How to Choose a TV Mount
Learn the difference between fixed, tilting, and full-motion TV mounts to find the right one for your room.
Fixed, Tilting, and Full-Motion: What Actually Changes
The three mount types differ in how far the TV sits off the wall and how much it can move, which in turn determines what kind of room they work best in.
Mount Type | Distance From Wall | Movement | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
Fixed | About 1 inch | None | TV already at eye level, minimal visible gap |
Tilting | About 2 to 4 inches | Downward tilt only | TVs mounted above eye level, like above a fireplace |
Full-Motion | 2 to 24+ inches, extendable | Swivel, tilt, and extend | Multiple seating areas, corners, and large open rooms |
Matching Weight Capacity to Your Actual TV
Every mount has a maximum weight rating, and it needs to be matched to your TV's real weight with some margin, not just its screen size — older LCD and plasma sets can weigh significantly more than a modern LED or OLED TV at the same diagonal measurement. Full-motion mounts need extra attention here: the extension arm's weight rating typically assumes the TV at rest, and leverage increases the effective load as the arm extends outward, so a mount that's technically rated for your TV's weight at rest can still be undersized for full extension.
Finding Your TV's VESA Pattern
VESA is the standard that governs the spacing between the four mounting holes on the back of your TV, measured in millimeters as horizontal spacing by vertical spacing. It's listed in your TV's manual or spec sheet, but if you don't have either, the most reliable method is measuring the hole spacing directly — VESA pattern doesn't map cleanly to screen size across brands, so two TVs of the same diagonal size can use different patterns.
Wall Type Also Affects the Choice
Standard drywall over wood studs accommodates any of the three mount types. Brick, stone, and concrete need masonry-specific anchors regardless of which mount you choose, and very heavy full-motion mounts on these surfaces sometimes need additional anchor points to handle the extended leverage safely.
We Supply and Match the Right Mount
Not sure which type or weight rating your setup needs? We assess your TV, wall, and room layout and bring the correct mount as part of the installation.