Where to Put Your Flat-Screen TV
Stay tuned for where to place your TV and how big it should be
Give yourself some adjustability to get the best viewing angle
This little TV shelf slides forward, and I bet they can angle the TV toward the centre of the room.
Find the right height for the TV
This little TV shelf slides forward, and I bet they can angle the TV toward the centre of the room.
Find the right height for the TV
There are all kinds of mounting brackets
You won’t miss a minute of your favourite show when you can angle the TV straight in to a great room, then turn it toward the dining area. If you’re going to eat and watch TV anyway, you can at least sit at the table instead of eating on the sofa.
You won’t miss a minute of your favourite show when you can angle the TV straight in to a great room, then turn it toward the dining area. If you’re going to eat and watch TV anyway, you can at least sit at the table instead of eating on the sofa.
How big should the TV screen be?
Lots of people say they wish they had a bigger TV, but have you ever heard anyone complain that their screen is too big? I didn’t think so.
The best size for your TV depends on how big the room is, what you are watching (high def or not), how far away you’ll be sitting, and what you can afford. Add personal taste to the mix and there’s no easy answer.
Here’s a loose guideline on viewing distances I pulled together from several sources. The optimum distance for you and your TV may vary:
Screen sizes and general viewing distances:
Lots of people say they wish they had a bigger TV, but have you ever heard anyone complain that their screen is too big? I didn’t think so.
The best size for your TV depends on how big the room is, what you are watching (high def or not), how far away you’ll be sitting, and what you can afford. Add personal taste to the mix and there’s no easy answer.
Here’s a loose guideline on viewing distances I pulled together from several sources. The optimum distance for you and your TV may vary:
Screen sizes and general viewing distances:
- 26” screen = 0.9 to 1.6 metres
- 32” screen = 1.2 to 2 metres
- 37” screen = 1.4 to 2.3 metres
- 40” screen = 1.5 to 2.6 metres
- 46” screen = 1.8 to 2.9 metres
- 52” screen = 2 to 3.3 metres
- 58” screen = 2.1 to 3.6 metres
- 65” screen = 2.4 to 4.1 metres
- 70” screen = 2.7 to 4.5 metres
What’s the best seating arrangement for my home theatre?
Place as many seats as you can looking straight at the screen, rather than fanning seats out to the sides.
Place as many seats as you can looking straight at the screen, rather than fanning seats out to the sides.
This home theatre was wide enough to add more seats to the side, but we made a second row instead. At the movies, everyone wants to sit in the middle for the best view, and it’s the same for TV.
We built a custom riser that curves around the back of the front row so that the people in the back can see over the heads of those in front. The window is covered with black drapes with room-darkening lining.
Tip: Don’t forget the popcorn! That is a real popcorn machine in this home theatre.
Tip: Don’t forget the popcorn! That is a real popcorn machine in this home theatre.
What should I do about windows?
Consider your window treatments carefully. Notice how in the photo above, we can see glare from the window on the TV screen. Notice also that they have nice, opaque and possibly room-darkening lined drapes to cover the window. (Pulling the drapes closed also keeps neighbours from knowing how many hours of TV you really watch.)
Avoid placing your TV in front of a window, or opposite a west-facing window. Glare or the difference in light from the windows and your screen can cause eye strain. The outfits they wear on Desperate Housewives cause enough eye strain all by themselves!
Consider your window treatments carefully. Notice how in the photo above, we can see glare from the window on the TV screen. Notice also that they have nice, opaque and possibly room-darkening lined drapes to cover the window. (Pulling the drapes closed also keeps neighbours from knowing how many hours of TV you really watch.)
Avoid placing your TV in front of a window, or opposite a west-facing window. Glare or the difference in light from the windows and your screen can cause eye strain. The outfits they wear on Desperate Housewives cause enough eye strain all by themselves!
If you love dramas, you know that in a split second, a sneaky sideways glance can tell you that two characters are having an affair, or a tiny cough lets you know that someone has suddenly become terminally ill.
So what do you do if you don’t want to miss a single second? Not a problem! A small flat panel TV can be built in to a small niche in your cabinet so you don’t miss anything when you are cooking.
So what do you do if you don’t want to miss a single second? Not a problem! A small flat panel TV can be built in to a small niche in your cabinet so you don’t miss anything when you are cooking.
Or, it can go in the backsplash so you don’t miss out while rinsing a dish.
Or above the refrigerator so getting up to get a snack doesn't leave you in the dark about the latest plot twist.
Keep up with the show while you’re brushing your teeth or shaving.
Don’t miss a single romantic moment on The Bachelor while you soak in a bubble bath with champagne, candles and rose petals.
Watch Dancing With the Stars while you’re under the real stars!
Are you an action addict? Don’t miss a single explosion, car chase, or gun fight with multiple screens! The more action the better!
TELL US
How many TVs do you own and where are they placed? Share in the Comments below.
TELL US
How many TVs do you own and where are they placed? Share in the Comments below.
Place the TV at eye-level. For the best viewing angle, place the TV low so that when you are seated, your head is even with the middle of the screen. You’ll be most comfortable if you can sit looking straight ahead, rather than up or down at the screen.