How to wall mount a TV: step-by-step guide

MANY people are opting for a space saving wall mounted TV nowadays but you need to make sure it is safely mounted on the TV wall bracket.

If you’re hunting for the best cheap 4K TV deals, you might also want to know how to wall mount a TV and we have you covered.

GettyWall mounting a TV is always a two person job[/caption]

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Once you have picked a TV and chosen a wall mount from our pick of the best TV wall brackets available, there’s only one thing left to do –  mount it.

Before you can enjoy endless binge watching of your favourite TV shows, you need to make sure your TV wall bracket is going to fit the TV, so check out our handy guide on how to measure a TV screen.

When buying the TV wall bracket, make sure you measure your TV and check its weight. You’ll also need to know its VESA pattern.

Once you are all set and ready to go, you can begin mounting your TV to the wall, and with our helpful guide you can even hide the wires.

How to wall mount a TV, step by step

When using a TV wall bracket, you need to know that you can trust it to stay put when you walk away.

A well-built bracket is only half the challenge: you need to know how to wall mount a TV safely. 

Find your tool kit, you will need a drill, screws, screwdriver, tape measure, spirit level, and wall anchors. Make sure your wall anchor is right for the type of wall, eg brick, or drywall. Recruit an assistant (glamorous or not) to help bear the weight of the TV while mounting – you cannot do this on your own, no matter how strong you are. Screw the TV wall bracket into the back of the TV, there will be at least four points to secure it. Work out where you want your TV to go – the best way is to sit on your sofa and eyeball where you could comfortably watch it. Simple rule of thumb is to measure around 42 inches from the floor.This next step can be a bit of a balancing act, but mark out where the holes need to be in pencil on the wall. Use a spirit level to make sure your TV is mounted squarely on the wall, you don’t want a wonky TV.Drill through the pencil markings on the wall and insert the wall anchors into the holes – make sure it fits tightly and securely in. Screw the TV wall bracket (and TV) into the wall, with your assistant supporting the TVs weight until it’s secure.Carefully step away from the wall, leaving your new wall-mounted TV attached to it.

If this all seems too daunting or you do not have a drill then you can hire someone to fit it for you. There are many companies that will do a full fitting service – or ask a friend to help.

What is VESA?

If you’ve looked at our best TV wall brackets list, or bought a TV wall bracket already, you will have seen the phrase VESA pattern or VESA size floating around.

VESA stands for the Video Electronics Standards Association and the sizes are a standardised system for making sure your TV wall bracket always fits. 

If your wall mount has a VESA pattern listed then it’s easy to find out if it will fit: all you’ll need is a tape measure.

Look at the four holes on the back of your TV and measure the distance between the centre of the top two in millimetres, this will give you your first number.

Then measure the distance between the top and bottom holes, again in millimetres, giving you your second number. 

This number is then displayed with an ‘x’ in the middle, for example 400×400, and most are a square shape.

How to hide the wires when wall mounting a TV

When you mount your TV to the wall, it still needs to be plugged in, which means unsightly wires hanging down.

If you only have a few wires this might not bother you but if you want to hide them the easiest way is to use trunking. 

This is a long, box-like cable covering that can disguise the cables but you will still see the trunking, although it can be disguised easily by choosing a colour that blends into your wall.

Another way, if you’re confident with your DIY projects and have the time, is to feed the wire up inside the wall or if you’re an electrician you could move the sockets higher up the wall. 

This is best done when decorating the room as it can be messy and very time consuming. 

If you want a quick and effective method then you can purchase self adhesive cable concealers to do the job easily. 

Self-adhesive cord cover, £7.99 – buy from Amazon

How much should you spend on a wall mount?

There really is no set price on how much you can spend on a TV wall bracket. 

Most are priced between £16 and £150, it really depends on what you need and the size of your TV.

Some TV wall brackets will offer you a flush line to the wall, others have tilting and swivelling motions – you can even get some with extensions on the arms.

Our top picks for TV wall mounts are:

Sanus VTL5, £53.99 – buy from AmazonVogel’s Wall 3345, £149 – buy from AmazonInvision TV Wall Mount EV600, £31.29 – buy from AmazonSandstrom STL14 Tilt, £49.99 – buy from CurrysMounting Dream MD2268, £16.99 – buy from AmazonEchoGear Full Motion EGLF2, £99.99 – buy from Amazon

What equipment will I need to wall mount a TV?

If you’re unsure what equipment you need there are some simple tools everyone should have in their toolkit. 

A screwdriver is the basis for most diy projects and a drill is always useful to have. 

Heres the equipment you need for mounting your TV to the wall

Drill, this is an investment and a good drill could last you years, this one is on offer on Amazon.Screwdriver, these often come in sets so you have a choice of sizes, buy from Amazon.Wall anchors and screws, anchors are a handy little tool for stopping your screws slipping out the wall, buy a variety pack from Amazon.A tape measure is also a key tool if you’re starting your toolbox, you can get this retractable one on Amazon.Spirit level, helpful if you’re hanging picture frames too, buy from Amazon.

If wall-mounted TVs aren’t your style you can always use our round up of the best TV stands to find something that suits you.

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