Is A TV Wall Mount Worth It?

The Elephant On The Wall….

Is a TV wall mount worth it? Interior designers have long debated television placement. Should it take center stage or hide in the wings? Bulky entertainment centers are dated. Motorized ceiling lifts or TV lift cabinets can be pricey. So what’s the answer?

Enter TV Mounts.

“But, but, but….the TV…in the room?”…you ask.

As a designer, I don’t understand the beef with placing the TV centerstage; it seems more bite your nose to spite your face than sensible. These days, and especially with the ever-popular “Great Room,” the TV is often an essential part of performance in a space. Not everyone has a home theater. Not everyone wants to squirrel away in a den to watch their favorite shows. Nor do they want to hover over their phones and tablets. Frankly, I opt for a TV in the main room before I put one in the bedroom, but that’s a discussion for another article.

Fortunately, today TVs are thinner, sleeker, dare I say, more attractive. This means they’re visually pleasing to display. As well, one can dress them up with customizable, interchangeable bezels, and art on rotation. A two-in-one mirror is another creative way to camouflage your screen for those times when its presence is not preferred. 

That said, I find that designing for the TV—considering it as the anchor object—allows me to create a beautifully cultivated space without compromising functionality and flow. Thus, a TV mount can be a decorator’s best friend. 

Why Mount The Elephant? 

As TVs have evolved, so too have TV mounts. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, contemporary mounts allow placement on any wall, at any height. They also offer a variety of control systems; TVs now ascend or descend with a press of a button or via voice command. Mounts that pivot from side-to-side are ideal if you wish to view from another room. Those that tilt up and down reduce glare and improve the line of sight where applicable. Though not all mounts are as versatile, even fixed mounts offer elegance and create the illusion of a floating TV.

As well, there are specialty mounts to consider; corner mounts for tricky architectural circumstances, and ceiling mounts are useful when tight on wall space. I sometimes use ceiling mounts for in-home gyms. I also employ the flip-down ceiling mount in small rooms that serve two or more functions. The full motion automated is an electric mount that articulates 180 degrees and pulls furthest from the wall. This is a lovely option for full articulation. However, because these mounts don’t pull down, their placement is limited. Without being able to adjust according to the sight line, for instance, it’s not appropriate for higher mountings such as over the fireplace. 

All said, my favorite on the market for execution and value is MantelMount’s MM860. This “pull down and swivel” enables the TV to drop and rotate in a seamless, single movement that is next to silent. It lowers to a favorite preset position when it senses the TV is on. How cool is that? And with a concealed lifting arm in the raised position, it won’t impact the visual experience while improving the viewing experience. 

TV watching has long been a favorite pastime; snuggling on the couch? Sharing a bowl of popcorn? Jumping off your seat to root for your home team? The TV mount allows for shared moments that don’t detract from aesthetics.

Mounts are easy to install and are activated with functions that accommodate maximum viewing comfort; there’s no downside to employing them. As a designer, it’s my go-to for showcasing the TV in a way that’s streamlined and practical.

Today’s TV mounts offer space-saving solutions and reduce clutter. They provide freedom and flexibility to mount in different locations; above the fireplace, a corner wall, or even a drop down from the ceiling for a fraction of the price of those with electronic lifts. With the variety of mounting options on the market, most reservations about putting a TV in a non-designated entertainment room are easy to resolve. 

Embrace The Elephant!

So, Is A TV Wall Mount Worth It? I Say Yes

If you’re tech-inclined, you’ll love the application features as much as the hardware. And if you’re a designer, you’ll find that a TV mount allows you to not only address the elephant in the room but embrace it!