How to Hang a TV Like a Pro: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hanging a TV on the wall creates a sleek, modern look and can even enhance your viewing experience. But to avoid costly mistakes, it's important to approach the job with the right tools, the right mount, and a good plan. In this guide, you'll learn how to hang a TV like a pro, with tips on the best TV mounts and essential tools to get it done right.

Wall-mounting your TV saves space, keeps your living area tidy, and improves your TV’s viewing angles. It's also safer for households with pets or small children. Done properly, it can completely transform the look and functionality of your room.

Choosing the right mount is the first step to a professional installation:

A fixed mount holds the TV flat against the wall, like a picture frame. It’s simple, secure, and ideal for setups where you always view the TV from a consistent angle.

 

• Recommended Mount: Mounting Dream Fixed TV Mount
  This strong, low-profile mount is easy to install and built for stability.
   

 

A tilting mount allows you to angle the TV up or down, helping reduce glare and improve viewing when the TV is mounted higher on the wall.

 

• Recommended Mount: PERLESMITH Tilting TV Wall Mount
  An affordable, adjustable solution perfect for most living rooms and bedrooms.
   

 

Full-motion mounts let you swivel, extend, and tilt your TV, giving you the most flexibility. These are excellent for larger rooms, open-concept spaces, or when mounting in a corner.

 

Pro Tip: If you have multiple seating areas, a full-motion mount is a smart investment.
 

 

If you're mounting a larger or heavier television (especially 75" or larger), you'll need a heavy-duty mount designed to support the extra weight.

 

• Recommended Mount: ECHOGEAR Full Motion Heavy Duty TV Wall Mount Built for strength and flexibility, this is the ideal mount for big-screen TVs and curved displays.
   

 

Installing your TV like a pro requires more than just a screwdriver. The right tools ensure safety, precision, and a polished final look.

 

• Stud Finder: Never guess where studs are! A stud finder ensures your TV mount is securely attached.  I'm a big fan of this one.  
  • CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder
     
• Power Drill and Drill Bits: Skip the sockets.  Grab your impact driver and a set of nut drivers to get the job done quick.  
   
  • DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
  • Impact Nut Driver Set
     

 

Other tools to keep on hand:

 

• Level (for a perfectly straight mount)
   
• Tape measure
   
• Pencil (for marking hole locations) - Pro tip, use tape instead.  You can rip off a piece of tape in a triangle shape.  Just use that to point to your mark.  You can move it around as needed.  
   

 

The center of your screen should align with your eye level when seated. If mounting over a fireplace, adjust accordingly, but prioritize comfortable viewing angles.

Use a stud finder to locate at least two studs behind your wall. Always mount into studs to ensure your TV stays securely in place.

Position your wall mount bracket and use a pencil to mark where you'll drill pilot holes.

Using a drill, create pilot holes where you’ve marked. This helps prevent cracking and makes installation easier.

Bolt the wall mount bracket into the studs using the provided lag bolts and a socket wrench.  Or even better, use your impact drill and nut drivers!

Secure the mounting plate to the back of your TV using the correct screws that match your TV’s VESA pattern.

With a second person’s help, lift the TV and hook it onto the wall mount. Follow the mount’s specific instructions to lock it into place.

Use a cable management kit or wall covers to keep cords neat and hidden for a professional look.  This is a great cable management kit  

 

• Double-check your work with a level before securing the TV.
   
• Use all recommended safety hardware, even if the wall feels sturdy.
   
• If mounting above a fireplace, ensure the heat will not damage the TV.
   
• Don’t hesitate to use a high-quality heavy-duty mount for larger TVs.
   

 

 

• Mounting Dream Fixed TV Mount
   
• PERLESMITH Tilting TV Wall Mount
   
• ECHOGEAR Full Motion Heavy Duty TV Wall Mount
   
• CH Hanson Magnetic Stud Finder
   
• DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless Drill/Driver Kit
• Impact Nut Driver Set