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How Do I Mount My TV on the Wall?

Dan Cavallari
By Dan Cavallari
Updated May 17, 2024
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The methods for mounting a TV on the wall can vary according to what type of TV you own. An older-style tube television will require a mounting platform, while flat screen and flat panel televisions will require the mounting hardware designed specifically for the model of television you own. Aftermarket mounting hardware may be available for your television, but you will need to do a bit of research to find out if these aftermarket models will work well. Start by determining where you want to mount the TV on the wall, then invest in a stud finder to ensure you are mounting your expensive television into a stud rather than just into drywall.

Most televisions are quite heavy, which means if you want to mount the TV on the wall, the weight of the television will need to be supported by a solid stud. Failure to mount the TV to a stud can result in a total failure of the system, meaning your television can fall and become damaged, or damage the floor or furniture beneath. It can further cause injury to anyone who happens to be sitting or standing near the unit when it falls. A stud finder is an inexpensive tool that can be purchased at the hardware store, so invest in this tool before mounting a TV on the wall.

Tube televisions will need to sit on a platform that will be mounted to a stud in the wall. Such platforms feature methods for securing the television in place, and the arms of the platform may swivel or turn to allow you to move the position of the television easily. Be sure to buy a stand that is rated for the size and weight of your television; otherwise the unit can fail.

Flat screen and flat panel television manufacturers often make mounting kits to work in conjunction with a specific model of television. If you want to mount a TV on the wall, you will need to contact the manufacturer or the store at which you bought the television to get the proper hardware. The wires from the television may hang down on the wall, so some kits come with a panel that can be screwed or glued to the wall to cover up the wires. You may also drill into the drywall and run the wires through the wall down to an outlet, though this is a more in-depth project that will require more tools, time, and patience.

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Discussion Comments

By GenevaMech — On Jul 12, 2011

@Parmnparsley- I would probably go with a professional installation if you are looking for such a low profile mount. You will need to cut into the wall to hide the wires, and you may need something custom built for your purposes.

Honestly, it may be more cost effective to buy a bookshelf or cabinet with LCD TV wall mounts. I have seen some really nice ones at contemporary and modern furniture stores that have beautiful finishes and sliding doors to hide the television. I have even seen units that have motorized sliding doors so you can open and close the cabinet without leaving the desk.

By parmnparsley — On Jul 12, 2011

I am trying to find a TV wall mount that will allow me to hang an LED television on the wall so it looks like a painting. I want the lowest profile wall mount possible. Does anyone have any recommendations?

Should I install the television mount myself, or should I hire someone for the install? I am hanging the television in my home office, and I want it to go with the art and decor in the office. I do not want it to be the most notable thing hanging on my wall.

By Comparables — On Jul 11, 2011

I bought a cheap TV wall mount ($20) that works great for televisions up to 46". The mount was not cheap because it was flimsy; in fact, it is quite sturdy. The unit was cheap because the design was very simple.

The mount works by mounting an aluminum bar to the wall, making sure that the rail is mounted to the studs. The kit also came with four pegs and two sliders that attach to the aluminum rail.

The pegs are screwed into the mounting holes in the back of the television, and the sliders are hung on the rail. The top pegs are inserted into the slider, and the bottom pegs hold the television off the wall. The installation took less than an hour, even with running the wires through the wall to my A/V cabinet.

Probably the best feature is the ease of moving the television. I simply lift the television off the sliders as if I am taking a painting off the wall. I drilled through the wall to hide the wires, and the installation looks very professional.

By Animalz — On Jun 18, 2011

@parklinkz – That sounds too easy. I’m back in the Stone Age with my wall mounted TV. It’s a huge tube TV and it weights a ton. It’s on a beast of a platform, though, so it won’t fall on my head any time soon. Using zip ties to secure the wires is a great idea. I stuck my loose wires to the wall with decorative tape. It matches the decor in my house, so I like it.

By parklinkz — On Jun 16, 2011

I didn’t realize you could just punch a hole in the wall and thread your TV wires through it. I went the easy route and installed a TV wall shelf in my living room. It has a big bar that holds my flat screen TV and swivels in almost any direction. There are two shelves below that, on which I’ve housed both my digital video recorder and DVD player. I just sort of tucked the wires away, using zip ties. The end result looks tidy and only took one afternoon to complete.

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