Cinema Room — Cinema experience at home!

Who doesn’t have a TV in their home these days? Remember the times when TVs were chunky and heavy, with big backs that required sturdy furniture to bear the weight? Nowadays, many homes have a TV hung on the wall, thanks to their slim design that makes them versatile for various design styles and preferences. But when you last purchased a TV, what influenced your choice between a wall-mounted and a traditional TV stand?

Let's start by looking at the practical pros of wall-mounted TVs.

Practical Pros of Wall-Mounted TVs:

Space Saver

One of the most significant advantages of wall-hung TVs is their ability to save space. By eliminating the need for a bulky TV stand, you can free up valuable floor space. And with up to 98” TVs to experience a touch of the cinema in our home these days, that floor space becomes even more precious. Wall-mounted TVs not only make your room feel more open and less cluttered but can also offer more flexibility in arranging your furniture.

Enhanced Interior Design

Wall-mounted TVs can be integrated into your overall interior design, allowing for creative and aesthetically pleasing setups that complement your decor. They even come with screensavers or you can buy an attachable frame that makes the TV look like a piece of art when not in use.

Space for Decor

Consider the delight of having extra room to showcase your beloved decorations and art pieces, all made possible because your TV is elegantly mounted on the wall. It will provide opportunities to enhance the overall ambience of your room.

Sleek Aesthetics

Wall-mounted TVs can create a clean and modern look in your space. When properly integrated into your design, they can blend seamlessly with your decor and become a stylish focal point. You can choose from various mounting styles, including flush-mount, tilting, or articulating mounts, depending on your preferences.

Flexible Viewing Height

With a wall-mounted TV, you can have control over the TV's height. This means you could position it at the ideal viewing angle for everyone in the room, whether you're lounging on the sofa or seated at the dining table. This flexibility ensures a comfortable viewing experience for all.

Cord Management

Wall mounting allows for better cord management. Those unsightly wires can be neatly concealed within the wall, a built-out media wall, or routed along a cable management system, keeping your space looking clean and organised.

Safety

Wall mounting significantly reduces the risk of accidental TV tip-overs, which is especially important in homes with children or pets. It also prevents those sticky fingers appearing! You can enjoy your favourite shows and movies with peace of mind, knowing that your TV is securely fixed to the wall.

TV on a stand — You can imagine sticky fingers getting onto this TV!

Emotional Aspects

Interior design is about the aesthetics of a space, how it functions and how it makes you feel. So let's explore the emotional aspects related to wall-mounted TVs:

Imagine walking into a room with a sleek, wall-mounted TV as part of the design. How does this visual transformation make you feel about the space?
Consider the delight of having extra room to showcase your beloved decorations and art pieces, all made possible because your TV is elegantly mounted on the wall.

While the practical pros of wall-mounted TVs are compelling, there are some downsides to consider.

Impractical Cons of Wall-Mounted TVs:

Installation Cost

While wall-mounted TVs offer numerous benefits, depending on how it is to be hung, they can require professional installation, which can add to the overall cost. Hiring a professional ensures that the TV is securely mounted and correctly positioned, but it's essential to budget for this service. Some TV retailers offer professional installation at a small cost, which could be cheaper than finding someone yourself. Of course, confident DIYers may be fine with the installation themselves which is a saving.

Limited Flexibility

Once your TV is on the wall, it becomes less flexible to move or reposition compared to a TV stand. If you frequently like to rearrange your furniture or have plans to move in the near future, this lack of flexibility may be a drawback or be ready to patch up walls once you’ve moved things around. The type of wall you plan to hang the TV on may also need checking to ensure it can bear the weight, e.g. plasterboard stud wall or cinder block wall. Often there are special fixings you can purchase, but they are more expensive than the usual screws and bolts and you may need to check with a professional.

Wall Damage

The installation process for wall-mounted TVs typically involves drilling holes in the wall to secure the mount. While this is usually minimal and can be patched if necessary, it's important to be aware that it may cause some damage or leave marks on the wall. It’s also best to check for pipework or cabling on the wall you’re drilling into to avoid unnecessary damage and cost.

Concealing Components

Wall mounting primarily addresses the TV itself, but it may not solve the issue of concealing additional equipment such as cable boxes, broadband, gaming consoles, or sound systems. You may need to plan for a separate solution, such as a media cabinet or console. Of course, if you’re designing a media wall, this would be accounted for, remember to size for the future not based on the equipment you have now.

Incompatibility with Certain Furniture

Some furniture layouts may not work well with wall-mounted TVs, particularly if you have limited wall space or unconventional room shapes. Take, for example, a long narrow room with a TV mounted to one side of the long length, this may restrict the number of viewing seats available in the space.

Viewing Angle

Although this TV can tilt downwards, it limits viewing for those sitting on the 2-seater sofa under the window.

Depending on the mount some, wall-hung TVs can have limited viewing angles. It's essential to position your seating accordingly to ensure that everyone in the room has a comfortable view of the screen without straining their neck.

So, the decision to wall-mount your TV or use a TV stand depends on your room's layout, your design preferences, and your budget. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and the goal is to create a space that suits your needs and style.

Determining the Ideal TV Height

The right TV height is crucial for a comfortable viewing experience. It not only affects your neck strain but also impacts the overall aesthetics of your space. So, if you’ve decided to mount your TV on the wall, here is some general guidance depending on the screen size.

Illustrative guide of wall hung TV heights (from floor to center of TV screen)

Small Screens (Up to 43 inches):

For smaller screens, the center of the TV should be at eye level when you're seated - about 36 to 42 inches from the floor. This ensures that you have a comfortable and direct line of sight.

Medium Screens (44 to 55 inches):

Aim to mount the center of the TV slightly below eye level, ideally around 42 to 48 inches from the floor. This position provides a balanced viewing experience.

Large Screens (Over 55 inches):

Larger screens are best positioned with the center of the TV between 50 to 58 inches from the floor. This keeps the screen at a comfortable eye level without straining your neck.

Remember that these are general guidelines, and individual preferences may vary. Factors like seating height and eye level also play a role, so it's a good idea to test the height before finalising the placement!

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As you contemplate your TV placement decision, come and share your thoughts with us. What's your preference, and how has it influenced your home design? Join the conversation in the comments below, and if you found this article valuable, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter for more interior design tips and inspiration.

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