Sanus Wall Mount

Liquid crystal display (LCD) televisions are much easier to work into a home decor scheme than standard, boxy TVs that seem like large, bulky pieces of furniture. Instead, LCDs are slim and sleek, providing a modern look and leaving more room for circulation while decreasing visual clutter in a space. There are several ways to mount an LCD television, depending on your decor style.

Determine Location

First, choose the best location within the room to mount your LCD television. In a living room or family room, the TV is often the focal point of the space. The location of your furniture will automatically determine the television location. LCDs are more flexible than normal TVs, as they require less room, but typically should be located against a large, uninterrupted span of wall. In a bedroom, you should position your LCD television within viewing range of the bed, which will typically be on the opposite wall.

Wall-Mounted LCD

One of the main advantages of having an LCD television is that you can mount it on the wall, freeing up valuable floor space. You will need to purchase mounting hardware that fits your particular television.

There are a variety of mounting platforms available. You can mount the television so it is flat against the wall, much like a picture frame. Or, you can purchase an adjustable mount that allows you to tilt the television, which is necessary if you are mounting it higher on the wall, such as in a bedroom. Other mounts incorporate arms so you can angle the television depending on where you are watching from within the room. LCD televisions also can be recessed into the wall if you are renovating or building a new space and have already determined the size of the TV you will purchase.

Surface-Mounted LCD

The easiest option for mounting an LCD television is to purchase a stand. There are a variety of stands made especially for these types of televisions, and they are much slimmer than a traditional television stand. Some provide drawers or cabinet space with doors, while others feature open shelves. You can find LCD stands in a variety of styles, from very modern glass and metal to more traditional wood pieces.

Concealed LCD

Even though an LCD is more visually appealing than the average television, you may not want it to become the focal point of your room. It is possible to conceal your LCD television so it is visible only when you want to use it. This is an especially effective strategy for a formal space or for traditional decor with which the modern television might clash.

LCDs can be concealed either by placing them in a credenza or built-in millwork. Similar to the previous option, there are stands that include panels or doors that can be closed when the television is not in use. A more luxurious option is to build a wall system that conceals the television. Wall panels can disguise the TV location, or it can be part of a cabinet and shelving system with movable panels or doors.

Considerations

The way you choose to mount your LCD television will depend on the decor of the space and your lifestyle. If the space is particularly small, consider mounting your LCD television on the wall. However, you must be sure you can locate studs to properly hang the TV, as some walls may not be able to adequately support the weight.

If you have a lot of books, videos, DVDs or CDs to store, consider purchasing a stand or credenza on which to set your LCD television. By surface mounting or concealing your TV, it is much easier to hide wires than if you mount it on the wall.