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Should You Get a TV Stand or a Wall Mount?

TV on console in living room

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The TV is often the focal point of a living room. It is used to gather around and watch your favorite shows, catch up on news, and play games. Whether you are buying your first TV, replacing an old one, or simply changing where the TV sits, you are faced with a decision: Should I use a TV stand or a wall mount? 

Both options have their pros and cons, and which is best suited for your space depends on multiple factors. Here we will look at scenarios where a TV stand versus a wall mount makes the most sense (and vice versa) so you can position your TV with confidence.

When You Should Use a TV Stand

A TV stand, or entertainment center, is a popular option for supporting your TV. These generally feature large amounts of storage, making them perfect for stashing away gaming consoles, remotes, extra cords, and other items. 

TV stands make it easy to shift the TV and access the different ports, which is especially useful if you need to regularly change the equipment that is hooked up to the TV. Since the TV rests directly on the stand, any hanging wires are easily hidden away and out of sight. 

Because of the above-mentioned features, TV stands are ideal for those with a large array of equipment that needs to be connected to the TV, as the stand not only hides the wires but acts as a storage center, keeping things neat, orderly, and contained. 

TV stands are also quite easy to set up. This makes setting up your TV hassle-free and ensures you can cozy up for movie night right away. Some people decide to use a designated TV stand, while others opt for unique pieces, such as vintage dressers, to hold their TV. This not only acts as a sturdy stand but as an eye-catching focal point in the space. 

Pros of a TV Stand

  • Easy setup with no drilling into the wall 
  • Plenty of storage for gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, movies, and other electronics
  • Cords can be hidden inside or behind the TV stand
  • Easy to move the TV to another area or another room
  • Easy access to the ports on the back of the TV
  • Unique TV stands add personality to a space

Cons of a TV Stand

  • TV stands take up a lot of floor space, and may not be practical in small rooms
  • The TV is not mounted to anything and can be knocked down. Children or pets may knock the TV over, posing a serious safety hazard. 
  • The size of the stand will limit the size of the TV you can purchase
  • TV stands do not allow you to adjust the height of the TV, so you must be sure to purchase a stand that is a comfortable viewing height; not too tall and not too short.

When You Should Use a Wall Mount

Wall mounts attach the TV directly to the wall, eliminating the need for a stand. This offers the freedom to place the TV anywhere there is open wall space, regardless of whether you have the floor space below available. For instance, a wall mount is an ideal option for placing your television above a fireplace. Wall mounts also allow you to customize the height of your TV. This allows you to set it at the perfect height for the best and most comfortable viewing angle. 

Although hanging a TV from the wall may seem precarious, wall-mounted TVs are actually very secure and can be much safer than those on TV stands. The secure mounts keep the TV firmly in place, eliminating any chance of the TV getting knocked over.

These factors make wall mounts ideal for small spaces, as there is no need to fit in a large entertainment center. Wall mounts offer a safer option for homes with pets and children as well. And for those who like to keep things minimal and streamlined, wall mounts eliminate visual clutter. Although hanging cords may seem like an issue, they can be hidden with on-wall cable hiders or by running the cords through the wall. 

Pros of a Wall Mount

  • Frees up floor space and eliminates the need for another furniture piece
  • Keeps things simple, clean, and minimalistic
  • Safe and secure, greatly reducing the chances of the TV falling or causing injury
  • Freedom to purchase whatever size TV you wish. The only limit is the size of your wall. 
  • Customizable height
  • Some wall mounts come with swiveling mechanics, allowing you to change the direction of the TV

Cons of a Wall Mount

  • Installation and removal requires tools and drilling into the wall
  • Doesn’t offer any storage
  • Hiding cords is tricker with a wall mount than a TV stand
  • Accessing the ports on the back of the TV can be more challenging