MantelMount

It’s that time when many of us make resolutions for the coming year. Whether it’s a promise to lose weight, find a better job, or stop biting nails, we strive to make ourselves — and our lives — a little bit better.  Resolution experts, like the health and wellness educators at UC Davis Health , contend that a great way to ensure you stick to your promises is to make them as specific as possible. For example, don’t just say, “I’m going to be healthier.”  Instead, commit to a specific number of times you will go to the gym each week. Or if you pledge to be nicer to your spouse, make it a point to deliver at least one compliment to them each day.  In recognition of the time-honored tradition of making New Year’s resolutions (and ensuring they are as detailed as possible), here are some suggested changes and technology resolutions to help make your home entertainment experience, like movie and TV-viewing, a more enjoyable one in the new year and in the years to come. Setting intentions for the new year, even with resolutions — like ours — that are a type of different and interesting resolutions, is important to see growth in any area of life. That means, even if you are looking to get healthier, our more “alternative” home-based technology resolutions will still assist you in that resolution… even if it’s tenuously linked. Enhance Your TV-Viewing Experience Yes, we realize this is quite a departure from more realistic resolutions, however, this does have certain consequences. Because watching television is often a way for people to relax and shut off from a busy or stressful day, enhancing your entertainment experience is a fun and different new year’s resolution that can help assist you in your greater goal to relax more in the following year, for example.  Now, think about it. You’ve been watching your flatscreen TV above your fireplace or high on a wall for far too long. It’s a poor viewing angle, and it’s detracting from your TV-watching experience. With our pull down TV mounts, or like the MM815 motorized drop down and swivel TV mount , you’ll experience a game changing experience with comfort and visibility when watching your favorite sporting events, TV shows, or movies. What’s more, you can enhance your TV-viewing experience through organization of your space, whether that’s updating the look of your living room to be at your comfiest (we have some tips here on decorating small living rooms , or ideas in this blog on sprucing up your family/living room ) or you’re decluttering through cable and cord management of your media console items. Commit yourself to decluttering or enhancing your entertainment area at least once a month, whether that is managing TV cords into a more organized manner or it is setting aside money to purchase a new couch for a more enjoyable time relaxing and watching television. Get Comfortable and Rid Yourself of That Pain in Your Neck This is all about the neck (and back) pain you’ve gotten from watching a TV that is positioned too high. Going to the gym or working out at home is ideal for exercising, feeling healthy, and feeling strengthened, physically. To complement that physical work from the larger realistic resolutions you’ve set aside, put into practice our secondary resolutions through utilizing a TV mount wherever you have placed your television(s) throughout your house. Purchasing a TV mount will help you achieve this New Year’s resolution, too: By bringing your flat screen TV down to eye level, you will no longer be forced to crane your neck upwards, which will help alleviate any neck or back aches. Interested in understanding more about the science behind why you get that neck and/or back pain from a too-high TV? We have just the blog for you, here , that explains why you are putting pain and pressure on yourself, just by watching TV at poor angles. Purchase a Larger Television When it comes to TVs, bigger is usually better. That doesn’t mean that smaller flat screen TVs are bad. A 42-inch model is a nice TV. But a 50-inch is nicer and a 57-inch is even nicer. But not as nice as a 60-inch. You get the idea. Whether it’s a different kind of new technology (like a fun wearable that has a cool innovative solution to it) or simply you’re looking for a new TV purchase in the future for the new year, we have your tech resolution here. Plus, since we’re all in the mood for setting intentions for the new year, preparing and researching for a big ticket purchase like a television, refrigerator, new computer, or whatever else you're wondering about, is needed. Here at MantelMount, we have helped you out by having created this helpful New TV Buying Guide. Use it as a guideline for your electronics purchasing in the new year.  Are you wondering, not just about TVs, but you are interested in the consumer goods technology solutions space? We’ve previously delved into how technology, consumer goods, and entertainment products have evolved. What else do you need to know? If you are purchasing a new TV and are looking to alleviate that neck and back pain by adding a MantelMount TV mount to your wall, ensure you know the details for each of our mounts and how they match up with your brand new television… MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel Holds TVs between 20 and 115 pounds For TVs that have screens between 45 inches and 90 inches MM700 Premier Holds TVs between 30 and 115 pounds For TVs that have screens between 45 inches and 90 inches MM540 Enhanced Holds TVs between 20 and 90 pounds For TVS that have screens between 44 inches and 80 inches MM340 Standard Holds TVs between 20 and 90 pounds For TVS that have screens between 44 inches and 80 inches So, with some interesting and different new year’s resolutions, you can incorporate (and maybe justify?) purchasing a MantelMount TV mount to achieve your goals for the new year. Start your new year off right and check off one of your resolutions — whether it’s a realistic resolution is neither here nor there — with MantelMount! Your Solution to Saying Bye to Neck and Back Pain  

Buying a new TV can feel overwhelming, thanks to the endless options of technologies, acronyms, and features available. It’s easy to get lost in the technical jargon and end up spending money on features you don’t actually need or won’t use. That’s why understanding what to know before buying a TV is crucial before making your purchase. Luckily, we have the ultimate new TV buying guide for you and your family. Because electronic items, especially larger pieces like televisions, are more of an investment than inexpensive items you may buy without any knowledge, we’ve laid out some of the things to know before buying a TV. Things to Know Before Buying a TV Checklist Despite prices of televisions decreasing fairly substantially over the past decade, buying a TV — and its accessories — is still a purchase that takes a fair bit of consideration. Before heading to a big box store that has all types of televisions with noise emanating from the back of the shop, take a look at this checklist showcasing things to know before buying a TV. This way, you don’t end up overwhelmed and spend too much on a TV you don’t need or leave empty handed. The type of television wanted The dimensions of the space, including how far away the television will be from the couch or main seating area The essentials and accessories you will likely need to enhance your tv-viewing experience Types of Televisions The first checklist item is likely to be figuring out the type of television you’d like to purchase. From LED and LCD televisions to OLEDs and QLEDs, there are quite a few types of TVs to keep in mind as you research. Luckily, we have a blog on the difference between a plasma and LED TVs. After reading that article, if you’re still unsure of the type of television you need for your space, we break down the types, here. LED LED TVs use a backlight to illuminate the screen, delivering bright and vibrant images. While they are generally more affordable than OLED and QLED models (which we’ll discuss shortly), their image quality isn’t as advanced or refined as these premium options. One advantage of LED TVs is their slim design, making them an excellent choice for mounting on a pulldown wall mount or fitting neatly into smaller spaces, such as atop a credenza or entertainment console. LCD LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display and is the same foundational technology used in LED TVs. While LED TVs use light-emitting diodes for backlighting, LCD TVs rely on liquid crystals to illuminate the screen. These liquid crystals work in tandem with the backlight to produce the images you see, making LCDs a cost-effective and widely available option for basic viewing needs. OLED OLED, or Organic Light-Emitting Diode, takes LED technology a step further by using organic molecules to emit light at the pixel level. Unlike traditional LED TVs, OLED screens can turn individual pixels on and off, delivering exceptional color contrast and deep, true blacks. This self-lighting technology results in stunning picture quality and superior viewing angles, making OLED an excellent choice for immersive TV experiences. QLED QLED, or Quantum Dot LED, builds upon LED technology by incorporating quantum dot nanocrystals into the backlight. These nanocrystals enhance brightness and color accuracy, providing a vibrant and sharp picture. While both QLED and OLED offer improved picture quality compared to standard LED TVs, they each have unique strengths. OLED is known for its superior contrast and deeper blacks, while QLED tends to deliver brighter images, making it a better choice for rooms with a lot of ambient light. For those exploring cutting-edge options, there’s also Neo QLED, a subset of QLED technology. Neo QLED TVs use mini LEDs for backlighting, offering even finer contrast control and enhanced picture quality compared to standard QLEDs. This slight upgrade makes them a compelling option for shoppers seeking premium visuals. Ultra High Definition: 4K and 8K TVs  Ultra High Definition, otherwise known as Ultra HD or UHD, speaks to the resolution of electronics like smartphones and tablets, but usually focuses on the television. UHD is often the broad term for 4K resolution, however, it’s now expanded to include 8K resolution. The ratio that is defined for UHDs is a 16 by 9 aspect ratio with the minimum pixel resolution set at 3,840 by 2,160. Similar to the 4K Ultra HD televisions which use nearly 4,000 pixels, the 8K version, you guessed it, has a resolution that’s double 4K at 7,680 by 4,320.  As the name suggests, UHDs have a great definition to their picture. As such, if you purchase a television that is a 4K or an 8K UHD, you should expect extremely clear image quality for its resolution, especially considering the size of the television. It’s a good idea, however, to not get your hopes up if you’re expecting a large range of 4K or 8K UHD televisions. It’s not necessarily needed due to constraints of screen type of the TVs as well as the type of camera necessary for shooting to those resolutions. High definition and Ultra HD screens tend to use the same resolution size, so the quality of the image would look nearly identical.  Another note to consider is the lack of resources for 8K televisions in the United States. Most of the consumable content for 8K resolution TV watching is found in Japan. So although the 8K Ultra HD TVs are impressive and have near impeccable image color and quality, the financial burden of buying one versus the offerings of 8K shows or movies is not yet worthwhile.   Smart TVs versus Smart Gadgets Do you need both a smart TV and smart gadgets like a Roku or Fire Stick? Let’s break it down. A smart TV functions like any other television but includes built-in internet connectivity and apps for streaming and browsing. You can easily download apps like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube, log in, and start watching your favorite shows with just a few clicks. Smart gadgets, on the other hand, expand your TV’s functionality. Devices like Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV provide enhanced streaming experiences, often with features or ecosystems tailored to specific platforms. For example, Apple TV integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices, making it a great choice for Apple enthusiasts. Other smart gadgets include smart speakers and remotes. With a smart speaker like Alexa or Siri, you can control playlists or even TV commands with your voice. Similarly, a smart remote lets you search for shows or channels by speaking, simplifying the browsing process. Ultimately, whether you need a smart TV, smart gadgets, or both depends on your viewing habits and how much convenience and integration you value in your home entertainment setup. Dimensions To Know for Your Space Once you’ve decided on the type of TV and whether it will be mounted or placed on a console, the next step is finding the ideal spot in your room. A great trick to plan your TV placement is to create a “stand-in” TV using a piece of cardboard, poster board, or a panel from a moving box. Tape it to the wall or place it where you’re considering setting up your TV. This allows you to experiment with different locations without risking damage to the real television. Consider the room’s layout, including furniture placement and the TV’s angle. Ensure there’s enough distance for comfortable viewing and check for glare from windows or lights. If glare or optimal viewing angles are concerns, consider using an articulating, tilting, or full-motion pull-down TV mount. These mounts allow for adjustments to reduce glare and enhance comfort by positioning the screen so the bottom third is below eye level. If you opt for a mount, decide between a fixed, minimalistic design for static support or a more advanced pull-down TV mount. Pull-down mounts offer dynamic motion capabilities, making them a popular choice for creating an immersive home theater experience. Still unsure about the right size or placement? Check out our blog on four considerations to think about when buying a TV, which includes tips on choosing the perfect TV size and how to integrate it seamlessly into your space. Are you looking for more tips that suggest how to design a room around a television, or at the very least, how far away from the TV the furniture should be? Read our blog on that, which includes details about the furniture-to-TV ratio, and see the image below. TV and Entertainment Essentials to Look For Once you have (or possibly even before you have) purchased your new TV, you can start to enhance your TV-watching experience. Not only can viewers enhance their experience through updating control settings on the TV itself — like color balancing as well as bass and treble editing — but users can purchase essential items like a pull down TV wall mount and a sound bar adapter, amongst other things. TV Wall Mount When searching for a pull down TV wall mount, the MantelMount MM540 Enhanced is a customer favorite, while the MM700 Premier is an in-house employee favorite. For those who have bought larger televisions, the MM700 is likely the better candidate for the pull down TV wall mount as it is capable of holding televisions up to 115 pounds. All MantelMount pull down TV mounts, including the MM340 Standard, MM540, and MM700, are VESA compatible up to 600x600.   Compare our range of pull down tv wall mounts   A TV wall mount is the perfect way to save space and elevate your home entertainment setup. By mounting your TV flush against the wall, you free up valuable surface space on your console or credenza while achieving a sleek, modern look. For the best viewing experience, a pull-down, articulating, or tilting TV mount takes comfort and engagement to the next level. These mounts allow you to adjust the TV to eye level, optimize angles, and reduce glare, transforming everyday viewing into a fully immersive experience. While placing your TV on furniture or a static mount provides quality downtime, a pull-down TV mount maximizes the value of your television investment. With features like height adjustability and angle customization, it ensures both physical comfort and enhanced enjoyment for every viewing session. Sound Bar Adapter Are you an A/V geek? Or do you simply want to experience the best sound from your TV-watching time? A sound bar adapter, like our MantelMount SBXL Sound Bar Adapter XL, is great for creating an even more robust audio experience while watching your favorite show or movie. What’s ideal about the Sound Bar Adapter is that all of our pull down TV mounts can accommodate the sound bar (purchasing the MM340 Standard does not come with the sound bar attachment so it is a smart buy if you’d want to enhance the audio), so you can place it either below or above the television. Other Accessories to Consider A pull down TV mount and a sound bar adapter are likely the top two essentials on the accessories list for many new TV purchasers, however, other items to put on the shopping list include: Kits or boxes for routing and hiding cables HDMI cables Converters and/or adapters for HDMI cables that are compatible with DVD players, Xbox, VCRs, or other systems Surge protector outlets Although the TV buying process can be a somewhat lengthy one with some weighty decisions, it shouldn’t be as harrowing of an experience as it once was, nor should it be anxiety-fueled. Now that you have new, or possibly updated, knowledge on the TV buying experience thanks to this new TV buying guide, it should be a painless and fun experience; once you have a new TV, you can relax and enjoy lounging with your favorite shows, movies, and sports games.

A wall-mounted TV can be a showstopper in any home, yet too often a tangled clump of cords and wires can detract from your family’s new state of the art toy. Wires are one thing if they’re hidden behind a piece of furniture that’s the right size for your TV, but if you’re displaying a new flat screen smackdab in the center of your wall, finding a discrete solution for the TV’s wiring can take your flat screen from an eyesore to a focal point. Before you give up and decide to live with the frustration of a bunch of ugly power cords and electrical wiring cables spoiling your TV-viewing experience, let us assure you it’s not that complicated. In fact, there are some relatively easy solutions for when you’re looking for ways on how to hide cords and conceal those pesky wires from a TV. Using A MantelMount Wall Mount to Hide TV Wires With our state of the art counterbalance technology and automotive pistons, using a MantelMount pull down TV mount, like our MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount or our MM700 Premier Pull Down TV Mount, is easy for everyone to safely pull down a heavy wall-mounted TV into the perfect TV-viewing position.  Plus, all MantelMount pull down TV mounts come with a wire and cable management system. MantelMount provides cable tie anchors that attach to the TV mount’s lifting arm and help organize and conceal the wires, making MantelMount an easy, one-stop-shop solution for hiding your TV’s wires. Want an even more seamless TV mount system that has its own capabilities to hide TV wires and cables, one that allows for your living room or family room to look as uncluttered as possible? Consider our MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount. How to Hide TV Wires on the Wall: 3 Simple Solutions But if you already have the mount or tv stand set up for your specific tv, and you still aren’t sure what to do with those wires, we’ve got a couple of ideas. As tv mounting experts, we can guide even the most seasoned tv watcher through the steps and modifications it takes to optimize every tv room. Using hooks for hiding wall mount TV wires A DIY project hack for packing away all of those pesky wires hanging from your wall mounted TV is to use plastic hooks or pegs, which are often found in hardware stores or online (think of places like Amazon or Home Depot). All you have to do is attach the hooks to the back edge of your furniture and anchor the cords to them. Once the cords are hooked in, they will seamlessly hide behind the silhouette of your furniture. Simply press each clip in place for around 30 seconds or so, and let the adhesive rest while adhered to your furniture for about half an hour, then it should be sticky enough to hold the weight of the wires. Are hooks or clips still even too bulky for where you’re placing the cords in conjunction with being in line with the back of the TV? Consider using velcro strips or zip ties, or a combination of any of the three items. This tip doesn’t just work when you are hiding cables when mounting a TV on the wall, but also when you need to arrange cords and cables at your work desk or simply need some decluttering in the kitchen or bathroom. One downside of this solution is that it is temporary, since the hooks, Velcro pieces, or zip ties, may need to be replaced from time to time. Also, this hack only works if you have a piece of furniture placed right below your TV that’s mounted to the wall. For those who do have a wall mounted television, you already have a built-in solution for how to hide wires from a TV on the wall. Using cord covers to hide wall mount TV wires A useful idea for hiding cables when mounting your TV on a wall is to use plastic cord covers that attach directly to the wall above it and conceal the wires. The cord covers can be purchased online or at your local hardware store.  To successfully hide TV wires, the first step is to measure the wall between the base of the screen and the floor. This represents the length of wire you need to hide, so the card and cable concealer can be cut according to this measurement.  Once that’s complete, firmly attach the raceway base to the wall with screws and snap the cover in place. Be sure that you’re equipped with all of the necessary tools you need to complete this operation such as a hacksaw, screws, and a screwdriver. You could also purchase some paint that is the same color as your wall and paint the cord covers for a more seamless look. Using this method, hiding wall mount TV wires is pretty labor-intensive and requires you to have some carpentry skills. Also, the success of this operation depends entirely on how well you execute it. After all, if the positioning of the cord cover is sloppy, it could be an eye-sore and a distraction that diminishes your home entertainment satisfaction. So, if you’re going down this road, do your homework! Placing TV wires behind the wall This solution is even more intricate than the previous one, but it is a surefire solution for anyone wondering how to hide wires from the TV on a wall. And by hiding the TV wires behind the wall, the cables will be out of sight and out of mind, for good. For this step of in-wall cable management, you — or a contractor — will need the following items: Stud finder Utility knife Recessed cable wall plate Once the above items are within arm’s reach, remove the TV from the wall. Then, use the stud finder to locate two stud-free panels on the wall. One of these should be behind where the screen ideally sits, and the other should be near the bottom of the wall or near the closest outlet.  Once you’ve identified these, use the utility knife to make one hole on each of these spots, which is big enough to fit two cable plates, as well as feed the TV cables in and out of the wall. Once you’re done, you are all set with a seemingly “wireless” home entertainment set-up that is sure to wow your friends and family! Although using this method might be pleasing to the eye for any viewer, there are many cons to this option including, as mentioned before, requiring a significant amount of effort and skill. Also, this method is relatively permanent, so it isn’t the best option for people living in rented homes or apartments, since it causes damage to the wall. Think this option through carefully. However, this solution for how to conceal wires on a wall mounted TV is a great option for those who are going through a full renovation process of a home, or simply a living room renovation where the room is being gutted to the “foundation”. In this case, possibly consider this solution as the most tidy way to hide cables from the wall mounted TV and keep most TV cords out of the way for the foreseeable future. Once you’ve cleaned up those wires from your TV, you are one movie night or game day from achieving the perfect TV-viewing set up for your home.

Holiday shopping can be challenging. You want to find the perfect gift for those nearest and dearest to you, but sometimes it can be hard to know what you can buy that they don’t already have or wouldn’t buy for themselves. We believe the best holiday presents that fit this bill are unique gifts and gadgets in entertainment technology. Discover our list of some of the best home tech gifts in entertainment to help you shop for your family and friends this holiday season. Movie-Watching Must-Haves to Create a Home Theater Experience If you are looking for luxury tech gifts for a technology lover in your life who enjoys the movies, we have compiled a few ideas below. Whether they would enjoy an upgraded television, projector and screen for a home theater setup, or better ways to stream their favorite channels, there’s something for everyone listed below. Screens Screens are vital elements for watching your favorite TV shows and movies at home. Whether you want a high definition television you can mount on the wall with one of our drop down and swivel TV mounts or a home projector and screen, these make great gifts for the holiday. And there are usually lots of sales running on each of these throughout the season so you can grab the best deal! Best TVs of 2024 Price Range: $500 - $3,800 Source: Amazon If you are looking for luxury tech gifts for a technology lover in your life who enjoys the movies, we have compiled a few ideas below. Whether they would enjoy an upgraded television, projector and screen for a home theater setup, or better ways to stream their favorite channels, there’s something for everyone listed below. Motorized Drop Down & Swivel TV Mount Price Range: $600 - $700 Fixed Frame Projector Screen Price Range: $200 - $300 Source: Amazon   Sony Home Theater Projector Price Range: $4,000 - $5,000 Source: Amazon   Portable Projector Price Range: $500 - $600 Source: Best Buy Sound What’s a movie without the sound? A lot of people don’t have a good speaker system for their television, which is why it makes a great gift for the holidays. Whether you have a large budget and can invest in a complete home theater system, or a lower budget to get them started with surround sound speakers, your friends and family will notice the difference in either upgrade. Complete Sony Home Theater System Price Range: $1,000 - $1,500 Source: Amazon   Bose Surround Speakers Price Range: $300 - $400 Source: Best Buy Streaming Gadgets  Finally, consider gifting streaming gadgets so your friends and family can easily stream or cast their favorite shows and movies. Here are some of the best options for that:  Apple TV  Price Range: $100 - $200 Source: Apple Roku Streaming Stick Price Range: $25 - $50 Source: Roku   Video Game Systems for Each Generation Another fun holiday gift idea for loved ones who love technology and entertainment are video games. Now, if you’re shopping for someone older, you may not think they’d be into this kind of gift. However, video games encompass more than just your average Play Station 5 games. Consider virtual reality headsets — new ways of experiencing games — or arcade machines, which provide a classical experience for older and younger generations alike. Whether you’re looking for a fun gift for nostalgic tech lovers or something that’s more high-tech and handheld, there are options for all the techies — and gamers — out there clamoring for a gift that’s a bit next level.  Virtual Reality Meta Quest 3 Price Range: $400 - $700 Source: Meta   Arcade Machines Price Range: $100 - $600 Source: Arcade1Up   Gaming Systems Price Range: $400 - $600 Source: PlayStation Gaming Consoles Retro Gaming Console Price Range: $100-$270 Source: Evercade Retro Gaming Handheld Price Range: $100-$220 Source: GoRetroid Technology Accessories and Wearables An ever popular technology in the 2020s are wearables and smaller tech gadgets that are portable and versatile, much in part due to the accessibility of the products. From fitness trackers to wireless earbuds (and for you Gen Zers out there, we know there are many wired earbuds that you might be seeking), there are many accessories and wearables that could become great stocking stuffers — or a splurge present for yourself. So whether you’re a loyal Apple user and swear by their Apple Watch or Airpods or are an Android person who evangelizes about items like Samsung’s noise cancelling headphones, this part of our list includes some of the best tech gifts for a range of preferences. Accessories Portable Charger Power Bank Price Range: $30-$100 Source: Belkin Portable Phone Charger Price Range: $20 and up Source: Anker Portable Bluetooth Speaker Price Range: $50-$600 Source: JBL Wireless Earbuds Price Range: $180-$300 Source: Bose Corded Headphones Price Range: $5-$25 Source: Target Wearables Oura Ring Price Range: $349-$500 Source: Oura Ring FitBit Price Range: $80-200 Source: Google Store Apple Watch Price: $250-800 Source: Apple Snack-Making Kitchen Gadgets for Binge-Watching Favorite Shows Last up on our gift guide are kitchen gadgets for making refreshments. Freshly popped popcorn and a refreshing beverage can make all the difference watching a movie or show at home. Gift someone in your life a unique kitchen gadget for making their favorite snacks.  Professional Popcorn Cart Price Range: $200 - $300 Source: Nostalgia Products   Air Popcorn Popper Price Range: $25 - $50 Source: Walmart   Stovetop Popcorn Maker Price Range: $25 - $50 Source: Amazon   Cocktail Maker Price Range: $300 - $500 Source: Williams Sonoma   SodaStream Price Range: $100 - $200 Source: SodaStream   We are confident this list will help get you started in the gift-buying process. Make home entertainment more enjoyable with unique luxury gift ideas like these, and don’t forget to shop our TV mounts to make TV-viewing enjoyable at every angle.     Compare our range of TV mounts *Disclaimer: We are not an Amazon affiliate being paid to promote these products. We used our own research to compile this list of the best products for our entertainment gift guide. 

At MantelMount, we cherish the memories that our customers create with their MantelMount TV mount installations. What we love even more is being able to celebrate those installations through our Install of the Month campaign. Welcome to MantelMount's "Install of the Month" series, where we celebrate the ingenuity and creativity of our incredible customers. Here is where we showcase the most impressive and inspiring installations from our community, highlighting the unique ways MantelMount TV mounts and accessories are enhancing homes across the country. Have you recently transformed your living space with a MantelMount? Whether you’ve created the ultimate home theater, upgraded your living room for family movie nights, or designed a sleek and stylish setup that’s the envy of your friends and family, we want to see it! Why You Should Submit Your Installation for Consideration By sharing your installation story, not only do you get a chance to be featured in our email newsletter and this blog, but you also stand to win a generous discount on your last purchase. What We’re Looking For Creativity: Unique and clever installations that solve common space or viewing challenges. Inspiration: Stories that show how MantelMount has enhanced your living experience. Quality: Clear, high-quality photos and videos that capture the essence of your installation. Submit Your Entry Head over to our Install of the Month page for detailed submission guidelines and to upload your content. Submit your installation today and you could be our next "Install of the Month" winner, earning a spotlight on our blog and a discount on your previous purchase. We can't wait to see your creativity in action! July 2024 Winner Jason H from Destin, Florida has created a game-changing experience for watching TV with the MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount. Here is his experience with the TV mount installation.  “The install was easy and fun! The MM815 motorized drop-down and swivel TV mount has been a game-changer for our marketing agency during Zoom calls and meetings. Its motorized functionality allows us to adjust the TV to the perfect height and angle while on camera, ensuring optimal visibility for everyone in the room. This feature is particularly useful when presenting detailed marketing data to our clients. The mount's sleek design and smooth operation have made our virtual meetings more professional and efficient, impressing our clients with both our presentation and our tech setup. Highly recommended for any business looking to upgrade their meeting room experience.” June 2024 Winner Louis S., who hails from Spring Brook Township in Pennsylvania, noted that his experience of finding and installing the MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount was, in part, because of strained necks. And thanks to installing the TV mount, Louis doesn’t have to worry about neck pain anymore. “I found MantelMount after searching for options to lower our TV mounted above our fireplace. The orientation of our family room dictates the TV goes above the mantel and we’re tired of straining our necks. I haven’t been more excited after a TV installation since I got my first large screen. Already thinking of other locations in our house where this could improve our viewing experiences. Delivery was faster than expected. The mount was easy to install & we couldn’t be happier with the MantelMount!” April 2024 Winner Hailing from South Jordan, Utah, Erwin N. was our Install of the Month winner in April 2024. Not only do our customers utilize their TV mounts in locations that are more obvious choices — like found in a living room above a fireplace mantel — but also, like Erwin did with the MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount, they can be used in office-like or den spaces. “I was looking for an interesting way to update my den and make use of the limited space. But I also wanted to keep with my Batman theme and display the items I have been collecting. MantelMount was perfect for using my laptop and monitors for work with the television up. And using my television in the down position for movies and gaming on my couch. The install was great with the instructions provided. And has been easy to use when changing the position of the television.” March 2024 Winner Eric W. from West Clovis, California, in March 2024 was our Install of the Month winner, noting the large transformation that introducing the MM340 Standard Pull Down TV Mount did for the living room. In Eric’s words, the remodel, which included the TV mount solution, was the ideal fit for what was needed. “We did a remodel on a large portion of our home which included completely moving our fireplace. We have very tall ceilings and I wanted the TV mounted over the new fireplace mantel but was concerned about the viewing angle being too high. I did a bunch of research and came across the mantel mount mounts. This is the perfect solution I was looking for. I get so many compliments on it and others asking where I got it. We are very happy with our purchase!” January 2024 Winner Similar to many other customers, Tom H. from Cumming, Georgia, needed a solution to relieving neck pain that was likely caused by looking up at the television from a bad angle. Therefore, Tom ended up choosing the MM815 Motorized, and it turned out to be the right choice. “I got the MantelMount due to occasional pain in the base of my neck. I cannot say it is due to looking up at the TV, but it seems like all of the ergonomics information I see wants you to have a straight line of sight with your screen. The fireplace at my new house is larger than the previous house and the mantel is much higher - the top of the mantle is at 57" and my wife wanted to keep space on the mantel to put stuff approximately 10-12" on the bottom of TV and ended up at 69". When I lower the MM815, it ends up at 43" above the floor - which is very nice. Only a little higher than my seated sight line. I like to keep things clean in appearance and opted for the RB100 recessed box. This is SOLID. This requires some work, but worth it. I put in blocking to box out the RB100 completely - then brought drywall back to the box. This was a little splurge for me and gets that "Wow" when people come over.”

If you’re a homeowner, or have a little experience with DIY-home projects, mounting something, anything really, on a wall might be a piece of cake. And, usually, it is. However, mounting a flat screen TV — an elaborate, fragile, expensive, and heavy glass object — onto the wall is (or can be for some!) a different experience. Have you been clamoring to update your living room to make it a home theater? Or are you desperately seeking out a better TV-viewing experience, like the ones that incorporate a tiny bit of home improvement to them?You’re in luck because we are going to walk you through the process of successfully mounting a flat screen TV on the wall, step-by-step. Gathering Your Materials Stud finder Tape measure Level Drill Pencil Wire molding (or in-wall power extension) Your television Step 1: Finding the Right TV Wall Mount Understanding TV Wall Mount Types It all starts with picking a superior TV mount. To a large extent, the quality of this project depends on how strong your TV mount is.A run-of-the-mill, fixed TV mount can get the job done if your expectations are low, but your experience will be rather limited. Since it is a fixed TV mount, a lot of time, thought, and careful measurement must go into deciding where exactly to go about mounting the flat screen TV. This is because this type of TV mount offers viewers zero adjustability due to it’s “fixed” position, an even bigger issue if your plan is to wall mount a flat screen TV high on the wall, such as above the fireplace. Looking for a TV mount to make your flat panel TV really stand out and not limit the viewer experience in any way? MantelMount is a revolutionary TV mount designed to assure complete TV viewing pleasure. Our cutting-edge automotive gas pistons and patented counterbalance technology lets you easily adjust the height, direction, and angle of your flat screen TV to whatever is most comfortable for you. It is an adjustable full-motion TV mount that allows you to dive into your favorite movies and TV shows without any of the pain points common with a standard (or fixed) TV mount. Say goodbye to neck pain, eye strain, headaches, or any other trouble you may have from an ill-installed TV using a fixed TV mount.What’s more, if you're one of the many now mounting a TV above the fireplace, most MantelMount models even include a patented heat sensor handle, ideal for mounting a flat screen TV above the mantel. The handle not only allows for safe and easy TV pull-down, but it turns bright red when the temperature of the TV environment hits 110°, alerting you that it is time to turn off the fireplace and/or stow the TV in the raised position for the well-being of your electronics. Selecting The Right Mount for Your Flat Panel TV Have you ever heard of VESA? Even if you don’t know what it is by name, you’ve certainly seen it on a television. VESA mounting standards are a set of guidelines set by the Video Electronics Standards Association to guarantee compatibility between monitors, TVs, and mounting systems. Defining the dimensions and spacing of mounting holes on the back of the TV, the standards make it easier to securely mount a TV with a variety of mounting brackets, TV stands, and mounting plates. Step 2: TV Mount Installation Preparation Now it’s time to get prepared and undergo the installation! The first thing you’ll want to do is to grab your stud finder and find the stud in the wall. If you’re looking for more information on how to mount a TV on your wall, but it might be a tricky type of material? Take a look at our other blogs such as How to Mount a TV on Drywall, Stucco, and Plaster, How to Mount a TV on Brick, and How to Mount a TV on Stone. If your flat screen TV weighs under 80 pounds, using just one stud to mount it on the wall should be okay with many TV mounts. Larger units, however, require some additional support that may require two or more studs. It's best to check the weight of your TV and stick to the recommended stud suggestions of your chosen TV mount. Next use your viewfinder to locate the appropriate number of studs. If using a MantelMount TV mount for hanging a flat screen TV over the fireplace, these installations typically require two wooden studs no further than 32” apart, but MantelMount does offer a single stud adapter accessory for single stud use-cases as well. Step 3: Undergoing TV Mount Installation The next step is understanding where your wall mount will live on the wall, while having an understanding of where the TV screen will be once the TV is brought down from its resting position on the wall. So what should you do? Raise your wall mount against the wall to see how high you want to attach it. Take your time with this as you must be taking into consideration the articulating aspect of the wall mounted TV. Once you’ve decided where on the wall you’d prefer your television, mark off the measurements carefully on the wall with a pencil. Once you are certain of where your TV wall mount bracket marks should go, use your drill to make pilot holes in each of the decided spots. Pro tip: use a drill bit that is a little bit narrower than the size of the screws or bolts you are using to mount your TV mount on the wall. This will ensure a tight, firm grip. If you are trying to wall mount a flat screen TV over a fireplace — or a difficult-textured wall, like stone or brick — MantelMount is your best choice due to its patented features that have been specifically designed for hanging a flat screen TV above the fireplace. Step 4: Attaching the Wall Mount to the Wall The first part of this step should be fairly simple. Attach the TV wall mount to the wall with the screws you received with your kit. Make sure you have the right wrench, screwdriver, or any other tools to get this done. The second part of this step is a bit more harrowing, especially if you have a new TV, you have a larger television (think: 85 inch TV or larger), or your TV is in pristine condition, despite it possibly being older. So what do you need to do? Gently lay your flat screen TV down, screen-first, on a soft surface. This is so you can attach the other half of the mount bracket to the back of the TV. Step 5: Cable Management Decisions Although the tough part of the installation is over, Step 5 means you have to go about deciding how to make all of the tangled cords and cables disappear. Cable management is likely a necessary step if you have children or pets (or if you have a clumsy adult in the household) that might get caught up in a tangled mess. With MantelMount, our cable management options include items like cable anchors and hooks, so you can thread your wires and neatly organize them along the lifting arm of the mount. Want even more of a clean and low profile look with your TV mount? Get your cords out of the way and into the wall so your viewing experience isn’t mired by a mess and invest in accessories such as a Cable Routing Box to de-clutter the cords. Get inspired from happy MantelMount customers by reading how their experiences were transformed with TV mounts and accessories. Step 6: Reveling in your Newly-Mounted TV Give yourself a pat on the back for getting this far without a hitch. Now, it's time to add the crowning glory — actually mounting the TV on the wall — to this project. This should be the easiest part of the entire process. However, for safety purposes, ensure your bracket is correctly in place before having two people steady the television for the TV installation portion to the wall mount. It is important to make sure there are two people so the TV doesn’t get in a wonky position as it’s mounted.Voila! Mounting a flat screen TV on the wall made easy with a foolproof, six-step process, brought to you by MantelMount.

The evolution of televisions has come a long way. With superior sound and picture quality, modern TVs provide home theater-quality from the comfort of the living room, or even the backyard. This quality also applies to TV accessories like smooth swivel, tilting, articulating, and full-motion TV mounts and booming sound bars. So, what happens when you do need to buy a new TV? First thing you should do is to take a gander at our New TV Buying Guide. Then, once you have purchased your new flat screen TV, you’ll have to understand what type of TV mount you require. Here comes the hang up: you already have a full motion TV wall mount. Should you connect your new (likely expensive) television to your old wall mount? If so, how do you attach the TV to an existing wall mount? Is it better in the long run to get rid of the old TV wall mount and purchase one to start fresh? Although you can reuse a TV wall mount by attaching a TV to an existing wall mount, what is the best course of action? Use an old wall mount or buy a new one? We help you sort out those questions, here. Can You Reuse a TV Wall Mount? Let’s not beat around the bush with this one: you can reuse a TV wall mount. But the question we often get is, should you? Many wall mounts, whether it’s an old TV wall mount or a newer version of a wall mount, are VESA compliant. The Video Electronics Standards Association maintains standards across the display industry such as VESA mounting hole distances, the number of holes, and even the hole arrangement on the back of the TV display. When deliberating if you want to reuse a TV wall mount, the first thought to come to mind should be if the wall mount is usable with your specific TV. If you have had a TV wall mount for a while, for the safety of you and your family, audit the wall mount. By auditing the old TV wall mount, this is what we mean: Are there any parts of the mount that are degraded, rusted, or appear weak? What does the mount hardware look like, and do any screws or bolts need updating? Is the mount structurally sound and sturdy in the wall? If your current wall mount needs replacing due to wear and tear, it would be prudent to look at options for a new mount, and MantelMount is a great place to start. Every MantelMount pull down wall mount or our motorized wall mount option uses counterbalance technology and lightweight alloys to guide your TV into the best viewing position. Our MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount has a VESA compatibility up to 600mm and fits the vast majority of TV sizes. Are TV Wall Mounts Universal? Before deciding to keep or ditch your old TV mount, it’s fair to ask yourself if all TV wall mounts fit all TVs. Depending on if you have a new, or newer, television, it may be difficult to use your old TV wall mount because not all TV wall mounts are universal.  Even though not all TV wall mounts fit all TVs, there are many TV brackets that are universal. However, although some are universal, that does not mean all TV wall mounts are universal. And because not all TV wall mounts are universal, keep in mind the VESA guidelines and your TV’s size and screen size. If you would like to know more about VESA interface standards, read through our helpful guide for more information. If you do decide you are happy with your current wall mount, keep these steps in mind when you attach a TV to an existing wall mount: Verify the VESA standards of your television Compare the approved VESA TV standards to the existing wall mount Match the back of the television to the brackets on the wall mount and, if necessary, modify the wall mount brackets through widening or shortening the length. Grab a screwdriver and tighten up any loose screws and bolts Mount the television to the wall mount Choosing a MantelMount Wall Mount If you decide to purchase a new TV wall mount rather than keeping the old one, because of the MantelMount wall mount lifetime warranty policy, you might not need to buy another. Luckily, MantelMount products are used in a variety of ways, such as mounting a curved TV, mounting on a brick wall, a stone wall, drywall, stucco, or plaster walls, or even as a baby-proofed, wall mounted entertainment center. Do you already have a MantelMount and want to upgrade? Maintain that same streamlined, low-profile look of your living room (or wherever you choose to place the TV mount) with the addition of our latest MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel Mount. It’s a DIY-ers mounting dream as it sustains large, heavy-duty televisions, and its operation is simple for most to use in the family. If you need assistance with installing your new MantelMount TV wall mount anywhere in your home, call our friendly and knowledgeable customer service professionals who are able to help you get your wall mount fixed and ready to use in little time.

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's involved in upgrading from an installed MantelMount (340/540/700) to the MM815 Motorized Mount? What accessories do I need? 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.

With MantelMount, whether it's one of our pull down TV mounts (like the MM700 Premier, MM540 Enhanced, or MM340 Standard) or our motorized drop down and swivel TV mount (the MM815), users are likely to enjoy watching TV more than without. By watching TV at eye-level rather than at a high level, you are more inclined to eliminate neck and back pain; that which comes from sitting, laying, or standing in a poor body position. However, curiosity takes its toll... in a good way. How do people watch TV once their MantelMount TV has been installed and is in its position away from the wall? What even is the best position to watch TV in? And is there a correct posture for watching TV, and if so, what is it? After looking through a gaming website, Comic Vine, there's a world of many tightly-held opinions on TV-viewing positions. Some questions that bubbled up within the discussion include: Do you sit in front of the TV or off to the side? Do your seating preferences vary depending on which show or movie you’re watching? Do you rest your head or do you prefer to sit up straight? Do you use a pillow to support your back or head? The responses run the gamut. The following is a sampling to prove that there are many comfortable (and not-so-comfortable ways) to go about watching television. “I’m an experimental sitter, I go through about 4 different positions during a one-hour show, from sitting down in the perfect, health position (upper body to lower body at 90 degrees and so forth), to laying down on the sofa sideways in a star position.” - Posted by EnigmaLantern “Flat on my back. Sitting is for suckers.” - Posted by longbowhunter “Feet and legs on the wall back and head on bed and watching tv upside down but my legs do fall asleep after a while.” – Posted by HumanRocket “Sit on a sofa/arm chair. Will either sit up right or recline.” – Posted by mrdeceptionleader “I sit in a chair, hunched up in a ball.” – Posted by AllStarSuperman “I walk around in circles.” – Posted by Marionettegeist "Ideally a reclining leather armchair with armrests and cupholders in front of a fireplace. Usually though I end up listening to TV from the other room while doing something else. I watch everything on the computer so if I miss some awesome stuff while in the other room I can rewind." – Posted by HeckTate Let's dig a little bit more into a few of these responses and which TV mount might be best for the way they watch television. 1. The Experimental Sitter “... I go through about 4 different positions during a one-hour show, from sitting down in the perfect, health position..., to laying down on the sofa sideways in a star position...” The key to avoiding neck and back pain when watching television might just be this solution. For those of you out there that get antsy or need a different viewing experience than the normal one for hours on end (especially if you're binge watching your favorite show) is to change up the way you sit (or stand) while tuning into a movie or show. If you, like the way you watch your television, need a TV mount that introduces you to a comfortable way to watch TV, well, we have the MM340 Standard TV Mount for you. The MM340 Standard TV Mount is the entryway mount into the world of TV mounts. If you love this one, you'll love all the rest of our MantelMount products. 2. The Relaxing One "Flat on my back. Sitting is for suckers." Whether you're more inclined to watch TV in bed or you have "your spot" on the couch, laying flat and relaxing has its advantages. Although it's not necessarily the correct posture for watching TV in bed, laying down flat as its perks. Frankly, laying flat in bed while watching TV is the easy part. (If you are looking for ways on how to watch TV in bed without hurting your neck? We have a blog dedicated to the hot topic of TVs in bedrooms you will want to check out.) Whether you're laying flat on your back on the living room sofa, on your bed, or maybe even on the family room floor, having a TV that is at eye-level is important for comfortability and TV clarity. Which MantelMount TV Mount would we choose for "The Relaxing One"? The MM540 Enhanced, one of our most popular TV mounts, is a great option.  With a built-in sound bar attachment, heat sensing pull down handles, and a lot more features, this is the TV mount for those who want to put their TV into position and relax.     3. The Pacer "I walk around in circles." Whether your TV is stationed in your living room, office, or kitchen, it's important to have the right viewing angles for whatever position YOU are in, too. Do you pace while you watch TV shows or movies? Do you need to be walking around and let out all of that pent-up energy while watching sporting events? Although it's likely hard to strain your neck or injure your back while standing and watching the TV, you should be able to stand and watch... comfortably. And watching a show, movie, or sporting event at the right height is going to provide a more enjoyable TV-viewing experience. So, for the pacer -- or that someone who is on their feet while watching TV, cleaning, making food, or walking on their walking pad -- our favorite MantelMount TV Mount would be the MM700 Premier.  The in-house favorite and the most expansive (feature-wise) of our pull down TV mounts, the MM700 Premier is great for any size TV (for 45" - 90") to view from different angles. 4. The Fireplace Recliner "Ideally a reclining leather armchair...in front of a fireplace." Lastly we have "The Fireplace Recliner". We're biased but this is our favorite sitting position: with a book on the end table, a beverage of choice in hand, and comfortably seated in front of the fireplace where a TV is lowered in front. It is possible to mount a TV above your fireplace, achieve the perfect eye-level TV viewing, all the while, having no back or neck pain. The go-to choice for "The Fireplace Recliner" would have to be our latest TV mount: The MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount. The MM815 comes with a remote, allowing you to get into max comfort mode while not having to get up and tweak the angles of the TV. Need more motivation as the "Recliner"? Read our blog on installing motorized TV mounts, which will likely put you in overdrive.  Regardless of the position you're in while watching TV, here are a few more tidbits on TV-watching advice from the Consumer Reports. Also, Athletico Physical Therapy has mentioned to beat binge watching pain, TV-watchers should "lower your TV height to avoid needing to look up, which encourages a forward head posture."  Whatever position you assume, we hope you gain the most enjoyment possible from watching your flat screen TV with a MantelMount TV mount, providing you with the best possible TV-watching angle.

There are many reasons to install a TV in your home, or even on your covered patio, but if you’re unsure of how to secure such a heavy object to your wall, especially as surface treatments vary from home to home, this guide is for you.  It is possible to anchor a TV wall mount to any type of surface; you just need the right tools to ensure your system is installed properly and that your wall can handle the weight of your television. Mounting a TV on Plaster Walls vs. How to Hang a TV Wall Mount on Drywall The biggest difference you’ll discover between mounting a TV on plaster walls vs. hanging one over sheetrock are finding the studs. Keep reading to learn how to locate the studs behind each wall, what to do if you don’t see them, and which anchors to use for a TV mount on plaster vs. drywall. Plaster Wall TV Mounts Before doing anything, understand what material was used to construct your home. Sometimes plaster is placed over brick and sometimes it’s placed over lath (narrow boards hung horizontally over the studs).  When you screw into a plaster wall, you could be hitting plaster, lath, and a stud, or plaster and brick. This is critical to know so you use the right type of anchor. To find this out, try knocking on the wall. When you knock on the plaster, does it sound solid or hollow? Brick will sound more solid while lath will sound more hollow. In this section, we will primarily address how to hang your system to plaster and lath. For plaster-brick walls, please refer to our article, “How to Mount a TV on a Brick Wall.”  Step 1: Locate the Studs While there are ways to hang a TV wall mount without a stud, we recommend fastening to a stud whenever possible to ensure it is the most secure. To locate studs behind plaster, you will need a strong magnet that you can drag along the wall to find them. The magnet will be able to detect where nails were used to attach the wood lath to the studs.  If you have trouble, locate your electrical outlets for the room. These boxes are attached to studs. Drag your magnet back and forth above the outlet box to determine if the stud is located to the left or right.  From there, measure out 16-24 inches, as is typical of stud spacing in home construction, to determine where the next post is located. You can use your magnet in this next area to verify the stud is there.  Step 2: Drill the Initial Holes Once you have located your studs, drill a pilot hole through the plaster and into the wood. If you cannot locate the stud, drill your initial holes where you want the TV to hang. Plaster is very thick and can crack more easily, so be careful as you drill. Step 3: Secure the TV Wall Mount Using Lag, Toggle, or Molly Bolts For anchoring to studs behind plaster and lath, use lag bolts. If you are connecting your TV to a plaster wall without a stud, use a toggle or molly bolt, keeping in mind that a molly bolt can hold up to 50 pounds. Keep in mind that when purchasing and using a MantelMount TV mount, they must be mounted to studs or a structural part of the wall and cannot be mounted to simply just drywall or plaster. Drywall TV Mounts Drywall is the most common building material homeowners encounter when placing their TV. For it, follow the steps listed below.  Step 1: Locate the Studs There are a lot of great stud finders on the market these days. Having one in your home is helpful for hanging anything — from TVs to light fixtures and more. Use your stud finder to locate the posts. If you have trouble or do not want to purchase a stud finder, you can use a similar method mentioned in the previous section: measuring along the wall from your outlets. While there is likely some metal used along these studs, you can also gently knock along the wall to verify a post is there. If it sounds hollow, you’re knocking on drywall. If it sounds solid, you’ve hit a stud.  Step 2: Drill the Initial Holes This will be most important if you have found the stud, as it will make it easier for the screw to attach to the wood.  Step 3: Secure the TV Wall Mount Using Lag, Toggle, or Molly Bolts For drywall, lag bolts are the best anchors to screw into studs. For positioning without a stud, use toggle or molly bolts. Because this material is much thinner than others you might screw into, we highly recommend attaching your mount to at least one stud for additional stability.  If that’s not possible, consider using our SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter, as it serves as a replacement for the included mounting wall plate when it can’t reach an existing stud placement. This will help carry the weight of the TV with more ease and give you more places to add anchors for a sturdy mount. Can You Put a TV Mount on Stucco? If you love spending time outside or hosting events, you may want to install one of our WeatherMounts on your covered patio. In doing so, you may encounter uneven stone or stucco. Since we have already addressed how to attach a TV to uneven stone surfaces, we wanted to share instructions for hanging a TV on stucco. The first thing you’ll want to do before securing anything to stucco is determine if the stucco is covering wood or concrete. To test, knock and see if it sounds hollow or solid. If hollow, it has been placed over wood. If solid, it has been used on concrete.  For Stucco Over Wood Step 1: Locate the Studs To do this, look on the other side of the wall you want to hang your TV on and find the studs. Measure edge to edge to see where each one is. Return to the stucco side to match the measurements and mark the studs.  Step 2: Drill the Initial Holes To drill through the stucco, you will need to use a concrete drill bit or hammer until you reach the wood. Once there, switch to a normal drill bit.  Step 3: Secure the TV Wall Mount with Lag Bolts To secure the system to the stucco, use a lag bolt that will screw through the hole you just drilled, through the stucco, and into the stud.  For Stucco Over Concrete Block Step 1: Drill the Initial Holes Because there are no studs within the concrete block, you can skip straight to drilling the holes once you have determined where you want your TV to go.  Use a concrete or masonry drill bit to screw through the stucco and concrete block.  After you have made the initial holes, you may want to add some sealant for extra protection against leaks, especially if you live in an area with a lot of rain.  Step 2: Secure the TV Wall Mount with Concrete Anchors Using concrete bolts, attach your system to the stucco-concrete wall.  How You Can Use MantelMount on Any Wall Treatment Our team wants to equip you with what you need to install your MantelMount TV wall mount. To do so, we have included standard lag bolts for drywall with each of our mounts, as well as concrete anchors with lag bolts.  While many of our customers install these mounts themselves, if you’re in need of help, we would recommend hiring a professional to set up the mount and TV over concrete, as this is going to be the most difficult element.  Once you have the tools you need, check out our installation guide with general instructions for installing our mounts: MantelMount Installation Tips from MantelMount on Vimeo. Then check out the installation guide for your own mount model, as shown below and also found on our FAQs page: MM340 Standard Mount:  Install GuideMM440 Standard Mount: Install GuideMM540 Enhanced Mount: Install GuideMM700 Premier Mount:  Install GuideMM750 Pro Mount: Install GuideMM815 Motorized Mount: Install GuideSBK00 Universal Sound Bar Kit: Install GuideRB100 Recess Box:  AddendumSSB40 Wall Adapter: AddendumSBXL Above TV Sound Bar Adapter: AddendumAB40 Horizontal Adapter: AddendumGS60 Thin TV Gap Spacer: Addendum Ready to buy? Purchase Your TV Mount Today

Most of us grew up with televisions in at least one room: the living room. Once the 2000s hit, then many households “grew up” and TVs were peppered throughout a home, whether that was a TV in the kitchen and office, in addition to the living room, but also sometimes it created an addition to a game room or bedroom. Because TVs are synonymous with entertainment, they can mean a great deal to TV users. Besides a career and going to work, much of our adult lives can be attributed to being with family and friends and having leisure time, with quite a bit of that leisure time being split between athletic or physical activities and more relaxing endeavors such as watching a movie or sporting event. Because TVs are such a large part of our collective lives, and with that is the evolution of television technology in addition to television accessories, like TV mounts. So, we had to ask, alongside other questions: How have MantelMount Pull Down TV Mounts or Motorized TV Mounts changed the entertainment aspect of our lives? In this blog, we delve into the personal and meaningful changes TV, entertainment, and TV accessories like TV mounts have made lives for the better from a few people who have that first hand experience with MantelMount TV mounts. Want to jump straight to one of our MantelMount user’s stories? Click their name directly below and you’ll be directed to their entertainment experience! Chad L from Indiana Marie L from Florida David L from Colorado Art S from Massachusetts CHAD L: Having an Elevated Entertainment Experience and Better Quality of Life For Chad, although he hadn’t heard of MantelMount previously in the past, it was the solution for what he needed. “I saw someone mention it on reddit. I had never heard of the brand, but it was mentioned as a solution to having to mount a TV over a mantel. I was stuck because it was the only place in my fiancee's house that would work.” What’s more, Chad explained that installation of his MantelMount MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount went well, despite just one hiccup. “The installation went smoothly — the only thing I had to adjust was the height I mounted the box I built — as I had incorrectly assumed that the TV mounting holes would be vertically centered and forgot that they never are. It took some time but it was worth the effort. I constructed the box/frame out of 2x6's and painted it white to match the mantel trim. Everything else went very smoothly and I was blown away with how well it worked when everything was mounted and adjusted.” The best part of having an elevated entertainment experience? Chad and family and friends are wowed by the MantelMount’s movement. “The hydraulic/remote movement. That blows everyone away. Friends and family love it and are always surprised that it's motorized. Quality of life has definitely improved — the TV is now at a height that is a joy to watch, and sometimes I make slight tilt adjustments to nail down the angle depending on where I'm sitting, which is great for both immersive movies and video games.” Marie L: Enhancing the Aesthetics and with No Neck Pain Marie’s experience highlights the quality enhancements to the aesthetic of a home. With the MM540 Enhanced Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount, that means not only do Marie and her family and friends enjoy a better-looking room, but also, having a flat screen TV that’s mounted and can drop down to a better spot alleviates any pain in the neck. “When we decided to redo our fireplace wall we knew we wanted a large TV above the fireplace to make the house look modern. But with it high up, how were the kids going to sit on the floor and play their games on TV without straining their necks? It was the contractors’ idea to put the MantelMount up and boy are we glad we did. Now when we have large groups over, everyone can see the TV and when the kids want to play we just lower it with an easy pull. And we can even get it lower than the picture shows. We get so many compliments on it! We’re so happy we made the investment.” David L: Experiencing a Different Level of Entertainment with a TV Mount Upgrade David’s experience with his entertainment area had to do with incorporating a Samsung Frame TV that allows for artwork to be showcased when the television is not in use. Like in David’s case, there are many different levels of entertainment that can be used with televisions (video games are the biggest beneficiary), but artwork is fast becoming a way to soften an area and not seem as stark when the TV isn’t broadcasting a movie or a show. For those upgrading televisions while also looking to complement with a TV mount (possibly like our MM700 Premier), look to the MantelMount blog on things to know before buying a new TV. Here, David explains some of the thinking behind the choice of upgrading the choice of TV mount from the MM540 Enhanced to the MM815 Motorized. “While we were building our home and choosing windows over walls, we realized we needed a TV solution that would work over the mantel. We identified MantelMount 540 with the recessed RB100, and paired it with the Samsung Frame TV. Because we were building, we were able to have the stone installer provide clearance for the mount, meaning the TV sits flush against the stone.” “As soon as the MM815 came out (hooray!), we replaced the 540 with the 815, which conveniently works seamlessly with the RB100 recess box, and we absolutely love the ease of electronic operation! Now height is not a factor for who can watch TV! Worth every penny to upgrade from the 540 to the 815, and it took almost no time to swap out due to the compatibility with the RB100!” Like David’s solutions on purchasing the MM815 Motorized and RB100 Recess Box, our TV mount accessories can provide for an even greater TV mount transformation than you thought. Art S: Entertainment Evolution That’s Changed TV-Viewing Habits For Art, his entertainment experience has evolved over the course of a few decades. In his own words, here’s how he has seen the industry change. “I purchased a MantelMount unit soon after the company started back in 2014 (the model I have doesn’t even exist anymore). But almost 10 years later, this workhorse shows no signs of wear. It moves as smoothly as the day I installed it. More importantly, I can honestly say that it changed my TV viewing experience.” “It wasn’t always this way. Up until MantelMount, my TV mounting history was a sad tale of weird viewing angles, damaged TV’s, and poorly-made furniture. As I reviewed this history, I could only shake my head and marvel at my ignorance. Frankly, when it came to creating the optimal TV viewing experience, I didn’t even know what I didn’t know.” “We have only one wall where a TV could be mounted, and it was above a fireplace. For a few months, we put the TV on a cheap, fixed mount in the space above the mantel. While it did hold the TV in place, it made for a horrible viewing experience, as my wife and I were constantly craning our necks to watch our favorite programs. And if we watched for more than an hour, we both got neck pains (she had the added pleasure of back pain).” From a first family TV to becoming familiar with the bulkiness of a large entertainment center or a square TV on a box in college and beyond, Art emphasizes that with newer technology, such as TV mounts and the ability to use a remote control to decrease pain in the neck from viewing angles, having a TV mount transformation is just what he and his family needed. “MantelMount changed all that. For the last decade, we have had an eye-level view of our TV screen, which eliminates the neck craning (and the pain that goes with it). What’s more, there is absolutely no loss of resolution since we are watching the screen head-on; as a result, the picture is much more vibrant. We can even swivel it side-to-side, so depending on where we choose to sit (or if we have company), we can turn the TV into the best position for everyone to see.” “I’ve especially enjoyed the MantelMount when I watch sporting events. I’m not sure if it’s just an illusion, but when the TV is down at eye level, it creates a feeling of being closer to the action – much more immersive. All in all, our MantelMount has truly elevated our TV-watching pleasure. I’ve also recommended it to a number of friends, all of whom have had the same enthusiastic response that I’ve had.” Purchase Your TV Mount Today

On many occasions, one would want to see some small or significant changes in their living room, no matter how heavy or light the decor is. The living room is so aptly-named since it is where most of the events take place, where life happens.  It could be the place where the life of the party exists when you have guests over, the place where you’d want to cozy up in a warm blanket in the corner of the couch on a Sunday morning, make lunch plans with your gals, or binge shows on your television throughout the day.  The living room is also the first place where the eyes land when anybody comes home.  The living room is the space that can magically transform the house by breathing in more light, through luxurious folds of the curtains, and also where one can uncover all their design experiments. These experiments — like utilizing some home theater hacks to make your living room part of an experience, adding some color to the walls, adding more mirrors to lighten the room (because who doesn’t need some living room lighting tips from time to time?), or finding some extra space for storage so that one can easily clear the mess lying around — help make the living room the center of the home.  When people living in the house have these extraordinary visions of bringing great designer schemes into the living space, it can be hard to figure out where to begin.  Whether our living room tips include updating the flooring, walls, decor, or other areas of the living room, the joy found in transforming the living room is knowing that you’re making it your own little oasis. And keep in mind that these decorating tips for your living room aren’t just subscribed to that one room in your home; use these tips to revolutionize your bedroom, kitchen, or office space. Flooring In the living area, use flooring effectively to keep traffic moving, especially in a living room that has more than one door. Keep paths clear of obstacles and direct traffic around the seating, not into it, while understanding how people move about the room, and, consequently, moving or switching up any large items (i.e. couches) to prevent blocking the flow.  For the living room flooring area, attention should be given to placing rugs in the correct spot. Using two rugs can unify the zones, while also adding a layer of texture. Want to break up the wood flooring — in an aesthetic way? Using rugs or tilework — a more work-intensive option is through creating a difference in materials — are great ways to act as a buffer between the furniture and floor in your living room. Lighting For living room lighting tips, this is where you’ll need to focus:  Natural Lighting Invite more natural light into the room by keeping the furniture from blocking windows and room entrances. The clear windows create the illusion of depth by connecting a room with the outdoors. Keep in mind, when taking into consideration all of your decorating tips for your living room (or again, your bedroom, office, or another space), where the television is placed. Having a MantelMount pull down tv mount, or a motorized tv mount like our MM815, can help assuage any fear you might have about the natural light coming through windows and creating a less-than-ideal home entertainment option by bouncing light off of the screen. A TV mount like our MM340, MM540, or MM700 can be mounted on the wall and subsequently moved — once installed correctly — to take away any glare that might shine through from the natural light. Artificial Lighting Use lamps around the room instead of having one light source from overhead lighting; your guests’ eyes will be drawn to different corners of the room. To fill up additional lighting in a large room, place a tall lamp on a marble base or on a cocktail table. Ceiling For the ceiling of the living room, hang the curtains vertically from just below the ceiling rather than above your window. This will invite the eye upwards, giving off an impression of height, especially if your living room doesn’t have high ceilings. Furniture The ways in which a living room is furnished is often dependent on the total number of people to be seated. On the whole, interior designers often recommend in their decorating tips for living rooms to choose furniture items according to their functions.  For instance, if you’re planning on having your living room be the social hub of the home, take care in the placement of the couch and other seating options like chairs or benches. By keeping in mind where guests, and those in the home, prefer to sit will likely facilitate a better conversation space. Another living room tip is to ensure that all articles and pieces of furniture in your room do not butt up against the wall. Even nudging a piece of furniture a few inches (3 to 4 inches) away from the room’s wall will create the illusion that the wall is farther away than it actually is. Additionally, when using a MantelMount pull down TV mount or motorized drop down and swivel mount, it allows for conserving space, regardless of the size of the room. Having mounted TV is an added benefit, from the decorative perspective. Because a mounted TV creates space — by not having to be placed on furniture — through stowing it flush against the wall, it maximizes the furniture the television is housed around, whether it’s the top of a credenza that can now have photos on it or it’s a fireplace mantel that can have holiday ornaments on it. Walls For living room walls, pay attention to the detail. For instance: hanging artwork (or a pull down TV mount!) correctly or what colors and textures to use.  Looking to paint the living room wall? Remember this living room tip that may seem like a home theater hack that provides luxury to your space: incorporate half-painted walls in your painting adventure as they give the illusion of taller ceilings, which will likely add to your house’s grandeur. Also, it is preferable to go for softer hues, especially white, since they make the room look more spacious. Using white all over the room will also make any pieces of furniture in the room look bigger in size. However, if you’re not wanting to settle on white walls throughout the living room, consider a darker accent color or shade to paint — or add texture to a single wall — as these solutions can lift the vibrancy and life of the room. Buy a pull down TV mount or motorized TV mount here! Decor For many, here comes the fun part: the decor. First, you’ll want to situate the bigger pieces so they fit and become part of the space. The next step is to remember to place coffee tables, side tables, trolleys, and lamps within reach of sitting areas. In decor, placement is key. If there is no room to pass behind large pieces of furniture or other decor items like vases, trunks, or cabinets, situate them differently so the home’s residents, and guests, can move about without tripping. One of the more simple but important decorating tips for a living room is in relation to mirrors. Strategically place mirrors in order to extend a room, and, if there is a mirror in the home that’s a rectangular shape (and not, say, square), face it lengthwise for optimal effect of vertically elongating the room. After all, mirrors reflect images, as well as light and color. Layout Finding the correct layout for your room can redefine it completely. Find a focal point of your room, such as a fireplace, large window, or TV. Arrange the furniture around the focal point to give the room a better structure.  Although wall art, mirrors, and shelves can be easily used as a focal point, they can also be used as secondary features, guiding eyes and complementing the main focal point. Having a wall mounted, pull down TV as your focal point can engage visitors even further with its visual and audio effects. Learn how to install a Motorized TV mount When considering the layout of the living room, question if symmetry is something to incorporate. Having a symmetrical arrangement can make the living room look formal, whereas asymmetrical layouts often read as more casual and can inspire visual interest. An option is to utilize both symmetrical and asymmetrical patterns, color palettes, and layouts so the design doesn’t feel bland. Living Room Tips Based on Room Size Big Living Room If you have a large living room, break the space into smaller-sized conversation areas. The aim should be to create small, intimate spaces, which make the overall size of the room large.  Small Living Room Do you have a small living space? Consider a small bench or settee that’s placed right up against the wall. Incorporate multi-purpose pieces — an ottoman with storage found within it is a great example — or free-standing furniture like bookcases that are moveable. If this is the route that is decided on, it makes for fun designing as it won’t be a “set it and forget it” type of living room; ideas can be put into practice with pieces that are easily moved. Choose lightweight furniture pieces with clean lines, so as not to clog up the room. Color and Theme How can you separate the same wall in the living room, which is painted a single color? Using different patterned wall choices (whether it's paint or wallpaper) or texture to define two different spaces in your living room will shift the focus from one main element of the room to another.  For instance: imagine you’re in a seating area or dining area. For that space, use different patterns or themes of artwork, but keep the same color palette. This will aesthetically bring out both elements without disruption. Design As you design your room, consider the elements that make up the room and how they can work together.  Furniture Pieces The largest pieces of furniture, such as a fireplace, dining table, or a couch, should be considered first when it comes to living room design. Once the priority items are in place, then the smaller elements can be used to design and complement the more eye-catching focal points of the room. Patterns What about other design elements like patterns or stripes? How does it all come together in one room? Add stripes to elongate the room, if you so wish. With contrasting colors, and especially if the striped pattern is of equal widths, it will have an expanding effect. Needing new cushions or a rug for underneath the coffee table? Select monochromatic stripes for those pieces and you’ll uncover a deceptively larger room.  For other patterns such as circles, they don’t necessarily need to be embedded into the pattern of a blanket or pillow case, but they can be used within the furniture themselves. Rounded corners like ovals and circles can be easier on the eyes so if you’re faced with too rigid of a living room, consider bringing in circular lamps, cushions, or even a coffee table or end table. Artwork For designing a living room with artwork — no matter how much or little wall space you have — have the framed artwork hung lower to give the illusion of a taller ceiling. However, if you have larger pieces of artwork that would simply feel off being hung lower on the wall, open up the wall by paring down the amount of pieces that are on the wall. If you have no, or little, wall space, try out one of these solutions that could create the look that’s been desired. Remember when creating a comfortable living room space, there’s no true “bad answer” to the design. One of the best parts of incorporating living room tips, whether it’s living room lighting tips or figuring out if you can use some of the home theater hacks in your space, is that it’s personalized to your living room. Try things out, move pieces around, and you’ll be able to land on something that is perfect for your home.

Most dream homes include a home theater. And with so many streaming services to watch and sports games to enjoy, creating a home theater makes sense. But if you think creating such a space in your own home isn’t feasible, consider saving some money with a little DIY.  With the right home theater system setup, you can create your own living room home theater. What Do You Need for the Best Home Theater System Setup in Your Living Room? There are several key elements that make up a home theater — many of which you probably already have, and a few you’ll want to invest in. By incorporating each of these living room home theater ideas, you can turn your living room into an entertainment oasis.  You will need: Home Theater System Equipment Living Room Home Theater Furniture Furniture Arrangement Home Decor Home Theater System Equipment The most important feature of your renewed space is the home theater system you use. Here are some products you’ll need for your home theater system setup: Television It would be hard to create the perfect entertainment oasis without a TV, which is why it is first on our list. While some people might want a projector screen and projector, a TV is going to offer the clearest picture and fit more easily into your space. If you don’t have a TV you want to use for your new theater — maybe you want a larger size than what you have now — check out our guide to buying a new TV and then look at this list of the best TV deals happening now. TV Wall Mount Large, flatscreen TVs don’t always fit within entertainment centers like they used to due to their screen size, and by not purchasing an entertainment center you can save yourself quite a bit of money. If you get a large enough screen, the best option is to have a living room with a mounted TV. You can purchase a MantelMount pull down TV wall mount so you can adjust the screen to the optimal TV-viewing angle, which we’ll explain in more detail later. Here’s more information on which TV mount to buy based on the size of your TV. Cable, Streaming Service, or Blu-Ray Player The next piece you’ll need for your home theater system is a way to play your favorite movies, TV shows, or sports games. If you have great Internet, you can subscribe to one of the many streaming services available today. If your Internet isn’t that great, get cable, a satellite box, or a Blu-Ray player for your living room home theater. Speakers Next on our list of equipment are home theater speakers. There are several options for this: A Soundbar - In smaller spaces, a soundbar is a great choice. They even have some soundbars with a surround sound feature. Surround Sound Speakers - If you want a truly spectacular audio experience in your living room home theater, you can get a surround sound speaker system. This allows for incredible audio that can make you feel like you’re in a real theater. Just keep in mind that most of the best home theater sound systems with surround sound require a separate audio receiver. See our section on receivers below. Subwoofer - Something that really makes a trip to the theater special is the BASS. A subwoofer is required to deliver the deep audio that movies are known for, like the sound of explosions in an action movie, and create an immersive experience. A subwoofer can be added to any other speaker system to create a high-quality sound. If you really want to “feel” the audio, consider buying two! When it comes to your sound system, here are some of the best sound systems to use: Sony Home Theater Systems Bose Home Theater Systems Samsung Home Theater Systems Dolby Atmos Home Theater Systems Once you have your sound system, you can start thinking about where you want to put it all and the right sound settings to set up.  For a true surround-sound experience, place your speakers throughout the space.  Home Theater Receiver Many home theater aficionados swear that the home audio system is even more important than the picture. And the receiver is the heart of that sound. A home theater receiver is what will give you a better audio experience at your family or friend movie nights. The receiver splits the audio into many different channels to deliver a surround sound environment and provides power for passive speakers. The most basic of home theater receivers support 5.1 audio, or a system with 5 main speakers and 1 subwoofer. More advanced systems like Dolby Atmos even add height channels into the ceiling. Shop Crutchfield for home theater receivers. Living Room Home Theater Furniture Next in home theater design is the furniture. Your home theater setup wouldn’t be complete without some comfy chairs to sit on, proper lighting, and a place to set your snacks and drinks for the movie. Seating Despite what you might think, you don’t have to purchase expensive leather recliners for your seating, but many seating options will depend on the size and layout of your space. Spacejoy does a great job of breaking this down by type of space you’re designing: Open Living Room - For an open living room, use a single recliner and a traditional couch. You can also shop for a recliner sofa that fits well within a traditional living room space while also providing several guests the option to recline.Shop reclining sofas at Wayfair. Closed Living Room - If you have a closed living room, this is where you could invest in more theater-type seating, which will offer a true movie theater experience.Shop home theater seating at the TheaterSeatStore. Small Living Room - To maximize the space of a small living room, use a sectional that fits well within the space and add some ottomans or bean bag chairs. Lighting A great way to DIY your home theater room is the lighting you use. You can easily add lamps to the room to offer that cozy theater room feel. You don’t want anything too bright; and you’ll want something you can either dim down or can be on in the background without casting a glare on the screen. With this in mind, if you have a lot of windows in your living room, you may want to invest in some black out curtains to prevent a glare on the TV as you watch television during the day. If you don’t want to buy blackout curtains, another benefit of having a living room with a mounted TV is that our pull down TV mounts can tilt whichever direction you need it to go, even if that means away from natural light coming in from your windows. It will just depend on the location of your TV wall mount and the windows in the room. Coffee Table and End Tables Want to prevent spilled drinks and snacks on your living room floor? Add a coffee table and end tables for your guests. If you decide to purchase theater seating recliners, many of these come with cupholders and snack trays you can use. Furniture Arrangement When you arrange your furniture in your home theater space, pay attention to the proper distance and angle of the furniture relative to the screen. Octane Seating explains the viewing distance is often dependent on the resolution of your screen, but they generally recommend a viewing distance of 3 to 5 feet. The higher the resolution of your screen, the shorter your viewing distance should be. Once you have established the right viewing distance for the optimal TV-viewing experience, you’ll want to consider the right viewing angle. Source: Octane SeatingHorizontally, the sweet spot of TV viewing is a 40-degree angle. Place the center of your seating arrangement here and build out from there.Then, consider the vertical viewing angle—or optimal height to place your TV. The screen should be at eye level for optimal viewing. One of the great features of the MantelMount pull down TV mount is that you can easily pull the TV down to eye level so the height at which you mount your TV doesn’t matter as much. Home Decor Your home theater system and furniture are the highest priorities for a living room home theater, but don’t forget about the decor! These are decor ideas you could add immediately or later based on your DIY budget. Some ideas MyDomaine offers that we haven’t already mentioned include: Paint your living room a dark color. Whether you want to paint your entire living room a dark color or just an accent wall or two, this helps bring the focus into your television for a full media room experience. Create a grand entrance. How you execute this will depend on your living room layout. Frame a few movie posters and get a Theater sign. Hang these at the entrance to your living room. If you have more of an open concept, use these same home decor pieces by hanging them around the room. Add a concession stand. If you have a small blank wall on one side of the room, or an awkward corner space you aren’t sure what to do with, create a small concession stand area with snacks and candy guests can grab before the start of the movie. Frame your screen. Another great idea is framing your TV screen so the eyes are immediately drawn to it. You can do that by adding a couple of wall sconces on either side, building a wooden frame to surround your TV, or adding curtains on either side. Add an accent rug. Find a bold rug you can lay down in front of your home theater seating. We hope this guide provided the inspiration you need to create a truly wonderful entertainment space. And don’t forget to get your MantelMount pull down TV mount or motorized drop down and swivel TV mount to make it even more enjoyable.

Do you remember the old days of watching tv? When you had to get up off the couch to change the channel? Thankfully, the invention of the remote control didn’t come long after the invention of the tv, about 1950. Back then, the remote wasn’t a particularly sophisticated piece of technology, It had about four buttons to control the channel and volume and it would make a distinctive “click” noise whenever the user pushed down on one of the buttons. Thus, the origin of the name “ the clicker” you may have grown up with, watching tv as a child. Today, the tv has morphed into something that can sit, sleekly on whichever wall or piece of furniture you chose, or, disappear into a piece of art. TV technology has flourished and now you can control more than just the channel and volume remotely. Yes, many tvs today have the ability to switch between streaming services with a designated button on the remote, but what about adjusting the tv’s position with just one click? Full motion motorized tv wall mounts might be the newest frontier in tv mounting technology. Like a tv lift, with one click of a button, you can lower, raise, and swivel your tv screen to the perfect angle to watch your favorite shows or a nail biting game. Curious to find out more? We have some tips to make sure you can enjoy and relax by watching your favorite shows or movies on your tv, without having to get up to adjust the tv angle. Should You Get a Full Motion Motorized TV Wall Mount? There will always be pros and cons about anything you purchase, including a tv wall mount. For some, a motorized tv mount with a remote might be unnecessary given the amount of sports, movies, and tv shows that they watch. But there are some of you out there that require an even more intricate set up. For those who want an enhanced entertainment experience, or simply want the newest or coolest items and gadgets, a motorized tv mount is an ideal item to have. With a remote control tv mount like our MM815 model, you get the benefits of an articulating tv mount that has vertical travel capabilities — like all MantelMount tv mounts — while also staying put where you are in the room. The MM815 is our newest tv mount and has features never seen before with our mounts. Not only does this motorized tv mount come with a remote control for the tv mount, there are two memory presets on the remote control that allow for ease and quickness in lowering and swiveling the television. Looking for more out of a full motion motorized tv mount like ours? Some more distinguishing features from the MM815 has a visual temperature sensor — that becomes a red color if, for instance you place the mount above a fireplace, the temperature reaches at or more than 110° fahrenheit — as well as our patented centering cams that swivel the television to center while the mount is raising to avoid obstacles like the wall or mantel. Installing a Remote Control TV Mount The installation part is likely the most daunting step of the whole process. However, there are a few options to take into consideration. Like any installation, safety should be at the forefront. Beyond that, ensure that you’ll have the best viewing angle—which is having the bottom third of your screen below eye-level—for everyone in your home.  Another checklist item to keep in mind is if you or anyone in your household is handy with things like a tv mount installation project. Or, maybe you or someone else is good with household projects but, like we all know, there’s never enough time in a day. Want to leave it to professionals? There are nationwide home services companies like Ontech (a division of Dish), that install MantelMount's MM340, MM540 and MM700 mounts. If you do end up going at it alone and installing your motorized tv mount, there are still some steps to follow to guarantee that your new mount is secure and ready to be used.  Prior to the full installation, take a glance at the main steps of installing the MM815 so you know what you’re in for—especially because the installation process for our mount is different from other motorized tv mount installs. Attach braces to your television. Determine the wall placement of the MM815. Attach the mount to the wall.  Note that for the MM815, this step has multiple substeps including powering up the mount, running a system reset to ensure the mount properly works, programming the bottom position, and recalibrating the swivel safety clutch. Attach the tv to the mount.  Note that this step requires more than one person. Make your final adjustments. For the MM815, final adjustments include, but aren't limited to, guaranteeing the remote works for the left and right stops by programming the swivel limits, and adjusting the centering cam and side swivel stop positions. Have you briefly checked out those steps? Now you can tackle the installation process. But just in case, here are a few items you’ll likely need to install your motorized tv wall mount: A marking device such as a pencil and/or painter's tape A tape measure A stud finder A manual or electronic level A drill with its corresponding drill bits And your selected tv mount with remote Once all of the necessary installation items are nearby, then the tv mounting process can begin in earnest. To start, mark the area on the wall where you will be drilling the pilot holes.  Not sure how high to mount your tv or know where to have the tv and mount placed in the best position in a room? We have answered some of the most common questions here.  If you’re able to, secure your tv mount to studs in the wall, or use a drywall anchor when studs aren’t available. Add washers to the end of your screws, and secure the bracket to the wall through the bracket slats. You may need an extra set of hands for the next step, which requires you to line up the tv mount on the back of the tv with the bracket against the wall. Next thing you know, you’ll be comfy on the couch watching tv.

Now that you have taken your new television out of the box, how do you plan to mount it on the wall? Before you immerse yourself in watching your favorite movies and shows, you’ll need to find the right place to mount the TV. But, there’s one tiny problem — you don’t have any studs to work with for the TV mount, or it could be that, if you’re renting an apartment, your landlord insists no drilling is allowed. But there’s no need to panic.  Whether you have a brick or uneven stone façade, or mounting a TV above a fireplace, mounting a TV can be tricky, but even more so when mounting a TV without studs. Even though drywall can support a TV up to 100 lbs., it’s still brittle and the mount can require additional support. If you want to create the perfect TV-viewing experience but you aren’t sure how to safely mount your TV on a wall without studs, check out these tips and get your TV up on the wall and in the perfect spot today. What Is a Stud? Before mounting your TV on a wall, you should always attempt to locate a stud or inspect the wall’s integrity. But it can be difficult to locate a stud if you don’t know what you’re looking for. A stud is a vertical framing device used to create a frame for a wall. It is commonplace to find either wood studs or metal studs. These wooden or metal reinforcements are evenly spaced within a wall and are typically used to create a framework for a wall consisting of drywall. Because many modern home interiors are constructed with drywall, not mason, there’s a good chance that you should be able to easily locate a stud within your home’s walls. If you live in a high rise, you likely have studs made out of metal. Similarly, commercial buildings often have metal framework as well that will require additional care if mounting a TV or appliances into a stud. 4 Simple Ways to Find Studs in the Wall Finding studs have a lot of uses beyond simply mounting your TV. Especially if you are a homeowner undergoing home improvement projects — if you want to hang a heavy picture, mount an appliance to the wall, do trim work in your home, or fix electrical outlets — it’s very useful to be aware of the location of the studs in your walls. The main question is: how do you accurately locate a stud, with or without a stud finder or a stud finder app? 1. Locate studs with a stud finder One of the easiest ways to do this is with a stud finder, a small handheld device that measures the density of drywall. The Spruce has a comprehensive list of options to buy online or at your local hardware store. Using a stud finder is simpler than finding the right one. All that is needed is to place the stud finder against the drywall and slowly drag it horizontally along the wall until it beeps. Beeping indicates that you’ve found a stud. You can estimate the center of the stud by running the stud finder over the location repeatedly until it stops beeping. Then, once you know where the stud is located in the wall, make a mark with a pencil. 2. Measure 16” from the corner Don’t have a stud finder or stud finder app? That’s okay! A go-to technique is to measure 16 inches from the corner of where the interior wall and the exterior wall meet to approximate where studs will be located throughout the room. Typically, studs are evenly spaced 16”-24” inches apart, so if you measure the total length of your wall, you should be able to approximate the location of each stud. Now, not every room is going to evenly divide by 16 or 24, but again, that’s okay. Follow up this measurement effort by knocking on the wall where you suspect the stud to be. Knocking on a stud will create a muffled sound while knocking directly next to the stud will create a hollow sound. 3. Check your trim If you aren’t handy with a tape measure or you don’t have access to a stud finder, another option for you are the other wall features: trim nails, electrical outlets, and light switches all indicate the location of a stud. 4. Use a powerful magnet If you’re having trouble locating studs, you may have better luck locating the metal that holds them in place. Commonly, studs are secured with metal fasteners spaced vertically about 12” apart. With a strong magnet, place it against the wall and move it slowly up and down until you feel it stick slightly. This will indicate that you’ve located a metal fastener and, therefore, a stud. How to Mount a TV Without Studs If you’ve done your due diligence to locate studs and you can’t find any, you discover the studs are metal, or there are no studs located in the area where you want to mount your TV, you do have options for mounting your TV with no studs. Whether you are looking for a little DIY action with mounting a TV or you merely are looking to gain knowledge and want to know what the handyman is doing while installing a TV mount, here, we can walk you through it all! 1. Mounting a TV with drywall anchors Expanding anchors or conical anchors are one of the simplest ways to mount a TV when studs aren’t available. The wing-like grooves lock into place behind the wall when a screw is screwed in and this can provide ample support for things like pictures with a heavy frame or a lightweight TV.  How does one do this? Simply drill a hole accordingly, insert the sleeve, and slide in the anchor piece. You can even pull it close to the wall with the disposable pull tool. The pulling motion locks the anchor in place, so it won’t loosen while you insert the screw. 2. Mounting a TV with anchors or molly bolts Toggle anchors and toggle bolts look like regular screws, but they come with a butterfly toggle at the end. When placed in the wall, the toggle anchors work by attaching to the back of the drywall. Pulling at the screw or applying some external force has little impact as the toggle causes the whole sheet of drywall to respond, rather than just the crumbly center. It’s the distinction between pulling the entire wall and removing a single screw. Mounting a TV with drywall anchors or bolts is a great option if you can’t drill into a stud. You’ll need to use a hollow wall anchor that looks similar to a regular screw, with a butterfly toggle at the end. Once they’re placed in the wall, they’ll attach to the back. These have proven to be extremely strong on their own when it comes to mounting a TV with no studs, but, as a general rule, it should not be paired with a full-motion mount. Mounting a TV without studs can be a safe and reliable solution if careful consideration is made about the limits of the wall and the toggles. Molly bolts are an interesting anchor for a no-studs TV mount. They combine the ease of installation with a lot of strength — a large molly bolt can hold up to 50 lbs. They are a little harder to use over other drywall anchors, but they are sturdy and well-suited for a medium to heavy load. They come in two variations: a pointed molly bolt will have a sharp tip that can be installed with a hammer, whereas a non-pointed molly bolt, which is better to use in plaster walls, requires that you cut out an installation hole first. Molly bolts stay thin when left untightened, but once tightened in your walls, the sleeves expand, creating an anchor to the back of your wall — a similar mechanism as toggle anchors. Once the molly bolt is securely anchored, you can remove the screw and replace it with the screws for your TV wall mount. 3. Mounting a TV with a mounting plate A mounting plate is a good choice when it comes to mounting a TV with no studs. Mounting plates help the anchors carry the tv weight with more ease and provide an opportunity to add more anchors, making it a more secure mount. Although the mounting plate doesn’t look that aesthetically appealing, you can always consider a mounting plate that is smaller than the TV and choose one in a color and style that works well with the look of your room, or paint over it. If you’re looking to go this route, both the MantelMount SSB40 Single Stud Wall Adapter and the WPC00 Wall Plate Covers can be used with the MantelMount MM340 Standard Pull Down TV Mount. Please note that our WPC00 Wall Plate Covers are included with the purchase of a MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount. Things to Keep in Mind Before Mounting a TV With No Studs Although anchors, toggle bolts, mounting bolts, and mounting plates are effective ways to keep TV wall mounts in place when mounting a TV with no studs, here are some other extraneous things to keep in mind. Be Aware of the TV’s Weight and the Condition of the Wall Whether mounting a TV with drywall anchors or with a mounting plate, or frankly, any other way, ensure that the anchor screws are rated to carry the television’s weight. TV weights vary from model to model, but an average 32’ television usually weighs about 25 to 30 lbs, which means that a larger screen will weigh more.  If the choice is mounting a TV with drywall anchors, check the load capacity for the selected anchors. It won’t make a difference if the strongest wall anchors are used if you live in an old house with a wall that can’t sustain the load. If the wall appears flimsy, it may bend under the weight of the TV and there is a chance that it could potentially break at some point, wrecking both the wall and your television. Use the Right Type of Mount for Your TV A standard pattern for wall mounts is to ensure that they will fit any TV. However, mounts are rated to fit specific television sizes and weights. A wall mount for a 32’ TV would not be able to support the weight and dimensions of a 40’ TV. Choosing the wrong mount, then, could potentially be dangerous for your TV. (Bonus hat tip: If you’re looking for a new television, make sure to take a look at our New TV Buying Guide, which highlights some possible questions you might be asking about details on TV types.) Whether the question is how to mount a TV to a wall without studs or if it’s more to the tune of how high to mount a flat screen TV, most of the anchor options for a wall with no studs work best with fixed and tilt mounts. Fixed mounts are static and set at a singular position, while pull down and articulating and tilting TV wall mounts allow you to change the angle of the mounted television.  Toggle bolts and other wall anchors should not be used with anything other than fixed mounts. Mounts which have arms and swivels that allow for complete angle adjustments, naturally add more weight. The constant movement that comes with adjusting your mounted TV can cause increased stress on your anchor points and the wall itself.

Picture a spacious yet cozy living room, with comfortable couches, a coffee table, a toasty fireplace, and above it, as a finishing touch, the family flat-screen TV. For many households, coming together at the end of the day looks like hunkering down on the couch to watch a beloved show or movie. You may have an abundance of space in the living room and be able to display your TV on a console as part of an entertainment center or in a TV cabinet; but if space is a challenge — or your couch fits perfectly in front of your fireplace — mounting the TV over the mantel may be your best option.  This, of course, brings up the question of how to go about mounting a television above a fireplace.  Fireplaces can present some unique challenges when it comes to mounting your TV. For instance, mounting your TV into the fireplace may require you to drill into brick. Or you may be dealing with an uneven surface like stone. On the other hand, you may not know what type of material the wall is (Is it drywall? Is it plaster?) above your fireplace is made of. Whatever the challenge may be, we’ve compiled a complete guide filled with our recommendations for safely mounting your TV over your mantel. SELECTING THE RIGHT TV MOUNT FOR THE JOB The first step when mounting a TV above a fireplace is to choose a mount suited for over the mantel. Consider: the spot above your fireplace may position your tv too high for comfortable viewing.  This, in combination with a couch that sits just a little too close to the hearth, can create an uncomfortable TV-viewing experience — potentially even neck or back pain. MantelMount pull-down TV mounts are designed specifically for above-the-fireplace TV-viewing. Why? Because every MantelMount TV mount is built with counterbalance technology that gently guides your screen safely over your mantel and into a comfortable viewing position at the optimum eye-level. Ranging from our MM340 Standard and MM540 Enhanced to the MM700 Premier, each MantelMount is designed with patented gas pistons and lightweight alloys that make adjusting and positioning your TV seamless and enjoyable. Our latest TV mount, the MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount, is the most effective at allowing anyone — from child to adult — to enjoy their favorite show or movie, with the TV positioned at the best viewing angle for that person, all with the press of a button. MM815 Consumer Video D2C 03-10-23 from MantelMount on Vimeo. Using a MantelMount TV mount is one of the best ways to mount a TV over a fireplace because it’s precisely built for the space above your fireplace. There is flexibility with a TV mounted above a fireplace as it can be left in the stowed position when not watching, while also being able to adjust the height and angle when it’s TV-watching time. No more neck strain or eye strain. No more screen glare. The perfect TV picture color and clarity. What’s more, the MM540 Enhanced, the MM700 Premier, and the MM815 Motorized TV mounts are all designed with heat-sensing handles that turn red if the temperature above your fireplace exceeds a safe temperature, making you aware that you need to turn off the fireplace and/or raise your television to the stowed position. The temperature sensor is a visible alert to keep your TV’s delicate hardware safe from overheating with your subsequent actions to your fireplace or TV. Regardless of whether you have a gas fireplace or a wood-burning fireplace, your family can feel safe and secure in the knowledge that installing a TV over a fireplace with a MantelMount TV mount will likely see through the lifespan of the TV, even with the fireplace heat below it. See what we mean about being built for the space above your fireplace? HOW TO MOUNT A TV ABOVE A FIREPLACE IF THE WALL IS MADE OF STONE OR BRICK When it comes to fireplaces, both stone fireplaces and brick fireplaces are commonplace in homes. Despite the fact that stone and brick can be tough materials to work with when mounting a TV above the fireplace, that doesn’t mean that you can’t mount a TV over your fireplace. If you’re asking yourself how to mount a TV above your fireplace and the wall is made of brick, we have this handy guide to make sure you don’t fear mounting a TV over your brick fireplace. On the other hand, if you are dealing with a stone wall and want to mount your TV, use our guide to get started. In any case, here are some of the tools you’ll need to get started: Painter’s tape Tape measure A level Concrete anchors and lag bolts — these items come in every MantelMount box Concrete screws and washers Drill with a hammer drill function Concrete drill bit Socket adapter, ratchet, or rubber mallet Our original accessories can also be added to achieve the correct look. For instance, if the stone or brick is part of a flimsy facade, you can simply purchase MantelMount’s AB40 Adapter to provide the necessary support needed. Are you a sound or audio nerd and want to enhance your TV watching to have the picture quality match with the audio quality? Try out our SKB00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit to make what you watch really come to life. WHAT ABOUT MOUNTING A TV ABOVE THE FIREPLACE WHEN HEAT AND ELECTRONICS SHOULDN’T MIX? One of the most common concerns when mounting a TV over a fireplace is that heat and electronics should not mix. That includes not just the television, but also the attached wires and making certain that the wires are hidden away from the heat source.  A small amount of heat can damage items like entertainment and media cords and cables, so it’s likely that the TV isn’t the only thing on your mind with having a fireplace TV mount. However, televisions that are made today, for the most part, produce very little heat on their own. The concern, of course, is the extreme heat from the fireplace when it’s lit. One way that MantelMount TV mounts are unique is through the built-in, smart heat-sensing handles which turn red when a temperature of 110 degrees Fahrenheit or more is detected. Shop Our TV Mounts Made For Fireplaces THE BEST WAY TO MOUNT TV OVER A FIREPLACE WHEN THE MANTEL IS TALL The height of a fireplace mantel can certainly interfere with your home entertainment setup and overall enjoyment. If you already know how to mount a TV above a fireplace but are unsure of the height of where the TV should be, that’s something that should be addressed.  When mounting a TV above the fireplace, understand that it might be on a higher place on the wall to secure the TV further away from heat and if the mantel is tall. Watching television, however, is meant to be fun and a relaxing experience so make sure that you don’t end up installing a TV over the fireplace too high as to cause discomfort.  Additionally, as our MM815 Motorized TV Mount has two memory presets on the remote control that lowers and swivels the mount, there are options for finding the best focal point for the tall fireplace mantel. By taking these instructions to heart, mounting your TV over the fireplace won’t seem like such an insurmountable task, and it could actually be your best option!

Picture this: You’re outside enjoying lovely weather after a long day of work, sitting underneath a covered patio on a comfortable sofa with a refreshing drink in hand — away from bugs and mosquitoes, of course, watching your favorite show or sporting event on the television. The idea of creating an outdoor entertainment area may have crossed your mind. Our lives have changed greatly over the last few years, and in many ways, people are creating spaces in their homes that can be enjoyed for both entertaining and for family use. One such way that households are transforming their outdoor space is to enhance it with a TV. But, you might be asking, how do you make an indoor TV an outdoor TV? Or, a question you might be wondering is a screened in porch with a TV is any different to a TV on a patio that’s more open to the elements. Or you may have asked thought to yourself if you need a special TV for the outdoors, or if you can simply put an outdoor TV under a covered patio for added protection.  We answer all of these questions and more so you can build the perfect outdoor set up for your entertainment needs. Do You Need a Special Weatherized TV for Outdoors? How Do You Make An Indoor TV An Outdoor TV? Although there are methods on how to make an indoor TV an outdoor TV, it’s not recommended by television manufacturers. This is due to variables like exposure to both water and wind, a rogue backyard ballgame element, and gardening tools that can all badly damage a TV. This piece from the New York Times spells out why you might be more susceptible to considering purchasing a weatherized TV rather than chance your indoor TV outside. Looking to go the route of going for an indoor TV? Regardless of whether you have a screened in porch with a TV or the television is more exposed to the outdoor elements, purchasing a protective covering for your TV screen, like a screen protector with an IP55 grade rating, is an option. What’s more, to protect your TV that’s on a patio, reinforce wires with conduit or a drip loop to protect against water damage. But your best bet for placing a non-weather resistant TV outside is to place it in a TV cabinet or install it underneath some kind of structure like a covered patio. On the other hand, a weatherized TV comes with some level of protection from the elements and would likely perform well in a backyard or under a covered patio. These special TVs, like ones from SunBrite that are capable of having full sun, partial sun, or shaded exposure, are built to withstand extreme temperature changes and can act as more of a permanent solution than running out the clock on an indoor TV holding up to a harsh environment. Additionally, a weatherized TV typically has a brighter display than a normal TV. This makes it possible to watch TV outside even in bright, direct sunlight if you don’t have the luxury of a covered deck or a screened in porch with a TV. To put a bow on the question of if you need a special TV for outdoors, the answer is, yes; if you want to create the best outdoor-viewing experience and don’t want to do constant repairs and maintenance having a weatherized TV is vital. How To Weatherproof A TV Whether you choose to purchase a weatherized TV with an IP54 rating, or you drag an old TV outside, you are going to want to create some level of weatherproofing to give whichever TV you place outside its best chance for surviving through temperature changes and exposure to the elements. One option is to build a weatherized TV cabinet. These can be a great project for the experienced DIYer and provide a level of protection similar to a covered patio, if it’s built correctly. One useful solution to a cabinet or alcove is with MantelMount’s AB40 horizontal adapter that works with certain MantelMount TV mount models.  Although having a cabinet as a structure isn’t necessarily the answer to figuring out how to weatherproof a TV, it is one solution to further make your television safe, secure, and away from the outdoor elements.  If you prefer to have a more slimline approach to your covered patio outdoor TV, a TV case to make your outdoor covered patio lounging setup look a bit more like your indoor living room.  Do none of those options suit your fancy? At MantelMount, we have just the solution: WeatherMounts by MantelMount. Combining a weatherized TV with our Marine Grade 316 stainless steel TV mount will enhance your outdoor entertainment experience so much that you may never want to nip inside.   Invest in a WeatherMount for your outdoor entertaining   Why You Need To Invest In A WeatherMount By MantelMount and Weatherized TV For those intrigued by the idea of having a TV on your patio, mounted with a weatherproof TV mount, there is nowhere else to look than MantelMount. With our WeatherMounts by MantelMount, before going on the market, our team rigorously tested to ensure the outdoor mounts — wherever they are placed in an outdoor entertainment environment — would be sturdy, proven, and long lasting. So, how did we do it? Well, first off, imagine you live on the coast, whether that is in San Diego, Seattle, Miami, or Virginia Beach. In any of those locations, besides sand, what do you get with beachside or oceanside living? Salt. Because salt corrodes metal, we knew that our WeatherMounts had to be exposed to harsh environments, from any coast, that any San Diegan, Seattleite, Miamian, or Virginian knows far too well.  Now that you have the picture of why it was important to test our WeatherMounts, here’s how we did it. We conducted a 720-hour salt spray test that incorporated UV light exposure and 24-hour thermal cycling between 60 degrees and 100 degrees.  In addition to that, the mounts use Marine Grade 316 stainless steel. Why is that noteworthy? That type of stainless steel is known for being corrosion resistant, lending to our mounts being sturdier and more long lasting in an outdoor environment than other non-weatherized TV mounts. Other Ways You Can Use MantelMount For Outdoor-TV Watching If you’ve taken the necessary steps and precautions, such as placing your TV under a covered patio, setting up a weatherized TV cabinet, purchasing a TV case or cover, and buying MantelMount products, like our WeatherMounts by MantelMount, all of those factors make it possible to place your TV at the best height for a comfortable outdoor viewing experience. Whether you’re deciding to use a weatherized TV, a weatherized cabinet, purchasing a weather resistant TV along with a WeatherMount, or are hoping for the best and winging it, MantelMount is here to help guide you through TV mounting with helpful and friendly experts. And that’s for inside and outside TV-watching.