Mounting a television on the wall can make a room feel tidier, free up furniture space, and improve your viewing angle. This guide walks through the whole process at a high level so you understand what's involved before you begin. It is general information only — always follow the instructions that came with your TV and mount.
1. Choose the Right Wall Mount
The first decision is the type of mount. Each suits a different situation:
- Fixed (flat) mounts keep the TV close to the wall and don't move. Best when you always watch from directly in front.
- Tilting mounts let you angle the screen downward — useful when the TV is mounted higher than eye level.
- Full-motion (articulating) mounts extend, swivel and tilt, giving flexibility in open-plan rooms.
Whichever you choose, it must match two things: your TV's weight and its VESA pattern (the spacing of the mounting holes on the back, measured in millimetres, e.g. 200×200 or 400×400). Both are listed in your TV's manual or specifications.
2. Check Your Wall Type
Your wall determines how — and whether — you can safely mount a TV.
- Stud (drywall/plasterboard) walls: the mount should be fixed into the wooden or metal studs behind the plasterboard, not the board alone.
- Brick or concrete walls: generally very strong, but require masonry drill bits and the correct wall plugs or anchors.
- Hollow or partition walls: may need special heavy-duty cavity fixings, and sometimes aren't suitable for larger TVs.
If you're unsure what your wall is made of or whether it can take the load, stop and consult a professional.
3. Find the Studs (and Avoid Hazards)
On a stud wall, use a stud finder to locate the solid timber or metal behind the surface, and mark their centres. Just as importantly, be aware of hidden hazards: electrical cables and water pipes often run inside walls. A combined stud/cable detector helps you avoid drilling into something dangerous.
4. Decide on the Perfect Height
Comfort is key. As a starting point, the centre of the screen should sit close to eye level when you're seated in your normal viewing spot. For many living rooms this places the screen centre around 105–120 cm from the floor, but the right height depends on your seating and screen size. Hold the TV (or a cardboard template) against the wall to preview the position before committing.
5. Fit the Bracket
In broad terms: mark the drill points using the wall plate as a template, check everything is level with a spirit level, drill pilot holes, insert the correct fixings, and firmly secure the wall plate. Precision here matters — a level wall plate means a level TV.
6. Attach the TV
Fix the bracket arms to the back of the TV using the correct screws (never overtighten), then lift the TV onto the wall plate — ideally with a helper. Confirm it's locked in place according to the mount's instructions and check that it sits level and secure.
7. Manage the Cables
Finally, route the power and HDMI cables neatly. Cable clips, trunking, or in-wall cable management kits can hide cables for a clean finish. Any in-wall electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician.
Tools Often Used
Stud/cable detector, drill with suitable bits, spirit level, tape measure, screwdriver, pencil, and the fixings supplied with your mount. Always read your mount's manual for the exact list.
Safety Checklist
- Confirm the mount supports your TV's weight and VESA size
- Verify the wall can safely bear the load
- Scan for hidden cables and pipes before drilling
- Use the correct fixings for your wall type
- Check the wall plate is perfectly level
- Have a helper for lifting larger TVs
- When in doubt, hire a qualified professional
Next, learn how to get your TV running once it's on the wall in our TV Setup Guide.