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Tv brackets and wall mounts buying guide
Check out the top 5 things you need to know when buying a bracket or wall mount for your TV with our handy guide.
Mounting your TV on the wall is a shortcut to giving your living room that sleek, modern look. Not only can it make your space look like it’s straight off your inspo Pinterest board, but it also improves viewing angles and gives glare its marching orders.
VESA dimensions
First thing’s first, you’ll need a bracket and mount that actually fits your telly. It might sound obvious, but you’d be shocked by how many people get this wrong.
This is where something called VESA measurements come in really handy – and they’re a lot less complicated than they sound. Basically, it’s the distance between the holes on the back of your TV. Every bracket and wall mount matches a specific size, so knowing which one is right for your TV is a must.
The easiest way to find yours is to check out the product page for the TV you’ve bought and look at the specs – the VESA size and VESA pattern will be listed. Common options include 200x200 for smaller TVs and 400x400 for bigger screens, but always measure your own VESA pattern to be sure. Already got your telly? It’ll be in the manual too.
Once you’ve got the number, just pick a bracket or wall mount that matches. Sorted.
You might also spot mentions of “offset” or “bottom-weighted” VESA positions. All this means is that the mounting holes at the back of the TV aren’t perfectly centred, so the pattern sits higher or lower than expected. This can change how high or low your telly sits on the wall, so just keep this in mind to keep things looking balanced at the right height.
Find your perfect match TV wall mount.
Fixed TV wall mount
If your living room’s got a sleek, modern look, a fixed wall mount is the one you’ll want to go for. It means your telly will sit super close to the wall while still leaving enough space for all your important cables – perfect for keeping things neat and tidy.
But before you set it up, have a really good think about where it’ll go. You’ll need to decide the height and position you want, as well as the viewing distance from your sofa, so your screen sits at a comfortable level. Unlike with other types of TV mount, your telly won’t be able to move, so you’ll want to make sure you avoid any neck straining. A fixed TV wall mount gives the slimmest look, but it’s less forgiving if you often watch from different spots around the room.
Keep things sleek, browse our fixed TV brackets.
Tilting TV wall mount
With a tilting wall mount, you’ve got the option to switch your viewing angle up or down. It’s ideal for TVs that are placed quite high up and it means you can move it down if you’re watching telly with the dog on the floor, or up if you’re sat with a brew on the sofa.
It helps on a sunny day too, since changing the angle can help reduce glare and reflections without needing to move the whole mount. If you want a bit more flexibility without a full motion TV wall mount, a tilt option can help when the TV is mounted above eye level.
Browse our full range of tilting TV brackets here.
Full motion TV wall mount
Like to switch up your viewing experience? A full motion TV wall mount is the one for you.
They let you tilt vertically, swivel horizontally, and can even be pulled to and from the wall to adjust the distance and position. You might also see them called articulating mounts. Chilling in the big armchair catching up on your favourite show? No problem. Or lounging in front of the fireplace watching a thriller? Wherever you are, you can move angles to suit where you’re sitting.
Check out our full range of full motion TV brackets here.
Things to check before installation
Now before you start pulling out your toolkit, you'll need to check if your wall is up to the task. Different wall types need different types of fixing, and some walls simply aren't suitable for wall-mounted TVs.
Solid brick or block walls
These walls are tough enough to handle any TV, including large and heavy models, as long as the mount and screws are rated for the weight. Whether you're going for a fixed, tilting, or full-motion bracket, any of them will work fine here with the right installation.
Just keep in mind, the fixings and screws have to be drilled directly into the brick or block (not mortar). Use the right screws and fixings for masonry and check the mounting brackets sit level before you mount your TV.
We recommend mounting TVs over 65 inches on solid brick or block walls for the best setup.
Stud walls (plasterboard over wooden or metal frame)
With the correct fixings, stud walls will handle wall-mounted TVs just fine, and most TV wall mount designs can work well here. Make sure the bracket is fixed directly into the studs, not just the plasterboard.
You need to use a stud detector to find solid fixing points, then mark the holes before drilling. And for larger TVs, you'll want to use wider brackets as they secure the TV more safely.
For a larger TV size, look for mounting brackets that spread the load across the stud and follow the installation steps carefully. Large and heavy TVs put more strain on a stud, so the mount, screws, and installation method need to be right. Make sure the bracket is fixed directly into the studs, not just the plasterboard. A pro installation is a good option if you’re unsure about the wall type, the weight, or the correct screws for the mount.
Plasterboard‑only walls
A plasterboard wall (with no stud behind it) won’t safely hold a TV wall mount, even if the bracket feels secure at first. These types of walls are never suitable for mounting a TV.
Plasterboard isn't strong enough to safely support the weight of even lighter models and can risk wall damage or even injury.
Things to remember when mounting a TV
Before you start, lay out the mount parts and confirm your VESA size matches the wall bracket. Lots of TVs come with fixings included, but they might not always be suitable for your walls or your TV wall mount. It's always best to double check this.
Some really slim TVs might need longer bolts, spacers, or different screws to get a nice, secure fit. These usually come with the telly and you should use these instead of your bracket's standard fixings, as long as they’re compatible with the mount.
Always use fixings and screws that are designed for your specific wall type - using the wrong ones can damage your walls and be dangerous. Make sure you don’t pinch cables behind the TV wall mount, and leave enough distance from the wall for plugs and ventilation.
If you're mounting the telly yourself, rope in someone to help you out. There's lots of heavy lifting involved, so having a mate there can help avoid injury or damage to the TV.
TV stand
Wall-mounted TVs look great and they're perfect for giving your space that modern, sleek vibe. But they're not the only way to inject a little style into your living room.
If you've decided a TV bracket isn't the way to go, a TV stand might be what you're after. Not only do they hold your telly, but they also give you somewhere to store consoles, Blu-Ray players, and games or films. Some come with cable management built in too, so they're great for keeping things neat and tidy and hiding cables. If you still want a clean look, plan where your cables will run and how much space you need behind the TV.
Shop our full collection of stylish TV stands here.
FAQs
- What size TV bracket do I need?
To find the right TV bracket, check your TV's VESA measurements, VESA pattern, and its weight. Most brackets list the screen sizes and weights they can support, so match these to find the one for your space.
- Do TV wall mounts fit all TVs?
Many modern TV brackets are designed to fit as many models as possible, but it's not always an automatic fit. You'll need to make sure the VESA measurements, VESA size, and weight limit match your TV, and that the mount is compatible. If the VESA pattern doesn’t match, the bracket isn’t compatible, even if the screen size looks right.
- What is VESA and how do I find it?
VESA is the measurement for the spacing between the 4 mounting holes on the back of your TV. You can find this on our TV product pages or in your TV's manual.
- Can I mount a TV on a plasterboard wall?
It depends. If it's a stud wall (plasterboard over a wooden or metal frame), then you can - just make sure the bracket is fixed directly into the studs not just the plasterboard. But if it's a plasterboard-only wall, it won't be able to safely hold a mounted TV. Even light models can risk wall damage or injury.
- What weight can a TV wall bracket hold?
It depends on each bracket or TV mount. When shopping, you'll find the maximum weight limit in the product details. It's best to pick one that can support a weight heavier than your TV, just to be on the safe side, and make sure the mount is rated for your screen size.
- Should I choose a fixed, tilting or full-motion bracket?
It depends on how you prefer to watch TV. A fixed bracket is great for a clean, sleek look as it keeps your TV flat against the wall. A tilting bracket lets you move the screen up or down slightly to reduce glare. And a full-motion bracket lets you swivel it horizontally, tilt it vertically, or pull it out from the wall.
- How high should I mount my TV?
You'll want to mount your TV so the centre of the screen is comfortably at eye level when you're sitting down. For the average living room, that'll be about 100-110cm, but it's always best to take your own measurements.
- Can I mount a TV above a fireplace?
We wouldn't recommend it. Heat coming up from the fireplace and having to fit your TV higher than you usually would negatively affect the visuals and your comfort. If you do, make sure your TV is far above the heat source and use a tilting bracket to avoid neck straining.
- How do I hide cables from a wall-mounted TV?
You can use a cable tidy or trunking (a case to cover them up), or run cables behind the wall so you can't see them. If you're hiding them in the wall, it's best to call a professional to help out.
- How do I remove a TV from a wall mount?
The majority of mounts have an easy release mechanism or locking system. First of all, you'll want to unplug all the cables and carefully release your TV from the bracket. It's best to get someone to help out, so you can safely lift it away.
