Still Not Sure About Buying MantelMount? We Answer Some of Your Most Frequent Questions
Televisions were invented nearly 100 years ago — in 1927, to be exact (though the first televisions were sold in 1929) — and one could say we’ve come a long way since then.
When TVs were first rolled off factory floors, there wasn’t a huge demand for them as most households listened to the radio. Slowly but surely, the TV trend took off and by the 1990s nearly every household had a television — and a designated spot for that TV in the living room.
Today, nearly 122.4 million homes in the United States have a TV and this prevalence has led to a rise in the demand for furniture — and TV mounts — to house that TV. Depending on the layout of your home, whether it’s open concept or small and compact, you may have to get creative about where you place your TV.
At MantelMount, we do not believe that placement should come at the expense of your TV-viewing experience. That’s why, when we created MantelMount, we sought to make a TV mount that could serve as a versatile solution for any home, TV size, and viewing preference.
Here, we tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about TV mounts to ease any skepticism out there, and to highlight all of the wonderful features of our award-winning TV mounts.
FAQ #1. CAN YOU PUT A MANTELMOUNT OVER THE FIREPLACE?
Before MantelMount, the answer might have been “no.”
Now, thanks to MantelMount Pull-Down Mounts, the answer is a resounding “yes”.
In fact, it’s kind of our thing, you might say, and we’ve written about the merits of mounting your TV above the fireplace, in the past.
Placing a TV above the fireplace is a popular mounting option! Not only is it often the only open wall space in a room, it places the TV in the focal point of the room — which can work well from an aesthetic perspective if you can get creative with your decor.
Mounting your TV this high though can create a little bit of a tradeoff: When you mount your TV above the fireplace, it is generally well above eye-level, which is not the optimal viewing angle for TV-watching — think about the last time you were forced to crane your neck to watch a movie in a movie theater.
However, MantelMount brings your TV down to eye level. In fact, it lowers the TV 24 inches from the mounted position (26 inches with the professional version). This creates the perfect viewing angle as well as eliminating the neck and back issues that can arise. And it allows you to utilize that nice big space above the fireplace, or even an open space high up on a wall.
Further Reading
Everything You Need to Know About Mounting a TV Above the Fireplace
Why You Should Place The Bottom Third of Your TV Screen Below Eye-Level
How to Decorate a Mantel With a TV Above: Plus Decor Ideas for Above the Fireplace
Other FAQs
“How will lowering my TV improve the viewing experience?”
“Will MantelMount fit my TV and wall space?”
FAQ #2. WHAT IF I WANT TO LIGHT A FIRE WHILE I’M WATCHING TV?
When we created MantelMount, the TV-viewing experience was always top-of-mind for our customers. That’s why we patented heat-sensing handles that begin to glow red when the temperature goes above 110° Fahrenheit (43° Celsius). At that point, you can either put the TV back up or put out the fire.
So while we do not encourage customers to have their tv in the lowered position when the fireplace is on, these heat-sensing handles will ensure that the safety of your TV — and of your family members — is paramount.
For MantelMount TV mounts, note that temperature sensing handles come with selected models, including the MM540 and MM700, whereas the MM815 is equipped with a visual temperature sensor.
Further Reading
How High Should I Mount a Flat Screen For the Best TV-Viewing Experience?
How to Mount a TV on a Brick Wall
How to Mount a TV on Uneven Stone
Other FAQs
"Why do the handles on MantelMount TV mounts turn red?"
“Why is MantelMount much safer than other mounts?”
FAQ #3. DO I NEED TO GET A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL IT?
If you’re already familiar with MantelMount or this is your first time seeing it, our TV mount installation manual may look more detailed in comparison to others, but is easy enough for any at-home DIYer to accomplish. The installation process is specific to our MantelMount TV mounts but simple enough for the payoff that our world-class mounts offer.
If you are even the least bit handy, you can install it yourself in about 60-90 minutes. However, if you don’t want to be bothered with the installation, there are any number of professionals who can help you install your MantelMount wherever you want it.
Further Reading
Tech Guru Dave Taylor Reviews the MantelMount MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount
The Experts at MantelMount Discuss How to Mount a TV Without Studs
Here’s What to Do When You’re Ready to Hire a Pro to Mount Your TV
Other FAQs
“Are there install manuals and videos?”
“Where can I find a professional installer or dealer?”
“Can MantelMount be easily installed on brick or stone?”
FAQ #4. ARE MANTELMOUNT TV MOUNTS EXPENSIVE?
There are mounts you can buy for under $100. There are mounts that are even under $50. But they have serious issues. One large issue with more cost-effective TV mounts is that they are often mounted above the fireplace, and yet, those TV mounts are likely not able to adjust positions to the optimum viewing angle. Even the lower-priced TV mount models that do move vertically are, by and large, poorly constructed from inferior materials.
One of the biggest incentives of purchasing MantelMount TV mounts is that they move up and down, so you can mount the TV above the fireplace. Plus, with our latest MM815 Motorized TV mount, it’s easy to move your TV up or down with the press of a button!
Purchasing a MantelMount TV mount allows you to have peace of mind, knowing your investment will hold up.
How?
With MantelMount, our patented construction combines high-quality automotive pistons with lightweight alloys. That means it will last — and it will protect the investment you’ve made in that beautiful, new flat screen TV.
The bottom line is, do you really want to hoist your $700 flat screen up onto a $100 TV mount? It's a good idea to secure your investment and have peace of mind.
If you aren’t sure which MantelMount is correct for you, check out our Collections page for a price comparison between our most popular models, with the MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount as a front-runner.
Further Reading
Build the Ultimate Backyard Entertainment Center With MantelMount
Renter-Friendly TV Mounting Tips for Those Who are Moving Out or Moving In
Here’s How to Safely Pack and Transport Your Expensive TV
Other FAQs
“Do you offer pay later options?”
“Do you have a money-back guarantee?”
FAQ #5. HOW DO I USE TV MOUNT ACCESSORIES?
From a recess box to wall plate covers, MantelMount has specific TV mount accessories that will enhance your TV-watching experience. By incorporating accessories that create a more robust encounter while watching TV — whether it means it’s through aesthetic purposes or through more technical elements — you can create an atmosphere that elevates the focal point of your living room: the television!
For instance, those out there looking to enhance their viewing experience through technical elements (we see you audiophiles!), a product like a soundbar mounted under your TV is a great item to have. The MantelMount SKB00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit is the product you need to make watching TV shows, movies, or sports even more enjoyable.
If you’re looking for more visual enhancements surrounding your television, using items such as a recess box or TV wall mount covers can create a more streamlined aesthetic experience. Our RB100 Recess Box works for the MM340, MM540, MM700, and MM815 mounts and allows for a flush TV-to-wall storage environment. Meanwhile, the MantelMount WPC00 Wall Plate Covers — used for the MM340 (covers are included with the MM540 and MM700 TV mount orders) or replacement MM540 covers — hide the wall surface mounting hardware pieces, creating a more seamless look of the TV and wall.
Further Reading
Common TV Bracket & Mount Terminology
Give Your Entertainment Space a Clean Look with Cable Management
Other FAQs
What is the SBK00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit?
ANY OTHER QUESTIONS?
You might still have some questions about MantelMount and that’s great!
We’re happy to help wherever you are in the buying process.
If you still have questions, contact us at 800-897-9755 or contact@mantelmount.com or head over to our FAQ page for more in-depth answers to a variety of questions.