How to mount a TV on a wall

TVs get bigger every year – unfortunately, our living rooms don’t.

But instead of squinting at your TV from the other side of the room (or up at it, front-row-of-the-cinema style), why not try mounting it on the wall?

TV wall mount installation is easier than you might think. Plus, it looks super clean and hides unsightly cables.  

So, grab your toolbox and let’s get it done!

You’ll need a few tools to mount your TV to the wall: nothing flashy, just a few things from your toolbox. Don’t worry if you’re missing anything – our DIY selection will help you out.

Okay, here are the tools you’ll need:

The bolts in TV mounts penetrate deep into the wall. A stud finder locates the stud and any pipes and wiring you need to avoid. You can skip this tool if you’re mounting your TV onto brickwork.

You could mount your TV with a screwdriver – but it’s tough going. A power drill will make your life easier.

Another thing to bear in mind: drill bits. You’ll need a masonry drill bit for a brick wall and twist bits for anything else. This bumper drill bit set has everything you need.

You’ll use a tape measure to ensure the drill holes are the correct distance apart and to measure the ideal height for your TV.

You might need to secure some of the bolts with a spanner – check your TV bracket to be sure.

No one wants to watch a lopsided TV, so use a spirit level to ensure it’s flush. Don’t fancy buying one? You don’t have to! There are lots of free mobile apps, and you can always delete them later.  

Check your TV manual for the VESA mount measurements and buy a TV mount to match. Unsure about VESA measurements? This guide explains all.

Once you’ve found your wall studs, mark them with a small piece of painter’s tape. This is more visible than a pencil marking and won’t leave a mark.

TVs are awkward to lift – especially with screen sizes getting bigger by the year. Recruit a couple of pals to help you out.

Mounting your TV correctly first time is imperative – moving it afterwards adds unnecessary work and leaves unsightly holes behind.

Here’s an easy way to do it: cut out a sheet of paper or card the exact shape and size of your TV, then hold it up to the wall. When you’re happy with its position, mark the corners and edges with painter’s tape or a pencil.

Voilà Advance to step 2.

Hold the TV bracket to the wall and mark the bolt holes with painter’s tape or a pencil. Use a spirit level to ensure the holes are flush.

Happy with the TV mount’s position? Great, you’re almost ready to start drilling. You just need to make some pilot holes first.

Make your pilot holes and check they’re flush using a spirit level. Then drill the holes using a drill bit that matches your TV mount’s bolts.  

Wall mounts come in two parts, and you’ve just attached one of them to the wall. Now you just need to fix the other part to your TV.

To do this, take four bolts and attach the mount to the four holes on the back of your TV.

Some wall mounts come with fastening screws to help secure the TV. If you have these, fit them loosely – you’ll tighten them once your TV’s in position.

Having help at this stage is non-negotiable – you don’t want a smashed screen now!

Lift the TV carefully (it’s all in the legs!) and connect it to the wall bracket. Different mounts have different mechanisms, but sliding hooks are the most common. Just check the manufacturer’s instructions, and you can’t go wrong!

After mounting your TV, the last thing you want is a slew of cables spidering down the wall.

Here are a couple of ways to hide the TV wires when mounting your TV:

This requires a bit of DIY, but it’s mighty useful if you have lots of cables.

Start by making a hole in the wall behind the TV and thread all the cables through. Below, make another hole and pull the wires through.

Don’t worry if it looks a bit messy; you can neaten the holes with plastic fittings. If you plan to use these, make sure the holes will accommodate the fittings.

If you only have a couple of cables, trunking (a protective enclosure) is an alternative to threading them through the wall. And if you’re mounting your TV onto brickwork or masonry, it’s the only option.

Make sure you buy trunking that’s big enough to accommodate the cables, and buy a colour that matches the wall. Don’t worry if it’s not exactly the same colour, though – you can always paint trunking.

So, the TV’s mounted; kids (or pets) are in bed – now what are you going to watch?! Whatever film, series, or game you dive into – enjoy!   

If there’s another home or DIY guide you’re itching to read, let us know in the comments below, or check out our blog for more handy how-to guides.

Ciao for now, guys!