How to Choose a TV Wall Mount
A tv wall mount is designed to allow you to install your TV screen on a wall, rather than on a stand that takes up room and can be knocked over. This gives you a neater finish to your home and also makes it safer for children to move the TV around. The main types of tv mount are tilting, full motion and articulating and they all have different features that you can select depending on your preferences and the way you use your TV.
When choosing a mount, consider the maximum weight and size of screen it can hold as well as whether you need it to be able to swivel and tilt. Most wall mounts will state this information clearly in their product descriptions. Some will also include a list of the type and size of TVs they can be used with.
Once you’ve chosen the type of mount you want, you’ll need to decide where to put it. It’s a good idea to mark out your wall with a pencil where you plan to place the mount before drilling into it. Ideally, you’ll want to screw into studs rather than drywall as this is more stable and less likely to damage the wall when you come to remove your TV mount later.
Most of the best tv wall mounts will have an articulating feature which allows you to move your screen away from the wall and into different positions. This can be handy if you have glare from windows during the day or if you don’t like having your TV sitting quite so close to the wall. Tilting tv wall mounts can be useful too, especially if you want to be able to tilt up or down to avoid glare on the screen.
Some wall mounts have built-in cable management channels which can help to keep your power and HDMI wires organised and out of sight. This can be a great feature to have, as it means you’ll never have to worry about the cables getting tangled or twisted when you’re adjusting your TV position or connecting new playback devices.
If your mount does have integrated cable management channels, check that they aren’t blocking the input ports on the back of your TV as this can interfere with how you can use it. Some mounts will offer clips or slots to help with this and you should also look for one that can handle a range of different cable thicknesses.
Most TV wall mount kits should contain everything you need to complete your installation, including screws and fixings for most common wall types. However, if you’re installing on a particularly unusual wall surface or you have trouble finding the correct size of fixings, it might be worth checking at your local hardware store for alternative options. Alternatively, many brands offer replacement fixings should you lose or break something during the installation process. This is a quick and easy fix that will prevent you from having to buy an entirely new mount if you make a mistake.