Turn Your Tablet into a Wall‑Mounted Smart‑Home Hub in Every Room

We love our smartphones, but if you’re like us, they tend to go missing fairly regularly (i.e., up to several times a day). A wall‑mounted screen is always in the same spot, ready to display the weather, family calendars, or a home assistant dashboard. Learn how to choose the right device, mount it safely and integrate it into your home.

Choose your device

First decision: Do you want a dedicated smart display (such as the Echo Show or Google Nest Hub) or a tablet like an iPad? Consider:

• Smart displays integrate tightly with voice assistants, but they may have limited customization.

• Tablets allow you to run a variety of dashboard apps and streaming services.

Whichever you choose, ensure the screen is large enough to read at a distance and supports landscape orientation.

Select a mounting solution

Your options here include a flush frame, a recessed wall frame, or an articulating arm. Flush frames and recessed enclosures keep the device nearly flush with the wall for a built‑in look, while articulating arms let you angle the screen and remove it for handheld use. Use a magnetic dock for quick attachment and removal.

When planning your installation, think about power: an in‑wall charger for tablets or PoE injector can supply continuous power while hiding cables.

⚡Reminder: If you run a cable through the wall, follow electrical codes and use a cable management kit.

How to mount a tablet on the wall

1. Mount the device at a comfortable height, typically around eye-level (48–54 inches from the floor) for standing users or lower if children will use it.

2. Use a stud finder to anchor heavy tablets securely, or choose appropriate drywall anchors.

3. Once installed, set up your smart home dashboard apps and configure shortcuts to lights, music, security cameras and other smart devices.

4. Enable guided access or kiosk mode so the tablet only runs the dashboard, and set a passcode to prevent tampering.

Mounting techniques

Mounting techniques vary by type of mount and surface. Adhesive mounts work on smooth tile or glass, but they may not stick to textured walls; swivel mounts allow you to adjust viewing angles, which is particularly useful in kitchens where you move around while following a recipe.

Smart home wall display ideas

Kitchen: A wall-mounted tablet becomes a digital cookbook and meal planner. Use it to watch cooking videos, follow step-by-step recipes, or manage grocery lists that sync with your phone. Install a mount near an outlet but away from splashes. For added convenience, use a case with a detachable magnetic plate, so you can remove the tablet for hands-on use and reattach it when done.

Bathroom: A moisture-resistant smart display mounted outside the shower lets you listen to podcasts or check your morning news while getting ready. When selecting a mount, choose one with an enclosure that protects against humidity.

Bedrooms: In bedrooms, tablets can function as alarm clocks, white-noise machines and smart-home controllers. Consider mounting them at nightstand height near your bed for easy access. 

Laundry room: Mount a tablet to monitor smart appliances and receive cycle notifications. 

Home gym: A wall-mounted display can stream workout classes, track reps and heart rate, and provide motivational music.

Garage: Use one to watch DIY tutorials while you work, keep an inventory list of tools and materials, or manage a smart sprinkler system.

🤔 MantelMount Pro Tip: Good cable management

To maximize the lifespan of your devices, invest in cable management solutions that prevent cords from bending or fraying. Velcro ties, cable clips and raceways keep charging cables neat and protect them from pets and vacuums.

In rooms where outlets are scarce, use multi-port charging stations mounted discreetly under cabinets or shelves. This way, you get to consolidate power for multiple devices and reduce clutter.

Don’t forget privacy matters

Make sure you don’t place devices where cameras could capture sensitive activities. Use built-in privacy shutters on smart displays and choose devices that support on-device processing for voice commands.

Most systems let you manage the user profiles, so family members see customized content. Periodically review app permissions and update firmware to maintain security.

Installing smart displays is a journey, not a destination

As new devices come onto the market, evaluate which features suit your lifestyle. By strategically mounting tablets and displays throughout your home, you create a responsive environment that adapts to your lifestyle, improves efficiency and adds a touch of modern convenience to every room.

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