Fixed (flat)
Holds the screen close and flat to the wall for a low-profile look. Ideal when the TV sits at eye level and you don't need to angle it.
The big picture
Your friendly TV mounting guide
Before the drill comes out, it helps to understand the choices in front of you. This guide covers the groundwork — mounts, walls, and tools — so the ten steps feel obvious when you get there.
Why mount a TV on the wall?
A wall-mounted television frees up floor space, keeps trailing cables out of reach, and lets you set the screen at a comfortable height for the room. Done carefully, it looks clean and stays put for years. The key word is carefully: a good result is mostly about planning, not muscle.
This guide is written for people doing it themselves for the first time. We'll keep the language plain, flag the moments that matter for safety, and always point you back to the instructions that came with your own TV and mount.
Choosing the right mount
Three common styles, each suited to a different room and viewing habit.
Tilting
Angles the screen downward, which helps when it's mounted higher than eye level — above a fireplace, for example — and cuts glare.
Full-motion
Extends, swivels, and tilts on an arm for flexible viewing across a room. It carries more weight, so check the ratings and use extra fixing points.
Understanding VESA and weight ratings
Two numbers decide whether a mount and a TV belong together:
- VESA pattern — the horizontal and vertical spacing between the four threaded holes on the back of the TV, written as width×height in millimetres (for example 200×200 or 600×400). Your mount lists the patterns it supports.
- Weight — every mount has a maximum load. Your television must sit comfortably within it, with headroom to spare rather than right at the limit.
Rule of thumb: if the VESA pattern matches and your TV's weight is within the mount's rating, you have a compatible pair. If either doesn't line up, choose a different mount rather than improvising.
Know your wall
The wall matters as much as the mount. The most common types you'll meet:
Timber-stud walls
A plasterboard surface over vertical wooden studs. Fix into the studs themselves, not the board alone, so a stud finder is essential.
Masonry walls
Solid brick, block, or concrete. Very strong, but you'll need a masonry drill bit and wall plugs rated for the load.
When to pause
Hollow walls with no reachable studs, crumbling plaster, or anything you're unsure about are all good reasons to stop and get a professional opinion before drilling.
Tools you'll want on hand
- A wall mount compatible with your TV's VESA pattern and weight
- A drill with bits suited to your wall type
- A stud finder (for stud walls)
- A spirit level to keep everything straight
- A pencil, tape measure, and screwdriver
- The screws, plugs, and fixings supplied with the mount, plus any extras your wall needs
Ready for the detail? The step-by-step walkthrough takes each stage in order, with tools, safety notes, and tips along the way.
Feeling prepared?
You've got the groundwork. Now follow the ten steps at your own pace and put that TV where it belongs.
Go to the 10 steps