How High Should You Hang a TV in the Bedroom? Optimal Heights Explained
Mounting a TV in the bedroom seems simple—find an empty wall, drill some holes, and enjoy your favorite shows from bed.
But hang it too high, and you’ll be craning your neck like you’re in the front row of a movie theater.
Too low, and it won’t feel right when you’re lounging in bed.
So, what’s the perfect height for a bedroom TV? Let’s break it down so you can mount your TV at the most comfortable and ergonomic position.
Why TV Height Matters in the Bedroom
You wouldn’t put your couch at an awkward angle in the living room, so why guess when it comes to your TV height? The right placement is about comfort, aesthetics, and long-term health.
- Neck Strain Prevention: A TV that’s too high can lead to chronic neck and shoulder pain.
- Optimal Viewing Experience: You want your eyes aligned with the screen to prevent discomfort.
- Aesthetic Balance: A poorly placed TV can make the entire bedroom feel off-balance and cluttered.
The good news? There’s a science-backed sweet spot for bedroom TV placement that will keep you comfortable and stylish.
The Perfect TV Height Based on Screen Size
The size of your TV affects how high it should be mounted. A small 32-inch TV has different placement rules than a massive 75-inch screen.
The key measurement? Eye level when you’re sitting or reclining in bed.
| TV Size | Ideal Center Height (From Floor to TV Center) |
|---|---|
| 32 inches | 42 – 48 inches |
| 40 inches | 48 – 52 inches |
| 50 inches | 52 – 56 inches |
| 55 inches | 56 – 60 inches |
| 65 inches | 60 – 65 inches |
| 75 inches | 65 – 70 inches |
This means that for a 55-inch TV, the center should be roughly 56 to 60 inches from the floor.
How to Measure the Right Height for Your Bed Setup
Not all bedrooms are the same. Some people love low platform beds, while others prefer high, luxurious mattresses.
The height of your bed plays a big role in where your TV should be mounted.
Step 1: Measure Your Eye Level From Bed
- Sit or recline in bed the way you would when watching TV.
- Measure from the floor to your eye level.
- This is your optimal TV center height.
Step 2: Adjust for TV Placement
- If your eye level is 42 inches, but you have a 50-inch TV (where the center is around 54 inches), you may need to tilt the TV downward for comfort.
- If your TV is mounted too high, a full-motion mount can help adjust the angle.
Should You Tilt Your Bedroom TV?
Tilting your TV downward can make a huge difference in comfort.
If the TV is slightly above eye level, a tilt of 10-15 degrees can improve viewing angles.
Best TV mount options for the bedroom:
- Fixed Mount: Best for low TV placements that don’t need adjustment.
- Tilting Mount: Perfect for TVs mounted slightly higher than eye level.
- Full-Motion Mount: Great for flexible angles, especially in large bedrooms or if you watch TV from multiple spots.
Mounting a TV on the Wall vs. Placing It on Furniture
Wall-Mounted TV Pros
- Saves space, especially in small bedrooms.
- Looks sleek and modern.
- Allows for custom height adjustments.
Wall-Mounted TV Cons
- Requires wall drilling (not always ideal for renters).
- Can be difficult to adjust once installed.
TV on a Dresser or Stand Pros
- No installation hassle—just place and watch.
- Easier to adjust the height over time.
- Great for temporary setups.
TV on a Dresser or Stand Cons
- Takes up valuable surface space.
- Can be too low, leading to neck strain.
- More prone to tipping if not secured.
Common TV Height Mistakes to Avoid
1. Hanging the TV Too High
This is the most common mistake. If you feel like you’re looking up too much, your TV is too high.
The best way to test? Watch something for 10 minutes. If your neck hurts, lower it or add a tilt mount.
2. Not Considering Your Bed Height
A taller bed means your TV should be mounted higher. If you have a low-profile bed, a lower mount is better.
3. Ignoring Room Layout
- If your bed is far from the TV, a higher mount might make sense.
- If you watch from a sitting chair, make sure the height works for that too.
What If You Have a Small Bedroom?
If space is limited, consider creative mounting solutions:
- Corner Mount: Mount the TV in a corner to maximize wall space.
- Swivel Mount: This allows you to adjust the angle, making it easier to watch from different spots.
- Ceiling Mount: If there’s no wall space, a drop-down ceiling mount might be the best option.
Ideal Distance Between Your Bed and TV
Distance matters just as much as height. Here’s a quick guide:
| TV Size | Optimal Viewing Distance |
|---|---|
| 32 inches | 4 – 6 feet |
| 40 inches | 5 – 8 feet |
| 50 inches | 6 – 10 feet |
| 55 inches | 7 – 11 feet |
| 65 inches | 8 – 12 feet |
| 75 inches | 9 – 15 feet |
If your bed is too close or too far from the TV, adjust accordingly.
What About Eye Health?
Staring at a screen too high or too close can cause:
- Eye strain
- Headaches
- Dry eyes
To protect your eyes:
- Use night mode to reduce blue light exposure.
- Take breaks every 20 minutes.
- Adjust brightness and contrast to match room lighting.
Final Thoughts
The perfect TV height for your bedroom depends on your bed height, screen size, and eye level.
The key is to mount it so you can watch comfortably without neck strain. If you’re unsure, start lower and adjust as needed.
Now that you know the best height, it’s time to grab your tools (or call a friend) and mount that TV like a pro!
