Whether you’re moving into a new home, upgrading to the newest smart TV or wanting to binge Netflix in the comfort of your own bed, hanging your TV isn’t as simple as it sounds.
There are a surprisingly large number of issues to consider when finding the perfect spot on the wall for their telly, including the size, quality and distance of the television from your viewing spot.
You can measure your television to crunch the numbers, but the optimal TV centre for watching comfortably on the couch is usually about 108 centimetres above the floor.
But this isn’t a hard and fast rule. Above all else, the ideal centre of the screen should be at the eye level of the viewer.
That means if you want to comfortably watch your favourite shows, you’ll have to consider the height of your main viewers.
The “perfect” spot
Historically, the general rule for the best distance from the television is 2.5 times the screen’s diagonal length. However, as TV picture quality has improved, some manufacturers now recommend a larger TV sit at only a distance of 1.5 times the diagonal television length relative to the room’s space.
For the classic lounge room where the couch sits roughly 3.5 metres away from the television, a 55- or 60-inch television can work in the space, but you can always go bigger if you want to feel a part of the action.
Assuming that the average Australian will choose the standard 60-inch television, the screens measure roughly 81 centimetres high, meaning the centre of the screen will be 40.5 centimetres from the bottom. Most couch heights are close to 45 centimetres above the floor, and the eye level of a seated adult is about 63 centimetres above the seat.
If we crunch the numbers, that puts the optimal centre-of-television height for a typical seated viewer at 108 centimetres (45 + 63 centimetres). So a 60-inch television should be installed with the bottom of the screen at 67.5 centimetres above the floor.
More than one way to hang a TV
While “optimal viewing” rules might sound nice on paper, it’s up to you to find the perfect place for your TV in the room at the end of the day. If you’re hanging a television above a bar or over the family pool table, the ideal viewing height will be less cut and dried.
When hanging your TV, you have to consider all possible viewing points. The best height for someone seated at a bar will be too low for those standing behind the pool table. This is why you typically see televisions in commercial bars and restaurants mounted as high as possible.
When hanging your TV, think about…
Eye Level
One of the most crucial factors in TV placement is ensuring that the centre of the screen is at eye level when you’re sitting comfortably on your couch or chair.
TV Size
The size of your TV matters when determining its height. Larger TVs may need to be mounted slightly higher to maintain eye-level alignment.
Seating Arrangement
Consider the arrangement of your seating area. If you have a sectional sofa or multiple seating options, ensure the TV is visible from all angles.
Wall Mount Tilt
If your TV wall mount allows for tilting, you can mount the TV slightly higher and tilt it downward to achieve a perfect viewing angle.
Room Size
In larger spaces, you may need to mount the TV a bit higher to ensure it’s visible from all corners of the room.
Personal Preference
Ultimately, your comfort and preference play a significant role. Some people prefer a higher TV placement for a sleek, minimalist look, while others prioritise eye-level viewing.
Decide the purpose of your TV
Because TVs have become such an important part of the home, it’s important to discuss with your design and construction teams to ensure you’re prioritising function over design or vice versa.
For example, a kitchen television should be easily viewed standing up and likely sit higher on the wall. Or a master bedroom TV would need to be viewed lying down and adjusted accordingly.
For televisions that aren’t the main focus of the room, their size and location may not matter so much. If you’re not in that room to specifically watch your favourite shows, such as the kitchen, the height of your TV probably won’t have that much of an impact.
