Optimal TV Height

Optimal TV height to floor

Optimal TV Height
Written: 01-24-2012

I remember shopping for my first home and one of the trends was to have a space for the TV on top of the fireplace. Sometimes I really liked the home, but didn't like the idea of watching movies and shows while looking up from the couch. Here is my opinion on the optimal viewing height for a TV.

Before you determine the TV height from the floor you first need to measure your seating height. When sitting on your couch or favorite chair the top half of the television screen should be at your eye level. It is pretty much that simple. You do not want to be looking up or down more than a foot or two. Their are two main reasons for this optimal height. First you will get a neck ache if your are looking up all the time. You watch a movie to relax, not to get a sore neck! Second, some televisions are hard to see at certain angles. By lining up your line of sight with the top of the TV you will get the best picture quality as well.

I have seen a lot of interesting TV setups that are not optimal. So if your setup is either to high or to low from the floor take the time to fix it as it will allow you to enjoy watching TV again.

Questions, Comments, and Answers...

01-14-2012 by Beth, Omaha NB

Question: I have a TV that is above the fire place which is about 7 feet off the ground. What are my options for optimal viewing?

Answer: I recommend a mount that allows you to tilt your flat screen so it is angled down. You will still have to look up to view it, but with the ability to tilt it downwards you will get a better picture than if it was flat against the wall.

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