Get a fixed TV mount that sits flat against your wall if you don’t want it to move or tilt. Fixed mounts are usually around $20–30 USD. Use a tilting mount that lets you swivel your TV up and down to adjust the viewing angle. Tilting mounts tend to cost around $30–45 USD. Buy an articulated mount that has a full range of motion if you want to be able to adjust the position of the TV after you attach it to your wall. An articulated mount may cost anywhere from $45–90 USD. If your TV doesn’t have VESA screw holes, go to the TV manufacturer’s website to buy a specialty mount made for the model you have.
Ask a friend or two to help you position your TV. Have someone hold your TV where you want to position it, and sit down to check if you can comfortably look at the screen. Alternatively, you could put painter’s tape on your wall to outline where the TV would sit on your wall.
Mounting your TV to studs makes it more secure and less likely to damage your wall. Screw your TV mount into 2 studs if you can for the most stability. You can use wall anchors to mount your TV on drywall when you can’t screw into a stud, but most experts recommend using at least 1 stud for support.
Most TV mounts have a top and bottom row of mounting holes so you can secure the wall plate to the studs in 2 places.
If you didn’t drill into studs, push a wall anchor or toggle bolt into the hole before screwing in your mount. That way, the weight is more evenly distributed.
In-wall power extenders have a top receptacle where you plug in your TV and a bottom receptacle that you plug into an existing outlet lower on your wall. They also have a sleeve so you can run speaker wires safely behind your wall. If you don’t want to add a new electrical box to your wall, use cable covers to hide the cords and run them to an outlet. It’s usually against electrical code to run TV and electronic power cords behind walls since they create a fire risk. Only run cables that are rated to use behind walls so you stay safe.
If you’re mounting a new TV you just bought, it may not have the stand or legs attached yet. If you’re unable to detach the stand from your TV, then you won’t be able to mount it properly.
Different mounts will have slightly varying installation instructions, so always follow the manual that comes with your mount to ensure you’re doing it properly.
Check the wall mount’s instruction manual to see what parts of the brackets clip onto the wall plate since they may vary between models.
If you’re using a fixed wall mount, it may be easier to plug the wires into the back of your TV before you secure it to the wall plate.
