How to Choose the Right TV Wall Mount

Difficulty
Beginner
Tested on
Universal Standard
You will need
Measuring tape, stud finder, TV specifications sheet

Step by step

  1. 1 min

    Confirm the VESA mounting pattern

    Measure the horizontal and vertical distance between the four mounting holes on the back of your television in millimeters. This creates your VESA pattern, such as 200x200 or 400x400. Ensure the mount you select explicitly supports these dimensions.

    Note: The VESA size is frequently located in the Technical Specifications section of your TV's manual.
  2. 30 sec

    Check weight capacity

    Identify the weight of your television excluding the base stand. Select a mount rated for a maximum weight capacity that exceeds your TV’s weight by at least 20 percent to account for structural stress.

  3. 1 min

    Select the mount range of motion

    Choose between fixed, tilting, or full-motion mounts based on your room layout. Fixed mounts provide the lowest profile, tilting mounts reduce glare, and full-motion arms allow for horizontal adjustment.

    Note: Full-motion mounts require significantly more robust wall anchors or stud placement than fixed models.
  4. 1 min

    Evaluate wall construction

    Inspect the wall where the display will be mounted. Standard wood-stud walls require specific lag bolts, while masonry or concrete walls necessitate heavy-duty concrete anchors. Avoid mounting directly to drywall alone.

    Note: Use a stud finder to map the exact center of your wall supports before purchasing.
  5. 30 sec

    Check port accessibility

    Review the layout of your TV's input/output ports on the rear panel. Ensure the mounting plate does not obstruct access to HDMI, optical audio, or power ports. Low-profile mounts may require right-angle adapters if ports face the wall.