MantelMount

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.

If you’ve ever bought a TV or a new TV mount, you may have encountered the term “VESA” during the installation process. Depending on your experience installing that TV, you may either love VESA standards or they still leave you confused, scratching your head and asking yourself “what does VESA mean, again?” Wherever you are in the TV mounting process, understanding VESA patterns can help you pick the right TV mount and follow best practices for installing that specific mount on your wall. To learn more about some of the terms you’ll encounter throughout the process, check out our helpful guide on VESA interface standards. What Is the VESA Mounting Standard? Most popular TV, display, and monitor manufacturers comply with a set of standards created by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA), which is known as the Mounting Interface Standard of Flat Display Mounting Interface. The VESA-compliant display mounts also follow these interface standards. Originally published in 1997, the FPMPMI Standard is now widely used by manufacturers. It has helped increase the sale and utilization of flat-panel monitors into new markets and applications at a low cost. This standard broadened to include the full range of flat displays in order to provide similar application growth and economic benefits to the entire industry. Why Are These Standards Necessary? Standardization in any industry can be extremely helpful for cutting down costs and increasing production. As it relates to VESA mounting standards, these guidelines are also necessary to help consumers that match their TV or monitor display. For instance, the VESA pattern on the back of your 44” TV would allow you to mount it with the MM340 Standard Pull Down Mount so you can always place your TV in the perfect position. Additionally, VESA standards ensure safety, creating weight capacity guidelines to hold the size and weight of your TV. Finally, the standards are kept so that display manufacturers can assure product compatibility with one another. So a TV of one make and size easily fits with a TV mount of another. What Are VESA Patterns? While the VESA standard is a universal guide for manufacturers to regulate the production of a piece of equipment, VESA patterns are the 4 mounting holes on the back of the TV or monitor and their configuration. For example, a 100 x 100 pattern means there are screw holes arranged in a square on the back of the display 100mm apart. If you are looking for and need to measure your VESA pattern, the dimensions can be found at the back of the display, in the user’s manual, or a simple manual measurement — the horizontal and vertical distance between those holes is calculated in millimeters — can be performed if it’s not already marked. How to Measure VESA Size If you add a VESA mount to your monitor or television, it can allow you to hang and reposition your display. This allows you to readjust your flat screen to hang at eye-level and view your TV from a comfortable position while seated. The center position for the hole pattern allows the mount to hold heavier displays by reducing torquing force that is applied to the mount. You can easily find a mount that is appropriate for your flat screen or monitor’s weight by measuring your VESA pattern. This will help you understand which mount will be compatible with your screen so you can purchase the right one and install it correctly on your wall. When measuring for VESA size, keep in mind that the most common standards are VESA 400 x 400 for displays up to 60 inches, and VESA 600 x 400 for bigger screens. Remember, if 100 x 100 mm means the screw holes are arranged in a square, 100mm apart, that means VESA600x400 have horizontal holes that are 600mm apart and the vertical holes are 400mm apart.   Here are a few other things to keep in mind when measuring your TV’s VESA pattern: Measure the horizontal distance between the centers of the left and right holes Measure the vertical distance between the top and bottom holes If you’re measuring in inches, convert to millimeters (1 inch = 25.4 mm) If you are measuring VESA patterns in inches rather than millimeters, follow this VESA guide reference: VESA Pattern (mm)  Approximate Inch Equivalent VESA Pattern (mm) Approximate Inch Equivalent 75 x 75 3” x 3” 300 x 300 12” x 12” 100 x 100 4” x 4” 400 x 400 16” x 16” 100 x 200 4” x 8” 400 x 200 16” x 8” 200 x 200 8” x 8” 600 x 400 24” x 16” 200 x 300 8” x 12” 800 x 400 32” x 16”   The 3 Most Popular Variants of the VESA Mounting Standard VESA Flat Display Interface Standard (FDMI) defines the standards for displays such as flat TVs and monitors. Of which, the most popular versions are listed below:  VESA MIS-D, 100/75, C These compliant displays are equipped with either a 100 x 100mm or 75 x 75mm square hold pattern. M4 screws are used to attach the mount to small displays that weigh no more than 38lbs (17kg). VESA MIS-E, C This type of compliant displays are equipped with a 200 x 100mm rectangular hole pattern. M4 screws are used to attach the mount to mid-sized displays that weigh less than 50 lbs (23kg). Manufacturers provide MIS-E VESA mounts with an adapter kit in order to convert an MIS-D mounting plate, allowing it to hold an MIS-E display as well. VESA MIS-F, C These are the compliant displays that are spaced in 200mm increments (400 x 200mm and 600 x 400mm). Some displays may deviate from the standard, such as a 300 x 300mm hole pattern. M6 or M8 screws are used to attach the mount heavy displays, with screens greater than 31 inches in size. The Objectives of FDMI The main reasons for having a standard of flat displays is three-fold, including: To define a set of standards for a range of displays with viewing areas ranging in size from 102 mm (4 inch) to 2,286 mm (90 inch) diagonal To support a range of mounting options, such as desktop, wall, overhead, mobile, and specialty mounting applications To define a set of corresponding standards that describe interfacing mounting pads, wall mount brackets, and other mounting equipment provided by manufacturers Key Features and Benefits of FDMI When it comes to FDMI features and benefits, what’s good to have and identify as an aspect that is necessary? Here are 6 benefits: Can be used for a broad range of display sizes and applications Meets specialized needs and applications Provides ergonomic benefits, space savings, and a broader industry utilization Offers low-cost installation in a broad range of applications Provides access to all markets and applications for displays Economic benefits for all, including the manufacture, sale, and use of displays Final Takeaways The VESA Interface Standard is adopted by most TV manufacturers. Whether a TV wall mount is fixed, swiveling, tiltable, or articulating, the VESA mounting size is always the same: horizontal x vertical distance in millimeters. Manufacturers offer a complete range of high-quality mounting appliances that are compatible with the standard, to ensure a perfect solution for any TV or VESA size. If you’re curious to know what size mount you need for your TV, you can use MantelMount’s Install Calculator so you can be secure in making the right choice for your TV.

The Coronavirus pandemic created a surge of media consumption, whether on television broadcasts or smartphones (or other devices). Streaming sites attracted new users, TV consumption significantly increased, and more Americans were drawn to bigger screens. Sales increased by 53% for TVs larger than 65-inches in Q1 2020. Several studies suggested an increase in OTT viewership & streaming platforms. Factors such as time spent with families, ease in accessibility, type of regional content served on US-based platforms made them a huge success. Platforms such as Netflix, NBC, and Disney+ created TV apps for bringing consumers directly to their sites.  Although those are the numbers from 2020, how does that compare to 2024? Nielsen released a report in March 2024, streaming services and platforms have overtaken the over TV usage options; with streaming coming in at 38.5%, broadcast at 22.5%, cable at 28.3% and other options at 10.7%. The data suggests that the time spent mostly at home four to five years ago has changed our viewing habits for good. With streaming services allowing TV watchers to view what they want, when they want it. As noted in the Nielsen report, “Almost 36 months later, the broadcast category has lost just 2.9 share points compared with 11.2 points given up by cable, and the streaming category has gained over 12 points.” Also, since 40% of US households were using a smart device, smart TVs became more popular than ever in 2020. In 2023, it was reported that $26 billion was spent on connected TV (or CTV) advertising, leading those in the ad industry to continue to spend money on CTV rather than just on traditional TV channels. The Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD) allowed consumers to watch popular content at a fixed rate per month, and at no other point than in 2020 was it at its peak due to the amount of time people spent at home.  Most of the popular platforms such as Amazon Prime, Hulu, and Netflix were included in these TV packages or bundles. Streaming services saw a huge increase in original and short-form video content as well. While it was observed that streaming services reached an even higher engagement and better subscriber growth during the pandemic years, a permanent shift took place from linear to digital platforms. The Shift in TV Viewing During the Pandemic Over the course of the last five years, we’ve seen a shift in TV watching habits, regardless of the segmented age of TV consumers.  Shift in Media Consumption by Generation Percent Who Say They’ve Started Consuming More of the Following Since Covid/2020 From a trends-perspective, the generations look fairly similar; however, one segment that seems to have emerged from the Covid-era of media consumption was through online TV streaming and online videos. In fact, millennials — those between 25 and 39 years of age (now, moreso around 27 and 41) — look to be the outlier as Broadcast TV emerged as the most prominent media platform that “won” amongst the three specific generations. Shift in Streaming Behaviors Not only was there a shift with non-online platforms, but the results discovered within each of the generation’s data showed that streaming devices, including paid subscription services, saw a large increase in consumption and users. Additionally, there was an increase in app subscriptions from an average of three paid streaming video subscriptions to four during the pandemic. The Shift in Viewing Trends by Yearly Household Income Level It’s not just generational shifts in the type of media consumption that has evolved over the past four years but also the type of households that consume local news and geographical locations in the U.S. that saw changes. Consumption Insights During the Pandemic Connected TVs Time spent viewing in connected TV households increased from 2.7 billion hours to nearly 4 billion hours during the pandemic.  By May 2020, when the lockdown lifted across several states, connected TV usage dropped to only 3.5 billion hours per week, which was still higher than the number in 2019. That said, the amount of hours and the number of people watching connected TV has seen different trends, as CTV users in the U.S. will see more than 62.5 million users in 2025 (whereas it was 57 million users in 2020). New Markets for the Future During the pandemic, 38% of consumers tried a new digital activity or subscription for the first time. The most popular were live-streamed events and watching videos with others through a social platform, web app, or video conference. Thanks to the data regarding media consumption from the pandemic and the subsequent learnings of how people used TV, media, and technology, there will be a wealth of new insights into how TV watchers, in 2024 and beyond, watch and consume television, movies, sports, and others.

Your TV doesn’t need to be the focal point of your room (if you don’t want it to be) but it should fit. Picking a TV that’s too large for furniture or too small for the wall upon which it rests can be an eyesore and it can also create an unpleasant TV-viewing experience. That’s why, when choosing the right TV size, there are a few key considerations to take into account to make sure it fits with your space and it makes sense for your viewing habits, lifestyle, and more. Not sure where to get started? We’ve created a few helpful graphics and references that will put everything into perspective so you can find the TV size that works best for you and your space. 1. Consider Television Sizes and Dimensions When you purchase a new piece of furniture, finding its dimensions are about as straightforward as measuring for length, width, and in some cases, depth. This makes it relatively easy to determine whether or not a particular piece of furniture will fit where you envision it in your space. However, the same cannot be said for a TV. When picking the right size TV, it’s important to understand standard TV sizes and their true dimensions. Televisions typically use a diagonal measurement, from one corner to the opposite corner. What does that mean? Take a 55-inch TV, for instance. That 55-inch television is not actually that wide. The length is closer to about 47 inches. Understanding the diagonal screen size of your TV will allow you to more accordingly plan your room size, furniture placement, and viewing experience desired. Below we have listed some of the most standard TV sizes and their measurements to get a better sense of how to choose the right TV size for your room. Popular TV Sizes & Dimensions TV Sizes Width (Inches) Height (Inches) 32" 28" 15" 40" 35" 20" 42" 37" 21" 49" 43" 24" 50" 44" 25" 55" 48" 27" 60" 52" 29" 65" 57" 32" 75" 65" 37" 80" 70" 39" 85" 74" 42"     2. Think About Your Lifestyle & TV Viewing Habits It’s safe to say that whenever buying a new TV, creating a better TV-viewing experience is top of mind when shopping for the many options available. That’s why it’s important to consider your lifestyle and your TV-viewing habits in order to pick the right TV size for your family and the ways in which you enjoy watching TV. To get started, think about where you like to watch TV. Do you prefer to watch TV in bed? In which case, you might want to pick a TV that’s going to be the right proportion above your dresser. Do you prefer to have an almost home theater-like immersive experience watching TV in the living room on a large screen? If so, you might want to look at larger TVs that fit your wall. If you’re looking to understand more about how your favored TV-viewing position matters and how other watchers view TV, take a glance at our blog on what the best position to watch TV is. Additionally, it might provide more insight into where to place your TV: is your TV placement better in the opposite corner of the room from where your seating area is so it can be nestled away when guests come over? Or would you want to show off your TV, thanks to the clean look that the television gives to your space? What’s more, you’ll have to think about your living situation. Are you a renter and can’t drill into walls? Then finding the right size of a TV for a media cabinet would likely be your best bet. Or, maybe you have active little ones running around, and baby proofing the TV area may be of high priority, in which case, you’ll need to find a TV with a comparable wall mount like a pull down TV mount from MantelMount. 3. What Size TV Fits For Your Room and Your Standard Furniture Sizes? Whether you’re mounting your TV on the wall or you’re placing it atop a piece of furniture, you’ll want to consider the furniture’s size and dimensions when choosing the right TV screen size. As a good rule of thumb, a TV’s edges should never go past the edges of the piece of furniture it is sitting on or placed above, and should actually be about 3- to 4-inches shorter than the furniture’s edges on either side of the TV. Picture this: If you have a media console that tops out at 60 inches long, it would be a good idea to choose a from anywhere between a 50-inch TV and a 55-inch TV (and that means, with the aforementioned guide for knowing the size of a flat screen TV, the choice would be to go with a standard 60-inch TV). This will leave you plenty of space to fill up the rest of the console’s top with décor pieces, pictures, or TV gadgets like a sound system or game console. Learn More About Standard Furniture Sizes Credenzas & Buffets Credenzas, traditionally, sit in an office opposite a desk but they have found their way into modern living rooms as a storage piece below a TV. The credenza tabletop is typically 30"-32" high and 18"-22" deep. They vary in length, but any credenza reaching at least 70 inches (or longer) will be large enough to fit most standard TV sizes. Media Cabinets & Sideboards Media cabinets and sideboards are similar to a credenza in that they are about 20"-22" deep, however, sideboards are typically shorter than credenzas, reaching only about 60" in length, in which case, a tabletop or mounted TV should not exceed 65". And remember, the TV measurement should be taken diagonally to get the actual size of the TV but also the full width of the TV to make sure it will be secure, if it is placed on top of the media cabinet. Tables & Desks While dining table lengths vary depending on the number of people they can accommodate, desks usually land anywhere between 24"-60" long, with gaming desks often being found a bit longer. If placing a TV on top of a desk or mounting over a desk, consider the dimensions of the TV as the width should be a minimum of 3" shorter than the edge of the table to prevent overhang and achieve the right proportions. End Tables & Consoles End tables and consoles are smaller than both standard credenzas and sideboards. Consoles are tall but shallow, only about 12"-14" deep; they will be more suitable under a wall mounted TV. End tables, on the other hand, are not as wide as console tables and sideboards, measuring about 16"-22" wide. To counter the length of a TV mounted over an end table, place a large houseplant or another substantial décor piece on the floor next to the end table and past the edge of the TV to create balance. 4. Reference the Size of Your Old TV There are any number of reasons why someone might be in the market to find a new TV, but before you throw out your old one in the interest of replacing it with something bigger and better, it might be a good idea to consider everything about your old TV that you liked and disliked to lead you to a final decision. If you liked the size of your old TV, you might look for one in a similar size. This will likely narrow your choice down to different brands and help you rule out companies that don’t offer a TV in the size you’re looking to buy. If picture quality was an issue, you might want to put your money toward a TV with HDR image capabilities and upgrade to an OLED or QLED. Not sure about what type of TV you might need to enhance your entertainment and TV-viewing experience? We have this TV Buying Guide that will be of help when you’re seeking to purchase a new television, regardless of if you are looking for a TV set, a massive widescreen TV for the living room, or simply need a small TV for mounting in the kitchen. For those that hold picture quality as the top check in the checklist, understand more about the science behind eye-level TV viewing. Choosing the right TV size for your space and creating the ultimate TV-viewing experience may take a little consideration, but it’s all worth it in the end. If you’re curious about mounting your new TV or which wall mount is compatible, look no further than MantelMount. Our friendly experts are always available to field questions about TV mounting and we’re happy to help you find the right MantelMount to fit your budget and space.

Televisions were invented nearly 100 years ago — in 1927, to be exact (though the first televisions were sold in 1929) — and one could say we’ve come a long way since then.  When TVs were first rolled off factory floors, there wasn’t a huge demand for them as most households listened to the radio. Slowly but surely, the TV trend took off and by the 1990s nearly every household had a television — and a designated spot for that TV in the living room. Today, nearly 122.4 million homes in the United States have a TV and this prevalence has led to a rise in the demand for furniture — and TV mounts — to house that TV. Depending on the layout of your home, whether it’s open concept or small and compact, you may have to get creative about where you place your TV.  At MantelMount, we do not believe that placement should come at the expense of your TV-viewing experience. That’s why, when we created MantelMount, we sought to make a TV mount that could serve as a versatile solution for any home, TV size, and viewing preference. Here, we tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about TV mounts to ease any skepticism out there, and to highlight all of the wonderful features of our award-winning TV mounts. FAQ #1. CAN YOU PUT A MANTELMOUNT OVER THE FIREPLACE? Before MantelMount, the answer might have been “no.”  Now, thanks to MantelMount Pull-Down Mounts, the answer is a resounding “yes”.  In fact, it’s kind of our thing, you might say, and we’ve written about the merits of mounting your TV above the fireplace, in the past. Placing a TV above the fireplace is a popular mounting option! Not only is it often the only open wall space in a room, it places the TV in the focal point of the room — which can work well from an aesthetic perspective if you can get creative with your decor. Mounting your TV this high though can create a little bit of a tradeoff: When you mount your TV above the fireplace, it is generally well above eye-level, which is not the optimal viewing angle for TV-watching — think about the last time you were forced to crane your neck to watch a movie in a movie theater. However, MantelMount brings your TV down to eye level. In fact, it lowers the TV 24 inches from the mounted position (26 inches with the professional version). This creates the perfect viewing angle as well as eliminating the neck and back issues that can arise. And it allows you to utilize that nice big space above the fireplace, or even an open space high up on a wall. Further Reading Everything You Need to Know About Mounting a TV Above the Fireplace Why You Should Place The Bottom Third of Your TV Screen Below Eye-Level How to Decorate a Mantel With a TV Above: Plus Decor Ideas for Above the Fireplace Other FAQs “How will lowering my TV improve the viewing experience?” “Will MantelMount fit my TV and wall space?” FAQ #2. WHAT IF I WANT TO LIGHT A FIRE WHILE I’M WATCHING TV? When we created MantelMount, the TV-viewing experience was always top-of-mind for our customers. That’s why we patented heat-sensing handles that begin to glow red when the temperature goes above 110° Fahrenheit (43° Celsius). At that point, you can either put the TV back up or put out the fire. So while we do not encourage customers to have their tv in the lowered position when the fireplace is on, these heat-sensing handles will ensure that the safety of your TV — and of your family members — is paramount.  For MantelMount TV mounts, note that temperature sensing handles come with selected models, including the MM540 and MM700, whereas the MM815 is equipped with a visual temperature sensor. Further Reading How High Should I Mount a Flat Screen For the Best TV-Viewing Experience? How to Mount a TV on a Brick Wall How to Mount a TV on Uneven Stone Other FAQs "Why do the handles on MantelMount TV mounts turn red?" “Why is MantelMount much safer than other mounts?” FAQ #3. DO I NEED TO GET A PROFESSIONAL TO INSTALL IT? If you’re already familiar with MantelMount or this is your first time seeing it, our TV mount installation manual may look more detailed in comparison to others, but is easy enough for any at-home DIYer to accomplish. The installation process is specific to our MantelMount TV mounts but simple enough for the payoff that our world-class mounts offer.  If you are even the least bit handy, you can install it yourself in about 60-90 minutes. However, if you don’t want to be bothered with the installation, there are any number of professionals who can help you install your MantelMount wherever you want it. Further Reading Tech Guru Dave Taylor Reviews the MantelMount MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV Mount The Experts at MantelMount Discuss How to Mount a TV Without Studs Here’s What to Do When You’re Ready to Hire a Pro to Mount Your TV Other FAQs “Are there install manuals and videos?” “Where can I find a professional installer or dealer?” “Can MantelMount be easily installed on brick or stone?” FAQ #4. ARE MANTELMOUNT TV MOUNTS EXPENSIVE? There are mounts you can buy for under $100. There are mounts that are even under $50. But they have serious issues. One large issue with more cost-effective TV mounts is that they are often mounted above the fireplace, and yet, those TV mounts are likely not able to adjust positions to the optimum viewing angle. Even the lower-priced TV mount models that do move vertically are, by and large, poorly constructed from inferior materials. One of the biggest incentives of purchasing MantelMount TV mounts is that they move up and down, so you can mount the TV above the fireplace. Plus, with our latest MM815 Motorized TV mount, it’s easy to move your TV up or down with the press of a button! Purchasing a MantelMount TV mount allows you to have peace of mind, knowing your investment will hold up.  How? With MantelMount, our patented construction combines high-quality automotive pistons with lightweight alloys. That means it will last — and it will protect the investment you’ve made in that beautiful, new flat screen TV.  The bottom line is, do you really want to hoist your $700 flat screen up onto a $100 TV mount? It's a good idea to secure your investment and have peace of mind. If you aren’t sure which MantelMount is correct for you, check out our Collections page for a price comparison between our most popular models, with the MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount as a front-runner. Further Reading Build the Ultimate Backyard Entertainment Center With MantelMount Renter-Friendly TV Mounting Tips for Those Who are Moving Out or Moving In Here’s How to Safely Pack and Transport Your Expensive TV Other FAQs “Do you offer pay later options?” “Do you have a money-back guarantee?” FAQ #5. HOW DO I USE TV MOUNT ACCESSORIES? From a recess box to wall plate covers, MantelMount has specific TV mount accessories that will enhance your TV-watching experience. By incorporating accessories that create a more robust encounter while watching TV — whether it means it’s through aesthetic purposes or through more technical elements — you can create an atmosphere that elevates the focal point of your living room: the television! For instance, those out there looking to enhance their viewing experience through technical elements (we see you audiophiles!), a product like a soundbar mounted under your TV is a great item to have. The MantelMount SKB00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit is the product you need to make watching TV shows, movies, or sports even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for more visual enhancements surrounding your television, using items such as a recess box or TV wall mount covers can create a more streamlined aesthetic experience. Our RB100 Recess Box works for the MM340, MM540, MM700, and MM815 mounts and allows for a flush TV-to-wall storage environment. Meanwhile, the MantelMount WPC00 Wall Plate Covers — used for the MM340 (covers are included with the MM540 and MM700 TV mount orders) or replacement MM540 covers — hide the wall surface mounting hardware pieces, creating a more seamless look of the TV and wall. Further Reading Common TV Bracket & Mount Terminology Give Your Entertainment Space a Clean Look with Cable Management Other FAQs What's involved in upgrading from an installed MantelMount (340/540/700) to the MM815 Motorized Mount? What accessories do I need? What is the SBK00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit? ANY OTHER QUESTIONS? You might still have some questions about MantelMount and that’s great!  We’re happy to help wherever you are in the buying process.  If you still have questions, contact us at 800-897-9755 or contact@mantelmount.com or head over to our FAQ page for more in-depth answers to a variety of questions.

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

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

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

Whether you have a home theater room or a makeshift home theater in the living room, there is one obstacle we all face when creating that perfect entertainment space: managing a mess of cords.  Cords are critical to the functionality of our televisions, speakers, gaming systems, sound bars, and ultimate home theater technology, but figuring out the best cable management system so you can hide those wires from visitors, animals, and kids can be challenging. When you mount your TV, you’ll find you can actually hide cords more easily so you create a safer space for your kids, animals, and physical health with the right TV-viewing angle. All you need is the right solutions for managing and hiding dangling wires when you mount your TV, so you can focus on watching your favorite game, movie, or TV show without wires to distract you. 3 Reasons Why You Should Put Cable Management Ideas Into Practice 1. Managing Cables Will Make Your Space Look Neat and Tidy Most of us have been there when the Christmas tree lights come out of storage and family members need to be separated as voices get raised and frustrations rise. Light cables are similar in entertainment cord and cable management speak in the way that once the cords get intertwined, it can be a bug bear to get them undone.  As more and more households come to the understanding that Christmas tree lights are easier to deal with when managed, the same goes for entertainment center cable management.  2. Organizing Cords and Cables is Safer Back to the holiday light scenario, many of us can understand the safety of factors that go into cords strewn about the floor leading to outlets. Any child or adult can be found to put their foot in a bad place and have it twist improperly thanks to an erroneous cord. Plus, to keep animals from chewing on random cords, organizing cables and cords from entertainment equipment is much safer versus the alternative. 3. Cable and Cord Management makes Home Entertainment More Effective and Efficient We’ve all had those moments when the TV doesn’t turn on or the video game console is glitching and it needs a restart or, as an IT person likely would say on the first instance, “Did you turn it off and on again?” To ensure the correct cable is being pulled or taken out of the outlet to then put back into the outlet, cord management allows for some efficiency; especially if the efficiency includes small flags or tags on cords to identify what item they belong to. Once you realize how much simpler life will be once your entertainment center’s cords, you will want to take advantage of MantelMount’s products that minimize distractions and will make your space look neater. 5 MantelMount Products to Minimize Distractions Pull Down TV Mounts All MantelMount pull down TV mounts come with cable tie anchors that attach to the TV mount’s lifting arm, so you can organize and conceal wires easily behind your TV.  Shop Now   Cable Routing Box One of the best methods of cord maintenance is running them behind the wall. Our cable routing box was designed to route signal cables through a wall behind a MantelMount and blend in with the background using the included covers. You can eliminate the hassle of fishing wires through the wall with this large conduit accessory.  Shop Our EC43 Cable Routing Boxes   Recess Box Another great way to hide wires and your mounting hardware for a cleaner look is with our recess box. The recess box is easy to install and provides a super flush TV-to-wall storage space, concealing the mounting hardware within the wall and accompanying wires and cords that have been attached to the mount’s lifting arm.  Shop Our RB100 Recess Box   Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit In most newer homes, outlets are uniquely positioned on the wall where you might mount your TV, so hiding the cord to the TV itself isn’t the problem. However, as you add speakers and soundbars, that’s where more challenges come into play. With our new SBK00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit, you can mount your soundbar on the bottom or the back of your TV so the wires can remain hidden behind the screen.  Shop Our SBK00 Universal Sound Bar Adapter Kit   Wall Plate Cover If you didn’t opt for the recess box, you may still want to cover the TV mounting hardware on your wall. That’s why we created our wall plate covers, which slide over the hardware to hide them from view.  Shop Our WPC00 Wall Plate Covers   Learn More About Our MantelMount Products

It’s easy to think of different ways to decorate a room, as there are so many possibilities to explore when it comes to home decoration. However, if the room size is small, you may feel a bit defeated when considering ways to decorate a small living room, even before you begin with the new set-up. Will the coffee table fit? How many pieces of furniture can you use before it starts to look messy? Numerous questions of this nature can plague a person, but not to worry! We have compiled tips and tricks that will work out best for you when choosing small living room ideas. The following ten tips and guidelines will help you to make the most out of the limited space. 1. GO CONVERTIBLE When shopping, keeping the room size in mind! Because a small living room design often lends to the room feeling even smaller once furniture is placed in it, functional pieces of furniture are ideal in tiny living rooms. However, keep in mind that a piece of furniture that is small doesn’t necessarily mean it will help save room space — or make the space look average. Yes, the size is important when it comes to choosing small furniture, but the design of that furniture can seem otherwise. A couch that is small, with protruding roll arms and wide cushions, which is placed in a small-sized living room, will feel bulkier than a larger sofa with clean lines and a slimmer silhouette. A bonus for saving the space would be to choose furniture that can be customized into shape. For instance, a convertible sofa that can allow for various different configurations can be easy to choose, as you can figure out a layout that perfectly fits your small living room. When you are figuring out small living room ideas with a TV or without a TV, you should play with the concept of space and illusion. Furniture that is too big or too small can make the room look disproportionate and seem out of whack. Instead, focus on using furniture that is the right size. After all, if the main pieces or pivotal features are perfectly sized, nothing else can make the room look more put-together. 2. PLAY DOUBLE DUTY: THINK OF MULTI-FUNCTIONAL PIECES In addition to considering convertible furniture, another tip is to look out for multi-functional items. For example, an ottoman that can double as a storage space. Lacking enough living area room means that a durable, multi-functional piece of furniture will be the safest bet, such as a pouf or a stool that can easily convert into a coffee table. These types of furniture items can provide space to keep a book or a remote. Further, pieces like an ottoman or stool can function as an extra seating place when a visitor comes over but also as an accent chair. The same goes for investing in a storage box-bed or a sofa with storage under its seat, which allows for an easy way to clear any clutter in a moment. It’s important to remember that choosing multi-functional furniture not only means that it’ll be used for small living room ideas, but it can also create a stunning (and sometimes minimalist) look, regardless of a room’s size or shape. 3. OPT FOR VISUALLY LIGHTWEIGHT FURNITURE Color can impact the acuity of what someone envisions as a small living room look. Furniture pieces that are light-colored or neutral have the appearance of being lightweight and making its surroundings such as the hallway or dining area look spacious. While shopping for living room pieces, opt for pale colors over darker hues and select leggy pieces, glass tabletops, and see-through furnishings that will make a room feel less constrained. However, when taking visuals into mind, with consideration to the living room layout, sometimes a pop of color is necessary to highlight certain aspects of the living room design. 4. DISTRACT WITH STATEMENT PIECES A living room that is limited in size doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot make a statement using a bigger piece of home décor for small living rooms. You can pick one or two well-curated items — such as an eye-catching, authentic piece of artwork that speaks to you, or a bold and hefty light fixture — to create a dramatic moment or add a spark. Even an attention-grabbing accent piece (think: floating shelves, a bookcase, or an accent chair) can bring a fresh twist to a tiny space while creating contrast and intrigue. Bear in mind, though, that you’ll need to keep the rest of the room relatively clutter-free to balance out and draw the attention away from the size of the room. 5. EASY-TO-MOVE FURNISHINGS ARE A MUST Small living room design ideas for décor mean that you should add a bare minimum number of items and furniture, or else there won’t be any space left to move. It is better, then, to go for a small-scaled sofa and petite-looking furnishings. Although, if there is still the need for more small living room decorating ideas, try using furniture that can easily be moved, like stools or nesting tables. This will not only create more floor space, but will ensure that you have enough seating and surfaces to cater for everyone present. 6. SMALL LIVING ROOM DECORATING IDEAS MEAN CREATING A FOCAL POINT IS ON POINT The center of your living room should be dedicated to a focal point, which will give the illusion of a much larger space. Especially in a small room, a TV wall design must be thought about in advance. Having a television with a Pull Down and Swivel TV mount (like our MM540 Enhanced TV Mount) in the center of a plain and empty wall will make the room look bigger. Also, since it’s a functional item, this will keep the focus off the size of the room and onto the mounted TV on your wall. Further, the empty space surrounding it will give a spacious appearance. You can even think about mounting your TV over a fireplace, which will further distract from the small living room size and, rather, allow you and others to focus on the fashionable design and look of the space. 7. UTILIZE YOUR HIGH CEILING Not only can you choose to take advantage of the height of your ceiling when considering small living room ideas, but you’ll be able to put interior design tricks to work at the same time. A room with a higher ceiling can be utilized in cases of rooms with smaller widths when the height of the room appears to make the room look bigger and adjusts the space well. One way to utilize the height is to install a high bookshelf, running from floor-to-ceiling. Alternatively, go for a full-sized window that runs up and down through the height of the room. This will bathe the room in natural light and make it look out of this world. 8. TRYING OUT UNIQUE LAYOUTS Family room ideas for spaces that are tight on square footage may also involve experimenting with different living room designs for small space layouts. Placing the sofa set adjacent to each other, possibly purchasing a sectional for comfort and space considerations, or adding a center table to it, might look good. Placing a floor lamp behind a sofa, or a table lamp on top of a small side table near the edge of the sofa, can also be one way to go about it. One of our favorite options when thinking of layouts of small living room spaces is to choose to get a wall-mounted TV and place the screen right in front of the sofa set. This option will help you to relax on your recliner or lounger while watching your favorite television shows. This selection is even more attractive when you know that MantelMount has the MM815, a Motorized Drop Down and Swivel Mount. See it in action below in the video. It might just be the investment in your home entertainment portion of your family room that puts a bow on the layout of the space. MM815 Consumer Video D2C 03-10-23 from MantelMount on Vimeo. 9. CREATING THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF WALL SPACE Aside from lamps, lights, and light colors, there is a whole range of living room accessories to explore when it comes to thinking about small living room ideas — even a good old clock can do wonders.  You can also use some of the space on the walls to add vintage pieces, or put up some lovely photo frames — a walk down memory lane. Antique china and sheer curtains also go well with this sort of room décor. A set of mirrors, or frames of 90s celebrities, can also draw an attractive appeal to the seating area. In many cases, people overlook the walls of their living room in order to find extra storage space around the house. Why not use the wall for small living room ideas and leave it bare for no reason? All that space is a great place to push a high-back bench with storage underneath, or have a cabinet for storing expensive utensil sets to decorate a small living room. Your visitors can also feel comfortable sitting on the bench or trunk, which has been placed up against the wall, without knowing there is storage below. Similarly, a folding table can also be opened up in front of the bench when one has company, then later put away. 10. INTRODUCE A LARGE MIRROR TO CREATE AN ILLUSION OF SPACE A well-positioned large mirror can instantly reflect more light into the living room, creating the impression of extra space. It will not only brighten up the small living room, but will be an easy way to decorate one. When it comes to mirrors, there are all sorts of designs to choose from: clean, vintage, minimal styles, or ornate mirrors that are bold in appearance and personality. It’s all about collecting a one-of-a-kind piece of décor and making the most out of it. You can browse antique or local shops for a better find at a better price, or hunt for a bargain that can be upcycled in a weekend DIY project for your small living room ideas.Feel free to let your imagination run wild with creativity when you decorate a small living room. The room size might be small, but your mind should wander freely in its space.

Interior designers have long debated television placement: should it take center stage or hide in the wings? The truth is, bulky entertainment centers are dated. Obscuring the TV with more modern options, such as motorized ceiling lifts or TV lift cabinets, can be expensive and time consuming to assemble. In fact, according to Nielsen, “the most popular place for a tv is the bedroom. It says 71% of people living in a television household have a tv in the bedroom. That's the result of statistics from households that have one tv and from those with more than one tv.” Enter TV mounts. “But, but, but… the TV… in the room?” …you ask. As a designer, I never understood the beef with this; it seems more bite your nose to spite your face than sensible. These days, and especially with the ever popular “Great Room,” the TV is often an essential part of performance in a space.  Not everyone has a home theater, and not everyone wants to be squirreled away in a den to watch their favorite shows, or hovering over their phones and tablets. Frankly, from a designer’s perspective, I would opt for a TV in a main room, like a living room, before I put one in the bedroom. Fortunately, TVs have become thinner, sleeker, and dare I say, more attractive, making them visually pleasing to display. One can dress them up with customizable, interchangeable frames (also known as bezels) and art on rotation. A two-in-one mirror is another creative way to obscure your screen for those times when its presence is not preferred. That said, I have found that designing for the TV — considering it as the anchor object — allows me to create a beautifully cultivated space without compromising functionality and flow. Thus, a TV mount can be a decorator’s best friend. Seamlessly Combining TV Mounts and Interior Design So, why mount the “elephant in the room”? Just as the TV itself has evolved, so too have TV mounts. Thanks to state-of-the-art technology, today’s mounts allow placement on any wall, at any height. They offer a variety of control systems enabling the unit to ascend or descend with a press of a button or via voice command.  Mounts that pivot from side-to-side are ideal if you wish to view from another room. Those that tilt up and down reduce glare and can, where applicable, improve the line-of-sight. Though not all mounts are as versatile, even fixed mounts offer elegance by creating the illusion of a floating TV. There are many specialty mounts to consider, too. For example, there are corner mounts for tricky architectural circumstances, ceiling mounts, too, when a room requires it. If you’re having trouble brainstorming places to add in a wall mount while taking into consideration both the TV mount and your interior design aesthetic, think outside the box! I sometimes use ceiling mounts for in-home gyms, and, furthermore, I tend to employ the flip down ceiling mount in small spaces when one room serves two or more functions.  The full motion automated is an electric mount which articulates 180 degrees and pulls furthest from the wall. This is a lovely option for full articulation, but because it doesn’t pull down, its placement is limited. All said, my favorite on the market for execution and value is MantelMount’s MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount. This “drop down and swivel” TV mount enables the TV to drop and rotate in a seamless, single movement that is next to silent. It lowers to not just one favorite preset position, but two favorite memory presets. How cool is that? And with a concealed lifting arm in the raised position, it won’t impact the visual experience while improving the viewing experience. MM815 Consumer Video D2C 03-10-23 from MantelMount on Vimeo. Embracing the Design Around Your Wall Mounted TV Movie time, sitcoms, the game; TV watching has long been a favorite pastime that conjures cozy nights in and time spent with friends and family. Whether you’re snuggling on the couch and sharing a bowl of popcorn, or jumping off your seat to root for your favorite sports team, the TV mount allows for shared moments that don’t detract from aesthetics, and can allow you to embrace the “elephant in the room”. Because mounts are easy to install and activated with functions that accommodate maximum viewing comfort, there’s really no downside to employing them. As a designer, it’s my go-to for showcasing the TV in a way that’s streamlined and practical.  Today’s TV mounts offer space saving solutions and reduce clutter while providing freedom and flexibility to mount in different locations; above the fireplace, a corner wall, even a drop down from the ceiling for a fraction of the price of those with electronic lifts. With the variety of mounting options on the market, most reservations about putting a TV in a non-designated entertainment room are easily resolved. If you are tech-inclined, you will love the application features of a television mount as much as the hardware technology. And if you are a designer, you may find that a TV mount allows you to not only address the “elephant in the room”, so to speak, but incorporate it. Looking for more tips on how to design around your wall mounted TV? Here are a few MantelMount blogs that can give insight surrounding interior design for TV wall mounting: 10 Decorating Tips for Your Living Room Benefits of Mounting a TV in High Traffic Rooms Where to Put a TV When There’s No Wall Space Where You Should Put a TV in an Open Concept Room Although TV wall mounts can seem like a tricky subject when it comes to making the design around your wall mounted TV look like everything coalesces, the first step, truly, is to take into account the marriage between design and technology. Janna Robinson, Lifestyle-Tech and Interior Design Expert

The video game world has a lot of things including friendly competition and enjoyment. But when you’re serious about your gaming, you need to be serious about your gaming experience, including your home setup. So, what is needed for a gaming setup, including the ideal gaming TV and all of the accessories that you need to beat your friends (and foes) in the game? We delve into that here. History of Gaming and Why Video Games are so Important to Culture Most historians look to the 1960s as a revolutionary time within the timeline of American and worldwide history. This is not only due to the fact that there were many changes afoot including the Civil Rights Movement, multiple assassinations, and the Vietnam war, but there were other countercultural, and cultural, movements. The 1960s also saw innovation in the media and culture space. This included a few students from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) who were adamant about the popularity of not just tangible games — such as board games and card games — but also computer games. The popularity of games that these MIT students acknowledged evolved into a project to bring the love of computer games to a television screen. As such, the transition from computer games to video games took place a few years and so when Magnavox and Atari created two of the first video gaming consoles in 1972, it was pun intended, game over. Video games were in the cultural lexicon and there was no stopping them, besides some ebbs and flows of arcade games becoming increasingly popular, while simultaneously, the whole gaming industry was built up into something . What happened, then? Well, if you’re a subscriber of Apple TV+ and watched the movie Tetris, you’ll know that video games, specifically Tetris, took over in the 1980s. While that was happening, video game developers and gaming entrepreneurs had their sights set on the future: video game consoles.  Once the 1990s began, as the Museum of Play showcases in their video game history timeline, video game console competition began, in addition to the possibility of online video game play.  Fast forward three decades and gaming is one of the most lucrative industries in which a company might take part. The rise of video games becoming part of the sports industry in the form of eSports has pushed gaming into another echelon. Are you interested in eSports or are you content with playing brickbreaker on your computer while streaming it to your TV? Either way, if you are a video gaming enthusiast or connoisseur, you will need to have your gaming setup in top shape. And we’re here to help you break down what you need for the ideal setup including the go-to TV for your gaming console. What is Needed for a Gaming Setup? So what is needed for an ideal gaming setup? Of course there’s the computer monitor, but if you really want to elevate your entertainment experience, utilizing a TV can do that. After the headset and the actual games, think about comfort. A gaming chair, couch, or other type of seat is necessary. We look at the top priorities of a gaming setup, here. Gaming Television A gaming television is a fairly simple product to buy. Or, is it? We’ve talked a fair bit about the types of televisions but, when considering the context in which the television will be used (for gaming!), there are two main factors to think about. Are you a gamer who wants a brighter television screen but also that lacks contrast, as opposed to other TV screens? Are you a gamer who wants the contrast of light and dark on the TV screen when playing a video game? If you’re one of the former types of gamers, you’re likely going to want to look for a gaming television that is an LED TV. On the other hand, if you’re the latter type of gamer, an OLED TV might be what you’re looking for. Additionally, if you are looking for a television that is a hybrid gaming and movie/TV show watching television, ensure that not only the clarity, pixilation, and color contrast is what you want, but also the size. Need help in your decision? Forbes has vetted a handful of gaming televisions and broken down which ones are better for gamer needs. Are you still unsure about the best gaming TV for your setup? We’ve created a TV Buying Guide that is sure to assist in your purchasing decision. So whether you’re searching for a TV for a gaming console or more focusing on choosing a TV for an entertainment setup, you should be confident in your choice. Headset The next item on your gaming setup checklist should be a vital part of your items: the gaming headset. As video games and the eSports entertainment industry has evolved, the need for a gaming headset has taken more of a precedence. As games continue to bring a more immersive experience, a headset is a priority for gamers, regardless of the experience level of the gamer or the passion level of whoever is playing the video game. For headsets, to have that more immersive time while playing, it is imperative to have noise canceling headphones. This would indicate that any exterior noise that’s not part of the headset noise’s audio is null and void. Not only is having the noise canceling aspect of the headset an important part of the audio portion of the gaming experience, but so is comfort. Although comfort is a big part of gaming, especially considering the time increments many gamers allot to their playing, comfort doesn’t just mean body comfort (which we’ll get to in a moment), but audio comfort.  It’s smart to not only be cognizant of how the headset feels against your ears and your head — which, if you’re looking for some of the best gaming headsets, PC Gamer’s guide should be a go-to for you — but also how to protect your ears and hearing. The World Health Organization has called out a few things to keep in mind including: Keeping your video game’s volume at or below 60% of the maximum volume amount Download and use apps that monitor your volume Take ten minute breaks every hour without headphones or a headset on Gaming Chair For bodily comfort, having a chair that is inviting is helpful, as is one that supports your back, neck, and legs, so as not to get cramps or aches. One distinction that should be made before delving into your gaming chair research is if you are sitting at a desk for your gaming or using a TV for your gaming console playing experience. If it’s the latter, you’ll likely be seeking a chair that fits in with other living room furniture, or, at the very least, one that is comfortable enough to sit in for non-gaming purposes. Gaming chairs are useful for those gamers who don’t want to get their body out of alignment from sitting in odd positions for long periods of time while playing their video games. Keep in mind that, if you’re a dedicated gamer who spends a lot of time looking up at the gaming TV, that your neck should be supported, so ensure that you’re not just looking after your spine and how you’re sitting but also how your head is impacted by your playing. Still unsure of the type of chair you need to make your gaming setup as comfortable as possible? Although the price may, or may not, be an issue, the New York Times has a thorough review of cheap gaming chairs that are ideal for a living room TV gaming setup. Games This is where the floor gets a bit hotter and we need to do some tip-toeing around the subject of video games. We’re not in the position to tell gamers which video games are “the best” or “the most fun”, but we can tell you that there are thousands of games to play that are available to the masses. Are you looking for video games to quickly beat or are you looking for games that see you through a years-long gaming narrative? How Long to Beat is a great website to gauge the time commitment versus the difficulty.  Some more well-known and popular games, though, will always be around for gamers to play, regardless of the time spent playing or how difficult it is to play. These include video games like Minecraft, Grand Theft Auto, The Legend of Zelda, Call of Duty, Pokemon, and, of course, the aforementioned Tetris. TV Mounts for Gamers We’d be remiss not to talk about how to achieve maximum comfort while playing your video games through using a mount for your TV for your gaming console. While we’ve mentioned before that having a TV, gaming TV or otherwise, at eye level is imperative, especially when playing video games and having that immersive experience, a TV mount is ideal to include in your setup. Like the video above, a gaming setup is much more palatable with a TV mount. Additionally, if you’re a gamer who ends up using a lower-seated couch or gaming chair, having a mount helps to assist in achieving the ideal television placement so you can get more invested into the game. What’s more, if you incorporate a TV mount in your gaming setup, your living room, family room, or office space can be easily transformed into a home theater setup. The location can be turned into a hybrid spot for both gaming and movie and TV watching entertainment.  Regardless of which MantelMount TV mount you use, you will game happy: The Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV mount, the MM815 is a popular option, but so are the MM700 Premier and MM540 Enhanced Pull Down TV mounts. If you’re looking for a way to wow others and possibly even yourself with your gaming setup, there’s nothing more to search for when it comes to your gaming TV mount than having the ability to have the television be placed in the perfect position for you, the gamer, than through a remote while you’re getting comfortable for your gaming session.

Consumers and brands are at a heightened time within the consumer goods industry. Not least because technological advancements are being made even faster than in prior decades, but because there is a honing in on personalization to the end user.  When speaking to consumer goods as a market, it covers a large swath of users, companies, organizations, and all the in between. That is why it is important to compartmentalize the consumer goods technology industry with the consumer goods technology solutions that can be provided to customers. Furthermore, to drill down even more granularly is ideal, as is the case of this article, so research — whether it is data found within the TV market research space or minutely like in handheld device research — can be explored more thoroughly.  For consumers looking to understand the consumer goods space, many facets come into play, some of which we hit on here. From understanding more of the consumer psyche and how the future of the consumer goods industry will be affected by more user-friendly brands to acknowledging that there are solutions that currently exist that may need slight upgrades to how the products, services, or solutions are presented to users, there are multiple perspectives worth sharing.  Consumer Goods Technology In a day and age that sees new technology emerging in all areas of life — whether it’s consumer goods technology like pieces within the home entertainment space, digital technology like ChatGPT, or operational technology such as processing or manufacturing plants — everything new harkens back to what’s been created in the past and enhances it. Because the television industry and adjacent industries like TV market research — and understanding the minds of consumers as it pertains to consumer goods technology solutions (i.e. the types of TVs on the market and emerging technologies) — and the adoption of TV accessories — such as sound bars and television wall mounts — have matured in recent years, there tends to be countless data points about consumer goods. The consumer goods space, including technology and the acceptance of other consumer goods solutions, includes a wide swath of products and services that cover a healthy range of needs and wants from consumers. Because the consumer goods industry includes an expansive range of items, the space ebbs and flows with the economy and other external factors.  For instance, with some consumer goods items that require more of a financial decision such as cars or bigger electronics, the level of spending on those consumer goods will often be dictated by recessions and future economic forecasting. As Investopedia states, “The economic factors that most affect the demand for consumer goods are employment, wages, prices/inflation, interest rates, and consumer confidence.” Consumer Goods Technology Trends For technology in the consumer goods and services arena, especially as it relates to electronics, as Research Nester points out, “The market is majorly driven on the back of factors such as rising popularity of flexible electronics, increasing adoption of advanced and energy efficient electronic devices, availability of numerous flexible electronics according to the requirements of users and enhancement in user experience, which will further likely to adopt flexible electronics. Therefore, as the research has been laid out, it looks to be that the electronic category —  including electronic wearables like VR headsets, as well as the growth of the television market (especially those that enhance the home entertainment experience like the Ultra High Definition televisions often known as 4K or 8K TVs) — will only continue to grow in years to come. Euromonitor’s research (Kandusova, V, 2022) shows that the consumer goods space, specifically speaking to electronics research via sales from retail value amounts, looks to have its compound annual growth rate at 4% worldwide. This worldwide data point, albeit at a rate that could be seen as maintaining consistency, is likely to be welcomed in the category of consumer goods and electronics due to the inflation in many parts of the world and the impact that multiple countries are experiencing through recessions and lack of support and cohesion in local, regional, national and international supply chains. Additionally, as Mintel found through its Global Consumer Trends Report, “the appeal for options that are advantageous for consumers and building out interactive experiences will expand and increase, indicating that technology will enhance consumer lives and become ingratiate with experiences in the consumer market” (p. 19, Macke et al., 2023). This should come as no surprise as trends with the consumer goods technology space have been becoming increasingly personalized, or at the very least, more unique the categories of people, over recent years.  Furthermore, as there is more of an interactive experience with consumers, although not necessarily an exact correlation, as Kandusova (2022) noted, the broader trends that will impact consumer behaviors and sales of electronics include price increases, leaders in the market will have a grip on the competition, and there will be even more emerging new technologies that will have large investments. AI and Technology Platforms One such new technology platform that has been through a boom recently is generative AI. Although ChatGPT, Open AI, and other AI platforms aren’t a one to one comparison with other consumer goods technology trends — as those end up being more tangible items and pieces of technology — that is a trend to watch out for. However, because it’s a trend within the consumer space, AI and machine learning may eventually be incorporated into how consumers watch television. Think about it: not only do tools like smart watches, smart home thermostats, and other consumer goods and products enhance how most people live, there’s a bit of that consumer goods technology in place already. Generative AI might, then, in the future, help create a more collaborative home entertainment and media environment through televisions and smart speakers and other home media accessories that assist in a more immersive experience. As Euromonitor mentioned, “Entertainment aspect of many products among electronics; they were explored or rediscovered the ways they can use technology of home entertainment during the pandemic, whether it’s gaming or starting a home cinema,” (Kandusova, 2023). During the COVID-19 pandemic, entertainment and media tools became more synonymous with the home than ever before; highlighting that consumer goods technology trends and ideas, like AI, might be heightened now and in the future, after seeing how successful items were in 2020 through 2022. With AI, or even simply more accessible consumer goods technology innovations and products, consumers are more likely to monetarily invest — as well as become more brand loyal — in companies, goods, and services (pg. 11, Macke et al., 2023) that make life easier, more efficient, and, likely, more relaxing. The companies and organizations that create pieces of consumer goods that enhance a lifestyle look to be the businesses of the future that can capitalize on, not just good will of the consumers, but also through revenue. The companies that innovate due to “the demand for convenient options and interactive experiences” (pg. 19, Macke et al., 2023) have a better chance to attract customers and, therefore, are more likely to convert. How Staying Home Has Impacted Consumer Goods Technology This was more true than not during the COVID-19 pandemic when, as Veronika Kandusova notes with Euromonitor research, “With hybrid working imposed by the pandemic at first, these products changed almost overnight from non-essential to staple household products.” (Kandusova, 2023). As is alluded to, and as Mintel reports, “Digital advancements have already made an impact and carved out a space in the tech segment, which we will see increase as many consumers are looking to brands to offer practical solutions” (pg. 19, Macke et al., 2023). Those digital advancements of consumer goods technology products need to be taken into consideration in addition to understanding that brands and organizations must “enable consumers to form healthy connections with resources in the technology, wellness and leisure spaces,” (pg. 19, Macke et al., 2023). With those data and research points in mind, the television industry and home media and entertainment market should harken back to the facts that, as Statista finds in the consumer electronics and consumer goods technology space, “the volume is expected to amount to 260.90m pieces by 2028. The televisions segment is expected to show a volume growth of 0.9% in 2024,” (Statista, 2023). So how do the consumer goods technology industry and those in the TV market research space coalesce and bring forward ideas to benefit consumers? That’s the next piece of the puzzle. TV Market Research and Advancement of Home Entertainment Solutions As has been gathered and assumed, then, from the consumer goods technology perspective on televisions and home entertainment, whatever data and information is gleaned from TV market research will be paramount for companies… and consumers. The more advanced the world gets with home entertainment products, the more consumers will have options with what’s available for home entertainment solutions.  So, what does the TV market research say and what should consumer goods companies and consumers be on the lookout for when it pertains to home entertainment solutions? They mainly include the technological advancement of the televisions themselves and also what consumers want from the televisions — regardless of what is on the screen or items that help enhance the viewing experience. Technological Advancements of Televisions Although televisions have been in homes for nearly a century, only in the past two or so decades have televisions made strides with the technological advancements with the products themselves; in addition, those advancements televisions are available to consumers — although the hefty cost is a barrier for most. In the past few years there has been an uptick in the type of television that is available to be more mass produced than the exclusive televisions that are seen at trade shows and the like. These advancements of technology include items like, as Marketwatch (2023) suggests, Smart TVs. Despite not having much TV market research on Smart TVs, it is expected that the Smart TV market will see more demand in the 2020s and beyond as more capabilities through the television technology is produced. The introduction of Smart TVs and the features they have — including having on-demand content, the ability for a Smart TV user to browse the internet, the advantage of social media apps and Smart TV games — only allows the television manufacturing and invention space to delve into possibly new or unearthed areas of television features. What’s more, it’s not necessarily solely the television features like a Smart TV that are turning heads but the televisions themselves. Dhapte (2023) found that “th 46 to 55 inches segment dominated the market in 2021 and is projected to be the fastest-growing segment during the forecast period, 2022-2030, owing to the rising trend of purchasing bigger TVs for a theater-like viewing experience.” This trend found within TV market research lends credence to the fact that consumers, during Covid-19, wanted a more comfortable entertainment experience, especially because movie theaters and other entertainment options were not available. Although it is three years removed from 2020, the adoption of a cozy media entertainment and hosting at home environment means that television and television accessory manufacturers should expect the demand to continually increase. One of the demands to the development of TV technology to watch for, however, is the 3D and 4D landscape. Qing (2010) has mentioned that as increasingly more 3D content is made through sporting events and movies, especially, that there could be an increase in demand for those at home — like those with the home theater experience — to have a “greater bandwidth to stream full-high definition 3D content.” (ZDNet, 2023) When not even mentioning the most out of reach televisions on the market to most consumers, there are still the television industry categories like LCD, LED, OLED, and Plasma, amongst others. If you’re interested, MantelMount has a blog on the differences between the types of televisions, here.  However, by getting more into the details on the types of televisions, as Research Nester (2023) lays out, “the LED display segment is anticipated to garner the largest market revenue of USD 184609.8 Million by the end of 2029. Alternatively, the OLED segment is anticipated to grow with the highest CAGR of 4.8% during the forecast period.” Advancement of Entertainment On Screen and Embracing TV Viewing Enhancements Not only are there technological advancements with television technology, there have been advances with onscreen and television viewing enhancements, which, there is likely to be more to be seen in years to come. Jim O’Neill (2016) noted that subscription video on demand (known as VOD) “is becoming more central in American’s video viewing, as more than half of U.S. households now have at least one subscription video service.” Video on demand subscriptions are otherwise known in households by their branded names. Customers and consumers know as Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, or any of the other streaming service options that are available on the market. Most streaming apps and video services launched in the mid-2000s, with the advent of Prime Video in 2006, BBC’s iPlayer in 2007, and also YouTube a few years prior in 2005 (Business of Apps, 2023). However, despite the abundance of streaming services — and programs found on the streaming platforms — customers are finding a greater amount of ways to turn down certain options. As Douin (2023) found out, “consumers are rationalizing their choices, particularly in an economic downturn, and competition among platforms for subscriber attention and loyalty has never been fiercer.”  Although what Douin mentions has legs to stand on as there is data to back up the fact that viewers are ever-increasingly watching streaming services at home. The following prompt means that there is a streaming war and subscribers are trying to be ever shrewd about their viewing decisions; so, question yourself: how often are you using Netflix versus Hulu versus MAX versus Paramount versus… any other streaming service that is out there. O’Neill (2016) states from a Leichtman Research Group (LRG) report that, “59% of households (HHs) subscribe to Netflix, Amazon or Hulu, an increase of more than 25% since 2014. LRG also found that nearly half (47%) subscribe to two or more services.” Unsurprisingly, as Anil & Roshan (2020) found out, “Subscription revenue model is expected to gain major popularity among the TV industry during the forecast period, owing to benefits associated with it such as predictable revenue, increase in return on customer acquisition costs, and huge scope for upselling and cross-selling.” To add to the matter of there being a large amount of streaming services and the competition found within, there is even more competition with Smart TVs as well as Smart TV accessories. Research Nester (2023) divulges that, “many multi-national companies are concentrating towards new product advances in smart TV Accessories. Changing psychological consumer behavior and its impact on the commercial sector is predicted to affect the smart TV accessories market positively over the forecast period.” So, not only is the streaming TV service market growing with leaps and bounds, despite occasional scaling back from time to time, there are also advancements in the overall home entertainment category with televisions, consumer goods that affect at home televisions viewing (think couches, lighting fixtures, and coffee and end tables), but also in more niche categories such as TV accessories that create a holistic television viewing experience. Adoption of TV Accessories Not even a decade ago, it seemed highly unlikely that the TV market — in addition to the other supplementary categories like the user adoption of TV accessories — could be penetrated just as much as it has in the past five years. The COVID pandemic accelerated that growth to the media and home entertainment market; and especially to the TV accessories and TV mount market. TV accessories can be grouped into different categories, one of which being accessories to the Smart TV market in addition to remote controls and TV mounts. Smart TV Accessories Market Most households, especially if there is a newer television in the home, will have at least one smart TV. This means that, as aforementioned, the television watcher has the capabilities to use the internet on the TV and speak to a built-in voice assistant (think Siri, Alexa, etc.), amongst other features.  Because the Smart TV market has boomed, so has the adjacent Smart TV accessories market. As Research Nester found out, “the smart TV accessories market is a rapidly emerging market with an emergence of new technological up gradations.” The company also noted that, due to the emerging area of commercial need for Smart TVs and their accessories — such as in the medical infrastructure environment and in educational institutions in which chalkboards, whiteboards, blackboards, and moveable projectors are going by the wayside — this specific and niche TV market looks to incur heavier increases in demand. Furthermore, although the TV market research is not completed, or possibly not even started, in this area, Research Nester noted that, “increasing urban population coupled with increasing disposable income is anticipated to propel an increase in the market value of smart TV accessories market over the forecast period,” which leads up to 2027.  Remote Controls and Handheld Accessory Items Another niche market area when taking into consideration the adoption of TV accessories is a product, or rather smaller product items, that are simple. Take, for instance, the remote control. Even three decades ago, elder millennials were growing up having to run to the TV set to change the channel as remotes were not as synonymous with televisions. However, once the technology was accepted to be moving in that direction, remote controls and other smaller TV-adjacent devices like tablet holders, became en vogue and something that each person, or at the very least each household, would need. For remote controls, and in the 2020s, the remote control is a vital tool, especially when, in those precious seconds, walking over to a TV could hamper a busy lifestyle; whereas having a remote control, notably if it is a universal device at that, can help wonders with multi-tasking. Armstrong (2020) notes that “a universal remote makes it possible to easily switch between settings without needing to page through individual menus. Some units can turn on multiple devices at once for viewers who appreciate surround-sound quality.” Although it is not necessarily a television accessory, it does help users who want to watch TV on different and smaller devices, like tablets or smartphones. The adoption of TV accessories also includes phone holders or tablet holders with moveable bases so that, as Cadden (2023) mentions, “a rotating head lets you adjust the screen no matter what position you are sitting in.” Just think, if you are updating your home media entertainment experience within a living room or a home movie theater setting, it might be worthwhile to upgrade other TV entertainment aspects, such as phone and tablet entertainment experiences. MM815 Consumer Video D2C 03-10-23 from MantelMount on Vimeo. TV Mounts The last category within the focus of the adoption of TV accessories is near and dear to the MantelMount heart: TV wall mounts. With the advent of more streamlined and thinner televisions, the aesthetic of having more space in a living room or family room has been embraced. With that in mind, TV wall mounts are, and have been recently — especially with the pandemic changing in media habits — an accessory to have, more as a necessity now instead of a perk. MarketWatch (2023) found out that the TV wall mount market size is expected to grow a healthy amount, with the market size estimated around “USD 2150.4 million in 2022 and is forecast to a readjusted size of USD 2365.3 million by 2028.” These numbers should not be a surprise to anyone within the consumer goods technology industry because, as The Insight Partners (2020) notes, “increased penetration of internet and growth of e-commerce sector in developing economies are further supporting the growth of TV mount market.” As the pandemic changed media habits, including TV watchers being able to adjust the level of comfort they have while watching television, as well as the aforementioned increase of people who want a cleaner and crisper TV viewing experience and look to TV wall mounts to help, the home TV wall mount industry has the potential to affect other aspects of the consumer goods industry. As such, The Insight Partners (2020) noted that there are available mounts for most types of televisions as they mention in their research that, “TV mounts are suitable for flat-panel TVs, including LED, LCD, OLED, or plasma screen, and there are several types of TV mounts available in the market such as fixed wall mount, full-motion wall mount, tilting wall mount, ceiling mount, floor mounted, and pole TV mounts.” As an example of television mounts that can be used in multiple types of settings, MantelMount pull down TV mounts and motorized drop down and swivel TV mounts can be used interchangeably within the home or a commercial setting, with the United States and North America being a big player within the industry. Statistify Market Research (2023) describes the market by saying, “It is assessed that North America, the overwhelming nation in the TV wall mounts market will show impressive development during the estimated time frame.” With the expected TV mount market expected to grow and flourish throughout the 2020s, it is an industry to keep an eye on. Especially, as was highlighted previously from Macke, Crabbe, & Moriarty (2023) that brands will need to allow for users to create robust connections with the advancements in “technology, wellness and leisure spaces.” Additionally as the Mintel Global Trends Report (p. 19, Macke et al., 2023) mentions that “functionality will go a long way in serving the underserved. Digital advancements have already made an impact and carved out a space in the tech segment, which we will see increase as many consumers are looking to brands to offer practical solutions.” As The Insight Partners (2020) points out, “A key trend which is projected to affect the US TV mount market in the coming year is the emergence of new technologies for TVs. The technology used in TVs is powering the scope of other related markets as well. 4K and 8K TVs are highly advanced TV sets present in the country; nevertheless, technology keeps on changing.”  With the understanding that brands need to be nimble with future forecasting, and keeping in mind those practical solutions in the television mount market that MantelMount brings to the table — including the new MM815 Motorized Drop Down and Swivel TV Mount — allow for consumers to enjoy the technologies that are found at home or in the office with hardly any effort having to be put in. With less effort in finding the right angles so the glare doesn’t impact the TV watching and no consternation with neck or back pain, TV wall mounts are here to stay, and will only enhance the media experience.  The Future of the Consumer Goods Technology Space From TV wall mounts to smart TVs and adjacent technology to what the TV market research says about the adoption of TV accessories and the future of the television industry, the consumer goods market has much to look forward to.  Although it was not expected to be nearly as large of a market before the COVID pandemic, there are many avenues for brands to go down to meet consumers, not only where they currently are with their TV, media, and consumer goods technology needs, but also where the need will be for the future. With more useful technologies emerging for consumers, the tougher the market will be to stand out. With brands found in the consumer goods technology industry, the importance of relationships will be what separates the brands that have a difficult experience showcasing the features of their products versus the consumer goods brands that connect with consumers. For most consumers wanting to take advantage of a more personalized brand experience with their consumer goods — whether it is technological advances across the consumer goods technology space spectrum or more specifically items like the enhancement and adoption of TV accessories — then, the 2020s and beyond look to be in good shape for all those, brands and consumers alike, that embrace the changing atmosphere and grow with the times.   Citations Anil K. & Roshan D. (2020). Television Services Market by Delivery Platform[(Digital Terrestrial Broadcast, Satellite Broadcast, Cable Television Broadcasting, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), and Over-the-top Television (OTT)], Revenue Model (Subscription and Advertisement), and Broadcaster Type (Public and Commercial): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast 2021-2027. Allied Market Research. https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/television-services-market-A07199  Armstrong, A. (2020, September 26). Accessories to enhance your television watching experience. Bit Rebels. https://bitrebels.com/technology/accessories-enhance-television-watching-experience/  Cadden, B. (2021, April 26). 17 items to elevate your binge watching. Popular Science. https://www.popsci.com/tv-watching-upgrades/  Curry, D. (2023, May). Video Streaming App Revenue and Usage Statistics (2023). Business of Apps. https://www.businessofapps.com/data/video-streaming-app-market/.  Dhapte, A. (2023, June). Smart TV Market Research Report Information By Resolution (4K UHD TV, HDTV, Full HD TV, and 8K TV), By Operating System (Android TV, Tizen, WebOS, Roku, and Other), By Screen Size (Light, Below 32 inches, 32 to 45 inches, 46 to 55 inches, 56 to 65 inches, Above 65 inches), By SCreen Size (Flat and Curved), and By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) - Market Forecast Till 2030. Market Research Future. https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/smart-tv-market-8388 Douin, V. (2023, February). How streaming services can drive profitability with customer centricity. Ernst & Young. https://www.ey.com/en_us/alliances/maximizing-value-for-video-streaming  Kandusova, V. (2022). Trends Impacting Forecast Sales of Consumer Electronics. Euromonitor. https://www.euromonitor.com/article/trends-impacting-forecast-sales-of-consumer-electronics Kandusova, V. (2023, Guest). Hybrid Working Podcast Series: Impact on Consumer Appliances, Electronics, Home Improvement and Gaming [Audio podcast episode], Euromonitor International. https://www.euromonitor.com/podcast/hybrid-working-podcast-series-impact-on-consumer-appliances-electronics-home-improvement-and-gaming  Macke, D., Crabbe, M., & Moriarty, S. (2023). Global Consumer Trends: What consumers want and why - now, next and in the future. In mintel.com. Mintel. https://www.mintel.com/consumer-market-news/global-consumer-trends/ MarketWatch. (2023, May 9). TV Wall Mounts Market Research | 2023-2030. MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/press-release/tv-wall-mounts-market-research-2023-2030-2023-05-09 O’Neill, J. (2016). OTT Global Viewpoint – August 2016. The Broadcast Bridge. https://www.thebroadcastbridge.com/home/category/ott/entry/6487/adoption-of-svod-in-us-continues-to-grow  Qing, L.Y. (2010, February 19). 3D TV mass adoption 10 years away. ZDNet. https://www.zdnet.com/article/3d-tv-mass-adoption-10-years-away/.  Statistify Market Research (2020). TV Wall Mounts Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Application (Commercial Use Residential Use Others ), By Type (Adjustable TV Wall Mount Fixed TV Wall Mount Others ), By Region, And Segment Forecasts Till - 2028. Statistify Market Research. https://www.statistifymarketresearch.com/tv-wall-mounts-market  The Insight Partners. (2020, January 30). TV Mount Market 2027 by Type, and Application. The Insight Partners. www.theinsightpartners.com/reports/tv-mounts-market.   Verma, Abhishek, and Hetal Singh. (2023, February 14). Smart TV Accessories Market : Global Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2027. Research Nester. www.researchnester.com/reports/smart-tv-accessories-market-global-demand-analysis-opportunity-outlook-2027/147.

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

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

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

Since the 1950s, television has played an integral role in people’s lives. After all, it has both reflected and shaped our cultural values, although it has sometimes been criticized for its alleged negative influences on children. At other times, television has also been lauded for its ability to create a standard viewing experience for people. Some of the world’s most major events, such as the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster in 1986, and the 9/11 terrorist attacks, have played out before our eyes on television, uniting people in a shared tragedy, yet offering hope. Currently, internet technology and satellite broadcasting is paving the way for the future, changing the way we view content. Indeed, television is one of the foremost important inventions of the 20th century. Television is a powerful medium that has changed the way we see the world. From the fuzzy image and poor sound quality we saw in its early days, to the hundreds of channels in high definition and stereo sound we see today, television has come a long way. As we look at how the evolution of television technology weaves its way through the decades, it’s easy to see how something so simple — pictures matched with words —  affects everyone in the world, in one way or another. Additionally, with such a large departure of the evolution of television technology from decade to decade, it comes with no surprise to understand that television technology and communication through television-adjacent products (like video game sets) shape where we are going as developed people into an age of connectedness. Compare our range of pull down tv wall mounts Evolution of Television Technology: Pre-1930s It’s fascinating to think that the television, even before it became a television, evolved from wireless (or radio) telegraphs through the transmission of radio messages like Morse code. Although the radio was still in popular use pre-1930, the 1920s was when the foundations of the television happened.  Although there are multiple people who could be tipped as the inventor of the television, one of the main reasons why the television is what it is today is because of cathode ray tubes implanted in a camera.  At the turn of the decade, between 1927 and 1929, engineers and scientists continued to work on how to produce a picture transmitted in a moving image through an electronic camera tube.  Evolution of Television Technology: 1930s - 1950s Once the 1930s hit, television technology started to grow. Although radio (and television) stations in the United States experimented with tv technology later in the 1930s, in 1936, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) made waves across the pond. From sports to cartoons, the BBC produced TV shows to those able to watch up until 1939 when World War II broke out. On the US side, the first commercial electronic television set, the DuMont Model 180, was sold for $395 in 1938. A year later, the then-US President Franklin D. Roosevelt was the first president to appear on television.  Although radio was the most influential and popular technological invention throughout World War II for most Americans (and, frankly, for any civilian around the world), the 1940s was when the television was being introduced more and more to the public for consumption. Nearing the 1950s, when televisions were becoming more popular, government regulations were introduced for television stations, tv channels, and more standardized programming. And once the 1950s hit, the public was used to televisions being normalized in households around the country. Although there were baby steps at the beginning of the decade, 1954 introduced a whole new world of television to the public: color television. Evolution of Television Technology: 1960s - 1980s As a new decade was ushered in, more technological advances for televisions were also welcomed. Although the color television had been introduced the decade prior, due to the high price and lack of programming being recorded in color, most television owners didn’t experience the color TV advantages until the 1960s. Most TV programming finally relented and began to introduce the transition from black-and-white to color television programs in 1965. Backing up a few years and we’ll understand that one advancement in 1962 will help one of the largest, most influential parts of human history later in 1969. In July of 1962, NASA launched Telstar — the world’s first active communications satellite. Two days after launch, it sent back to earth the first transatlantic television signal in the world. The tenuous repercussions of such was felt 7 years later when, on July 20, 1969, American Neil Armstrong would set foot on the moon — with anywhere from 600-650 million people watching the landing on television. After that momentous occasion capping off the 60s, just a few years later in 1972, there were nearly 9 million color television sets sold, surpassing the amount of sales of black-and-white television sets. And with all of the color television sets available and sold, many of those people who had purchased a television set were able to view another significant event, this one most likely in color: the wedding of Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer in 1981, which was watched by 28 million people. And a few years later in 1985 in the U.S., a little over two-third of the households in the country had cable service readily available. Evolution of Television Technology: 1990s - 2010s (and Beyond) Once the 1990s began, television technology seemingly continued at hyperspeed. Whether it was HDTV standards being set six times the resolution of the conventional SDTV format (in 1994) to television companies collaborating to produce large, flat-screen TVs (in 1997 with Sony and Sharp), it was a decade of improvement in the television industry.  However, once Y2K happened, then the evolution of television technology truly took hold. In 2001, the switch from analog to digital began; meanwhile, in 2003, some satellite and cable companies began to offer the feature to record live programs (hello, DVR!). Then, just a few short years later in 2009, smart televisions were introduced, with TV watchers able to surf the Internet, utilize apps, and — of course — watch TV shows, movies, and sports, with LED televisions becoming bestsellers a few years later, bettering LCD and Plasma TVs. Additionally, in 2016, the introduction of 4K and 8K resolution televisions have brought on an even larger boom into how realistic television and movies can look. This includes adjacencies such as virtual reality (VR) and 4D televisions. Although both VR and 4D aren’t as popular in 2023 as they possibly could have been, the evolution of the technology continues to spur innovation in the television industry. Key Takeaways of Television Technology Not only was the evolution of television technology spurred on by engineering advances and scientific discoveries at its genesis, there are ways that television and media have improved over the decades, and, truly, over the past century.  Part of the enjoyment of watching television is to experience the history of television, all the while having it at your fingertips. To protect the investment and the integrity of your television, and to enhance the quality of the picture (at the same time making sure that your neck pain goes away) because the television is situated at its best angle, a MantelMount pull down TV mount is the investment you will want to make.