Nowadays, a modern and contemporary living room doesn’t seem to be complete without a large, flat screen TV. In the past, a place of family gatherings was in front of a fireplace but today, the focus shifts towards a big screen usually positioned right above that very fireplace or even occupying the central place on the wall. Big and chunky pieces of furniture that house TV sets are definitely the thing of the past, so to achieve the best end result design-wise, most people would choose mounting the flat screen and going for sleek and minimalistic furniture pieces. However, this project doesn’t come without a couple of considerations to bear in mind.
The aesthetic aspect
Flat-panel TVs, such as LED, LCD or Plasma, are designed to be wall mounted so you could fully enjoy their performance and experience viewing comfort. However, it doesn’t end there. The next main thing to consider is housing all the additional equipment such as the cable box, games console and DVRs. Most people choose to get a media centre, movable shelving or some sort of entertainment units that can serve as hiding places for those components.
You need to think about the aesthetics of the cords as well. Whether you have many components to connect to your TV or none, you still need to decide whether you want them to stay visible or be concealed. In that regard, there are several options to consider as well. If you can’t be bothered by in-wall concealments, you can paint them so they match your wall colour, use cord covers or install power outlets behind the TV so nothing dangles below. However, if you’re leaning towards a clean, clutter-free look, in-wall concealing is probably the best option, but it can be tricky, so it might be best to call in a pro on this one.
Can the wall of choice take the load?
The size of the screen is not only important for the enjoyment of watching but also because you need to ensure that the wall can carry the load of the TV. The brackets you buy must be strong enough to hold the TV, and you need to decide whether you want it fixed or you might want to manipulate its position, which would mean that you’ll need brackets with swing arm operation system. This will enable you to turn and tilt the TV in the best viewing position and watch it from multiple angles.
Is this a DIY project or not?
This is a legitimate dilemma. If you choose to do the project by yourself, you’ll need to do a lot of research beforehand, buy the necessary equipment, follow the instructions closely and probably get way out of your comfort zone, which could mean losing patience and focus if things take the wrong turn. You might end up with a bigger problem than when you started. Another option is to call the pros, as these Sydney-based TV installation specialists, who can offer you their expertise and creative solutions to all the logistical challenges of installing a mounted flat screen.
Wall mounting your flat screen can be a great solution for your home, as it will give you extra storage space in your media centre, it will add a clean, modern and elegant look to your living room, and it will protect your TV from any damage, such as bumping, tipping or your kids having their way with it. However, if the project puts too much pressure on you and you feel like you don’t possess enough self-confidence and know-how to do it properly, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals – they will make sure you get the best possible outcome.