Is My TV Mounted Too High?

You can tell if your TV is mounted too high if your neck and eyes feel strained whenever you watch your favorite shows for an extended period. Similarly, if you have to raise your head too high to catch every detail on the screen, it might be time to rethink your TV placement or your sitting position.

Mounting your TV gives you a theatre-like viewing experience at home. Besides, it keeps your newly bought flat screen safe; there are few chances it would topple over. However, most TV owners face a dilemma regarding the correct TV mounting. Read on to learn if your TV is mounted too high and how to fix it if it’s too high.

Is My TV Mounted Too High?

The perfect height for mounting your TV depends on different factors, including the size of the TV, the viewing distance, and eye level. Here are a few considerations to help you determine if your TV is mounted too high:

1. Raising your head when watching: If you constantly turn your head upwards or strain your neck to see the screen, it's a sign that your TV might be mounted too high. Your TV should be positioned at eye level when seated comfortably from your primary viewing spot. Such a position minimizes neck strain and offers a more comfortable viewing experience.

2. Your eyes and neck feel strained: Watching your TV should be a relaxing moment, not a discomfort-inducing experience. If your eyes and neck feel strained after a long period of watching, there's a possibility that your TV is mounted too high.

3. Struggling to read text or see details: If you find reading on-screen text or subtitles challenging, it could be due to an incorrect positioning of your TV height. An ideal TV placement allows for easy readability and clarity of all on-screen elements, enhancing your TV-watching experience's overall enjoyment.

Prolonged exposure to an uncomfortable TV viewing position might strain your back muscles and exert pressure on your spine. This discomfort can lead to lower back pain, constant backaches, and headaches. You should prioritize your comfort and well-being when setting up your TV. Take the time to assess the optimal height for your TV based on your eye level and seating arrangement to create a more enjoyable and ergonomic viewing experience.

How High Should My TV Be Mounted?

When determining how high to mount your TV, aim for the middle of the screen to be slightly above eye level when sitting on the couch. This positioning provides an optimal viewing experience when watching your favorite TV shows. Here are some guidelines to help you set a comfortable TV viewing height;

Your TV Size

TVs come in various sizes, including 32”, 42”, 49”, 55”, and 65”. These sizes are essential when determining the ideal mounting height. For instance, a 65’’ TV should be mounted higher than where you would mount a 42’’. After all, placing a large TV at a higher point will help you utilize the available space and offer a comfortable viewing position.

Your Viewing Distance

The size and layout of your sitting room or entertainment space are crucial when determining how high to mount your screen. Here are a few questions to ask yourself before mounting your TV;

• Will sunlight rays in your living space impact the TV screen?
• Is the distance between the TV and the next sitting space comfortable?
• Are there objects sitting between your mounting wall and the seating area that can obstruct your view?
• What is your watching position? Will you watch the TV while standing (in a game room) or sitting most of the time?

By answering the questions above, it will be easier for you to determine the ideal mounting height. Also, remember to check the viewing distance based on the size of your TV. Here's how to calculate the viewing distance:

Divide your TV size by 0.55.

The answer from the division is the optimal distance between your mounting wall and your sitting position. For instance, if you have a 55-inch TV, you should place the TV 100 inches (55÷0.55) away from your seat. Placing the TV too close to your sitting position might strain your neck as you have to lift your head when watching continuously. Similarly, if you mount the TV too far, you might feel less engaged in whatever you watch.

Type of Viewers

Tall and short people have dissimilar eye levels. If a TV room is mainly used by kids or children who like sitting on the floor, the TV should be placed lower than in a room used mainly by adults sitting on coaches.

Type of Seats (Reclining or Non-recliner)

If you have reclining seats, mount your TV higher than an individual with a standard coach. Even so, ensure your viewing angle doesn’t go beyond 15 degrees beyond the center of your TV screen. Even though a highly mounted TV is ideal when using a recliner, your positioning should still make you comfortable when you do not use the recliner.

How to Fix a TV that's Mounted Too High

The easiest way to fix a TV mounted too high is by tilting it downward or detaching the entire setup and refixing it in an ideal position. The former option is practical if you have a movable mounting bracket. The movable mounting bracket lets you tilt the TV 20 degrees upwards or downwards.

It also allows you to tilt it to the right or left to a maximum of 60 degrees. If your TV mounting bracket is not movable, remove the mounting from the wall and mount it afresh at an ideal height. Here are steps to help you fix a TV that’s mounted too high;

• Shut down your TV and unplug it from the wall socket. Proceed to unplug all cables that are connected to your TV.
• Check out the safety lock feature on the wall mount and unlock it. Proceed to remove the locker from the wall mount. If you aren’t comfortable handling the entire process alone, ask for help. You don’t want to drop the TV.
• Safely set the TV aside and unfasten the mounting brackets from the backside of your TV.
• With the TV now removed from a high mounting point, ask a friend to hold the TV at a lower point. Take a couple of steps back and monitor if the position the TV is being held is ideal.
• Once an excellent mounting spot is identified, use a temporary marker to highlight where you will install the wall mounting bracket.
• Install the wall mount at a lower position and mount your TV afresh.

Note: If you're unsure about handling the process yourself or want to ensure a safe and precise installation, hire a professional TV mounting personnel. Professionals have the expertise and equipment to mount your TV at the ideal height while considering your room's layout and viewing preferences.

Is it Better for a TV to be Too High or Too Low?

The ideal TV position provides comfort and an enjoyable viewing experience. A TV that is mounted too high or too low can be problematic. If you have a tilting or full-motion mounting bracket, you can mount your TV higher than eye level.

Conclusion

When mounting your TV, prioritize comfort and the overall viewing experience. The ideal TV height should allow you to watch your favorite shows and movies without straining your neck or experiencing discomfort. Factors like room layout, viewing distance, and screen size play a role in determining the perfect height. Regardless of your TV mounting position, you can always fix it to fit your comfort.

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