How to place your TV the right way in any room

When you start shopping for a TV, the screen size is often the first thing you notice. But the “right” size depends mostly on two factors:

Viewing distance

• This is how far away you will sit from the TV.

• Measure from where you normally watch (sofa or chairs) to where your TV will be.

• Sitting too close to a large TV can make individual pixels (tiny dots that form the picture) visible, especially on lower-resolution screens.

Small rooms and bedrooms:

• Screen sizes up to 43 inches

• Ideal viewing distance: 1.6 m and closer

• A 4K TV at this size still looks crisp from around 1.2 m

Medium-sized rooms:

• Screen sizes 50–55 inches

• Ideal viewing distance: 1.8–2 m

• A 4K TV here lets you sit even slightly closer—down to about 1.4 m—without noticing pixels.

Medium-to-large rooms:

• Screen sizes 65–75 inches

• Ideal viewing distance: 2.4–2.7 m

• A 4K screen around 65 inches can still look sharp from about 2 m.

Large rooms or home cinemas:

• Screen sizes 80 inches and up

• Ideal viewing distance: over 3 m

• Because these are very large displays, sitting too close can be overwhelming; keep at least 3 m of distance.

Once you have the right screen size in mind, it’s time to think about placement. The best spot combines good sightlines, minimum glare, and comfort. Here’s what to consider:

Face your seating area

• Position the TV so that it sits directly across from where most people will be watching (for example, your main sofa).

• Misaligned angles (e.g., TV in a corner while seating is on one side) can make colours look washed out or distort the image slightly.

Avoid direct sunlight and strong reflections

• Windows bring in natural light, which is great for a bright room—but if sunlight hits the screen directly, you’ll see distracting glare.

• If you can’t avoid a window nearby, hang curtains or blinds to diffuse the light. Alternatively, mount the TV on a wall that never gets direct sun.

TV above a fireplace? Proceed with caution

• Wall-mounting above a fireplace can look sleek and save floor space, but it often places the TV higher than eye level.

• If you do mount it here, measure carefully so that the centre of the screen is no more than 15 cm above your seated eye level (more on that in Section 3).

• Keep in mind that heat and soot from a fireplace can damage electronics over time—look for a mantel or a heat shield to protect your TV.

Leave room for other gear

• If you plan to have a soundbar, game console, or streaming box, make sure there’s space below or inside your TV stand (or on the wall below a mounted TV).

• Many people prefer mounting a soundbar directly under the TV. Check that your stand or mount has enough clearance.

1. Wall mount

• Sleek, modern look: A TV mounted flush on the wall frees up floor space and often feels more like art than a box.
  
  
• Space-saving: Perfect for small rooms or if you want a minimalist design.
  
  
• Fixed position: Once mounted, the TV won’t wobble or move if you bump into the stand.

• Permanent installation: Drilling holes into drywall or plaster—if you move, you’ll need to patch the wall.
  
  
• Height limitations: If your wall studs aren’t in the ideal spot, you may end up with a TV higher or lower than you’d like.
  
  
• Less easily adjustable: While there are tilting or articulating mounts, most fixed mounts offer limited flexibility after installation.

VESA tip: Most TVs use a “VESA” standard (Video Electronics Standards Association) for mounting holes on the back. Look for a number like 200x200 mm (distance between horizontal and vertical holes). Your wall mount bracket has to match your TV’s VESA size.

2. TV stand

• Flexibility: You can move your TV (or turn it) to different parts of the room relatively easily.
  
  
• Storage: Many stands or cabinets give you room for soundbars, game consoles, cable boxes and décor.
  
  
• No drilling: You don’t have to put holes in the wall; you just set the TV on top of the stand.

• Takes up floor space: If you have a small living room, a stand can feel bulky.
  
  
• Stability concerns: Make sure the base is wide enough, so your TV won’t tip backward, especially if you have kids or pets.
  

Whether you choose a wall mount or a stand, the height at which you put your TV makes a big difference in comfort. Here’s how to get it right:

Measure your seated eye level

• Sit on your couch (or wherever you’ll normally watch) in a relaxed, natural posture.

• Ask a friend to measure from the floor up to your eyes. Most people’s seated eye level is between 90 cm and 110 cm from the ground, but it varies.

Position the centre of the screen at eye level

• If you mount the TV on the wall, the very centre of the screen should align with your seated eye level.

• If you’re using a stand, choose one that positions the centre of the screen close to your eye level. If the stand is too low, try placing the TV on a sturdy platform or stack to raise it, or switch to a taller table for a more comfortable viewing height.

Maximum distance from eye level

• If you can’t get the centre exactly at eye level, keep the top edge of the screen no more than 15 cm above your eye level.

• A slight upward tilt (around 10–15°) is fine—many tilting mounts come with a tilt feature. Avoid having the TV too high; looking up at a steep angle can cause neck strain over time.

If you decide a stand is right for you, here are the main factors to consider:

Weight capacity and size

• Check your TV’s weight (usually in the manual or printed on the box). Make sure the stand is rated for that weight plus a bit extra for safety.

• The stand’s width should be at least as wide as your TV’s base. Some stands list a maximum TV width (e.g., “supports up to 75-inch screens”).

Swivel, tilt, and height adjustability

• Many stands come with a built-in swivel base that lets you turn the TV left or right. This is especially helpful if you have an open-plan space or seating that changes.

• Some stands even allow you to raise or lower the TV height a few centimetres.

Matching your décor

• Stands come in wood, metal, glass, or a mix of materials.

• Consider the overall style of your living room—metal and glass feel modern, while wood or fabric accents add warmth.

Open vs. closed storage

• Open shelves: Easy access for remote controls, streaming boxes, and game consoles.

• Closed cabinets or drawers: Hide clutter, DVDs, and cables; keep things dust-free. Decide which organisation style you prefer.

If wall space is tight or your room layout makes a corner placement appealing, you can still get a good viewing experience. Follow these steps:

Use a corner-specific stand or mount

• Corner TV stands are designed with angled shapes so the TV faces into the room properly.

• If you want to wall-mount in a corner, look for a double-arm articulating mount that attaches to two walls meeting at the corner.

Balance the visual weight

• A TV in the corner can feel “heavy” on one side of the room. Add floor lamps, plants, or artwork on the opposite wall or corner to create a sense of balance.

• Consider adding a rug or accent chair near the corner to integrate the TV area into the overall design.

Yes—as long as the stand is rated for the TV’s weight and you place the TV safely. If the TV overhangs the stand edges, make sure the base sits firmly without tipping. Always follow the stand manufacturer’s instructions.

Can you use a TV without a stand?

Absolutely. Most modern TVs have “VESA” mounting holes on the back. If you don’t want or can’t use a desktop stand, you can:

• Wall-mount the TV (fixed, tilting, or full-motion bracket).

• Use a third-party tabletop mount:

— These are similar to small wall mounts but sit on a table or cabinet.

— They let you swivel or tilt the tv without drilling into walls.

How far should my TV be from the wall for Ambilight?

Leave about 5–10 cm of space between your Ambilight TV and the wall. This gap lets the lights shine around the edges evenly, creating an immersive halo effect that improves perceived colour, contrast and reduces eye strain in low light.

Can a TV ever be too big?

Indeed, bigger isn't always better. A TV that's too large for the room can:

• Overwhelm the space: It may look out of proportion, making the room feel crowded.

• Cause eye strain: If you sit too close to a very large screen, you’ll constantly need to move your eyes and head to follow action at the edges.

• Reduce picture clarity: On a 1080p TV, a very large screen shows pixels at typical viewing distances. A 4K screen can mitigate this, but only up to a point.

Bottom line: Choose a size that matches both your room’s dimensions and your usual seating distance. If in doubt, measure your wall space and seating area, then compare to the general viewing-distance guidelines above.