Frequently asked questions

It comes down entirely to the wall. Solid masonry, brick and concrete are strong once you use the right fixings. Plasterboard (drywall) on a stud frame only carries weight where you fix into the studs behind it — the board on its own holds very little.

If you can't work out the wall type or find solid fixing points, take that as a signal to pause and get advice rather than chance it.

A stud is one of the vertical timber or metal uprights inside a partition wall — the strong points. Fixing into two studs spreads the television's weight and resists the bracket's pull, which is exactly why a stud detector is one of the handiest tools you can own.

Often, yes — with two caveats. The height tends to push the screen above comfortable eye level, so a tilting bracket helps; and the heat from some fireplaces can be a problem, so check your TV's operating-temperature guidance against how much heat the fire throws out.

Let how you watch decide. A flat bracket suits a room where you sit square to the wall with little glare. A tilting bracket suits a higher position. A full-motion arm suits open spaces where you watch from several seats — at the cost of extra weight and leverage on the wall. Our bracket guide digs in further.

Lower than most people guess. Aim to line up the middle of the screen with your eyes when you're seated in your usual spot. Mounting too high is the most common comfort mistake there is. The height guide shows how to measure it.

VESA is the standard spacing of the mounting holes on the back of a television, quoted in millimetres (like 200×200). A bracket suits your TV only if its VESA range and weight rating both match your screen. You'll find both numbers in the TV's manual.

Two routes. Surface trunking or a raceway you can paint to match the wall — simple and reversible. Or run them inside the wall for the cleanest look. In-wall power has to be done properly — never on an ordinary extension lead — and that often means a qualified electrician. See the cable guide.

Plenty of flat and tilting installs on a well-understood wall are achievable for a careful DIYer with the right tools and a second pair of hands. Bring in a pro for heavy screens, uncertain walls, work at height, or anything that involves new mains wiring. There's no shame in it — it's the safe call.

No. Mounting Vision is an independent, information-only site. We don't sell products, take bookings, or earn commission. Everything here is guidance you're free to act on however suits you. Do read our disclaimer.