MantelMount

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.

The placement of a television can significantly impact the aesthetics and functionality of a living space. TV wall mounts have become a popular solution for people looking to save space, enhance viewing angles, or simply achieve a sleeker appearance.  However, many homeowners wonder if TV wall mounts are safe. With the right mount and proper installation, the answer is a resounding yes! But it’s important to understand the safety features that have evolved over the years to ensure both your family’s safety and your television’s stability. Here, learn about the advancements in TV wall mount safety, the features that ensure secure mounting, and take a closer look at our innovative safety-focused solutions, including our WeatherMount line designed for outdoor TVs. TV Mount Safety TV wall mounts have come a long way in terms of both functionality and safety. Twenty years ago, mounting your TV on the wall may have seemed like a risky task — televisions were bulkier, and the technology behind mounts wasn’t as advanced. The idea of a heavy TV hanging overhead caused legitimate concerns about accidents, particularly in homes with children or pets. That sentiment has shifted dramatically as flat-screen TVs are lighter, and wall mount technology has significantly improved. Modern mounts are designed to distribute weight more evenly, provide secure attachment points, and offer extra features to prevent the TV from accidentally detaching. These advancements, coupled with more streamlined designs, have made mounting TVs not only a practical solution but also a safer one. When installed correctly and paired with a high-quality mount — like those from MantelMount — the risks associated with wall-mounted televisions are minimal. In fact, they can often provide a safer environment, reducing the chance of accidents caused by unstable or improperly positioned TVs, or the hazard that cords and cables can often become. Safety Features of TV Mounts and TV Mount Accessories When shopping for a TV wall mount, you’ll want to pay attention to the safety features offered. Let’s break down some of the most important safety considerations that make today’s mounts reliable and secure. Weight CapacityOne of the most crucial safety factors is ensuring that the wall mount can handle the weight of your TV. High-quality mounts will clearly specify the maximum weight they can hold, and it’s important to match this with the weight of your television. Our mounts are rigorously tested to handle heavier loads, up to 115 lbs, ensuring that even large TVs are securely held in place. VESA CompatibilityVESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) compatibility ensures that the mount you select matches the mounting holes on your TV. This ensures a snug fit, preventing any unnecessary shifting or loosening over time. Our products are VESA-compatible, accommodating a wide range of TV sizes and models. Built-in Leveling SystemsA misaligned TV mount is not only frustrating from a viewing perspective but also can create an unbalanced load that poses a safety risk. Many modern mounts, like those offered by MantelMount, come with built-in leveling systems to ensure your TV is mounted perfectly straight and distributes weight evenly. Locking MechanismsA solid locking mechanism is essential for keeping the TV securely fastened to the mount. For instance, our mounts feature locking pins and sturdy mechanisms that keep your TV locked in place even when you adjust its angle or height. Secure Mounting to Studs or ConcreteA TV mount is only as strong as what it’s attached to. Installing a mount directly into wall studs or concrete provides the most secure attachment. Our mounts come with easy-to-follow instructions and the necessary hardware to ensure secure installation on various surfaces. We also offer TV mount accessories, if you may want to enhance your TV watching experience, even more. Enhanced Stability Features for Outdoor Use Outdoor TVs pose additional safety challenges, primarily due to exposure to the elements. MantelMount’s WeatherMount line is designed specifically for outdoor environments and features Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel, a material known for its superior resistance to corrosion and rust. These mounts are built to withstand harsh weather conditions, ensuring that your outdoor TV remains safely mounted, even during heat, cold, or humidity. MantelMount: Safety-First Mounting Solutions We have revolutionized the world of TV wall mounts by not only offering safe, reliable products but also incorporating features that make everyday use more enjoyable and convenient. Heat-Sensing HandlesWe offer some TV mount models with heat-sensing handles, ideal for TVs mounted above fireplaces. These handles change color when the temperature exceeds safe levels, alerting homeowners to the potential risk of overheating. Adjustability Without Sacrificing SafetyOur unique pull-down functionality allows users to move their TV up and down, side to side, and even tilt it — all without compromising safety. The mounts are designed to maintain stability and security regardless of how often you adjust the position, providing flexibility and peace of mind. WeatherMount: For Secure Outdoor TV MountingFor those with outdoor entertainment setups, MantelMount’s WeatherMount is built to withstand extreme weather conditions. Made from Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel, these mounts are highly durable and offer corrosion resistance. Whether it's rain, snow, or salty air, your outdoor TV is in safe hands with a WeatherMount. TV Mount Accessories: Additional Safety Enhancements Aside from the TV mount itself, various accessories can enhance the safety and functionality of your setup. MantelMount offers a range of accessories designed to improve both the viewing experience and the safety of the mounted TV. Soundbar Mounting AttachmentsOur soundbar mounting attachments, like the SBK00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit, securely hold soundbars below the TV, eliminating the need for separate stands or furniture that could cause clutter or tip-over hazards. Cable Management SolutionsDangling cables can be both an eyesore and a trip hazard. MantelMount provides cable management accessories (try out our EC43 Cable Routing Boxes!) that neatly conceal wires, reducing the risk of accidents and maintaining a clean appearance. The Verdict on if TV Wall Mounts Are Safe Modern TV wall mounts are incredibly safe when installed correctly and paired with appropriate accessories. Whether you’re mounting a TV indoors or outdoors, today’s mounts offer a variety of features to ensure safety, stability, and convenience.  If you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and versatile TV mounting solution, MantelMount provides peace of mind with cutting-edge safety features that protect both your television and your home.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again, televisions have come a very long way since they were first invented in the late 1920s. From better picture quality to more and better facets such as incredibly realistic flat panel (or flatscreen) pixel quality or welcoming the introduction to more organized cable management opportunities by way of lighting cord or HDMI plugs, TVs have made lots of advancements. One area, despite the evolution of TV screens getting to the point of being ultra slim, that can still be a difficult “thing” with TVs is the heaviness. Although you may not have an actual behemoth of a TV, like the Sony 34-Inch of the early 2000s that weighed a staggering 200 lbs, TV viewers still love to watch their favorite shows and teams on a TV that has a nice, big screen size, which often coincides with a heavy TV. Yes, as mentioned, TVs are more streamlined with the flat screen TV look and feel, but the weight of a particularly big screen can still pose a challenge when transferring a TV to a different room, packing it up for a move across town, or even mounting a TV on the wall. If you own a big screen TV that has a lot of weight to it, or you’re in the market for a new one, and you’re curious how best to mount a heavy duty TV (or, frankly, you have a heavy and large TV), what kind of equipment is needed and what type of mount you might need, read on! We have some answers for you as any TV-viewer should have the ability to watch a show, movie, or sports match at the viewing angle they desire, regardless of the weight of the TV. Can You Mount a Heavy TV On a Wall? The answer to this question is... it depends. Mounting any type of heavy TV up on the wall depends entirely on the strength of the wall to which you are mounting your television. If the wall you’re considering doesn’t have any studs, it’s better to be safe than sorry and to forgo mounting your heavy TV on the wall or, if you are capable and know what you’re doing, to use the appropriate anchor to support the TV’s weight. For instance, 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. On the other hand, screws are a dependable option great for hanging heavier items, like a full motion TV wall mount for a heavy TV, larger pieces of artwork, or a wall accessory like a hefty shelf. What you need to remember about screws though is that they should be drilled at least 1” into a stud. Testing Your Stud Material Not only do you need the right tools — such as the correct wall mount bracket, a drill, bolts, screws, and more than one set of hands — to safely install your TV to the wall, it’s also important to first test the strength of the studs and the wall before you begin the installation process. First, figure out what type of studs your home has. If you live in a typical single family home, odds are your home has wooden studs. On the other hand, if you live in a high rise in a city or in a newer (possibly more “architectural” type home), your building likely has metal frames which require different tools and instructions for mounting anything to the wall (including pictures, mirrors, and TV mounts). Not sure the make of your studs? That’s okay, there are a number of ways you can test and plot the layout of the studs in your home. Wood studs are typically heavier and can support more weight than metal studs. If you do have metal studs, however, there’s no need to despair, metal studs can still hold heavy objects if you use a bracket and mounting materials with the appropriate weight distribution for the item you’re hanging, whether that’s a TV wall mount for a heavy TV or a stunning, large piece of art. Considerations for a Wall Mount for a Heavy TV The first checkbox for when you’re looking to purchase a wall mount for a heavy TV is to guarantee the weight of the wall mount can sustain the weight of your television. If there is a discrepancy between the two, it’s best to continue looking for the ideal mount. When it comes to MantelMount TV mounts, our mounts have a range for the amount of weight each mount can support. Our popular 540 Enhanced TV Mount has a weight capacity of 90 lbs with the TV dimension being at most 80” diagonal. If you’re looking for a more visual representation of what the MM540 has to withstand and the specifications, we have a handy spec guide. If you have a slightly heavier television, our MM700 Premier Pull Down TV Mount has a weight capacity of 115lbs and the largest diagonal dimension at 90”. Is your heavy and larger flat screen TV used for movies, video games, and sports watching? If there is some weight that you can still add to the mount, even with the mounted TV, consider mount accessories that you’d like to incorporate to your viewing experience like a sound bar, a recess box, or a thin TV gap spacer. Mounting a Heavy TV to a Wall Mount How do you mount a heavy TV? Let’s just say, this is where a friend or family member will need to step in to help out. As mentioned, even though modern TVs may not be as heavy as the Sony 34-inch, flat screens are often top heavy. While a person may be capable of lifting the TV on their own, balancing it by themselves can be kind of tricky. Think about it: if you’re looking to utilize a wall mount for a 60 inch TV (check the VESA pattern on the back of the TV for measuring!), it is going to be about 52 inches, or rather, a little over 4 feet. Therefore, we recommend having at least two people mount the TV and possibly a third to be the “director” to ensure the TV is not slanted or “off” while being attached to the mount’s wall plate. If you decide to buy a MantelMount TV mount for your heavy TV, the process of hanging your mount on the wall is quite simple. We have installation guides and addendums at the ready for anyone who purchases one of our mounts. If you’re still struggling and using the guides, take a brief watch of this installation help video.   Regardless of installation guides and videos, you’ll want to make certain that you prepare the space around where you will be placing the wall mount, by not just finding the stud to use, but clean up the area so you have enough space to work with. Additionally, similar to removing a wall mount, have all of your tools and equipment readily available so the installation process is as simple as it can be. Here are some of the tools you’ll need or want handy just in case... 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 Step 1. Locate the studs in your wall The most efficient way to find studs in the wall is to use a stud finder. These can easily be purchased at your local hardware store or online. Once you have your stud finder, hold it to the wall you wish to use to display the TV. If the stud finder beeps while scanning the wall, this indicates there’s a stud under the drywall. You can also test by knocking lightly along the wall with your knuckles to hear for any hollow spots — these are spots to avoid. Once you’ve confirmed you’ve found studs, mark the stud’s center with a pencil. Step 2. Ensure your measurements are level You’ll need to grab your helper(s) for this step. Once you’ve indicated where your pilot holes will be placed, have a friend or family member hold the bracket’s slats over the marks. Place your bubble level on top of the bracket and ensure it sits level. If not, you may need to adjust one of the pilot holes slightly up or down so your TV will be mounted straight. It’s important to verify this before drilling because once you start creating holes, it can be very difficult to troubleshoot without causing additional damage to the wall. Step 3. Mark and drill your pilot holes To properly mount your flat screen, you’ll have to create drill holes that are the correct size for your TV mount. Typically, a ¼” drill will work, but this can vary depending on the unique specs of your TV mount and the TV. As the saying goes in sewing, “measure twice and cut once”. Remeasure your TV, the bracket, and the mount, and double check that the drill hole marks you’ve made on the wall line up with your television mount’s slats. When all of your measurements look correct, drill your holes into the studs. Step 4. Attach your bracket to the wall and the TV to the bracket Clear the drill dust out of your freshly-made pilot holes, add washers to the end of your screws, and secure the bracket to the wall through the bracket slats. Attach the TV mounting wall plate to the back of the TV and, with a partner, line up the TV mount with the bracket on the wall according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Still feeling uncertain or uncomfortable about installing the wall mount for your heavy or large tv by yourself with the help of a friend)? MantelMount has professional installers ready for that purpose.

It will come as no surprise that the past couple of years have been on improving living spaces and focused on home improvement. From creating office nooks to relaxing spa updates in the bathroom, three-fourths of Americans painted, retiled, and upgraded their homes to make at-home activities a little easier and more fun. But home interiors weren’t the only areas to see an influx in improvement projects. Sixty-one percent of homeowners also tackled projects outside — transforming backyards into auxiliary dining rooms, gyms, even living spaces.  Many homeowners created these living spaces by adding in a gazebo or pergola, creating a welcoming space that allows for some partial sun in the summer, while also being safe enough to bring an outdoor heater next to the “living room” for wintertime fun outside. And this trend of great outdoor living spaces doesn’t seem to be going anywhere soon. One of the key elements of any living space is a great TV, but not all TVs can be used outside. Find out how you can build the backyard of your dreams with these tips for mounting a TV outdoors. Buy an Outdoor TV or Place an Old TV in a Weather Resistant Cabinet Sometimes, upgrading the inside of your home presents an opportunity to upgrade the outside as well. For one, it could be a great time to upgrade your TV. If you’re in the market for a new TV for your living room, consider installing the old TV outside. In the likely event that the old TV isn’t weather resistant or weatherproof, you can place your indoor TV in a weatherized cabinet. TV cabinets and covers come in different grades of weather resistance and waterproofing. For instance, a cover with an IP55 grade offers protection from water and dust. An IP44 grade, on the other hand, will only protect against particles larger than 1mm and may not be suitable for weather conditions like rain and snow. If you’re an experienced DIY-er, you can build your own weatherized outdoor TV cabinet and then use a MantelMount TV wall mount to get the job done. When installed correctly, our AB40 Bracket serves as a necessary horizontal adapter, providing a 90-degree bridge between the mount's wall plate and the TV mount lifting arm. This allows the wall plate to lay flat on a horizontal surface such as a large shelf or inside a recessed alcove — like your new weatherized TV cabinet!  Using MantelMount, you'll even be able to pull the TV outside of the cabinet and down to a lower eye-level if you like! Mount Your TV in a Covered Patio Whether you’re using an old TV or purchasing a new outdoor TV, protecting the screen will be of the utmost importance. If you are installing a standard TV outside you may want to consider placing the TV under a covered patio. This will provide protection by giving the television full shade while also giving you the feeling of a home living room vibe within your semi-outdoor space. For even more protection for your TV, or if you mount a TV in an area that is uncovered, there are a few options for weatherized TV shields available to buy that are on the market. Standard indoor TVs have certain environmental requirements to operate correctly. Most indoor TVs need to be kept in environments with low humidity — between 35 and 50%. This makes most TVs unsuitable to mount on an exterior wall of your home. If you end up installing and mounting a TV outside that was made for indoor use, keep in mind any warranty terms and conditions. This will likely bring peace of mind so if something shorts out or something ends up not working properly, you are able to properly address the issue. With that being said, installing an outdoor TV gives you more placement flexibility. In which case, you may just need to accommodate the strength and material of the wall before mounting. Mounting into a brick wall, for example, requires the wall to be able to bear 5 times the weight of your TV. Sunlight and inclement weather conditions will need to be another factor to consider if you can’t place your TV in the shade or may be close to any precipitation. Consider an Intentionally-Made Outdoor TV Wall Mount We’ve established that you’re looking for that home theater-like experience... but outside. There’s something to be said by following our tips like keeping cables short and having a great surround system, but it will likely be unfortunate if you are unable to mount the TV. That’s why, with our WeatherMounts by MantelMount, you can enjoy the lapping of the waves in the pool from the breeze at dusk, the crackling of the fire pits, and your outdoor television showing your favorite TV show (or movie or sports game) while the TV is mounted on a specially-made outdoor TV mount. With all of the parts and hardware of the mounts made from Marine Grade 316 Stainless Steel, you can be rest assured that you’ll receive all of the same benefits of a MantelMount with our WeatherMounts. Pick an Exterior Wall That Faces South Once you decide to build a TV cabinet or purchase a high quality cover, you next need to decide where to place your TV in your backyard oasis. You may already have the perfect exterior wall in mind, but if it’s in direct sunlight, you may never even see what’s on your screen — especially if you’re appropriating an indoor TV for outdoor use. Outdoor TVs are built with higher levels of brightness than standard indoor TVs. A typical outdoor TV has an NIT count of between 1000 to 2000. Compare that with the standard NIT count of an indoor TV, 250 to 350, and you can see why sunlight can have such an impact on an outside TV-viewing experience. If you can’t place the TV in shade, mounting a TV on an exterior wall that faces south is the next best thing. Why? By placing an outdoor TV with its back facing south, the sun will be behind the TV throughout a majority of the day. This will reduce glare that you might experience from direct sunlight. Think About Speaker Placement Second to a high quality picture is high quality sound. Consider the type of sound experience you want to create. (Remember: the sound will carry outside!) Is it surround sound in which the soundscape moves from front to back? Or a more front-focused sound with height and width variation, like in 9- and 11- surround sound systems? 9- and 11- Speaker Channels To create a 9- and 11- channel experience, place waterproof external speakers 40-45° off-axis from the seating area. Install the speakers approximately 8ft off the ground and tilt the speakers down. This will introduce height to your soundscape. Then, place another set of speakers 60° off-axis low on the ground or relative to the viewer’s seated height. This will distribute sound on a horizontal plane. Together, the combination of high and low speakers placed at an angle create a captivating sound experience.   Creating Surround Sound  We’re all familiar with the theater-like quality of a surround sound system. To achieve this, place speakers 25-30°, 90-110°, and 135-150° off-axis. This will create a 360° sound experience for immersive viewing. For sound systems that aren’t mounted, you can search for speakers that resemble rocks and place them on the ground around a garden. This will integrate your sound system into the surroundings, allowing you to enjoy your garden by day and your favorite films for weekend movie nights.   Keep Cables Short Just as it’s important to baby proof TV wires, it’s also important to protect cables from the elements and, naturally, you may even be wondering how to run cable to an outdoor TV. Antenna and CAT cables are typically used in outdoor TV setups due to their length. However, most TVs will require this type of wire to feed into an HDMI converter. If you want to fortify these cables from the elements further, feed them through pipe coverings or conduit. Another effective way to run cable to an outdoor TV is to use a drip loop. Instead of running cables in a straight line, like with an indoor TV, drip loops place the excess wire in a circle. This gives water a chance to drip off the wire onto the ground, preventing water damage. Creating the best TV viewing experience is central to MantelMount’s creed. That’s why every MantelMount TV wall mount and WeatherMount is built with safety and quality standards to create the best TV-viewing experience and environment. For more tips like these check back for more helpful TV mounting advice from the experts at MantelMount.

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.

There is something special and alluring about a rustic stone fireplace or stone accent wall. It’s eyecatching and it brings both ruggedness and warmth to any room whether that happens to be a den, living room, or a covered porch with a captivating view. In addition to adding a formidable architectural feature to any home, stone walls also can be massive — much taller than a typical 8-10 ft interior drywall. This can make an interior stone wall a fantastic place to display a giant entertainment center with a giant tv. If the decision is to create a tv-watching experience with an uneven stone wall as the backdrop in the home, there are some considerations to take on before adding a stone wall tv mount, including having the right tv mount and guaranteeing the want to have a tv mount on the stone wall is at 100 percent. What to Know Before Mounting a Tv on an Uneven Stone Wall Before mounting a tv on a wall of any material, there are quite a few items to consider before you start drilling and measuring. For one, you have to choose the right sized tv for your space, discover the right tv height for optimal viewing, and add any baby-proofing to hide wires. Another consideration to make, after you’ve found the perfect tv for your space and the correct hanging height, is to choose your tv mount. For a wall with surmountable height, like a grande stone wall in a large den, you may want to consider a mount with a moveable arm. MantelMount creates tv mounts that can stand up to walls of any size, shape, and material — including stone. For instance, the MM540 Enhanced Mount has a 30° swivel range, 9° tilt, and has a vertical travel span of 27”, making it a great option for large open concept rooms or a tv mounted high on the wall. If the stone wall in your home is actually a stone fireplace, there are additional considerations to make before you mount your tv. In this case, the first step is to identify if the working fireplace is gas or wood-burning. From there, discover if the fireplace’s material is truly stone or hollow. The thickness of the material will determine the best way to hang your tv.  How to Mount a Tv on an Uneven Stone Wall If you are looking to install a stone wall tv mount that does not have a fireplace, similar to installing a tv mount to a brick wall, it might take some patience and another set of hands. Stone, like brick, can have an uneven surface, making it less straightforward to secure your tv bracket than a smooth section of drywall. The first step is to prepare, gather all of the material you need before installation. You also need to ensure you have the correct size mount for your tv. If you’re installing a MantelMount wall mount, the installation steps and FAQ sheet can guide you through the basics. Whether you are learning how to mount a tv on an uneven stone wall in your living room or the exposed brick wall in your bedroom, there are some universal tools you will need for the job. What You’ll Need: An awl #2 Phillips screwdriver Electric drill Drill bit A set of Allen wrenches Bubble level Stud finder Open end/box end wrench Socket wrench  Now the tricky part, mounting your tv on an uneven stone wall or stone fireplace. It’s very important to proceed with installation carefully and methodically. If you’re installing a MantelMount tv mount specifically, you can reach out to anyone on our customer support line at 800-897-9755 x1, or contact us via email.  Stone Wall Tv Mount Tips & Common Questions Our friendly customer service team is always fielding questions about tv mounting best practices. So, we wanted to get one of our experts to weigh in on some of the most common questions and considerations that come up when our customers want to mount a tv into a wall made of unconventional material, like stone. Question 1: “What should I be aware of before buying a stone wall tv mount?” There are a handful of things to think about before a homeowner purchases a tv mount — for a stone wall, brick wall, or any other type of wall — but especially one for an uneven stone wall. Before buying an expensive tv mount, double check the integrity of the stone as the first step and determine whether it is a facade, veneer, or real stone. Usually, a facade or veneer stone wall will have studs behind it, which likely means simple lag bolts can be used for mounting through the wall to the studs. However, if the stone is real, a proper concrete anchor, sleeve anchor, or masonry anchor will be needed for the tv wall mount installation. Question 2: “Are there any special considerations to take into account with the mounting and installation process on an uneven stone wall?” When deciding on the type of mount, think of which would be best for your viewing experience. Although the most popular mounts are static mounts (which are the basic wall mounts), swivel mounts and articulating mounts that usually have a swing arm that travel outwards and move left to right and pull down mounts, such as the MantelMount tv mounts, might allow for better tv-watching. After figuring out which type of mount you prefer, another consideration to take into account is the structural support behind the stone wall. Is it concrete, studs, solid stone, or nothing?  In order to select the proper anchor, you must know what type of support is behind the wall. Once the type of mount and structural support are known, then you must discover the proper anchor type. You want to ensure that you have the correct anchor for your application whether it is a concrete, masonry, or sleeve anchor. Be aware that not all wall mounts come with the proper anchors for each style of application so make sure that the anchor is able to withstand the proper weight. Question 3: “What are some things I must know before mounting a tv on an uneven stone wall?” There are a few things to keep in mind prior to making the step of putting up a stone wall tv mount: Check, multiple times, the measurements for all of your mounting points to minimize mistakes of creating holes in stone. Ensure the integrity of the stone is in good shape and not crumbling. Make sure all of the proper tools and hardware are on hand including hammer, drill, proper anchors, and drill bits. Try to pick the most even part of the wall on the uneven stone wall while also having purchased a depth adjuster as a workaround. The easiest solution to working with the uneven stone wall would be to purchase hanger bolts, with some washers and nuts. Post-installation, the nuts can be used to adjust the wall mount to create a flatter or even plain. For more tv mounting tips and ideas, be sure to check back regularly with MantelMount’s blog or check out our customer gallery for inspiration before your next DIY project.

Whether you’re single and living alone or you’re catching a moment of solitude in a house packed with kids, sitting down to watch your favorite show or catching up on the game should be an enjoyable experience. Unfortunately, for those with kids, having the latest entertainment gadgets often comes with more consideration than simply deciding how high to mount a TV or what kind of flat screen to buy. Free standing TVs, bookshelves, and storage units all present a certain risk to curious kids and toddlers. In fact, Nationwide Children’s Hospital estimated in 2019 that one child was injured every 46 minutes from furniture or TV-related accidents with tip-overs as the leading cause of many of these hospital visits. This statistic alone is enough to make any parent think twice about the safety of their TV set up. Luckily, with some basic safety precautions and companies, like MantelMount, that are devoted to safety, parents can also create the perfect TV-viewing experience in their homes while keeping their little ones safe. Read on to find how to prevent TV tip-overs and baby proof an entertainment center. What Causes a TV Tip-over? Every tip-over incident is circumstantial. Whether a child accidentally trips over an exposed TV wire or they bump into a wobbly TV stand in a bout of excitement, tip-overs are unfortunate but they can be prevented by creating awareness around the common reasons tip-overs happen and baby proofing your TV area accordingly. One of the most common causes of TV tip-overs is placement on a storage shelf or piece of furniture that isn’t meant for a TV. Tall dressers, narrow storage cabinets, and unstable console tables are often much less secure than they appear. And when you add drawers and doors that a child can open, bang shut, or climb, that creates additional risk for a TV to tip. Keep in mind that the safest way to baby proof TV wires and your entertainment center is to safely mount your flat screen on the wall out of reach from a cantankerous toddler. Getting Started Baby Proofing an Entertainment Center Start by Wall Mounting Your TV Many parents and families baby proof the TV area by strapping their TV down to the console or storage cabinet. And while this can provide some level of tip-over prevention, it isn’t an entirely fail safe solution. Modern flat screen TVs are much more top heavy than the bulky CRT TVs of the ‘90s. This means that they are far more prone to swaying and wobbling than a TV with a prominent base. That’s why the best way to baby proof an entertainment center is to mount your TV on the wall. We’ll admit, it’s hard to strike a balance between TV wall mount child safety and placing a TV at the right height for the optimal viewing experience. Better yet, MantelMount pulldown wall mounts give parents the flexibility to lower their TVs to the perfect TV-viewing height when they’re ready to enjoy their favorite movie or show, and place the TV out of reach when the little ones are active at play. Our friendly technicians and customer service reps are always around to answer your burning questions about the installation process, but if you feel prepared to go it alone, here’s a good rule of thumb for finding the right height for your TV. Place a TV within 3 or 6 inches of the TV’s dimensions. For instance, the middle of a 55-inch TV should sit 61” off the ground while the middle of a 70-inch TV should be 67 inches off the floor and centered over a console table or fireplace, if that doesn’t place the TV too high. Secure Any Cabinets to the Wall While mounting your TV will prevent potential injuries from TV tip-overs, it’s also important to secure the furniture around and below your TV to keep kids safe. Console tables, TV cabinets, shelves, open entertainment centers, and any make-shift storage cabinets can easily teeter when kids pull open drawers and doors and venture to climb on top or crawl inside. Securing these pieces to the wall in studs or with drywall mollies will not only eliminate injuries from a wobbly TV, it will also eliminate the potential for injury caused by heavy furniture falling over if it’s rocked or jostled in any way.   Don’t Forget to Baby Proof TV Wires While TV wall mount child safety calls for installing a TV out of reach from young children, it also calls for hiding wires, cable boxes, a sound bar or game consoles that could potentially cause injury or become damaged themselves. The easiest way to do this is to place game consoles and technical accessories behind cabinet doors and secure your entertainment center’s doors shut with child proof handle covers. Additionally, families can secure a sound bar in place with a sound bar adapter built for their TV mount of choice. To baby proof TV wires, parents can invest in cord wraps and protectors and secure wires to the floor or behind TV cabinets and cover any unused outlets around their entertainment center with baby proof power strips and outlet plugs. It may not seem like much, but taking these small steps for baby proofing your entertainment center can go a long way to keep children safe and create a stress-free TV-viewing environment. To learn more about MantelMount, contact our friendly customer service representatives for more information. Or, if you’re ready to get started with an installation today, find a dealer and an installer near you.