How to Safely Wall-Mount Your Television

Television wall mounting is the single most effective way to reclaim floor space and achieve a clean, modern look in your living room. Done well, the TV appears to float seamlessly against the wall with no visible cords, providing a stable, level viewing experience that protects your investment from accidental bumps or toppling. However, a television is only as secure as the wall behind it. You are not just mounting a piece of electronics; you are managing a cantilevered load. Success depends entirely on finding the solid structural studs rather than relying on hollow drywall anchors. If you respect the physics of the wall and follow the leveling process with patience, you will have a rock-solid installation that lasts for years.

  1. Find Your Studs First. Use a high-quality stud finder to locate the center of the studs behind the drywall. Mark the center of at least two adjacent studs with a pencil and verify their location by tapping to listen for a solid thud versus a hollow sound.
  2. Eye Level Wins Every Time. Hold the TV bracket against the wall and align it so the center of the screen will be at eye level when you are seated. Mark the mounting holes on the wall while ensuring the bracket is perfectly level.
  3. Pilot Holes Prevent Splits. Use a drill bit slightly smaller than the diameter of your lag bolts to create clean pilot holes into the studs. This prevents the wood from splitting when you drive the heavy-duty hardware in.
  4. Bolt It Flush and Firm. Hold the mounting plate against the wall and drive the lag bolts through the plate into your pilot holes using a socket wrench. Tighten them firmly until the plate is flush and immovable against the wall.
  5. Gentle Hands on Glass. Lay your television face down on a soft blanket or a cushioned surface. Attach the two vertical mounting arms to the back of the TV using the manufacturer-supplied screws that fit your specific VESA pattern.
  6. Lock It and Verify Twice. With a helper, lift the television and hook the mounting arms over the wall plate. Once it is centered and secure, engage the safety locking screws or clips at the bottom of the mount to prevent the TV from being bumped off.