Whatever you decide to do with your TV, just know that incorrect placement means you open yourself up to craning your neck awkwardly, messing with the feng shui, or turning up the volume too high. Is putting a TV up against a window a good choice?
Generally putting a TV in front of or up against a window is not a good idea. Reflections and blocking of the window are some of the considerations which mean that this is not a great place for it.
I’ll take you through some design tips and considerations for when you are deciding to get your TV in the best place. There are some dos and don’ts for TV placement, and you don’t want to put the TV in the wrong place as rearranging everything is the last task you want to find yourself doing when you want to relax in front of the TV.
What Direction Should a TV be Facing?
One consideration when deciding which way a TV should be facing is the room’s focal point. The focal point is the main piece or section of the room that tends to draw someone’s attention. It may be the TV, a piece of artwork, a beautiful couch, or a fireplace.
If there is already a focal point of the room and you don’t want to distract from that with a large TV screen, consider putting the TV into a cabinet so that it can be hidden when not in use. Having conflicting or multiple focal points in a room can create a sense of unease.
Room reflections and lighting can leave annoying distractions on your screen, which is very noticeable during certain films or movies, ruining the immersion. Lights can be turned off, but if they cannot, consider where the TV should be so that the lights are not distracting.
Reflections from windows may only occur at certain times of the day, so consider the sun’s basic movement and your usual TV viewing times and place your TV accordingly.
TVs on a stand or a mounting bracket should be able to be adjusted as some TVs, particularly LCDs, will have a limited viewing angle that generally only works if you’re sitting directly in front of them. Having the leeway to move the screen enables you to get the best viewing experience.
Can You Put a TV in Front of a Window?
A TV can be put in front of a window, but more than likely, you will want to consider window treatments. This will help cut down the glare and the changing light levels as the sun moves, ensuring an optimal viewing experience. The wide variety of window treatments means you will be able to find one that complements the room’s overall atmosphere.
Ideally, it is best to avoid putting a TV in front of a window if you can help it, particularly if that window is the direction from which natural light will be coming from.
Where Do You Put a TV When There is No Wall?
Generally, the easiest option is to place your TV on top of a piece of furniture. Dressers, cabinets, bookcases, and side tables all function well as a solid base for a TV.
There is a variety of easy to install brackets to enable a TV to be fastened to the ceiling or other pieces of furniture, including those with an adjustable arm. The holes and mounting options for TV are standardized, so it shouldn’t matter what bracket or TV you purchase.
Where Should a TV be Placed in a Living Room?
Height is as important a factor as distance. Too high or too low, and you will have to tilt your head, which is not good for comfort. Too far or too close, and you risk eye strain. For example, with a 26-inch screen, a good distance is around 4 feet or 1.5 meters away. If the screen is 40-inches, then about 7 feet or 2 meters of space gives the best viewership.
Another quick rule of thumb is to multiply the diagonal width of the screen by three to determine the best viewing distance (in inches). 4K TVs the number is about 1.5 times.
For the screen’s height, the middle of the television screen should be at eye level for someone who is sitting down. If this cannot be done, angling the screen up or down is an alternative, but you should try and find a wall bracket or some type of furniture which will keep it at eye level.
It is worth carefully considering how a TV can be placed into a room to allow convenient viewing as rearranging the room after the TV is already in there is a real pain and hassle. You also want to make sure it is near electrical outlets, antenna ports, or internet access to not have a mess of cables spanning half the room.
A fireplace is a common feature for many living rooms, but the mixture of electronics and fire is something that most people will avoid. Putting a TV above a fireplace can work, particularly if it is a low, rectangular fireplace but keep in mind that you do not want the TV too high on the wall; otherwise, it can lead to suboptimal viewing angles. Having the TV opposite to the fireplace may result in the fire’s reflection showing on the screen.
Does the Couch Have to Face the TV?
The couch doesn’t have to face the TV, but if you are viewing the TV from the couch, it should be centered on the TV to avoid unnatural viewing angles that require you to turn your head or body to view it comfortably.
