Mount Madness: How to Choose a Stylish TV Mount

Plasma and LCD TV’s were once reserved for only the most tech savvy and wealthy of home owners. Today, almost every living room in America not only has a flat panel TV, but also has it mounted on their wall. Wall mounting a TV is a wonderful space saving technique. Freeing yourself from large TV stands and entertainment centers can leave you with considerably more floor space. This extra space is especially useful for people that live in apartments, where space is a precious.

When choosing a stylish TV wall mount, there are a few factors to consider including the size of your TV, the room you wish to mount it in, and whether or not you’ll need to adjust the TV’s position often.

If you plan on mounting your TV in your living room, then you may only need a standard flat mount. These mounts are the most economical choice and are designed to hold a wide range of TV’s in many different sizes. These mounts are extremely low profile and are virtually invisible when watching your TV. This style creates the wonderful illusion that your TV is hung like a picture on the wall and in some cases even allows you to tilt the TV slightly. This model’s versatility and price make it a popular choice in terms of mounting solutions.

An articulating TV mount is another popular mounting option. These mounts are designed for TVs that will require constant adjustment for optimal viewing enjoyment. Many models allow you to pull your TV roughly 24 inches from the wall and allow you to tilt and swivel the screen to make it viewable from every part of the room. These mounts tend to be more expensive than their flat counter parts, but are necessary for people with uniquely shaped rooms.

Whatever style you choose, it is important to note that not every mount is compatible with every TV. You must first consult your TV manual to find the dimensions of your TV’s mounting pattern. Many TV’s have a universal VESA mounting pattern that is supported by most wall mounts. In some cases (especially with larger TV’s) you may need to purchase an adapter plate to insure proper installation. If you are unsure of your TV’s mounting pattern you can always call the manufacturer or a licensed home theater installer.