Mastering TV Placement: An Expert Guide for Optimal Viewing

August 17, 2023 by Dane Collins.

The placement of a television isn’t just about aesthetics; it's a blend of style and comfort, of visual appeal and ergonomic health. At Contempo Space, we've been pioneers in crafting entertainment furniture for over half a century, giving us a front-row seat to the evolving dynamics of TV placement.

Over the years, we've been approached with myriad questions: "How high should my TV be?" "Can I place it above the fireplace?" "What about glare from the windows?" This guide is a culmination of our vast experience, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive perspective on optimal TV placement.

Remember: while guidelines offer a foundation, every home is unique, and the best solutions often lie in balancing principles with personal preferences.

Understanding Viewing Distance

The distance between you and your screen, often overlooked, plays a pivotal role in the quality of your viewing experience, ensuring comfort during those binge-watching sessions or intense movie nights.

Role of TV Size

The size of your TV is the primary determinant of the ideal viewing distance. Generally, the larger the screen, the further away you'd want to be to capture the full breadth of the display without overwhelming your field of vision.

General Rule for Standard Sizes

For the most prevalent TV sizes, specifically those between 39 to 55 inches, a distance of approximately eight to nine feet strikes a comfortable balance. It allows viewers to immerse themselves in the content without straining their eyes.

Flexibility and Exceptions

Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. Rooms with unusual dimensions or TVs that veer significantly from standard sizes may require adjustments. If you're faced with space constraints, sitting slightly closer to the TV is generally more acceptable than being too far. But caution remains paramount: ensure the TV isn't placed too high, as this can cause neck strain and compromise viewing angles.

Ergonomic Placement: The Case for Lower TV Positioning

Ergonomics goes beyond office chairs and computer monitors; it's equally important when determining the ideal placement for your television. An ergonomically placed TV ensures that viewers can engage with content without discomfort, promoting both better posture and a richer viewing experience.

Aligning TV with Seated Eye Level

Imagine sitting down after a long day and having to crane your neck upwards to watch your favorite show. Not only does this dampen the joy of relaxation, but it also places undue strain on your neck and back. The ideal position for your TV is where the middle of the screen aligns with the viewer's eye level when seated. This means that viewers should gaze almost straight ahead, without needing to tilt their head significantly.

It's tempting to place the TV at a level that complements the room's aesthetic, especially when standing. However, constant upward gazing can result in neck strain and, over time, more significant postural issues.

The Pitfalls of High Placement

Common placements like above fireplaces can often lead to the TV being too high, making viewers crane their necks upwards. Besides discomfort, watching from a steep angle can distort colors and images.

Leading TV wall mount producers such as ArmorMount and Sanus have echoed sentiments underscoring the pitfalls of high TV placements. They have collectively observed that many individuals inadvertently mount their TVs too high, resulting in an upwards gaze which can induce neck strain over prolonged periods.

Practical Tips for Precision

Determining the right height for your TV might sound complex, but a simple trick can make it intuitive: cut a piece of cardboard to the size of your TV. This mock TV is not only lightweight and easy to move, but it also allows you to visualize different placements in relation to your seating and other furniture.

The Fireplace Conundrum

Fireplaces are naturally positioned as focal points in many living spaces, making them tempting spots for TV placements. However, beyond the ergonomics, there are other considerations. The heat and soot produced can potentially harm your television. If you're adamant about this placement, ensure the TV is at least sufficiently distanced from direct heat, and consider using a tilting mount to angle the screen downward for a more direct line of sight.

A simple solution

Contempo Space's entertainment centers, TV stands, room dividers, and TV wardrobes are designed to offer the best viewing angles for most living rooms and bedrooms.

Strategies to Combat Glare

The brilliance of a TV's display can be overshadowed by unwanted reflections and glare, impacting the viewer's ability to discern details and colors accurately. Whether it's the afternoon sun streaming in or the ambient room lights, mitigating glare is crucial for an optimal viewing experience.

Modern Flat Screens and Their Challenges

While advancements in screen technology have ushered in features like "anti-glare," it's a misconception to believe they're entirely immune to reflections. Even the most advanced screens can suffer from some degree of glare under specific lighting conditions.

Interior Lighting Recommendations

Your first impulse might be to watch TV in complete darkness. However, this can lead to eye strain over extended periods. Instead, consider bias lighting — a soft ambient light placed behind the television. Not only does this technique reduce the contrast between the screen and its dark surroundings, but it also adds a touch of ambiance to the room. Alternatively, using dimmable lights allows you to adjust brightness levels to suit your viewing preferences while reducing direct glare on the screen.

Many of our pieces offer ambient lighting, such as this beautiful Chrystie Entertainment Center.

Addressing External Light Sources

Windows can be both a blessing and a curse. While they illuminate rooms naturally, they can also be sources of significant glare, especially west-facing windows during the evening. Room-darkening window treatments or shades can be invaluable here, offering a solution that can easily be adjusted based on the time of day and viewing needs.

Personalizing with Purpose: Tailoring TV Placement for Your Space

Every living space is unique, bearing its distinct character, constraints, and opportunities. This uniqueness means that while guidelines serve as a starting point, achieving the perfect TV placement often requires a touch of personalization.

Respecting Room Dimensions

Not all rooms are created equal. The shape and size of your room play a significant role in deciding TV placement. It's essential to understand the flow of the room and ensure that the TV placement complements, rather than disrupts, this flow.

Furniture Arrangement Considerations

The other elements in the room — couches, coffee tables, bookshelves — all contribute to the overall ambiance and viewing experience. It's worth taking the time to experiment with different arrangements to see which best suits your viewing needs while maintaining a harmonious room layout.

Special Features and Limitations

Some rooms might boast features like built-in shelving or architectural niches, which can either be a boon or a challenge for TV placement. Embrace these features, and consider how your TV can either fit within or complement them. Conversely, be mindful of limitations, like non-negotiable fixtures or vents, and plan accordingly.

Evolution Over Time

As our lives and tastes evolve, so too do our living spaces. What worked five years ago might not be ideal today. Periodically reassessing your TV placement, especially after major room changes or renovations, can ensure you continue to get the best viewing experience.

The most satisfying TV placement is one that resonates with your individual needs and the specific quirks of your room. Embrace the journey of tweaking and refining, knowing that the goal is a space that feels uniquely yours, offering both comfort and style in equal measure.

Informed Decisions Yield Better Results: The Importance of Planning

When it comes to interior design, spontaneity can sometimes lead to delightful results. However, when it comes to the strategic placement of your television, a touch of foresight and planning can make all the difference.

Visual Mock-ups

Before finalizing your TV’s location, a visual mock-up can be a game-changer. Whether it's using cardboard cutouts, as previously mentioned, or even painter's tape to outline potential placements, having a tangible representation can help in visualizing the end result.

Tech and Wiring Considerations

Beyond the TV, other components like sound systems, gaming consoles, or streaming devices need a home. Ensure your chosen TV spot offers a practical solution for wiring, outlets, and any additional storage or shelving you might need.

Consultation with Professionals

When in doubt, don't hesitate to seek professional advice. Companies like Contempo Space, with years of experience in crafting entertainment furniture and understanding the intricacies of room layouts, can offer invaluable insights tailored to your specific needs.

Mastering TV Placement: An Expert Guide for Optimal Viewing