TV Mounting Height Calculator

Plaster and lathe walls: Pre-war NYC apartments (built before 1940) typically have plaster-and-lathe walls instead of drywall. Standard TV mount hardware won't hold — you need toggle bolts or must find the wooden lathe strips behind the plaster. Our installers carry specialized hardware for every wall type.

Concrete and brick: Many NYC high-rises and brownstones have concrete or brick walls. These require masonry drill bits and concrete anchors. Never attempt to mount a TV on concrete with standard drywall anchors — the TV will fall.

Renter considerations: If you're renting, check your lease before drilling. Many NYC landlords allow TV mounting as long as you patch the holes when you move out. A professional installation uses the minimum number of holes and can be cleanly patched later.

Mounting above a fireplace: The most common mistake. Fireplace mantels put the TV at 55-65 inches from the floor — way too high for comfortable viewing. If you must mount above a fireplace, use a tilting or pull-down mount to angle the screen toward your eyes.

Ignoring your actual seating position: A TV that looks perfect when you're standing becomes uncomfortable after an hour of seated viewing. Always measure and calculate from your seated eye height, not standing.

Not accounting for a reclined position: If your couch reclines or you tend to lean back while watching, your eye height drops 4-6 inches. Lower the eye height slider in our calculator and increase the viewing angle to account for this.