Putting a TV in a corner can save space. It can also give everyone in the room a good view. You might wonder what kind of mount works best for this. For mounting TV in corner spots, an articulating TV mount corner or a full motion TV mount corner is usually the top choice. These mounts let you pull the TV out, turn it side to side (swivel corner TV mount), and sometimes tilt it up or down. This makes it easy to get the best viewing angle no matter where you are sitting. Choosing the best corner TV mount means looking for these features. This guide will walk you through how to do a corner TV mount installation yourself, step by step.
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Why Put Your TV in a Corner?
Putting your TV on the wall in a corner is a smart move for many rooms. Here are some reasons why people choose this spot:
- Saves Space: A big TV stand takes up a lot of floor space. Mounting the TV lifts it off the floor. A corner mount tucks the TV into a spot that might not be used otherwise. This makes the room feel bigger.
- Better Viewing Angles: In some rooms, a corner spot lets more people see the screen without glare. A swivel corner TV mount lets you turn the TV. This way, you can point the screen right where you need it.
- Looks Clean: Mounting hides messy wires better. A TV on the wall looks neat and modern.
- Safer for Kids and Pets: Getting the TV up high on the wall means little hands and paws are less likely to bump into it or pull it over.
Picking the Right Mount for a Corner
Finding the right TV bracket for corner use is very important. Not all mounts work well in a corner. Here’s what you need to know:
Types of TV Mounts
There are a few main types of wall mounts for TVs.
- Fixed Mounts: These hold the TV flat against the wall. The TV does not move. These do not work well in corners because you cannot angle the TV.
- Tilt Mounts: These let you tilt the TV screen up or down. This helps with glare. But the TV still stays flat against the wall. They are not great for corners.
- Swivel Mounts: These mounts let you turn the TV side to side. Some let you tilt too. They stick out from the wall more than fixed or tilt mounts. These are better for corners than fixed or tilt mounts. They offer some movement.
- Articulating or Full Motion Mounts: These are the best corner TV mount options. They have an arm (or arms) that can extend out from the wall. You can pull the TV out, turn it a lot (swivel), and usually tilt it too. A full motion TV mount corner setup gives you the most control over your viewing angle. This is key for corners.
Why Full Motion is Best for Corners
When you mount a TV directly into a corner, the mount needs to connect to two walls or sit right at the corner point. A single wall mount with a long articulating arm works best. This arm lets you pull the TV far enough away from the wall. Then you can angle it just right into the room. A full motion TV mount corner piece is designed to give you this flexibility. Without an arm that moves, the TV would just face straight into the corner walls. That is not helpful.
Checking Your TV and Mount
You need to make sure your mount works with your TV. Look for these things:
- VESA Pattern: This is the pattern of screw holes on the back of your TV. Mounts use this pattern to attach to the TV. The VESA pattern is given in millimeters (mm). For example, 200x200mm or 400x400mm. Your mount packaging will list the VESA patterns it works with. Your TV manual or the back of the TV will tell you its VESA pattern. They must match.
- TV Size and Weight: Every mount has limits on the size and weight of the TV it can hold. Check your TV’s size (in inches) and weight (in pounds or kilograms). Make sure the mount can safely hold your TV. Using a mount that is too small or weak is dangerous.
A good TV bracket for corner use will match your VESA, size, and weight needs. For a DIY corner TV mount project, getting the right mount is step one.
Getting Your Tools Ready
Before you start your corner TV mount installation, gather everything you will need. Having the right tools makes the job easier and safer.
Here is a list of common tools and items:
| Tool/Item | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Your TV mount kit | Includes the wall mount piece, TV brackets, screws |
| Your TV | Ready to go |
| Stud finder | To find the wood studs in your wall |
| Pencil | For marking spots on the wall |
| Level | To make sure the mount is straight |
| Drill | To make holes and drive screws |
| Drill bits | Sizes needed for pilot holes (check mount guide) |
| Socket wrench or drill adapter | To drive lag bolts (big screws) into studs |
| Phillips head screwdriver | For smaller screws |
| Tape measure | To plan your corner TV mounting height and position |
| Safety glasses | To protect your eyes from dust and debris |
| Helper (a friend) | Very helpful for lifting the TV |
| Optional: Cable ties | For managing wires |
| Optional: Drywall anchors | ONLY if mounting part of the bracket NOT on a stud (check mount instructions – studs are best) |
Most mount kits come with screws and bolts. Make sure they look strong and are the right type for going into wood studs (usually lag bolts).
Picking the Perfect Spot and Height
Finding the right spot and height for mounting TV in corner is very important. Think about where you sit to watch TV. The middle of the TV screen should be at eye level when you are seated. This is a good starting point for your corner TV mounting height.
Here is how to pick your spot:
- Think About Viewing Angle: Sit where you normally watch TV. Look at the corner you plan to use. Imagine the TV there. Where would the center be for you to watch without looking up or down too much?
- Check for Obstacles: Are there any doors, windows, or furniture that would block the view or the TV when it is pulled out?
- Find the Studs: This is the most important step for safety. You must attach the wall mount to the wood studs inside your wall. Drywall alone is not strong enough to hold a TV, especially with an articulating TV mount corner that pulls away from the wall.
- Use your stud finder to scan the walls in the corner area. Mark the edges of the studs with a pencil.
- In a corner, you might attach the wall mount to studs in one wall, or to studs in both walls if your mount is made for that (some special corner wall mount TV bracket designs exist, but single-arm mounts attaching to one wall are more common and flexible).
- Make sure the studs you find are strong enough and in the right place for your mount’s wall plate. The mount instructions will show where the holes are on the wall plate. You need to find studs that line up with these holes. You might need to drill into two or three studs for proper support, depending on the mount design.
- Check for Wires and Pipes: Before drilling, be careful! You do not want to drill into electric wires or water pipes inside the wall. Stud finders often have a setting to detect metal or wires. Be extra careful in areas near power outlets or plumbing. If you are unsure, it might be best to get help from a professional.
- Mark the Height: Once you know which studs you will use, decide on the exact height. Remember the goal: center of the TV at eye level when seated.
- Measure from the floor to the height you want the center of the TV to be. Mark this spot lightly on the wall.
- Now, look at your mount. The mount’s wall plate goes on the wall. The TV hangs below the top of the mount’s wall plate. Your mount’s instructions will tell you the distance from the mounting holes on the wall plate to the center of where the TV will hang.
- Measure up from your desired TV center mark by this distance. This is where the bottom of the wall mount’s drilling template or the mount itself should line up. Mark this spot clearly. Use your level to draw a straight horizontal line through this mark. This line shows where the bottom edge of your mount’s drilling guide should go.
Taking time with this planning stage is crucial for a safe and good-looking installation.
Step-by-Step Corner TV Mount Installation
Now, let’s put that TV on the wall! Follow these steps carefully for your corner TV mount installation.
Step 1: Marking the Drill Holes
Most mounts come with a paper template. This template shows where the holes need to be drilled on the wall.
- Tape the template to the wall in your chosen corner spot. Line up the bottom edge of the template with the horizontal line you drew earlier (which accounts for your desired TV height).
- Use your level on the template to make sure it is perfectly straight. Adjust the tape until it is level.
- Double-check that the holes marked on the template are centered over the studs you found and marked earlier. You might need to slightly shift the template left or right to line up with the center of the studs. This is why marking the stud edges helps.
- Once the template is level and centered on the studs, use your pencil to mark the exact center of each drilling hole shown on the template. Mark these spots clearly.
- Remove the template from the wall.
Step 2: Drilling the Pilot Holes
You marked the spots. Now you need to drill holes for the lag bolts (the big screws that go into the studs). These are called pilot holes. They guide the lag bolts and prevent the wood stud from splitting.
- Check your mount instructions for the right size drill bit for the pilot holes. Using the wrong size is a common DIY corner TV mount mistake. Too small, and the lag bolt is hard to drive in. Too big, and the lag bolt won’t grip the wood properly.
- Attach the correct size drill bit to your drill.
- Put on your safety glasses.
- Drill straight into the wall at each pencil mark. Drill into the center of the stud. Drill to the depth recommended in your mount instructions. This depth is usually a bit shorter than the length of the lag bolt so the bolt can really grip the wood.
- Drill all the pilot holes you marked for the wall mount plate.
Step 3: Attaching the Mount to the Wall
This is where your TV bracket for corner use goes from a part to the wall.
- Hold the mount’s wall plate up to the wall. Line up the holes on the mount with the pilot holes you just drilled.
- Insert the lag bolts into the holes. You might need a washer with each bolt (check your mount kit). Washers help distribute the force and prevent the bolt head from damaging the mount plate.
- Use your socket wrench or a drill with a socket adapter to drive the lag bolts into the studs.
- Tighten the bolts firmly. But be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the stud or the bolt. Stop when the mount is snug and secure against the wall and does not wobble.
- Use your level one last time on the mount plate itself to make sure it is perfectly horizontal. If it is slightly off, you might be able to loosen one bolt slightly and tighten another to adjust it, but ideally, it was level after drilling.
Your corner wall mount TV bracket is now securely attached!
Step 4: Attaching the Brackets to the TV
Now, let’s get the TV ready to hang.
- Lay your TV screen down on a soft, clean surface (like a blanket on the floor) to protect the screen.
- Find the VESA screw holes on the back of your TV.
- Take the TV brackets from your mount kit. These are the pieces that attach to the back of the TV and then hook onto the wall mount.
- Line up the holes in the TV brackets with the VESA holes on the back of your TV.
- Choose the correct screws from your mount kit to attach the brackets to the TV. Mount kits usually include several sizes of screws. Gently test which screw size fits the holes on your TV without forcing it. The correct screw should thread easily but not be too long (it shouldn’t hit anything inside the TV). Your TV manual might also tell you the correct screw size.
- Insert the screws through the brackets and into the TV. Tighten them using a Phillips head screwdriver. Make them snug, but do not overtighten.
- Make sure the brackets are securely fastened to the TV.
Some brackets have adjustable parts or locking mechanisms. Make sure these are set correctly according to your mount’s instructions.
Step 5: Hanging the TV on the Mount
This is the most exciting part! You will need your helper here.
- Carefully lift the TV together with your helper.
- Carry the TV over to the wall mount.
- Look at how the brackets on the back of the TV connect to the wall mount arm or plate. Mounts usually have hooks on the brackets that hang onto a bar or plate on the mount.
- Slowly and carefully lift the TV and guide the brackets onto the mount. Follow your mount’s specific instructions for how the TV connects. It might hook on from the top and then slide down, or it might connect in another way.
- Once the TV is hanging on the mount, do not let go yet. Make sure it feels secure and is properly seated on the mount. Gently test the weight.
- Most mounts have a safety mechanism to prevent the TV from being accidentally lifted off. This might be screws that tighten from the bottom of the brackets into the mount, or clips that snap into place. Secure this safety mechanism before letting go of the TV. This is a critical step in your corner TV mount installation.
With the safety screws or clips in place, you and your helper can slowly let go of the TV. It should now be hanging securely on the wall.
Step 6: Making Final Adjustments
Now that the TV is hanging, you can use the features of your articulating TV mount corner to get the perfect view.
- Gently pull the TV away from the wall using the arm.
- Swivel the TV side to side (using the swivel corner TV mount feature) until it faces the main seating area.
- If your mount has tilt, adjust the up or down angle to reduce glare or get a better look. There might be knobs or screws on the mount you need to loosen or tighten to change the tilt.
- Step back and look at the TV from different spots in the room. Adjust the position until you are happy.
- Make sure all moving parts feel stable after adjustment.
Step 7: Managing Cables
Wires can look messy hanging from a wall-mounted TV. Now is the time to organize them.
- Connect all the cables needed for your TV (power cord, HDMI cables, etc.).
- Gather the cables together.
- Many articulating mounts have clips or channels on the arm to help route cables neatly. Use these if your mount has them.
- You can use cable ties or velcro straps to bundle the wires together along the arm of the mount.
- Let the cables hang down near the corner, or route them through a wall cable management kit for a cleaner look (this usually involves making holes in the wall, which is a separate DIY task).
Keep the cables tidy so they do not get pinched when you move the TV.
Safety Tips for Mounting Your TV
Doing a DIY corner TV mount job can be safe if you take your time and follow directions. Here are key safety points:
- Always Find Studs: Never rely on drywall anchors alone for a TV wall mount, especially a full motion TV mount corner that puts extra stress on the wall. Always drill into solid wood studs. If you cannot find studs in the right spot, you might need a different mounting solution or professional help.
- Use the Right Hardware: Only use the screws and bolts that came with your mount, or high-quality hardware specifically meant for TV mounts and wood studs.
- Double-Check Your Work: Before hanging the TV, make sure the wall mount is rock solid. After hanging the TV, ensure the safety locks or screws are fastened.
- Get Help: TVs are heavy and awkward to lift. Always have a helper to lift and position the TV onto the mount. This prevents dropping the TV or hurting yourself.
- Protect Your Eyes: Wear safety glasses when drilling.
- Be Aware of Wires/Pipes: Use a stud finder with wire detection or be very careful when drilling. Know what is likely behind your walls.
- Do Not Exceed Weight/Size Limits: Make absolutely sure your mount can hold your specific TV.
- Follow Mount Instructions: Every mount is slightly different. Read the instructions that came with your specific TV bracket for corner use carefully.
Mounting TV in corner successfully means doing it safely first.
Extra Tips for Your DIY Corner TV Mount Project
Here are a few more ideas to help your DIY corner TV mount go smoothly:
- Unpack Everything First: Lay out all the parts from the mount kit. Check that everything is there before you start. Read through the mount instructions completely.
- Organize Hardware: Mounts come with many screws. The instructions usually label them (e.g., Bag A, Bag B). Keep them organized so you pick the right screws for each step (attaching mount to wall vs. attaching brackets to TV).
- Test Fit: Before drilling holes in your wall, if possible, hold the wall mount plate up to the wall where you plan to put it. See how it looks and check the stud alignment again.
- Consider the TV Size: A very large TV might be harder to fit snugly into a corner, even with a full motion mount. Think about how far the TV will stick out when flat against the wall (even full motion mounts don’t go perfectly flat) and how much space you need to swivel it.
- Paint or Touch Up Before Mounting: Once the mount is on the wall, it is hard to paint behind it. If your wall needs painting, do it before installation.
Doing a DIY corner TV mount takes time and care. Do not rush it.
Keeping Your Mounted TV Secure
Once your TV is mounted, it is mostly maintenance-free. But it is a good idea to check it once in a while.
- Every few months, gently try to move the wall mount plate to make sure the lag bolts are still tight in the studs.
- Check the connection points between the TV brackets and the wall mount to ensure the safety mechanism is still secure.
- If you often move the TV using the articulating arm, check the joints on the arm to make sure they are not becoming loose. Most mounts let you tighten these joints if needed.
Taking a moment to check can keep your TV safely on the wall for years.
Wrapping Up
Mounting TV in corner spaces is a great way to use your room better and get a better view. While it takes careful work, most people can do a corner TV mount installation themselves. Choosing the right articulating TV mount corner or full motion TV mount corner is key because of the movement they offer. Finding the studs, picking the right corner TV mounting height, and following every step carefully are important for safety. With the right tools, a helper, and this step-by-step guide, your DIY corner TV mount project can be a success. You will be enjoying your TV from the perfect angle in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
h4: What is the best type of mount for a corner?
The best type of mount for mounting TV in corner is a full motion or articulating TV mount. These mounts have arms that extend and swivel. This lets you pull the TV away from the wall and angle it into the room. This is needed because the corner spot means the TV isn’t facing straight out.
h4: Can any TV mount work in a corner?
No, not just any mount works well. Fixed and tilt mounts hold the TV flat against the wall. They would just face the TV into the corner walls. You need a TV bracket for corner use that allows for a lot of swivel movement. An articulating TV mount corner or full motion TV mount corner is designed for this kind of movement.
h4: Do I need to drill into studs for a corner TV mount installation?
Yes, absolutely. You must drill into wood studs to safely support a TV wall mount, especially for a swivel corner TV mount or full motion mount that extends from the wall. Drywall cannot hold the weight of a TV. Finding studs is a critical part of any wall mount installation. A corner wall mount TV bracket needs strong support.
h4: How do I find the right height for my TV in the corner?
A good corner TV mounting height puts the center of the TV screen at your eye level when you are sitting down to watch. You can measure this height while sitting on your sofa. Remember to account for where the mount attaches to the wall compared to where the center of the TV will hang.
h4: Is a DIY corner TV mount project hard?
It takes care and the right tools, but it is a project many people can do. The hardest parts are accurately finding the studs, making sure the mount is level, and safely lifting the TV. Having a helper is strongly recommended. Follow instructions carefully and do not rush.
h4: Can I mount the TV directly into two corner walls?
Some special corner wall mount TV bracket systems exist that attach to both walls forming the corner. However, most common and flexible mounts are standard single-wall mounts with an extra-long articulating arm designed to reach out from one wall and position the TV in the corner space. Check the mount type and instructions carefully.
h4: What if my mount kit doesn’t have the right screws for my TV?
TV mounts usually come with a variety of screws for different TV brands and sizes. Check your TV manual for the exact screw size needed for the VESA holes. If none of the included screws fit perfectly, you might need to buy the correct VESA screws separately from a hardware store. Make sure they are the right diameter and length.
h4: How close can the TV be to the corner walls with an articulating mount?
With an articulating TV mount corner, the TV can be positioned very close to the corner walls when the arm is folded back. However, you need space behind the TV for cables and for the mount arm itself. The exact distance depends on the specific mount and TV thickness. Check the mount’s specs for minimum distance from the wall.
h4: What is VESA?
VESA is a standard used by most TV and mount makers. It is the pattern of screw holes on the back of your TV that the mount attaches to. It is described by two numbers in millimeters, like 400x400mm. Your TV’s VESA pattern must match the pattern(s) supported by the mount.