How to Choose the Correct TV Wall Bracket
Choosing the correct TV wall bracket is essential for a secure installation and comfortable viewing experience. The right bracket depends on your television’s size, weight, VESA mounting pattern, wall type and the amount of movement you require.
TV Mounter has more than 10 years of experience installing televisions with fixed, tilting, full-motion and specialist wall brackets.
Check Your Television’s Size and Weight
Every wall bracket has a maximum supported screen size and weight. Your television must remain within both limits.
For example, a bracket advertised for televisions between 32 and 65 inches may not be suitable for a heavier 65-inch model. Always check the television’s weight without its stand and compare it with the bracket’s stated capacity.
Choose a strong, good-quality bracket with a suitable safety margin rather than relying on its maximum limit.
Check the VESA Mounting Pattern
VESA refers to the distance between the mounting holes on the back of the television. It is measured horizontally and vertically in millimetres.
Common VESA sizes include:
- 200 × 200 mm
- 300 × 300 mm
- 400 × 200 mm
- 400 × 400 mm
- 600 × 400 mm
The bracket must support your television’s exact VESA pattern. You can normally find this information in the TV manual or product specifications.
Types of TV Wall Brackets
Fixed TV bracket
A fixed bracket keeps the television close to the wall and provides a clean, simple appearance. It is suitable when the TV will be viewed directly from the front.
Fixed brackets offer limited access behind the television, so sockets and cables must be carefully planned before installation.
Tilting TV bracket
A tilting bracket allows the screen to angle downwards. It is useful when the television must be mounted slightly above eye level, such as in a bedroom or above a fireplace.
Some tilting brackets also provide additional space behind the TV for plugs and cables.
Full-motion TV bracket
A full-motion bracket allows the television to extend away from the wall, swivel sideways and tilt. It is ideal for open-plan rooms, corner installations and spaces with multiple viewing positions.
The wall and fixings must support the additional force created when the bracket is fully extended.
Pull-down TV bracket
A pull-down bracket is designed mainly for televisions installed above fireplaces. It allows the screen to be lowered towards a more comfortable viewing position.
The available space, fireplace heat and wall construction must be assessed before installation.
Consider Your Wall Type
The correct bracket is only one part of a safe installation. Suitable fixings must also be selected for the wall construction.
TVs can be mounted on:
- Brick walls
- Concrete walls
- Plasterboard stud walls
- Dot-and-dab walls
- Reinforced media walls
A plasterboard or dot-and-dab wall requires a different fixing method from solid brick. Large televisions and full-motion brackets may require additional reinforcement or fixing into structural supports.
Think About Sockets and Cables
Slim fixed brackets leave very little space between the television and wall. A standard plug or projecting socket behind the TV may prevent the screen from sitting flat.
Check the position of power sockets, HDMI cables, aerial connections and media devices before choosing a bracket. If extra space is required, a tilting or full-motion bracket may provide better access.
TV Mounter can conceal cables inside a suitable plasterboard wall with a clear cavity. This is subject to studs, insulation, fire barriers and other internal obstructions. We do not chase cables into brick or concrete walls.
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Choose a Bracket for Your Viewing Position
Consider where you will normally sit and whether the TV needs to move.
Choose a fixed bracket when:
- The seating is directly opposite the television
- You want the TV close to the wall
- Regular access behind the screen is unnecessary
Choose a tilting bracket when:
- The television will sit above eye level
- You want to reduce reflections
- You need additional cable clearance
Choose a full-motion bracket when:
- The TV must turn towards different seating areas
- It will be installed in a corner
- You need easy access to connections
- You want to pull the screen away from the wall
Can You Reuse an Existing TV Bracket?
An existing bracket may be reused if it supports the new television’s size, weight and VESA mounting pattern. The bracket, fixings and wall should also be inspected for damage or movement.
Never assume an old bracket will safely support a larger or heavier television.
Common Bracket-Buying Mistakes
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Selecting a bracket using screen size alone
- Ignoring the television’s weight
- Failing to check the VESA pattern
- Buying an unsuitable bracket for the wall type
- Forgetting to consider socket positions
- Choosing a fixed bracket when movement is needed
- Using a low-quality bracket for a large television
- Failing to check soundbar clearance
Professional TV Bracket Installation
TV Mounter provides professional TV wall mounting with more than 10 years of experience. Our fully insured installers can assess your TV, wall type, viewing position and cable requirements before recommending a suitable bracket.
We install televisions across London, Kent, Essex, Sussex, Surrey, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire and Bedfordshire.
Our service can include bracket installation, accurate positioning, cable management, soundbar mounting and connection of your devices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are TV wall brackets universal?
Many brackets support several TV models, but they are not completely universal. The screen size, weight and VESA pattern must all be compatible.
Which bracket keeps a TV closest to the wall?
A slim fixed bracket usually provides the smallest gap between the television and wall.
Is a full-motion bracket safe for a large TV?
Yes, provided the bracket, wall structure and fixings are suitable for the television’s weight and the forces created when extended.
Can you install a bracket on plasterboard?
Yes, subject to an assessment of the wall structure, stud positions, television weight and bracket type.
Book Your TV Wall Mounting Service
Contact TV Mounter for help choosing and installing the correct TV wall bracket.
Call 07488 302095 for a quotation. Please provide your TV size and model, postcode, wall type and preferred bracket style.
