How To Mount a TV On a Wall Bracket

There are many reasons you might want a wall-mount for your flat screen TV. Maybe you’re shy on space and the wall is the next best place. Maybe you want a little more flexibility with your television viewing. Or maybe you want your TV safely secured away from curious hands and paws. Whatever the reason, wall-mounting can seem daunting, especially if you’ve never done it before. Don’t worry though - the process for mounting your TV is actually very simple as long as you have the right tools. To make it even easier, we’ve put together a step by step guide to wall mounting so you can enjoy your TV any way you please, in comfort and safety. 

A flat panel TV can be awkward and heavy to handle, so you should always get a friend or professional to help you.

Check you have the correct mount

The first thing you should do is ensure that you have the correct mount for your TV. Thankfully, it’s very easy to find the right mount for you thanks to the universal VESA interface standard. 

What is the VESA interface standard?

The VESA interface standard defines a set distance between the four mounting holes at the back of a television. It is an industry standard adopted by most television manufacturers, which means you can find the perfect mount in any style for most televisions. You can find your televisions VESA size in the product description or manual, or you can measure it yourself. Measure the mounting holes from left to right, then top to bottom, to find your exact VESA measurements. For example, a television that measures 400mm left to right and 300mm top to bottom will have a VESA size of 400x300.

You can find your VESA interface standard size by measuring the height and width between the wall plate holes. Remember to measure from the centre of the hole.

You’ll also need to check if your chosen mount has the weight capacity to hold your TV. You should be able to find this in the product specifications. This is very important to ensure your mount doesn’t damage your wall and/or cause your TV to fall onto unsuspecting guests. 

Grab the right tools for wall mounting

Before you start you should have the right tools available. Here are some of the tools you may need for the mounting process:

  • A spirit level to ensure the TV is mounted straight.

  • A power drill and drill bits to ensure the mount is secure.

  • Eye protection.

  • A tape measure.

  • A pencil for marking.

  • Masking or painters tape.

  • A stud finder.

  • A philips head screwdriver.

  • A ratchet spanner.

  • A shifting spanner.

  • Screws, bolts, nuts and washers (these should come with your TV wall mount, or you can check the manufacturer’s instructions to find what you need).

  • A vacuum for cleaning dust from drilling.

    From right to left - a spirit level, a measuring tape, protective glasses, a pencil, a phillips head screwdriver, masking tape, a stud finder, a cordless drill, some bolts and two wrenches.

If you’re mounting on a brick or concrete wall, you may need other tools such as:

  • A cordless drill with a hammer function

  • Masonry drill bits

  • Anchors or concrete screws

  • Driver bits.

  • A rubber mallet.

    From left to right - a masonry drill, masonry screws, a drill bit, a rubber mallet and some screwdriver heads.

Finally, you should always have a friend to help you mount a TV! It can be hard to lift a TV on your own, so make sure you have an extra pair of hands for safety.

Hanging a TV on a plaster wall

Step 1: Figure out the perfect spot for a wall mounted TV

Experts generally recommend your TV be placed at eye level or lower to eliminate neck, back and eye strain, so look for a place at eye level that would be perfect for your TV. Of course, if you’re using a flexible wall mount or a TV wall bracket, you may also have more flexibility when it comes to placement. You’ll also want to take into account glare from windows and keeping the tv at a safe height away from pets and children.

 

A diagram showing the right height for a mounted TV based on your viewing distance and angle.

Step 2: Find the stud

Since TVs are heavy appliances, they need to be mounted off a wall stud. You can find the stud manually by knocking on your wall and listening closely - the sound will change from a hollow thump to a dull thud when you are over a stud. For a more accurate and easier reading, you should use an electronic stud finder. Some models will simply beep and/or show a light when you find a stud, while others will direct you to the nearest stud and also identify any plumbing or wires you should steer clear of. Once you’ve found the right stud, mark it with a pencil or painter's tape.

You need to find and mark the studs in your wall before mounting anything on a plaster wall.

Step 3: Mark where you’ll install the TV mount

Grab the TV mount and line it up with the located studs. Take out your spirit level and straighten the mount, then mark where you’ll be drilling your holes.

Make sure your bracket is straight before making your drill holes and placing the TV on the wall.

Step 4: Drill your holes for your TV wall mount

Drill your holes where you marked and fix the bolts to the wall. You don’t need to tighten them fully just yet - keep them loose until you know for sure this is where they’ll be staying.

When you've found the perfect position, you can drill your holes.

Step 5: Fix the hanging brackets to your TV

Fix the hanging brackets to your TV. Be careful not to put too much pressure on your TV! You may want to lay it down on a flat surface with a soft blanket, sheet or bubble wrap underneath so you can properly install the brackets.

Lie your TV flat before you attach the hanging bracket for easier and safer installation.

Step 6: Put the television on the mounting bracket

Now it’s time to finally mount the television! Make sure you have a friend or family member to help you with this part - televisions are heavy and it can be awkward to mount it correctly with only one pair of eyes. You may also was to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to hold your television. You should avoid putting your hands directly on the glass, and be especially mindful of flat screens as they are especially delicate.

Step 7: The finishing touches

Time to go over all your bolts and make sure they’re tight and secure. Test your new TV mount, wipe down the television and clean your work space, and you’re ready to plug in and play! 

With the right mounting arm you can find the perfect TV position for your living room.

Hanging a TV on a brick or concrete wall

These steps are nearly identical to mounting on a plaster wall, with a few exceptions.

Step 1: Find the perfect spot.

While brick walls do contain studs, you won’t necessarily have to mount a television onto them as with a plaster wall. You’ll instead have to anchor your mount into the wall using special anchors or concrete screws. Try mounting your television as close as possible to your electrical outlet for cleaner cable management and a cleaner overall installation. Look for a space that is at eye level or lower, accounts for window glare, and is at a safe height for pets and children.

Step 2: Mark where you’ll install the mount

Grab the TV mount and line it up with your desired height. Take out your spirit level and straighten the mount, then mark where you’ll be drilling your holes.

Make sure your bracket is straight before making your drill holes and placing the TV on the wall.

Step 3: Drill your holes

Drill your holes where you marked. You don’t need to tighten them fully just yet - keept them loose until you know for sure this is where they’ll be staying. Once you’ve drilled the holes, clear out the dust with the vacuum cleaner.

Drilling holes in concrete or brick may require specialist tools and protection.

Step 4: Install your anchors

If using plastic anchors, use the rubber mallet to tap your anchors into the freshly drilled holes until they’re flush with the wall. Fix your screws and/or bolts to the wall.

You'll need special anchors to keep your mounting screws and TV bracket secure in a brick or concrete wall.

Step 5: Fix the hanging brackets to your TV

Fix the hanging brackets to your television. Be careful not to put too much pressure on your television! You may want to lay it down on a flat surface with a soft blanket, sheet or bubble wrap underneath so you can properly install the brackets.

With the right mounting arm you can find the perfect TV position for your living room.

Step 6: Put the television on the mounting bracket

Now it’s time to finally mount the TV! Make sure you have a friend or family member to help you with this part - TVs are heavy and it can be awkward to mount it correctly with only one pair of eyes. You may also was to check the manufacturer’s instructions for the best way to hold your TV. You should avoid putting your hands directly on the glass, and be especially mindful of flat screens as they are especially delicate.

Always ask for help to hang your TV

Step 7: The finishing touches

Time to go over all your bolts and make sure they’re tight and secure. Test your new mount, wipe down the TV and clean your work space, and you’re ready to plug in and play your newly mounted tv.

Congratulations on successfully mounting your first TV! Now you can sit back, relax and enjoy movie night in style.

Other tips and tricks

Don’t be afraid to call in a professional if you’re still confused or concerned. TV mounting is a difficult task, and a poorly mounted TV can do a lot of damage. Make sure you do your due diligence before hiring - ensure your professional is reviewed, rated and trusted. And remember, whether you’re using a professional or not, you should never try to mount your TV alone!

For optimal viewing, experts recommend sitting at a distance where the TV screen takes up 30% of your field of vision, or 40% if you’re looking for cinematic immersion. This might affect the size of your television as well as your ideal placement. Check out this handy size and distance tool to figure out your ideal TV size before considering a mount.

If you don’t want to drill into your walls, you can always get a TV stand instead. You can find stands that are just as flexible as wall mounts, and some can even be wheeled from room to room for added versatility.

Don’t love the look of a blank TV on your wall? When your tv is not in use, you can try hiding it behind a drop down curtain or art piece, or you can double down and construct a frame for it that turns it into a focal point.

Buy TV mounts online from Artiss

Artiss has a wide range of TV mounts and stands that will get the job done, whether you’re wall mounting or mounting from the ceiling. To find the perfect mount for you, you can check out our collection online or you can visit our guide How to Choose the Right TV Mount or Stand for more information. When you’re ready to make your purchase, enjoy an easy hassle-free checkout, prompt delivery from our trusted courier partners, and speedy Australia-based customer service. Watch tv in comfort, style and safety - wall mount your tv today thanks to Artiss.

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