Dwell on This: It’s Time to Mount Your Television

Decades ago, manufacturers promised televisions so light and thin, we’d hang them on our walls like art. They delivered. Today, some models are thinner than five stacked dimes; Samsung’s Frame TV literally doubles as decor. Even so, most consumers are content to place their flat panel on a media console—a shame for safety, aesthetics, and space efficiency.

Wall-mounting your flat screen puts the "home" back in "home theater," freeing up precious surface space and eliminating the chances of a pet or child—or the otherwise accident-prone—knocking it over. It’s also a rewarding weekend project that most people can do themselves.

You’ll need a few basic tools: a tape measure, power drill, stud finder, level, painter’s tape, and of course, a TV-mounting kit compatible with the weight and size of your set. (Single-tilt wall-mount kits can be had for as little as $20; more expensive options allowing for a greater range of motion start at around $40.) 

From there, it’s as easy as one, two, three: Secure the mounting plate onto wall studs, fasten the brackets onto the back of the TV, and then lift and mount it on the wall. It might help to watch a few YouTube tutorials beforehand—and if you’re unsure of your strength or don’t have a willing helper, there’s no shame in hiring a professional to mount the TV for you. Retailers and dedicated installers can get a set securely up and running for less than $100, depending on the model. The most important thing is that at the end of the day, you’ll have a new, improved setup that takes advantage of your slim screen.

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Illustration by Mar Hernández