If you’re wondering how high to mount TV screens for the best viewing experience, you’re not alone—this is one of the most frequently asked home-design questions. Proper TV mounting height matters because it affects comfort, picture quality, posture, and the overall look of your room. Mount it too high and you’ll strain your neck; mount it too low and it disrupts the layout of your space.

This guide explains the best height for TV placement based on screen size, seating distance, room type, and ergonomic standards so you can mount your television like a professional installer.

Best Height for TV Mounting: The Golden Rule

Experts recommend that the center of the TV screen should be at eye level when you’re seated. For most people, seated eye level ranges from 40 to 42 inches from the floor.

General Rule:

Mount the TV so its center is 42 inches above the floor.

This guideline works well for living rooms, bedrooms, offices, and entertainment spaces. It’s the simplest answer to how high should I mount my TV, but adjustments may be needed depending on TV size and viewing distance.

How to Calculate the Exact TV Mounting Height

TVs come in various sizes, so the center point of the screen changes. Use this formula:

TV Mount Height Formula

Center of TV = 42 inches from floor
Mounting Height = Center height – Half of TV’s height

Example for a 55″ TV (height ~27″):
42″ – (27 ÷ 2) = 28.5 inches from floor to bottom of TV

This ensures the TV’s center is perfectly aligned with your eye level.

Recommended Mounting Heights by TV Size

Below are general mounting guidelines for common TV sizes:

These measurements create the best height for TV comfort and aesthetic balance.

Recommended TV Mounting Height by Room Type

1. Living Room TV Mounting Height

A living room is usually the primary entertainment space, so comfort is critical.

• Seat height average: 18–20 inches
• Eye level: 40–42 inches
• Best mounting height: center at 42 inches

If your seating is lower or higher than average, adjust accordingly.

2. Bedroom TV Mounting Height

Bedroom TVs are typically mounted higher because you watch while reclining.

• Recommended center height: 50–60 inches
• Tilt mounts help angle the screen toward the bed.

If you’ve been unsure how high to mount a TV in a bedroom, this range offers the best visibility without straining your neck.

3. Wall Above Fireplace

Mounting above a fireplace is stylish but tricky.

• Recommended center height: 54–60 inches
• Always use a tilting mount
• Ensure heat does not rise into the TV cavity

Fireplace mounting is not the best height for TV, but it’s common for decor reasons.

TV Mounting Height and Viewing Distance

Distance affects both clarity and comfort.
Follow this formula:

Viewing Distance = TV Size × 1.5

For a 65-inch TV:
65 × 1.5 = ~97 inches (about 8 feet)

Closer seating may require lowering the TV slightly; farther seating may justify mounting a bit higher.

Types of TV Mounts and How They Affect Height

1. Fixed Mount

• Best for standard living room viewing
• Must be installed exactly at calculated height

2. Tilt Mount

• Ideal for higher placements
• Best for bedrooms and above fireplaces

3. Full-Motion / Articulating Mount

• Allows adjusting height and angle anytime
• Great for corner placement or rooms with multiple seating areas

Choosing the right mount ensures your TV mounting height stays comfortable.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Mounting a TV

1. Mounting Too High

This causes neck strain—even small height errors are noticeable.

2. Ignoring the TV’s Center Point

Always measure center height, not the bottom of the TV.

3. Mounting Without Stud Support

Never mount a TV directly into drywall without proper anchors or studs.

4. Using the Wrong Type of Wall Mount

A non-tilt mount on a high wall will create glare and viewing discomfort.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures you always achieve the best height for TV placement.

Tools You Need to Mount a TV at the Proper Height

• Stud finder
• Measuring tape
• Level
• Drill and drill bits
• Mounting bracket
• Screws and anchors
• Pencil for marking
• Socket wrench

These tools help ensure accurate and safe installation.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Mount Your TV at the Right Height

1. Measure eye level from your seating position (usually 40–42 inches).
2. Mark your target center height on the wall.
3. Calculate the bottom-of-TV height using the formula.
4. Use a stud finder to locate secure mounting points.
5. Mark the bracket holes with a pencil.
6. Drill into the studs using the correct drill bit.
7. Attach the mounting bracket securely to the wall.
8. Connect the TV to the bracket, making sure it locks correctly.
9. Check for level alignment and adjust if necessary.
10. Hide cables with covers or inside cable channels for a clean look.

Following these steps ensures proper TV mounting height and professional stability.

Conclusion

Understanding how high to mount TV screens helps create a comfortable and visually balanced viewing experience in any room. The best height for TV placement is typically around 42 inches to the center, though adjustments are necessary depending on room type, seating height, and screen size. With proper measurements, the right mount, and careful installation, you can enjoy perfect viewing angles and a clean, stylish home setup.

FAQs

How high should I mount my TV in the living room?
The ideal height for most living rooms is 40–42 inches from the floor to the center of the screen, which matches the average seated eye level for comfortable viewing.

Does TV size affect mounting height?
Yes, larger TVs require slightly lower bottom placement because their center sits higher—always base measurements on the center height, not TV size alone.

Can I mount a TV above a fireplace?
Yes, but mount it higher—typically 54–60 inches to the center—and use a tilt mount to angle the screen downward for proper viewing comfort.

Should a bedroom TV be mounted higher?
Yes, because you watch while lying down; center heights between 50 and 60 inches work best for bedroom placement.