concept rooms, corner placements, or spaces with multiple seating areas. Maximum versatility. | Tilts, swivels, extends, and retracts. | Sits furthest from the wall to allow for movement. |
Each mount type offers a different experience. A fixed mount is simple and gets the job done if your furniture arrangement is set. A tilting mount is a lifesaver for beating sun glare or when you need to mount the TV a bit higher. For total control, a full-motion mount lets you pull the TV out and angle it toward the kitchen, the dining table, or anywhere else in the room.
If you're still weighing the pros and cons, our in-depth guide on choosing a TV mount can help you nail down the perfect fit for your setup.
Check Your Wall and Gather Your Gear
Once you have the mount, it's time to get familiar with your wall. Most homes use drywall over wood studs, which is exactly what you want. But if you have plaster, brick, or concrete, you'll need different anchors and a different approach. Knowing your wall type is critical.
Expert Tip: Your best friend for this project is a good electronic stud finder. Don't try to guess or knock on the wall. Finding and anchoring directly into the center of the studs is the only way to ensure your expensive TV stays safely on the wall.
Get all your tools together before you start. Nothing kills momentum like having to stop and search for a drill bit. You’ll generally need:
- A quality stud finder
- A level (a 24-inch one is great for this)
- A power drill and drill bits
- A tape measure
- A pencil for marking
Getting this done as a DIY project is more popular than ever. The global TV wall mount market was valued at around $2.5 billion in 2025 and continues to grow. It just goes to show how many people are opting for that sleek, space-saving setup.
Locating Studs for a Secure Foundation
If there's one step you absolutely cannot skip when mounting a TV, it's this one: anchoring the mount directly into the wall studs. These vertical wooden beams are the skeleton of your wall, and they’re the only thing strong enough to reliably hold the weight of both your TV and the mount itself. Trying to hang a TV on drywall alone is just asking for trouble.
Your best friend for this task is a good electronic stud finder. Sure, you could use an old-school magnetic one that hunts for drywall screws, but modern electronic models are far more accurate. They work by detecting density changes behind the wall, lighting up or beeping to tell you exactly where the stud is.
Mastering the Stud Finder
Getting a reliable reading is all about proper technique. Start by placing the stud finder flat against the wall. Before you move it, press and hold the calibration button for a couple of seconds until it gives you a ready signal. This simple step lets the tool get a baseline reading of your wall's density, which is key for finding what’s hidden behind it.
Now, slowly slide the tool horizontally across the wall. You'll see the indicator lights start to kick on as you get close to a stud. The moment it signals the edge, make a light pencil mark. Keep sliding until the lights turn off, then come back from the other direction to find and mark the opposite edge. The true center of the stud is right between your two marks.
Finding the exact center isn't just a suggestion—it's critical. If you drive a lag bolt into the very edge of a stud, it won't have nearly the same grip and you could even split the wood. Always aim for dead center.
To double-check your work, remember that studs in most homes are spaced 16 inches apart, measured from center to center. (Some homes might use 24-inch spacing). Once you’ve found your first stud, just measure 16 inches over to find the next one. If your stud finder lights up right where you expect, you know you're on the right track.
Marking Your Drill Points with Precision
With at least two studs located and marked, you're ready to position the mount's wall plate. This is where a little patience and a level will save you from the headache of a crooked TV.
Hold the wall plate against the wall and place your level on top. Adjust it until the bubble is perfectly centered, ensuring it's completely horizontal. Slide the plate left or right as needed until its mounting holes line up with the center of the studs you marked earlier.
Here are a few pro tips to get this perfect:
- Think About Viewing Height: A good rule of thumb is to position the TV so its center is at eye level from your couch. This usually lands somewhere around 42 inches from the floor to the middle of the screen.
- Grab a Helper: It's much easier if someone can hold the mount and level steady while you step back to eyeball the placement.
- Mark Through the Mount: Once you're happy with the position, hold the plate firmly in place and use your pencil to mark the drill spots directly through the holes on the mount itself.
If you happen to have metal studs, common in newer apartment buildings, standard lag bolts won't work. You'll need to switch to special toggle bolts designed for hollow walls and metal stud applications. No matter what kind of wall you're working with, having the right hardware is everything. For any unique challenges, you can check out our full main collection of TV mounts and accessories.
Alright, you've done the prep work. The wall is marked, and your tools are laid out. Now for the fun part: getting that mount on the wall and the TV up where it belongs. This is where your planning pays off, turning a blank wall into a clean, professional-looking entertainment setup. Let's walk through it.
First things first, you need to drill pilot holes. This is a small step, but trust me, it's one you don't want to skip. Grab a drill bit that's just a little bit smaller than your lag bolts. Drill directly into the center of the stud marks you made. These holes give the big lag bolts a path to follow, preventing the wood from splitting and making it way easier to drive them in straight.
Securing the Wall Plate
With the pilot holes drilled, it's time to get the main wall plate attached. Hold it up against the wall, aligning it with your holes. I always like to put my level on it one last time just to be sure.
Using a socket wrench, start driving the lag bolts through the plate and into the studs. You want to tighten them until the plate is completely firm and snug against the wall. But here's a pro tip: do not over-tighten them. If you go overboard, you can strip the wood inside the stud, which means the bolt won't hold. You could also crush the drywall or even bend the wall plate itself. You’re aiming for secure, not superhuman strength.
This quick visual guide sums up the key early steps, from checking your TV's specs to gathering your tools.
As you can see, a successful installation really begins before you ever drill a hole. It's all about matching the mount to your TV and having the right equipment ready to go.
Attaching the Brackets to Your TV
Okay, let's turn our attention to the TV itself. You'll need to attach the vertical mounting arms (the brackets) to the back of it. Your kit came with a bag of screws—probably more than you need. This is because VESA mounting patterns on TVs require different screw lengths and diameters.
Find the screws that fit your TV's mounting holes. I recommend hand-threading them first to make sure they're the right size. If a screw feels too long and bottoms out before the bracket is tight, you’ll need to use the spacers included in your kit. This is critical—driving a screw too deep can permanently damage the sensitive electronics inside your TV. Once you have the right screw-and-spacer combo, tighten them with a screwdriver until they're snug.
Key Takeaway: Don't just guess with the hardware. Using the correct VESA screws and spacers is essential for protecting your television. Double-check your TV manual and the mount instructions to be 100% sure.
It's no surprise that so many people are tackling this project themselves. The TV mount market was valued at around $1.91 billion globally and continues to grow. This shows a huge shift in how we set up our living spaces, moving away from bulky furniture to sleek, wall-mounted displays.
Hanging the TV (The Final Step)
Here we are at the main event. This is the part that can feel a bit nerve-wracking, but with a little help, it's simple. And I do mean help—if your TV is over 32 inches, this is a two-person job. Don't be a hero and try to lift a big, expensive screen by yourself. It’s just not worth the risk.
With your helper, each of you should lift the TV by its sides, never by the fragile top and bottom edges. Carefully approach the wall and hook the brackets onto the wall plate, following the specific design of your mount. For most models, you’ll hang the top of the brackets on the plate's top rail first, then let the bottom swing gently into place.
Once it’s hanging, engage the locking mechanism. This might be a set of screws at the bottom of the brackets or a spring-loaded clip that clicks audibly when secure. Give the TV a gentle wiggle from the bottom to confirm it’s locked in and not going anywhere.
And if the day ever comes when you need to move, we have a complete guide to safely removing a TV wall mount that will walk you through taking it down and patching up the wall.
Achieving a Clean Look with Cable Management
So, you've done the heavy lifting and your TV is securely on the wall. Fantastic! But don't pop the popcorn just yet. A beautiful, floating TV can be instantly undercut by that dreaded "cable spaghetti"—the tangled mess of HDMI, power, and audio cords hanging down.
This is where smart cable management comes in. It's the final, crucial step that transforms your project from just "done" to professionally polished. Your goal is simple: make those wires disappear.
You really have two main paths to get there: hiding the cables inside the wall or concealing them on the surface. Neither one is inherently better than the other. The right choice for you depends entirely on your wall type, your comfort level with a little DIY, and the final look you're after.
In-Wall Cable Management Solutions
For that truly seamless, "how did they do that?" look, nothing beats an in-wall power and cable kit. This is the gold standard for a reason.
These kits are brilliantly simple. They usually come with two main components: a recessed box that goes behind your TV and a second box that installs near an existing outlet down below. The genius part is the pre-wired electrical cord that connects them, letting you safely get power up to your TV without calling an electrician.
Here’s a quick rundown of what the installation involves:
- Cutting the Drywall: You’ll use the included templates to trace and cut two openings. A basic drywall saw is all you need for a clean, precise job.
- Fishing the Wires: This can be the trickiest part. You'll drop your low-voltage cables (like HDMI or optical) into the top hole and guide them down to the bottom one. A fish tape or even a simple weighted string can be a huge help here.
- Connecting Power: The kit's power cord simply plugs into your existing wall outlet, which then feeds power up to the new recessed outlet behind the television. This design is specifically engineered to meet safety codes by keeping high-voltage and low-voltage wiring separate.
This method is hands-down the cleanest solution. It makes your TV look like it's floating on the wall with absolutely no visible wires, giving you a truly high-end finish.
Surface-Mounted Cable Concealers
Not everyone wants to cut into their walls, and that’s perfectly fine. If you're a renter, have a brick or plaster wall, or just prefer a less invasive approach, surface-mounted cable raceways are your best friend.
These are essentially paintable plastic channels that stick directly to your wall. You just tuck your cables inside and snap on the cover. Instead of a jumble of wires, you get one single, clean strip running from your TV down to your media console or outlet.
The real trick to making these disappear is to paint them to match your wall. A quick, light sanding and a coat of primer will ensure the paint sticks beautifully. When you do it right, a painted raceway becomes almost invisible from a few feet away.
For complex situations, like running power for new electrical installations behind the TV, it's always best to bring in a professional. But for most setups, these concealers are a fantastic and easy upgrade.
Want to explore all the options? We break it down even further in our guide on how to hide TV cords. Taking this final step is what really elevates your TV mounting project from good to great.
Final Adjustments and Safety Checks
Alright, your TV is officially on the wall. You're in the home stretch, but don't just flop on the couch and grab the remote yet. Taking a few moments for these final tweaks and safety checks is what really makes the difference between a good job and a great one. This is how you ensure your setup is both perfectly positioned and, more importantly, completely secure.
Even after all that careful measuring, your TV might still look a little crooked. It happens to the best of us. Don't worry, you don't have to start over. Most modern mounts come with post-installation leveling screws for exactly this reason. A quick turn or two can subtly adjust the screen's horizontal angle, taking it from slightly off-kilter to perfectly level in seconds.
Fine-Tuning Your Mount
If you went with a tilting or full-motion mount, now's the time to dial in the tension. This is a critical step for getting that smooth, controlled movement you paid for. Look for the tension screws or bolts on the mount’s joints.
- Is the screen drifting down or not holding its angle? The tension is too loose. Give the screws a slight turn to tighten them up.
- Does moving the TV feel like you're wrestling an alligator? The tension is too tight. Loosen it just enough so the screen glides into place with a firm but gentle push.
This ability to customize the feel is a huge part of why adjustable mounts are so popular. They are a big driver in the global TV wall mounts market, which was valued at around $2.2 billion in 2025. It’s a testament to how many people want flexible viewing options in their homes.
The Final Safety Protocol
This last check is absolutely non-negotiable. It's the step that lets you sleep at night, knowing that expensive screen isn't going anywhere.
First, lock it down. Look for the locking mechanisms on your mount—these are usually small screws on the bottom of the TV brackets or sometimes spring-loaded clips that click into place. Make sure they are fully tightened or have audibly clicked into the wall plate. Don't just assume they engaged; get in there and verify.
Now, for the moment of truth: the "wobble test." Place your hands on the sides or bottom of the TV and give it a gentle but firm wiggle. You want to feel zero play or movement from the wall plate itself. The TV should feel like a solid extension of the wall. This simple test is your final confirmation that the lag bolts are biting into the studs and the TV is securely locked onto the mount.
Getting the positioning just right is as much an art as it is a science. If you find yourself second-guessing the height you chose, our guide on how high to mount a TV is a fantastic resource to consult. After all this work, the real goal is to create a comfortable, safe viewing experience that you'll enjoy for years to come.
Common Questions About Mounting a TV
Even after you've successfully mounted your TV, a few questions might pop up. That's perfectly normal. Getting a TV on the wall means dealing with a few common scenarios that can feel a bit tricky the first time around.
Let's walk through some of the most frequent questions we get from folks just like you who are tackling this project. Thinking about these things now will help you feel more confident and ready for any little surprises your walls might have in store.
How High Should I Mount My TV?
This is easily the most common question we hear, and the answer is less about a hard-and-fast rule and more about your personal comfort.
A great rule of thumb is to position the center of the TV screen at eye level from wherever you'll be sitting most. For most people, this puts the middle of the screen about 42 inches off the floor.
But here's the best way to know for sure: test it. Before you drill a single hole, grab a friend to hold the TV against the wall. If you don't have a helper, a cardboard cutout the same size as your TV works just as well. Sit on your couch and have them move it up and down until it feels just right—no neck craning, no awkward tilting.
A friendly tip from experience: Mounting a TV too high is the single most common mistake people make. It might look cool at first, but it's a recipe for neck strain. Take five extra minutes to find that perfect sweet spot. Your neck will thank you later.
Can I Mount a TV on a Wall Without Studs?
I'm going to be direct here: mounting a TV directly into drywall or plaster without anchoring it to a stud is a really bad idea. We strongly advise against it for almost every TV.
Drywall just isn't built to handle that much concentrated weight. Sooner or later, gravity will do its thing, the anchors will rip out, and your expensive TV will end up on the floor. It's just not worth the risk.
If you absolutely can't find studs where you want to mount, you aren't completely out of luck. You have a couple of workarounds:
- Heavy-Duty Hollow-Wall Anchors: For a very small, lightweight TV (think under 30 lbs), you could potentially use several high-quality toggle bolts or snap toggles. Honestly, this should be your absolute last resort.
- Plywood Mounting Board: The much safer and more reliable method is to secure a piece of 3/4-inch plywood across two studs. Once the plywood is anchored firmly to the wall studs, you can attach your TV mount anywhere on the plywood. This gives you placement flexibility while still using the structural strength of the studs.
What if My Studs Are Not Centered?
Welcome to the club! This happens all the time. It’s incredibly rare for the studs in your wall to line up perfectly with the ideal center point for your TV. Don't worry, mount designers figured this out a long time ago.
Many modern TV wall mounts are designed with a wide wall plate that has long, horizontal slots for the lag bolts. This design is your best friend. It lets you bolt the mount securely into those off-center studs, and then you can simply slide the TV a few inches left or right along the rail to get it perfectly centered on the wall. A full-motion articulating mount also solves this problem easily, since its arm allows for a huge range of positioning.
For even more answers and troubleshooting tips, you can always check out our detailed TV mounting FAQ page.