TV wall mount

THE OPTIMAL SCREEN SIZE FOR YOUR TV AND HOW TV LIFT CABINETS CAN MAKE THE MOST OF IT

In recent years, ‘bigger is better’ has become the fashion when choosing a TV. But in fact the ideal screen size and the best viewing experience for you depends on the space you have available and how far away from the screen you will be sitting.

The first thing to remember when you’re shopping around is that TV screen sizes are measured diagonally, usually in inches. So a 42-inch screen, for instance is 42 inches from one corner to the corner diagonally opposite. The next thing to think about is the resolution. The higher the resolution, the closer you can get to the screen before you notice pixilation: i.e. the individual squares that make up the whole image. In basic terms, that means you can sit closer to a 4K TV (3840 x 2160 pixels) than a 1080p TV (1920×1080 pixels) before you notice the image breaking up.

Now we know what all the numbers mean in real terms, think about the room you’re going to place the TV in. You might have a specific spot that the TV needs to fit into, or you might be more flexible about where the screen can be placed. Remember, of course, that you’ll also need to allow room for some furniture where you can sit comfortably, unless you’re planning to stand with your back against the far wall!

Ideal viewing distances for TVs

There are a number of competing theories and formulas on the ideal viewing distance. As a good rule of thumb, an easy calculation to use is a ratio of 2:1. In other words, double the size of the screen is likely to be a comfortable viewing distance. With an ultra-high resolution 4K TV, you can probably sit closer to the screen without experiencing pixelation and might even be able to view comfortably from the same distance as the screen size itself. All that being said, this reflects the minimum viewing distance that will avoid noticeable distortion of the image. Most people prefer to sit further away from the screen for a truly comfortable, enjoyable and sociable viewing experience.

As part of this you can also think about how you plan to set up the TV in your chosen room. TVs generally come with a stand, but using the stand included and placing it on a table or entertainment unit will usually mean the set is closer to the viewer and shortens the viewing distance. The stand itself can be as compact as 5 inches in depth or it can extend a foot or more behind the display. Arguably, this makes all the benefits of flat screen technology a bit of a joke and the unit as a whole dominates the space even when not in use.

Think outside the box when it comes to mounting your TV

There are a huge range of options beyond the default ‘TV, stand and table’ setup which you can use to improve your viewing experience, and the enjoyment of your room as whole. If you’re all about the biggest screen you can possibly fit in your room, simply utilising a TV wall mount can increase your viewable distance and could make the difference between getting a 60-inch or a 72-inch screen. Thinking beyond that, modern TV lift cabinets also allow the space to be much more flexible and multifunctional. Smart mechanisms mean that any size of flat screen TV can be concealed within a cabinet, sideboard or even a dividing wall.  The TV lift cabinet provides an attractive and useful piece of furniture in its own right when the space is being used for relaxing and socialising. When it is time to sit back for your favourite movie, TV show or big sporting event, either alone or with any number of family and friends, the screen smoothly and conveniently emerges at the touch of a button.  For maximum flexibility the screen can also be rotated to provide the perfect viewing angle from anywhere in the room, or even from an adjacent room.

TV screens are getting bigger! How do you maintain the space you have and still have a great viewing experience? Talk to us about our TV lift solutions!