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How High To Mount 85 Inch Tv for Optimal Viewing
Putting a big 85-inch TV on the wall is exciting. Getting the height just right makes a big difference. The best height for your TV means the center of the screen, or a spot slightly above the center, should be near your eye level when you are sitting in your usual spot. This helps you watch for a long time without hurting your neck. Finding the optimal viewing height for 85 inch tv is important because these screens are very large. Mounting it too high is a common mistake.
Finding Your Best TV Height
Putting up a large TV like an 85-inch model needs thought. You want to sit back and enjoy your shows or movies. You do not want to tilt your head up or down much. This is bad for your neck over time. Your eye level is the key.
Where you sit most of the time is where you should check your eye level. Sit on your sofa, chair, or bed. Have someone measure from the floor up to your eyes. Do this while you are sitting normally. This number is your seated eye height.
For most TVs, people say the middle of the screen should be at this eye height. But an 85-inch TV is really tall. The screen itself is big up and down. If you put the very center at your eye level, the top of the TV will be very high up. You might still have to look up.
Because of this, for a large screen TV like 85 inches, it is often better to place the bottom edge of the TV a bit higher than your eye level. Or you might put the spot that is one-third of the way up the screen at your eye level. This keeps the main action near where your eyes rest naturally.
Think about the size. An 85-inch TV is about 42 inches tall without the stand. If the middle is at eye level (say 40 inches from the floor), the top is about 61 inches high. That might be okay if you sit far back. If you sit closer, it might feel too high.
Factors That Change TV Height
Many things change the best height for your TV. It is not just about the TV size. It is about your room and how you use it.
Where You Sit Matters
Your seating is a big part of it. Are you on a low sofa? A tall chair? A recliner? Each changes your eye level.
- Low sofa: Your eyes might be lower to the ground. The TV should be lower too.
- Tall chair: Your eyes are higher. The TV can be a bit higher.
- Recliner: When you lean back, your eyes point upwards more. You might need the TV higher than if you were sitting straight up.
Think about the people who watch most often. Kids sit lower than adults. Try to find a height that works best for the main viewers.
How Far Away You Are
How far you sit from the TV is very important. This is called viewing distance. How far away to sit from 85 inch tv matters a lot for height.
If you sit close, the screen fills up more of your view. Even looking a little bit up feels like a big head tilt. So, if you sit close, the TV needs to be mounted lower.
If you sit far away, the screen looks smaller in your view. Looking up a little does not feel as bad. The TV can be a bit higher.
There are ideas on the proper viewing distance 85 inch tv. Some experts suggest sitting between 9 and 18 feet away. For 4K quality, some say closer is better, maybe 9 to 12 feet. Sitting closer means the TV height is more critical. It needs to be lower.
- Sit Closer (9-12 feet): Aim for the bottom edge or the lower third of the screen to be near your eye level.
- Sit Farther (12-18 feet): The center of the screen could be closer to eye level, but still be careful it is not too high.
The recommended height for large screen tv like an 85-inch screen depends on this distance. The closer you are, the lower it should be.
Different Rooms, Different Heights
The room you put the TV in changes things too.
- Living Room: This is common. People usually sit on sofas or chairs. They sit up more. The height should fit this seating. This is where living room tv height 85 inch is often talked about. Eye level for wall mounted tv in a living room often means the middle or lower third of the screen is at seated eye level.
- Bedroom: In a bedroom, you are often lying down or leaning back on pillows. Your eye line points up more. This means the TV can, and often should, be higher than in a living room. Bedroom tv mounting height is often higher than living room height. Make sure you can see the screen without straining your neck when you are in your usual sleeping/watching position.
- Kitchen or Other Rooms: If the TV is in a place where people stand to watch, it will need to be mounted much higher. But for an 85-inch TV, this is less common as they are often for main viewing areas.
Wall Space and Furniture
Look at your wall. Where is the TV going? Is there furniture below it?
- Fireplace: Mounting a TV above a fireplace is popular. But it is often too high. The heat from the fireplace can also hurt the TV. For an 85-inch TV, putting it over a fireplace almost always means it is too high for comfortable viewing. You will look up a lot.
- TV Stand or Cabinet: If you have a stand, the TV goes above it. Make sure the height above the stand still puts the TV at a good eye level for your seating.
- Obstacles: Are there doors, windows, or shelves that get in the way? Plan around them.
Figuring Out the Numbers
There is no one perfect standard tv mounting height that works for everyone, especially not for an 85-inch TV. The average height to mount tv often talks about smaller TVs. But we can look at general ideas and then make it right for you.
A common idea for smaller TVs is that the center of the screen should be about 42 inches from the floor. This might work for a 50-inch TV where the top is around 55 inches high. But for an 85-inch TV, 42 inches to the center puts the top at about 61 inches! That is quite high for many people when seated.
For an 85-inch TV, aiming lower is usually better for comfort.
Here is one way to think about it:
1. Sit where you watch.
2. Measure your eye height from the floor. Let’s say it is 40 inches.
3. An 85-inch TV is about 42 inches tall.
4. If you put the center at 40 inches, the bottom is at 40 – (42 / 2) = 40 – 21 = 19 inches from the floor. The top is at 40 + 21 = 61 inches. This might be a good range if you sit far away.
5. If you sit closer, you might want the bottom edge higher, perhaps around 25-30 inches from the floor. If the bottom is at 30 inches, the center is at 30 + 21 = 51 inches. This puts the screen lower overall, reducing how much you look up.
Many experts suggest for large TVs, the bottom edge should be roughly 24 to 36 inches from the floor in a living room setting. This range depends a lot on your seating height and distance. A higher sofa means you can go a bit higher in this range. Sitting farther away also means you can go a bit higher.
Let’s look at examples:
| Seating Type | Approx. Eye Height (seated) | Suggested Bottom of 85″ TV Height | Why? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low Sofa | 35 – 38 inches | 24 – 28 inches | Keeps view low to match low seating |
| Standard Sofa | 38 – 42 inches | 26 – 32 inches | Matches typical seated eye level |
| Tall Chair/Sofa | 42 – 45 inches | 30 – 36 inches | Can be slightly higher with higher seats |
| Recliner (partly) | 40 – 44 inches (angled up) | 30 – 38 inches | Higher angle needs higher TV |
| Bed (leaning) | 36 – 40 inches (angled up) | 36 – 44 inches | Often needs to be higher in bedrooms |
Note: These are just guides. Your actual eye height and how you like to watch are key.
Using Tools to Help
You might find a tv mounting height calculator online. These tools can give you a starting point. You put in your TV size and your seated eye height. They might suggest a height for the center or bottom of the TV.
However, these tools are often based on simple math. They might not fully think about:
* The exact angle you sit at.
* How close or far your seat is.
* Your own comfort.
Use a calculator as a guide, but do not rely on it completely. Your eyes and neck will tell you what feels best.
Planning Your Mounting
Before drilling holes, plan it out.
1. Find your perfect spot: Sit on your sofa or chair. Look at the wall where the TV will go. Where does your eye naturally rest? Mark this spot lightly on the wall. This is roughly your eye level for wall mounted tv.
2. Measure: Measure your seated eye height. Use this number.
3. Consider the TV size: An 85-inch screen is about 42 inches tall.
* Option 1 (Center near eye level): If your eye height is 40 inches, mark a spot 40 inches from the floor. This is where the center would go. The top would be 61 inches, bottom at 19 inches. Is this too high?
* Option 2 (Bottom edge higher): Try a height for the bottom edge. Let’s say you think 28 inches from the floor feels good. Mark 28 inches. The center will be at 28 + 21 = 49 inches. The top will be at 49 + 21 = 70 inches. Look at this height on the wall. Does it feel right when you sit?
4. Make a template: Cut a piece of cardboard or paper the size of your 85-inch TV screen (about 74 inches wide by 42 inches tall).
5. Tape it up: Tape the template to the wall at the height you are thinking of. Use a level to make sure it is straight.
6. Test it: Sit in your usual viewing spot. Look at the template. Does the height feel good? Are you looking up too much? Is it too low? Move the template up or down until it feels right.
7. Mark the mounting holes: Once the template is at the perfect height, figure out where the TV mount will attach to the wall. Mark these spots carefully. The mount instructions will help here. They tell you the distance between the mount’s holes and the TV’s mounting holes (the VESA pattern on the back).
This testing with a template is the best way to find the optimal viewing height for 85 inch tv for you. It beats any general rule or calculator.
Why Standard Heights Don’t Always Work for 85 Inches
You might hear about a “standard” height to mount a TV. This often comes from old ways of thinking or for much smaller TVs. For example, placing the center at 42 inches is a common suggestion. This could be a standard tv mounting height for a 50-inch TV in some settings.
But an 85-inch TV is over 7 feet wide and about 3.5 feet tall. Its size makes it different. The recommended height for large screen tv is often lower relative to the screen size than for smaller TVs. This is simply because you cannot put the center of a huge screen at eye level without the top being way too high.
The average height to mount tv is really just an average across many sizes and rooms. It does not tell you the best height for your giant TV in your specific room with your seating.
Focus on your comfort. Focus on not having to look up. For an 85-inch TV, this almost always means the screen will be lower on the wall than a general “standard” height might suggest.
Types of TV Mounts and Height
The type of mount you use can also play a small role in final height and comfort.
- Fixed Mount: The TV stays flat against the wall. You must get the height perfect before putting it up.
- Tilting Mount: Lets you tilt the screen down a little. If the TV must be slightly higher than perfect (like over a fireplace, though still not ideal), tilting it down can help direct the picture towards your eyes and reduce reflections. It does not fix a height that is way too high for neck comfort.
- Full-Motion Mount (Articulating): These let you pull the TV out, tilt it, and swivel it. They offer the most flexibility. You could mount the TV slightly higher and then tilt it down more sharply. This is useful in a bedroom where the TV might be higher up. You can tilt it way down towards the bed.
Even with tilting mounts, try to get the main mounting height as close to ideal as possible. Tilting should correct small issues, not a big problem of mounting too high.
Thinking About Comfort and Health
Mounting your TV at the right height is not just about a good picture. It is about your health and comfort. Looking up for long times can cause:
* Neck pain
* Shoulder pain
* Eye strain
The optimal viewing height for 85 inch tv means you can watch for hours without these problems. Your eyes should be looking straight ahead or slightly down at the screen. This is the most natural and relaxed position for your neck.
Think about the eye level for wall mounted tv in terms of a comfortable viewing angle. Experts often talk about the center of the screen being no more than 15-20 degrees above your eye level. For an 85-inch TV, if the center is at your eye level, the top edge is already about 10 degrees above the center. If you sit closer, this angle gets bigger fast. This is another reason to aim for the bottom third or bottom edge to be nearer your eye level.
Mistakes to Avoid
Here are some common errors when mounting a big TV:
- Mounting too high: This is the most common mistake. Especially over fireplaces. Always test the height first.
- Ignoring seating: Putting the TV at a “standard” height without checking where you sit and your eye level.
- Not checking distance: Mounting the TV before deciding how far away you will sit. How far away to sit from 85 inch tv directly impacts the right height.
- Not using a template: Guessing the height is risky. A life-sized paper template is your friend.
- Drilling first, thinking later: Plan everything out before making holes in your wall. Check for studs or use proper wall anchors. Make sure wires can be hidden.
Remember, the recommended height for large screen tv is more about comfortable viewing angles than a fixed number.
Summary of Key Points
- For an 85-inch TV, your eye level when seated is the main guide for height.
- Because the screen is so big, the bottom edge or lower third of the screen is often better placed near eye level than the center.
- Your seating type and how far away you sit (proper viewing distance 85 inch tv) greatly affect the ideal height. Closer distance means lower TV.
- Different rooms need different heights (living room tv height 85 inch vs bedroom tv mounting height).
- Do not rely on standard tv mounting height or average height to mount tv numbers made for smaller TVs.
- Always use a life-sized paper template to test the height on your wall before mounting.
- Mounting over a fireplace is usually too high for comfortable viewing of an 85-inch TV.
- The optimal viewing height for 85 inch tv means you do not have to look up and strain your neck.
Taking the time to find the right height makes a huge difference in how much you enjoy your giant TV. It is worth the effort to get it just right for your space and your comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best height to mount an 85-inch TV in a living room?
For a living room with standard seating, aim for the bottom edge of the 85-inch TV to be roughly 24 to 36 inches from the floor. The exact height depends on how high your sofa or chair seats are and how far away you sit. Test with a template to find your ideal eye level for wall mounted tv.
How far away should I sit from an 85-inch TV?
Experts suggest a proper viewing distance 85 inch tv is often between 9 and 18 feet. For the best picture quality (especially 4K), sitting closer like 9 to 12 feet is often recommended. This distance affects the best mounting height; closer distances need lower mounting heights.
Is there a tv mounting height calculator for an 85-inch TV?
Yes, online calculators exist. They can give you a starting number based on screen size and eye height. However, it is best to use this as a guide only. Always test the height with a paper template on your wall while sitting in your viewing spot to find the best height for you.
Where should my eye level be relative to an 85-inch TV on the wall?
For optimal comfort, your eye level should ideally be level with or slightly above the bottom third of the 85-inch screen when seated. For such a large TV, putting the center exactly at eye level often makes the top of the screen too high, causing neck strain. The optimal viewing height for 85 inch tv balances screen size and your seated eye line.
Can I use standard tv mounting height guides for an 85-inch TV?
General standard tv mounting height or average height to mount tv guides (like center at 42 inches) are usually meant for smaller TVs. An 85-inch TV is much larger, so these standard numbers often result in the TV being mounted too high for comfortable viewing. Focus instead on your seated eye level and testing the height.
Is mounting an 85-inch TV over a fireplace okay?
Mounting an 85-inch TV over a fireplace is usually not recommended. The height is almost always too high for comfortable viewing, causing neck strain. Heat from the fireplace can also damage the TV over time. It is better to find another wall if possible for such a large screen.
How does bedroom tv mounting height differ from living room height?
Bedroom tv mounting height is often higher than in a living room. This is because people usually watch TV in bed while lying down or leaning back on pillows. This changes your eye angle to point upwards more, so the TV needs to be mounted higher on the wall to match that angle comfortably.
What is the recommended height for large screen tv like an 85-inch?
There is no single number that works for everyone. The recommended height for large screen tv depends on your seating height, viewing distance, and personal comfort. A common goal for comfort is for your seated eye level to be at or slightly above the bottom third of the screen. This often puts the bottom edge between 24 and 36 inches from the floor in a living room.
What if I have multiple seating areas at different heights?
Try to find a height that is a good compromise for the most used seating spot. For an 85-inch TV, mounting slightly lower is usually safer than too high to avoid neck strain for viewers on lower seats. If you have very different seating, consider a full-motion mount that can be adjusted.
Does tilting the TV down help if it’s mounted too high?
Tilting a TV down can help with reflections and make viewing from a slightly lower angle easier. However, it does not fix a height that is severely too high. If you have to tilt the TV very steeply, it is likely mounted too high, and you will still likely experience neck discomfort looking up. Getting the primary mounting height right is key.