How to Make Your TV Float on the Wall, With Ample Swagger and Minimum Wreckage
Oh, the joys of being a homeowner! You’ve finally managed to get your hands on that flat-screen TV you’ve been eyeing for months – and because you are a genius multitasker who wants to showcase your inner tech-guru, you have opted to hang it on the wall instead of perching it on a boring old table. After all, what’s the fun in taking the easy way out, right?
Fear not, brave multitasker; we’re here to help you embark on this whimsical journey of installing a TV mount. Let’s get you started on transforming your living room into a cinematic haven with sophisticated vibes and just the right amount of swagger.
Step 1: Gather Your Weapons of Creation
Before you can dive into the world of TV mounting, you must first arm yourself with the appropriate tools. You’ll need the following:
- A TV mount (shocking, we know)
- A stud finder
- A power drill and drill bits
- A socket wrench
- A screwdriver
- A level or leveling app on your trusty smartphone
- A tape measure or ruler
- A pencil (or any marking device that suits your fancy)
Step 2: Find the Perfect Spot
Now that you’ve assembled your tools, you might imagine yourself eagerly drilling holes into your pristine wall straight away. Hold your horses, though, for choosing the perfect spot will determine the aesthetics of the wall-mounted TV and the success of your movie nights.
Deciding where to mount your TV is crucial – and not just to showcase your unparalleled artistry in interior decorating. For optimum viewing pleasure without straining your lovely neck, the center of the TV should be at eye level when seated. Most mounts can tilt and swivel, which is advantageous if you cannot find the optimal location. Keep in mind the distance from your seating area, glare from windows, and proximity to outlets.
Step 3: Stud Finder, the Unsung Hero
Entering the world of TV mount installation would be incomplete without the help of your new (and potentially trustiest) friend: the stud finder. She will tirelessly assist you in locating the strong beams of wood hidden within your walls (known as studs) that are vital for securely mounting your beloved flat screen. Keep your stud finder in the vicinity, for it will come in handy as you embark on this tale of elevation.
Slide the stud finder horizontally across the wall until it indicates the presence of a stud. Mark the center and both edges of the stud, as these will be the foundation of your TV mount. For those using extension arms, ensure that you have enough studs to span the entire width of your mount.
Step 4: Drilling Into the Depths of Your Wall
Your palms are probably sweaty just thinking about the next step – the one involving the visceral plunge of a drill into the depths of your walls. Well, your hands might be sweaty, but you, brave home artist, are ready. Position your TV mount on the wall, aligning the mounting holes with the center of the previously identified studs. With your level or leveling app, ensure that the mount is perfectly straight, then mark the desired location of each hole with your pencil. Commence drilling with the appropriate bit size, and then insert the wall anchors.
Step 5: Transformation – From Mount to Mounted
At this point, you might be asking yourself: when will my TV finally achieve airborne elegance? The time has come, dear reader. Attach the mounting brackets to the back of your TV using the supplied hardware following the mount manufacturer’s instruction. Delight in the different bolts, washers, and spacers, for they all have a purpose in this splendid narrative. Once completed, enlist the help of a trusted companion to hold the TV in position, while you fasten the mount to the wall using the socket wrench.
Step 6: Connecting the Dots (and Cables)
Your TV is now airborne – hoorah! But what’s a floating TV without the magic of moving images? Proceed by connecting all necessary cables. HDMI, power cables, and audio cables, unite! Make sure these cords are plugged in snugly, secured, and cannot be spotted by anyone except perhaps Sherlock Holmes.
Step 7: Bask In Your Glory (and Tidy Up)
Gaze at your masterpiece. Dazzling, isn’t it? The TV now rests securely on the wall, ready to entertain. But before you fall into the loving embrace of your newly mounted flat screen, review the mount’s arms and hinges to ensure they can still swivel and tilt with ease.
With everything in delightful working order, the last stage of this gripping journey is to tidy up. Conceal the cables behind your walls, or utilize a cable cover to maintain that sleek appearance. Stand back and proudly admire your handiwork. You deserve it.
By now, you’ve discovered that installing a TV mount isn’t just about having your TV hang majestically in mid-air. Rather, it’s a witty and artistic dance between precision, creativity, and a few power tools. Enjoy your upgraded living room, and make sure to show off your new, wall-mounted TV with pride. After all, you’ve earned the right to be called the artisan of TV mounts.