.png)
FMT Solutions are often asked to fix TV installations that aren't quite right. Read our guide to mounting a TV before you try this DIY for yourself, or see how we can help you with friendly handyman services in Dorset.
Handyman ServicesWall mounting a TV can completely change how a room feels. Done properly, it creates a clean, modern look, saves space, and makes viewing far more comfortable. Done badly, it can leave you with aching necks, visible cables, damaged walls... Or worse, a TV that isn’t as secure as it should be.
At FMT Solutions, we’re often called out to fix TV installations that haven’t quite gone to plan. Most of the time, the intention was good, but mounting a TV properly involves more than just a bracket, a drill, and a free afternoon. This guide explains what “done right” really means, covering safety, positioning, and cable management, so you can make informed decisions about your setup.
A wall-mounted TV isn’t just a decorative feature. It’s a heavy, valuable item fixed to the structure of your home. Getting it right matters for both safety and comfort.
Modern TVs may be slimmer than older models, but many are still surprisingly heavy, especially once you factor in wall brackets, soundbars, and connected devices. If the wrong fixings are used, or the wall type hasn’t been properly assessed, there’s a real risk of movement over time. Even a slight amount of flex can cause damage to walls, brackets, or the TV itself.
Comfort is just as important. TVs mounted too high or at awkward angles often lead to neck strain and poor viewing experiences. It’s one of the most common issues we see, a TV that looks fine standing up, but feels uncomfortable once you’ve actually sat down to watch it.
Taking the time to mount a TV properly avoids these issues and ensures your setup looks neat, feels comfortable, and stays secure for years to come.
Positioning is one of the most overlooked parts of TV wall mounting. Many people focus on where the TV looks best on the wall, rather than how it will be used day to day.
As a general rule, the centre of the TV screen should sit at around eye level when you’re seated. In most living rooms, this means the TV ends up lower than people expect. Mounting it too high might seem tidy, but it often leads to uncomfortable viewing, especially during longer sessions.
Sofa height, seating distance, and screen size all play a role. A larger TV doesn’t necessarily need to be mounted higher, it simply needs enough space around it to feel balanced within the room.
The distance between your seating and the TV also affects placement. Sitting too close to a large screen can be overwhelming, while sitting too far away from a smaller one reduces picture clarity. Proper positioning ensures you get the full benefit of your TV without straining your eyes.
Room layout matters too. Alcoves, corner walls, and open-plan spaces all require slightly different approaches to achieve a balanced look that doesn’t feel forced.
This is one of the most common requests... And one of the trickiest setups. While it can look great visually, fireplaces often push TVs much higher than ideal viewing height. Heat, wall materials, and cable routing also need careful consideration.
In some cases, specialist brackets or alternative layouts can help make this work more comfortably. In others, it’s worth reconsidering the position altogether. Honest advice here can save a lot of regret later on.
Not all walls are created equal, and this is where many DIY TV installations run into trouble. Knowing what’s behind your plaster is essential before drilling a single hole.
Plasterboard walls can safely support a wall-mounted TV, but only if the fixings are correctly anchored into studs or reinforced areas. Relying solely on plasterboard fixings is one of the biggest causes of unstable mounts.
Finding studs isn’t always straightforward, especially in older properties or where previous work has altered the wall structure. Professional installers use experience and proper tools to ensure fixings go exactly where they need to.
Solid walls offer excellent support, but still require the right fixings and drilling techniques. Incorrect hole depth, unsuitable plugs, or rushed installations can weaken the fixing points over time.
These walls combine plasterboard with adhesive fixings over masonry, creating voids behind the surface. They’re common in newer builds and require specific fixings to ensure the TV is anchored securely into the masonry behind.
Correctly identifying wall types before installation is a key step in ensuring long-term safety and stability.
A wall-mounted TV can instantly lose its impact if cables are left dangling underneath. Good cable management isn’t just about appearance — it also protects cables from wear and makes future adjustments easier.
Trunking and conduit can be colour-matched and discreetly fitted to blend into the wall. This is often the simplest solution and avoids cutting into plasterwork.
Hiding cables inside the wall creates the cleanest finish, but it must be done properly. Power cables, HDMI leads, and soundbar connections all need careful planning to remain safe and accessible.
There are regulations around running power cables within walls, and these should always be followed. Cutting corners here can lead to safety issues or costly rework later.
Soundbars, streaming boxes, gaming consoles, and satellite receivers all need consideration. Good cable management plans for what you use now (and what you might add later) without creating clutter or confusion.
We’re often asked to correct TV installations that “just don’t feel right”. Some of the most common issues include:
None of these mistakes are unusual, and most come from underestimating how much planning is involved. Unfortunately, fixing them often means repairing walls as well as reinstalling the TV.
There’s nothing wrong with tackling DIY projects, but TV wall mounting is one of those jobs where experience makes a real difference.
It’s worth considering professional help if:
A professional approach removes uncertainty and ensures everything is done safely, securely, and with a finish that lasts.
At FMT Solutions, we take a calm, practical approach to TV wall mounting. We look at the wall type, the room layout, and how you actually use the space before making any recommendations.
Our focus is on:
We’re happy to advise on bracket types, positioning, and layout before any work begins. If something isn’t suitable, we’ll say so, and suggest an alternative that works better long term.
Whether it’s a straightforward install or a more complex setup involving soundbars or concealed cables, our aim is always the same: a result that looks good, feels right, and stays secure.
Wall mounting a TV should enhance your space, not create ongoing frustration. With the right planning, positioning, and installation, it becomes a seamless part of the room rather than a constant compromise.
If you’re thinking about mounting a TV and want it done properly (safely, securely, and without visible cables), getting professional support can save time, stress, and costly mistakes. A good installation should fade into the background and simply work, letting you enjoy your space exactly as it was intended.