Finding the perfect TV height for the bedroom can greatly improve or detract from your viewing experience.
I’ve spent countless hours researching optimal positioning, and I know how frustrating it is when your neck aches after binge-watching your favorite series. Poor TV placement leads to discomfort, eye strain, and frankly ruins what should be relaxing downtime.
I’m going to share the exact bedroom TV height formula that transforms your space into a comfortable viewing haven.
This blog covers everything, allowing you to enjoy hours of comfortable viewing without experiencing neck strain or discomfort.
Finding the Right TV Height for Your Bedroom
Most installers suggest mounting a living room TV so the center of the screen is 42–48 inches from the floor. That height matches eye level when sitting upright on a couch.
In a bedroom, I recommend mounting the TV lower, as most people recline while watching. A good target is to place the center of the screen at 30–40 inches from the floor, matching typical eye level in bed.
However, some sources still recommend aiming for a height of 50–60 inches from the floor to the center of the TV.
The best approach is to test your actual viewing position. If you sit upright in bed, 50–60 inches works. If you recline more, consider mounting it lower for added comfort.
Steps to Measure the Right TV Height
I wanted to ensure that my bedroom TV height felt comfortable, so I took a few simple measurements. Below are the exact steps I used to find the right spot for mounting:
Step 1: Get in Position
Lie down or sit in the exact way you usually watch TV in bed. This ensures that your measurements accurately reflect your actual viewing posture, rather than a guess or a generic standard.
Step 2: Measure Your Eye Level
Use a tape measure to find the height from the floor to the center of your eyes. This number represents your personal eye level and will guide the placement of the TV center.
Step 3: Mark the TV Center
Take the eye-level measurement and mark it on the wall. This spot is the ideal center point for your TV screen, ensuring comfortable viewing without straining your neck or eyes.
Step 4: Check Screen Size
Measure your TV’s height, then divide it by two. Subtract that from your marked eye level to see where the bottom edge will sit. This step confirms balance and visual comfort.
Step 5: Adjust if Needed
If the TV must be positioned higher due to furniture or wall limitations, consider a tilt mount. Tilting the screen downward keeps the picture aligned with your eyes, reducing neck strain and glare.
Things to Check Before Hanging a TV in The Bedroom
Below are the key things I always check before hanging a TV in the bedroom:
1. Mount Type (Tilt or Full-Motion)
Choose the mount style based on flexibility needs.
A tilt mount allows you to angle the TV downward when it’s mounted higher, while a full-motion mount enables pulling, swiveling, and tilting in multiple directions. Both options help keep the screen aligned with your line of sight.
2. Bed Height and Pillow Setup
The combined height of your bed frame, mattress, and pillows significantly affects your eye level. Extra pillows or taller headboards raise your viewing point. Always measure while in your usual viewing setup to ensure the TV aligns properly with your eyes.
3. TV Size
Larger TVs have a greater height, which changes the position of the top and bottom edges when the center is aligned with eye level. Bigger screens also require a greater viewing distance.
Considering screen size ensures the setup feels balanced, natural, and visually comfortable in the bedroom.
4. Distance from the TV
Viewing distance influences comfort and picture quality. A general rule is to sit 1.2–1.6 times the screen size away.
Too close can feel overwhelming, while sitting too far back reduces detail and immersion, especially on smaller TVs in larger bedrooms.
5. Wall Strength and Stud Placement
Before drilling, confirm the location of the studs and verify the wall’s strength. Mounts must be anchored securely into studs or rated hardware.
This step ensures safety, prevents sagging, and keeps the TV firmly in place for years of reliable use.
6. Glare from Windows or Lights
Look around the room for light sources that may reflect off the screen, such as nearby windows, lamps, or ceiling fixtures. Planning placement to minimize glare helps maintain clear picture quality. Tilt mounts also assist by allowing small adjustments after installation.
Typical Bedroom Mounting Situations
Different setups require different solutions, and the height of a bedroom TV can vary significantly depending on the room. Below is a table of typical bedroom mounting situations, along with the recommended approach for each:
Situations | What you can do |
---|---|
Low Bed | Mount lower. |
Tall Dresser/Fireplace | Use a tilt mount to angle the device downward. |
Adjustable Bed | Pick a full-motion mount. |
Shared Viewing | Set the middle height or use a swivel/tilt feature. |
Large Room | Choose a bigger screen, not a higher mount. |
How Can I Check if My Bedroom TV Height Feels Right
After mounting, I do a simple comfort check. I lie in bed and watch for a few minutes. If my neck tilts upward or feels strained, the TV is too high; I lower it or adjust the tilt. My head should rest naturally on the pillow without any strain while watching.
If colors look dull or the screen seems washed out, the angle may be off. I adjust the tilt or reposition slightly. I check the picture from different spots on the bed to ensure everyone gets a good view.
A comfortable setup should let me relax without adjusting my posture. If something feels off after 10-15 minutes of watching, I make small adjustments until it feels just right.
Extra Tips for a Better Bedroom TV Setup
When I was figuring out the right height for the bedroom TV, I realized comfort isn’t only about mounting. Below are extra tips I use to make my bedroom setup more practical and enjoyable every day.
- Add a soundbar: This improves audio clarity, especially for dialogue, as bedroom TVs often sound flat.
- Plan cable management: Keep wires hidden with cord covers or in-wall kits for a cleaner look.
- Control the lighting: Dimmable lights or LED bias lighting reduce eye strain during night viewing.
- Check power outlet placement: Ensure outlets are positioned close enough for safe and tidy connections.
- Set sleep timers: Prevents the TV from staying on all night if you fall asleep while watching.
Conclusion
What bedroom TV height works best? After testing various positions and configurations, the sweet spot typically falls between 30 and 40 inches from the floor to the center of the screen for most bedroom setups.
I covered the essential measurement steps, from finding your natural viewing position to checking wall strength and managing glare. Remember to consider your bed height, pillow arrangement, and the way you sit while watching.
A simple comfort test after mounting reveals whether adjustments are needed.
What’s your experience with positioning a bedroom TV?