What is the perfect height to mount a TV in a bedroom? The ideal height to mount a TV in a bedroom is typically with the center of the screen at or slightly below your eye level when you are in your most common viewing position, usually seated or lying down.
Many people wonder about the best bedroom TV height. It’s a common question for anyone looking to create a comfortable and functional bedroom media setup. Getting this wrong can lead to neck strain, eye fatigue, or simply a less enjoyable viewing experience. This guide will help you find the ideal TV height bedroom for your space, ensuring maximum comfort and the best optimal TV viewing angle.
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Fathoming the Right TV Wall Mount Height Bedroom
Mounting a TV in the bedroom is different from mounting it in a living room. In the bedroom, your primary viewing position is often lying down in bed. This means the standard “eye level when seated” rule needs a slight adjustment. The goal is to achieve eye level TV mounting that’s comfortable for your specific needs, whether you’re lounging, reading, or drifting off to sleep.
Factors Influencing Your Bedroom TV Height
Several elements come into play when deciding where to hang your television. It’s not a one-size-fits-all solution.
- Bed Height: The height of your mattress is a crucial starting point. A lower bed will require a lower TV mount, while a higher bed might allow for a slightly higher mount. Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress.
- Viewing Position: Are you a strict back-sleeper who always looks straight ahead? Or do you tend to prop yourself up on pillows? Your usual sleeping position TV height needs to be considered.
- Room Size and Wall Space: The physical dimensions of your bedroom and the available wall space will dictate how far the TV can be placed and, consequently, how high it can reasonably go.
- TV Size: Larger TVs might feel overwhelming if mounted too high, and smaller TVs might be hard to see if mounted too low. The screen size plays a role in the overall visual balance.
- Personal Preference: Ultimately, comfort is subjective. What feels perfect for one person might not for another.
The “Eye Level” Rule: Adapted for the Bedroom
The generally accepted principle for TV mounting is to have the center of the screen at eye level. This minimizes neck strain and allows for a natural viewing posture. However, in the bedroom, this needs adaptation.
For Seated Viewing in Bed
If you often sit up in bed to watch TV, prop yourself up with pillows as you normally would. Then, have someone measure from the floor to your eye level while you’re in this position. The center of your TV screen should ideally be around this measurement. This ensures comfortable viewing when you’re more upright.
For Lying Down Viewing
This is often the more common scenario. Lie down in your bed in your typical sleeping position. Have someone measure from the floor to your eye level. Again, aim for the center of the TV screen to be at this height or slightly lower. Why slightly lower? Because when you’re lying down, your head is naturally tilted slightly upwards. Having the TV a tad lower prevents you from craning your neck upwards for extended periods, which can lead to discomfort. This is the key to achieving a truly comfortable TV height.
Calculating Your Ideal Bedroom TV Height
Let’s break down how to calculate this for your specific bedroom.
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Measure Your Bed Height:
- Measure from the floor to the top of your mattress.
- Example: If your mattress top is 24 inches from the floor.
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Determine Your Eye Level in Bed:
- Lie down in your bed in your usual sleeping position.
- Have someone measure the distance from the floor to your eye level.
- Example: Your eye level is 30 inches from the floor when lying down.
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Factor in TV Size and Stand/Base:
- When you buy a TV, it usually comes with a stand or feet. If you’re mounting it, you won’t use these.
- However, the bottom of the TV screen will be some distance above the mounting bracket’s lowest point.
- A good starting point for the mounting bracket’s lowest point is often around 4-6 inches below your eye level.
- Example: If your eye level is 30 inches, aim to mount the bracket so the bottom of the TV is around 24-26 inches from the floor. The center of the screen will then be higher.
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The Center Screen Calculation:
- Let’s say you have a 55-inch TV. The diagonal screen size is 55 inches.
- The actual screen dimensions (width and height) vary by aspect ratio (usually 16:9) and bezel size.
- A rough estimate for a 55-inch 16:9 TV is about 27 inches in height (screen only).
- If the bottom of the screen is at 24 inches, and the screen height is 27 inches, the center of the screen would be at 24 + (27/2) = 24 + 13.5 = 37.5 inches from the floor.
- This 37.5-inch mark is what you want to align with your eye level (30 inches) when lying down, or slightly below.
- Correction: Since you want the center of the screen at or below eye level, you’d adjust the mount. If your eye level is 30 inches, and the center of the screen needs to be at 30 inches, the bottom of the screen would need to be at 30 – 13.5 = 16.5 inches. This seems very low.
- Let’s re-evaluate with the common advice: center of the screen at eye level when lying down.
- So, if your eye level is 30 inches from the floor when lying down, you want the center of the TV screen to be at 30 inches.
A More Practical Approach: The Viewing Angle
Instead of focusing solely on exact measurements, think about the optimal TV viewing angle. When lying in bed, your head is naturally tilted slightly back. You want the TV to be positioned so that your gaze is directed slightly downwards, or straight ahead, without needing to strain your neck up or down excessively.
General Guidelines for Bedroom TV Height
While personalized measurement is best, here are some common starting points for bedroom TV placement:
- For Queen or King Size Beds: Typically, a TV mounted 30-40 inches from the floor to the center of the screen works well. This allows for comfortable viewing from various positions.
- For Smaller Beds (Twin, Full): You might opt for a slightly lower mounting position, perhaps 25-35 inches from the floor to the center of the screen, depending on the bed’s height.
Table: Approximate TV Center Height Based on Bed Height and Viewing Position
This table offers a starting point. Always adjust based on your personal comfort.
| Bed Height (Floor to Mattress Top) | Eye Level When Lying Down (from Floor) | Target TV Center Height (from Floor) | Typical TV Size Range (Diagonal) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 inches | 26 inches | 26 – 30 inches | 32 – 43 inches |
| 24 inches | 30 inches | 30 – 34 inches | 43 – 55 inches |
| 28 inches | 34 inches | 34 – 38 inches | 50 – 65 inches |
| 32 inches | 38 inches | 38 – 42 inches | 55 – 75 inches |
Note: These are rough estimates for the center of the TV screen. The actual TV wall mount height bedroom you install will depend on the mount’s adjustability and the TV’s dimensions.
Optimizing Your Bedroom TV Placement
Beyond just height, the placement of your TV in the bedroom impacts your viewing experience.
TV Viewing Distance Bedroom
This refers to how far away you are from the screen. The ideal distance helps prevent eye strain and allows you to take in the whole picture.
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General Rule: A common recommendation is a viewing distance of 1.5 to 2.5 times the diagonal screen size.
- For a 40-inch TV: 60 to 100 inches (5 to 8.3 feet)
- For a 55-inch TV: 82.5 to 137.5 inches (6.9 to 11.5 feet)
- For a 65-inch TV: 97.5 to 162.5 inches (8.1 to 13.5 feet)
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Bedroom Considerations: In smaller bedrooms, you might be closer to the TV than ideal. In such cases, consider a lower resolution or a TV with better motion handling to mitigate pixelation. Conversely, if your bedroom is very large, you might need a bigger TV to maintain an immersive experience.
- Mounting Location: Consider the wall opposite your bed. Ensure there’s enough space for the TV and its viewing distance without it feeling too close or too far. Avoid mounting it directly above a dresser if that forces an awkward viewing angle.
Choosing the Right TV Mount
Not all TV mounts are created equal, and the type you choose will affect how you achieve the perfect height.
Fixed Mounts
- Pros: Slimmest profile, closest to the wall, often most affordable.
- Cons: No adjustability. Once mounted, the height is fixed. You need to get the height precisely right before installation.
- Best for: Situations where you have a very specific, unchangeable viewing position and have meticulously calculated the ideal height.
Tilting Mounts
- Pros: Allows for vertical tilt adjustment (up or down). This is excellent for bedrooms where you need to adjust the angle slightly to counter neck strain, especially when lying down.
- Cons: Still fixed horizontally. Offers a bit more flexibility than fixed mounts.
- Best for: Bedrooms where the TV is mounted slightly higher than ideal eye level, and you need to angle it down. Or if your bed height is frequently adjusted.
Full-Motion (Articulating) Mounts
- Pros: Offers the most flexibility, allowing for tilt, swivel, and extension from the wall. This lets you fine-tune the position for various viewing angles and even pull the TV out for cleaning or easier access to cables.
- Cons: Bulkier, can extend further from the wall, potentially more expensive.
- Best for: Maximizing comfort and flexibility. If you like to adjust your TV position frequently or have multiple, varied viewing spots in your bedroom.
Installation Considerations
- Wall Type: Ensure your wall can support the weight of your TV and mount. Drywall alone is usually insufficient; you’ll need to locate wall studs for secure mounting. If studs aren’t perfectly aligned, use heavy-duty drywall anchors designed for TV mounts.
- Cable Management: Plan how you’ll hide the cables. Options include in-wall cable management kits, cord covers, or mounting the TV on a dedicated media wall. This is crucial for a clean and aesthetic bedroom media setup.
- Power Outlet: Ensure a power outlet is accessible near the mounting location. If not, consider hiring an electrician for a cleaner installation.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Getting the TV wall mount height bedroom wrong can be a costly mistake if you have to reposition it.
Mounting Too High
This is the most common error. A TV mounted too high forces you to look upwards, leading to neck pain, shoulder stiffness, and eye fatigue over time. Especially in the bedroom, where you might spend hours watching before sleep, this can be detrimental to your relaxation.
Mounting Too Low
While less common, mounting too low can also be problematic, especially if you have a high bed or like to sit up frequently. It can make the TV appear small or require you to hunch over, also causing discomfort.
Ignoring Viewing Distance
Placing a large TV too close to your bed can overwhelm your senses and make the viewing experience unpleasant. Conversely, a small TV too far away can be hard to see, with details becoming lost.
Forgetting Cable Management
Visible wires detract from the aesthetic of your bedroom and can be a safety hazard. Always plan for neat cable routing.
Not Considering Multiple Viewing Positions
If you sometimes sit up on the edge of your bed or lounge on a chaise, consider how the mounting height affects these other positions. A tilting or full-motion mount is a great solution here.
The Impact of TV Size on Mounting Height
The size of your TV directly influences the ideal mounting height.
Smaller TVs (Under 40 inches)
These are often used in guest rooms or smaller bedrooms. They are more forgiving with mounting height, but the eye-level principle still applies. You might mount the center around 25-30 inches from the floor.
Medium TVs (40-55 inches)
This is a popular size range for master bedrooms. The general guidelines of 30-38 inches for the TV center are a good starting point.
Large TVs (55 inches and above)
Larger TVs require more careful consideration. Mounting them too high can make them feel like they’re dominating the room and can be physically uncomfortable to watch. For very large TVs, it’s even more important to err on the side of mounting slightly lower to ensure the center of the screen is at or below your eye level when lying down. For a 65-inch TV, for example, if your eye level is 32 inches, you might aim for the center of the screen to be around 30-32 inches.
Adjusting for Different Bed Types
The type of bed you have can also influence the bedroom TV height.
Platform Beds
These beds typically sit lower to the ground, meaning the mounting height for your TV will likely be lower as well.
Beds with Headboards and Footboards
The height of your headboard and footboard can create visual obstructions or dictate how close you can place the TV. Ensure the TV is not mounted so high that it gets lost behind a tall headboard, or so low that it’s blocked by a footboard when you’re lying down.
Adjustable Beds
If you have an adjustable bed that allows you to raise the head or feet, your viewing position changes. A full-motion mount can be very beneficial here, allowing you to reposition the TV as you change your bed’s angle.
Maximizing Your Bedroom TV Experience
Once you have the perfect height, consider these tips:
- Comfort is Key: Don’t be afraid to adjust. Sit or lie in bed and see how it feels. If it’s not quite right, make small adjustments to the mount before fully tightening it.
- Avoid Glare: Position the TV so that direct sunlight from windows or strong overhead lights don’t hit the screen. Glare can ruin your viewing experience and force you to squint.
- Sound Quality: Consider the audio. While TV speakers are okay, a soundbar or a small, discreet speaker system can greatly enhance your bedroom media setup.
- Aesthetics: Think about the overall look. Cable management is vital. Consider a TV mount that allows the TV to sit flush against the wall for a cleaner appearance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I mount a TV above a fireplace in the bedroom?
A1: While not ideal for ergonomic viewing, especially for lying down, it’s possible. If you choose this route, mount it lower than you might in a living room. The top of the TV should be no higher than your eye level when seated, and ideally, the center should be at eye level. You’ll need to ensure the heat from the fireplace doesn’t damage the TV.
Q2: What is the best TV size for a bedroom?
A2: The best TV size depends on your bedroom dimensions and TV viewing distance bedroom. For most bedrooms, a 40-inch to 55-inch TV is a good balance. Larger TVs (65 inches and up) can work in spacious master bedrooms if the viewing distance is sufficient.
Q3: Should the TV be centered in front of the bed?
A3: Generally, yes. Centering the TV opposite your bed offers the most natural and balanced viewing experience, whether you’re sitting up or lying down.
Q4: How far should the TV be from the wall when mounted?
A4: This depends on the mount. Fixed mounts place the TV closest to the wall (often just an inch or two). Tilting mounts might add an inch or two more, and full-motion mounts can extend several feet from the wall, offering maximum adjustability. Choose a mount that suits your needs for clearance and viewing angles.
Q5: What if my bedroom wall isn’t solid? Can I still mount a TV?
A5: Yes, but with caution. You must use appropriate heavy-duty drywall anchors specifically designed for TV mounting. These anchors distribute the weight over a larger area of the drywall. Always check the weight capacity of the anchors and the mount to ensure they exceed the weight of your TV. Ideally, mount into wall studs whenever possible.
Q6: How do I handle all the cables?
A6: Excellent cable management is key to a clean bedroom media setup. You can use in-wall cable management kits (which involve cutting holes in the drywall to pass cables behind the wall), cord covers that stick to the wall, or zip ties to bundle cables neatly. Ensure you have an accessible power outlet or consider hiring an electrician to install one closer to the TV.
By carefully considering these factors and following the advice on achieving eye level TV mounting, you can ensure your bedroom TV is positioned perfectly for a comfortable and enjoyable viewing experience.