Most types of televisions can be wall mounted. More recently flat screen televisions have become popular and can be mounted to hang like a picture frame. There are many things to consider when mounting a television, including what room you want it in, how high you want it, and where the wires will go. Regardless of your preferences, there's a way to wall mount just about any televisions.
Benefits
Wall mounting a television can free up a lot of space and allow you to put a television in a very small space without using a stand or table. Flat screen televisions hang so nicely on the wall they resemble a picture frame and only stick out about 3 to 4 inches from the wall. Larger televisions can be corner mounted so they are higher and take up less space in the room. Probably the only type of television that can't be wall mounted would be a large tube big screen.
Types
There are many kinds of wall mounting hardware kits available, and the one you choose depends on what type and size of television is being mounted. For a tube television up to 32 inches, the mount has a bracket that fastens to the wall using screws, then a bar or arm that extends to hold a shelf or flat surface that the television sits on, and there are usually straps to hold the television onto the shelf. For flat screen televisions of any size, a wall mounting kit includes flat metal pieces that are individually screwed into the wall and must be arranged according to where you want the television and how you want it to hang; most flat screen televisions come ready to mount with areas on the back designed to attach to the mount. Along with the mounting hardware for either type of television, special equipment is sold separately for wire covering, and attaches to the wall below the television and runs down to the outlet so the wires slip down through the cover, which blends in with the wall.
Considerations
Television wall mounting kits and hardware can be found at most electronic stores, major general stores that sell televisions, online electronic stores, home improvement stores and furniture stores. When buying a kit for mounting a flat screen television, be sure to know the size of the television because the kits are labeled according to what size TV is being mounted. Measuring the bottom length and width of a tube television is a good idea to make sure the flat shelf on the wall mount is large enough to safely hold the television. The wire covers are sold at home improvement or hardware stores.
Function
Wall mounting kits come with very detailed instructions that should be followed to ensure the securest mounting possible. You will need a leveler and a stud finder; these can be purchased at a hardware store. A leveler is a small tool with fluid and a floating ball in it that will ensure the television is hung straight. A stud finder is a handheld tool that you slowly rub against the wall where the television is being mounted to locate the beams that you will drill into, because the drywall alone cannot hold up a television. The stud finder will sound an alarm when it has found a beam, and you will want to use a pencil to mark the beams in the wall. Once you have the studs marked, decide how high you want the television and mark where you want the top of the television to be. Now you can measure the areas on the back of the television to see how much distance there is between the attachment brackets and the top of the television. Measure down the same distance from the pencil mark you made for the top and that is where the brackets will be attached to the beams in the wall. When attaching the brackets, use the level on the top of each bracket to make sure you have it straight before using screws to fasten it to the wall. The mounting kit will have diagrams with very easy to follow instructions, and most televisions come with mounting instructions specific to that type of television. After all the brackets are in place the television can be hung or set up on the mount.
Expert Insight
When mounting a tube television, make sure to fasten the bracket and stand high enough that you can walk under it without hitting your head. When purchasing a flat screen television, make sure it is mountable, if it is, it will have areas in the back to attach to the mounting brackets. Most electronic stores offer professional mounting that can be scheduled at the time of purchase. Wire covers can be painted to match the wall and become almost invisible. You can also wallpaper a boarder over the cover or decorate it to really blend in with the wall and the room. Wall mounting a television really makes a room look classy and is a great way to avoid the clutter of a floor stand. You can put up shelves to hold other electronics that are hooked up to the television, and this really frees up space in a room.
Tags: flat screen, make sure, screen televisions, areas back, being mounted, electronic stores