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.

There may come a time when you need to remove your tv from its wall mount. Whether that’s because you are moving apartments, buying a newer TV for the wall mount, or simply changing up the look of the room, the key to protecting your TV and your TV mount is to remove it correctly. While most install and uninstall directions are fairly easy to follow, there are a few straightforward tasks you need to do when safely uninstalling and getting the TV off the wall mount. Items You’ll Need for Getting a TV Off a Wall Mount When you’re looking to understand how to remove a TV from your wall mount, make sure there are a few items on hand so taking your TV off the wall mount is a quick, clean, and simple process. Here are a few items you’ll want next to you as you begin your task of removing your TV from the wall mount: A toolbox with tools that are needed for uninstalling, such as screwdriver A clean surface — possibly a broken down box, blanket, or a large plastic bag — for the front of the television to rest on while the mount is dismantled from the back of the television A box (if needed) for transporting the TV or for TV storage Installation manual (if available) How to Remove Your TV From a Wall Mount Once you’ve grabbed all of the necessary items, the next step is to remove the TV from the wall mount. Although this might not be a universal guide to getting a TV off a wall mount, this process is commonly what happens and what to expect. Step 1: Unplug and remove all cables Although it might be the simplest step, it might be the most important step. Remove any cables that are attached to the television and place aside. Although it may seem like one cable won’t hinder the process of getting your TV off your wall, it will likely be easier in the long run to have any extraneous items out of your way while handling an expensive piece of equipment. This is also an opportunity to keep your cables organized through a cable management system. If you’re moving into a new home or just relocating your TV to another room, keeping your cables together and untangled is a huge time saver when it’s time to remove a TV from the wall. Staying organized and strategically hiding wires and cables will make the process smoother, especially when you’re ready to set up your entertainment system in a new location. Step 2 (If applicable): Remove any locking mechanism If there is a locking mechanism that connects the television with the wall mount bracket, ensure that the locking device is released. This should guarantee that the television is able to be removed from the wall. Keep in mind that in most cases, the TV will have either an adapter or vertical braces attached to the back of it. Vertical braces are the most common attachment on the back of the TV. They are mounted to the back of the TV and locked to the mount so that the TV is stable and secured to the mount. When learning how to remove a TV from the wall, be sure to check if these vertical braces are securely unlocked before attempting to take the TV down. Failing to release the locking mechanism can damage both the TV and the wall mount, so be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Step 3: Take the TV off the wall mount Once the cables are removed and the lock device is detached, now is the most sensitive step in the process. Since taking a TV off a wall mount can be tricky due to the weight of the television, make sure that you are focused on the task at hand.  As a general rule, if your TV is larger than 40 inches, it’s usually too bulky and heavy to remove by yourself. TVs in the 50-65 inch range can weigh anywhere from 30 to 75 pounds, making it difficult to manage without assistance.  If your TV is small and lightweight — typically under 32 inches — you may be able to handle the removal on your own, but even then, be cautious. For those larger mounted TVs, you’ll likely want to ask a family member or friend to help out with this step. Once the vertical braces have been unlocked from the TV mount, you will need two people to slide or lift the TV off of the TV mount. After the television is taken off the wall, gently place it on the spread out box, bag, or blanket for the next step to take place. Step 4: Remove the wall mount bracket from the back of the television As the television is resting on the clean and sturdy surface, and if you are still in possession of the installation manual, grab that before this step. The instruction manual would be another asset to have, just make sure if you do use it, to reverse the steps! With your screwdriver and any other applicable tool that you may need according to your wall mount or vertical braces, remove the screws that are attached to the 4 VESA holes on the television. If you’re a bit unsure of what parts might need to be removed versus those that are capable of staying on the back of the television, here is some information to keep handy when dealing with brackets and wall mounts. Step 5 (If applicable): Remove the wall mount from the wall Similar to Step 2, if applicable, the wall mount should be disassembled. However, if you are keeping the wall mount up, this step can be dismissed as the wall mount bracket from the TV is what is truly needed.  If you are removing the wall mount, this can be the last step in the process. If the mount is installed to a wood stud application, you will need to unscrew the lag bolts that are used to secure the mount to the wall. Typically it is 4 lag bolts with two attachment points on top and two on bottom. If it's a simple drywall application, you will need to remove the drywall anchors from the wall, which will, as previously mentioned, also have the same attachment points. If the TV mount is attached to brick or masonry you will need to remove the anchor type for those applications. Once the anchors are removed from the wall, the mount should be ready to come off the wall. Luckily, after removing your TV mount, repairing drywall holes left behind is a simple and straightforward process. Whether you're dealing with small anchor holes or larger ones from lag bolts, there are easy steps to restore your wall to its original condition. Simplifying the TV Removal Process Now that you’ve learned how to remove a TV from the wall step by step, you can handle the task without stress. Whether you’re upgrading to a newer TV, relocating, or simply redecorating, removing a wall mounted TV carefully and methodically is the best way to protect yourself, your equipment, and your walls. Remember, using the right tools, following the manual, and getting help with larger TVs can make the process smoother and prevent accidents.

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.

So, you’ve just decided to up your tv-viewing game with a state-of-the-art curved tv — congratulations! It’s good to see it sitting pretty on the media console. Except, it does take up a lot of surface area, and the furniture holding it up limits where you can position it. As this beauty is a bit bulkier than the average flat-screen, you need a sturdier stand, a larger piece of furniture for supporting the extra weight. Could there be a better solution? Like a flat-screen television, can you wall mount a curved tv? Can You Easily Mount a Curved TV? The answer is emphatically, yes! With the right tv wall mount, there are no issues wall mounting a curved tv, just as you would a flat screen. After all, nothing is really different with the mounting holes; it’s merely the screen itself that’s curved! Do Curved TVs Need Special Mounts? Another simple answer, no. In fact, a MantelMount pull-down tv mount will likely work well for your curved tv! When speaking to compatibility, MantelMount’s models can support from 20 lbs to 125 lbs, depending on the model. Despite the larger size of the average curved tv (compared to regular flat-screens), wall mounting a curved tv will still be possible. One caveat once you mount a curved tv is that optimal viewing requires you, the viewer, to be centered with respect to the screen’s orientation. However, what if your curved television is placed in an open concept room or in your bedroom with a different layout? That’s when you’ll be glad for choosing a tv wall mount that provides a true full range of motion. MantelMount tv mounts can easily optimize your television viewing experience through changing the height and angle. Another technical specification that should be considered is lighting. The right tv wall mount can make a huge difference for your curved tv’s performance in swiveling, tilting, and, best of all, moving vertically to adapt to the ambient light conditions in your new home theater. Which TV Wall Mount Should You Get for Wall Mounting a Curved TV? We’ll have to say MantelMount, of course, and with good reason! The patented technology and features for our wall mounts set the bar for safety, ease of use, and providing an optimum viewing experience. If you have experienced issues with glare on the screen, or you’d simply prefer the best color, clarity, and picture quality from your television, you might want to consider any MantelMount tv wall mount for wall mounting a curved tv. With the ability to tilt, swivel, and, with vertical travel possible, regardless of if it’s the MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount or the MM700 Premier Pull Down TV Mount, these mounts will avoid screen reflection and give a better picture quality. With pull down tv mounts allowing for shows to be viewed with the manufacturer-suggested bottom third of the screen below eye level, our tv mounts can help you have an even more sublime experience — with crisper, cleaner, and better picture and color quality — than you thought you could have with your television viewing. The Best Way to Wall Mount a Curved TV As an example, let’s say you have a Samsung curved tv, and a curved sound bar from Samsung to match. Can you wall mount a curved tv and sound bar together? The tv installation is actually fairly straightforward — just check your wall material and stud positions, or lack of studs, and carefully follow the install manual of your chosen tv wall mount model. For the sound bar, you may need an extra piece — an L-bracket that is incorporated in most universal sound bar attachments and commonly purchased separately. Why do you need this? It has nothing to do with the curvature of your television. It’s because this particular sound bar, like a few others on the market from LG, Bose, Sonos, and the like, has the mounting holes on the base of the sound bar, rather than the back (the more common position). For another example, say you have a Curved LG Oled tv — does this change things? Yes, because of the vertical alignment of the mounting holes in the 200 x 300 x 120 pattern. Not to worry, though, as there are accessories on the market to accommodate non-standard VESA patterns. If you follow this advice and devise a plan before you tackle mounting your tv to the wall, you should have no problem mounting your curved tv!

Flat-screen televisions have become an essential piece of household technology. However, whether your setup uses a tv without a stand or works best displayed on a console or tabletop, your flat screen and its hardware are fragile and need to be properly installed to ensure their longevity. If the decision is made to use a tv without a stand, then a pull down television mount might be best; but if a tv stand is wanted, there are some ways to, essentially, create a DIY tv stand mount. Also, these makeshift tv stands can be used if you’re still deciding on where to place a MantelMount tv mount, such as the MM540 Enhanced Mount. So until you can make the dream of having your television mounted above your fireplace — or maybe you’re simply unsure of where to place your tv when considering the size of the space you have then keep these DIY tv mount stand ideas in mind. DIY TV Stand Mounts and Other Alternative Ideas We’re all guilty of tossing out the accoutrement that comes with a new technology purchase. Whether you accidentally tossed out a charger container or something more substantial like the tv stand your tv originally came with, you have some options when it comes to finding a replacement or crafting your own solution. Thrift it. Rather than making a DIY tv stand mount right off the bat, thrifting for one second-hand might be an option to consider. Plus, if you’ve thrifted before, you may already have an idea of where to look, in which case, this may be the quickest option (and the most fun). Before you go thrifting, make sure you have a slip of paper or a note on your phone with the proper tv model number. This number is likely found on the product information label on the corner of the back of the flat-screen television and will allow you to better match any tv stands you may find to what your television requires. Despite having the tv model number and finding a stand match through thrifting, be careful with the quality of the stand as the condition of secondhand items can run the entire range from poor to excellent. Make a DIY tv stand. If you’re the creative type who likes to take on projects, this solution is right up your alley. A quick scroll through Pinterest, YouTube, or your favorite blog will show you a variety of ways to make a DIY tv mount stand.  These options also show a range of materials, from wood and tubes to reusable items, that you can grab around your house. This can be a really cost-effective and sustainable solution. If DIYing a tv stand is your preference, you will see that it provides a lot of freedom in how you build your homemade tv base. From old televisions consoles and furniture to easels and old metal frames, you can use whatever works best for your needs. Upgrade to a pull-down mount. If you’re searching for how to prop up a tv without a stand, the best way might be using a tv without a stand by choosing to go down the route of a pull-down tv mount. If you’ve been looking for a way to declutter the area around your television so your entertainment area is not as crowded, opt for a MantelMount tv mount. Before purchasing any wall mount, familiarize yourself with common bracket terminology you might read about when searching for a tv mount, in addition to understanding the VESA standards for your television. Types of TV Mounts Fixed-position wall mounts work as the name suggests: these mounts place your TV flat against the wall in a fixed place and position. Once fixed-position wall mounts are in place, they cannot be adjusted. Keep the factor of adjustability, and a pleasing viewing experience, in mind if you are looking for using a tv without a stand or are searching for wall mounts. Fixed tv mounts. Not only is the fixed bracket the most common type of tv mount, it’s also the easiest to install. Fixed brackets are a great option for those that want a low profile mount. However, if you are swayed on having one in your home, note that a downside to a fixed mount is that they do not allow for screen adjustment like a tilt or swivel mount. Tilting tv mounts. Unlike fixed TV mounts, tilting tv mounts offer a bit more flexibility to the viewer in terms of the entertainment experience. These also are mounted flat on the wall, but they allow for some viewing optimization since the tv can be tilted up or down, five to fifteen degrees on average. The ability to tilt the tv allows for some grievances to be resolved, like better tv angles. Depending on how high you are looking to mount the tv, such as you mount it over a fireplace mantel, a tilt mount might not be the best solution. Pull Down tv mounts. Pull down tv mounts are a popular type of mount due to their capacity of movement. They can be used to adjust your tv to the optimal height and viewing angle, providing a better picture quality and a more comfortable viewing experience. Pull down tv bracket mounts have a vertical travel movement, swivel capabilities, and the ability to tilt.  Full-Motion tv mount. Another option besides a tilting mount or an articulating mount, would be a full-motion television mount. Full-motion tv mounts would likely offer the best viewing experience after taking into consideration the pull-down, swivel, and tilt functionalities. The versatility of full-motion tv mounts make watching a tv without a stand a thing of the past. Through using a full-motion tv mount, not only does the height matter as the tv is more suited for those watching at eye-level, but the picture will be clearer.  Whether you are wanting to utilize your tv without a stand, investing in a pull-down tv mount, or getting creative by using a DIY tv stand mount, there are options to choose from when considering the best way to watch your favorite show or movie.

Whether you’re buying a new home or a new car, large purchases in life always require a bit of research. For instance, many new homeowners first learn about escrow accounts when they’re in the process of making their first down payment. On the other hand, a car buyer may be introduced to a manufacturer’s credit offer. Likewise, we see a TV mount as an investment; one that is helpful to know and understand the vocabulary. So, if you’re in the market for a new TV mount, or you’re buying one for the first time, there are essential terms, names for parts of a TV mount, and standards that can help you choose the right one for your TV, saving you time and a headache at installation. If you’re ready to buy a new mount or you’re getting ready to install one yourself, find out more about different types of and the parts of TV wall mounts. Familiarizing Yourself With TV Mount and TV Mounting Hardware Terms If you recently purchased a new TV mount, or you’re in the market for a new one, it’s a good idea to get to know the different parts of your mount — especially, if you decide to install it yourself. Here are some terms to know when researching different types of TV mounts. Full Motion Pull Down TV Mount Mount Bracket Mounting Arm Wall Plate (sometimes known as a Mounting Plate) Recess Box Anchors Tilt Articulation Understanding the parts of your TV mount — like the bracket, arm, wall plate — and installation hardware, like TV screws, spacers, anchors, or washers, will help you better prepare for the installation process. For example, if you’re mounting your TV into a stone wall, you’ll need to be sure to choose the correct anchors for the job, such as concrete anchors. Thinking about mounting on a brick wall? You can do that, but be aware of the strength of the wall and have the proper equipment and mount accessories, if desired. If you’re mounting your TV in an open concept room or one that receives high traffic (like a kitchen or office) you may want to research television mounts that articulate, tilt, or swivel for flexible TV viewing. Frankly, the more you know about the TV and the mount, the better decision you’ll make in the end. What is a Mounting Bracket? “Mounting bracket” is a general term for a device that holds two items together. Typically, this is done at a 90° angle, like mounting a shelf to a wall with an “L” bracket but it can also include flush mounts with interlocking to secure a heavy mirror or picture in place. As it relates to TV mounting, the mounting bracket or mounting plate is the metal frame that attaches the flat screen TV to the mounting surface. The backs of many modern televisions include standardized mounting holes, called VESA patterns, that allow different wall bracket types to work with different TVs.   What is the Difference Between a TV Bracket and the Mounting Bracket? If you’ve ever heard someone say “All Scotch is whisky, but not all whisky is Scotch,” you’ll likely understand the logic behind the answer to this question. When referring to a “TV mount”, that often includes every component of the installation hardware including the TV arm, adapter plate, as well as the bracket. And this can make it difficult to understand the different parts of your new TV mount. The TV bracket, or the TV brace, is essentially the portion of the TV mount that attaches to the arm and the wall bracket (the portion where the TV rests/hangs). It’s important to understand the difference so when you find the right TV mount and install it, you can troubleshoot every aspect of the installation if the TV ends up looking crooked or hangs too low or too high. Considerations of the TV Bracket and Mounting Bracket While the bracket is an essential part of TV mounting, it’s also important to consider the right TV set-up for your space. For example, placing a TV over a fireplace may require a bracket and mount that sits flush to the wall, like MantelMount’s MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount. On the other hand, renters may want to avoid drilling into their walls, in which case using a TV stand or a bracket that doesn’t require drilling would be a better option.  TV mounts come in all shapes and sizes. They can come equipped with a range of capabilities like the ability to swivel or tilt. One of the qualities that sets MantelMount apart is its smooth pull down ability. With lightweight alloys and counterbalance technology, MantelMount is easy to mount high on the wall and suspend at eye level. What’s more, MantelMount has a remote-controlled motorized TV mount, creating ease of watching television after you’re comfortable on the couch. This makes MantelMount a versatile fit for any room and easy-to-use for every TV viewer. What is a TV Arm? In researching types of wall mounts, you may come across the term “TV arm”, but what exactly does this refer to? Just as a wall mount comes equipped with a mounting bracket, many modern TV mounts also have an arm that connects the TV to the metal bracket. TV arms have become advanced over the years, allowing some TVs to swivel, sit flush against the wall, or extend outward. Some TV monitor mounts feature a single arm while others can have two. MantelMount TV mounts feature a single arm that contains multiple gas pistons, offering smooth pull down technology, allowing viewers to create their perfect TV-viewing experience. What is an Adapter Plate? If we briefly go back to our buying a car scenario, an adapter plate might adhere a custom transmission to the engine. Simply put, adapter plates are a mechanism that allows two different sized parts to adhere together. As it relates to different types of TV mounts, adapter plates will often contain the VESA pattern necessary for fitting the TV to the bracket and mounting the TV to the wall. In the box, it may look like a rather unremarkable piece of equipment. They’re often nothing more than a flat, metal panel filled with holes, but they allow a multitude of TVs (regardless of screen size!) to work with a variety of wall mounts, giving buyers more flexibility when choosing the right wall mount for their TV. Curious to know if MantelMount will work with your TV? Send its specs through MantelMount’s Install Calculator so you can be sure before you buy. Different Types of TV Mounts & Brackets When buying a TV mount, it’s also important to understand the different types of wall mounts and brackets. From fixed to full motion TV wall mount, viewers can pick a TV mount that not only matches their home’s aesthetic, but also their TV-viewing preferences. Read up on these common TV bracket terms so you know exactly what you’re buying the next time you’re searching for the right wall mount. Fixed TV Mounts The fixed bracket is the most common type of TV mount — it’s also the easiest to install. Fixed brackets are a great option for those that want a low profile mount. One downside to having a fixed bracket mount, however, is that they do not allow for screen adjustment like a tilt or swivel bracket. Tilt TV Mounts A tilting TV wall mount is similar to a fixed mount in that it’s also relatively low profile. Tilting mounts, however, allow viewers to position the screen slightly downward. This is a great option for those who mount a TV high on a wall like in a bedroom or to keep out of reach of a small child. If you still have questions about choosing the right mount, we cover the difference between tilting vs articulating TV mounts. Pull Down TV Mounts Pull down TV brackets are a popular type of bracket due to their capacity of movement and can be used to adjust your TV to the optimal height. Pull down TV bracket mounts, like the MM340 Standard, MM540 Enhanced, MM700 Premier, or MantelMount’s latest (the MM815 Motorized), for instance, have a vertical travel movement, swivel capabilities, in addition to the ability to tilt. Full Motion TV Mounts If you’re looking for even more motion from your TV mount, you may want to consider a mount with a full motion bracket. Full motion brackets tilt and swivel, allowing TV watchers not only to adjust the angle of their screen up and down but also side to side. In some cases, up to 180°. Many full motion and swivel mounts feature single or dual arms that allow the device to achieve dynamic motion. How Do I Choose the Right TV Mount for My Space and My TV? There are always considerations to make when picking the right TV mount for your TV and your home. Consider things like how you like to watch TV. Do you want TV from a couch? In that case, consider finding a mount that allows you to place the television at eye-level and at the correct distance, using the 8:1 rule . Do you watch TV as you lay in bed? Then you may want to consider a tilting wall mount. Or maybe you’re working with limited space and a low-profile fixed mount could be right for you. Whatever your motivation may be, familiarizing yourself with the right TV bracket and mount terminology will only help you in your search to find the perfect TV mount and make an informed decision, and investment, for your home.