How High Should You Mount a TV in Your Bedroom?

Ever stared at your bedroom wall wondering exactly where that TV should go? You’re not alone. Getting the height just right can mean the difference between cozy movie nights and a literal pain in the neck.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about proper TV mounting height specifically for bedrooms.

We’ll cover:

• The ideal viewing angle from your bed
• How room size affects placement
• Simple measurements to find your perfect height
• Common mistakes to avoid

As someone who’s mounted dozens of TVs in bedrooms of all sizes, I’ve learned what works (and what doesn’t) through real experience. Too high and you’ll strain your neck. Too low and you’ll be constantly adjusting your pillows.

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of exactly how high to mount your bedroom TV for maximum comfort and enjoyment.

Why TV Mount Height Matters

Getting your TV height right isn’t just about looks. It’s about how your body feels after binging your favorite show.

I’ve seen too many people mount their TVs too high because it “looks better” on the wall. Then they wonder why they wake up with a stiff neck the next morning.

Your neck shouldn’t have to work overtime while you relax. When you’re lying in bed watching TV, your eyes should rest naturally on the screen without straining upward.

Think about it this way:

• A TV mounted too high forces your neck to bend backward
• A TV mounted too low makes you hunch forward
• The perfect height lets your muscles relax completely

Besides comfort, the right height helps your TV blend with your bedroom. Nobody wants their TV to look awkwardly placed or dominate the room.

Have you ever noticed how hotel rooms always seem to get the TV height just right? That’s no accident. They’ve studied what works best for guests watching from bed.

Your bedroom should feel like your space, not like you’re straining to see a screen mounted for giants.

General Guidelines for TV Mounting Height

Most TV mounting advice doesn’t consider bedrooms. I’m here to fix that.

When you’re mounting a TV in a living room, the center of the screen typically sits about 42 inches from the floor. But your bedroom is different.

In a bedroom, your viewing position changes everything. You’re likely propped up on pillows or lying down completely. This means your eye level is much lower than when sitting on a couch.

For most bedrooms, I recommend mounting the TV between 42 to 50 inches from the floor to the center of the screen. This range works well when you’re semi-reclined on pillows.

But here’s the key difference:

• Sitting upright in bed? Stay closer to 48-50 inches high
• Lying flatter with fewer pillows? Go lower, around 42-45 inches
• Have an adjustable bed? Aim for the middle of your typical positions

Remember that these are starting points. Your bed height matters too. Measure from where your eyes actually are when you’re in your normal TV-watching position.

The goal is simple: your neck should remain in a neutral position while watching. No tilting up or hunching down.

Calculating the Right TV Mount Height for Your Setup

Getting the perfect TV height doesn’t require a math degree. Just a tape measure and about 5 minutes of your time.

Here’s how I figure out the ideal mounting height for any bedroom:

Step 1: Find Your Eye Level

Lie in bed in your normal TV-watching position. Have someone measure from the floor to your eye level. This is your starting point.

Let’s say your eye level is 30 inches from the floor.

Step 2: Adjust for TV Size

Larger TVs need different placement than smaller ones:

• For TVs under 43 inches: Add 5-7 inches to your eye level
• For TVs 43-55 inches: Add 8-10 inches to your eye level
• For TVs over 55 inches: Add 10-12 inches to your eye level

If you have a 50-inch TV, you’d add about 9 inches to your 30-inch eye level.

Step 3: Factor in Your Mount Type

Using a tilting mount? You can mount the TV slightly higher.

• Standard mount: Use the height from Step 2
• Tilting mount: Add another 2-4 inches if needed

Quick Reference Chart:

Height shown is from floor to TV center

Remember, these calculations get you to the center of your TV. Mark this spot on the wall, then measure up and down half the height of your TV to find where the top and bottom will sit.

Factors That Affect TV Mounting Height

One-size-fits-all advice rarely works for TV mounting. Your bedroom has its own unique setup.

I’ve installed TVs in tiny apartments and master suites, and each room demands different considerations. Let’s break down what makes your situation unique:

TV Size Matters

Larger screens need more breathing room. A 65-inch TV mounted at the same height as a 32-inch might feel overwhelming. For every 10 inches of screen size increase, consider raising the center point by 1-2 inches.

Bed-to-TV Distance

The closer your bed sits to the TV, the lower it should be mounted. Think about it:

• Less than 6 feet away? Mount it lower to avoid neck strain
• More than 10 feet away? You can mount slightly higher
• Standard bedroom distance (7-9 feet)? Stick close to your eye level calculations

Your Bed Height

A platform bed sits much lower than a tall four-poster with a thick mattress. Measure your actual eye level rather than using averages.

This is often overlooked! A California king on a high frame might put your eyes 36 inches from the floor, while a low futon might place them at just 24 inches.

Room Dimensions

Low ceilings? You’ll need to adjust downward. Cathedral ceilings? Don’t be tempted to go too high just because you can.

Mount Type

Your mounting hardware gives you flexibility:

• Fixed mounts: Must be perfect the first time
• Tilting mounts: Can be 2-4 inches higher than ideal
• Full-motion mounts: Offer the most forgiveness in placement

The most important factor? How you actually use your bedroom. If you mostly watch TV sitting fully upright, you’ll want a different height than someone who watches lying nearly flat.

Ideal Viewing Distance and Angle

Finding the sweet spot for viewing isn’t guesswork. There’s actual science behind it.

I’ve spent years testing different setups, and I can tell you that viewing angle makes all the difference between comfort and neck pain.

Perfect Viewing Distance

For bedrooms, the standard living room formula needs adjustment. Here’s what works best:

Too close? You’ll be turning your head to see the whole screen. Too far? You’ll miss details and the immersive experience.

The Perfect Angle

Your neck should remain in a neutral position. For bedrooms, this means:

• Horizontal viewing angle: Within 30° of center (15° left or right)
• Vertical viewing angle: No more than 15° up or down from eye level

The 15° rule is key here. If you have to tilt your head more than 15° in any direction, you’ll feel discomfort within 30 minutes.

Measure It Easily

Don’t want to do the math? Try these tools:

• The “TV Mount Calculator” app (available for iOS and Android)
• A simple laser level held at your eye level while in bed
• THX’s online calculator (though you’ll need to adjust results for bedroom viewing)

Or use this simple method: Sit in your normal viewing position. Have someone hold a piece of tape where your eyes naturally rest on the wall. That’s your center point.

Remember, no amount of perfect calculations can beat actually testing how it feels for a few minutes in your normal viewing position.

Mounting Tips and Best Practices

Let me share what I’ve learned the hard wayso you don’t have to make the same mistakes.

Picking the Right Mount

Not all TV mounts are created equal. For bedrooms, I strongly recommend:

• Tilting mounts: for most situations (allows downward angle adjustment)
• Full-motion mounts: if you watch from different positions
• Low-profile mounts: only if your placement is already perfect

Avoid the cheapest options. A $20 mount holding your $1,000 TV is a disaster waiting to happen.

Finding Studs Is Non-Negotiable

I’ve seen TVs rip out drywall and crash to the floor. Don’t risk it.

• Use a quality stud finder (the $25 models work better than the $10 ones)
• Mark both edges of each stud, then aim for the center
• Don’t trust a single pencil mark, double-check everything

For heavier TVs (over 50 pounds), I hit at least two studs with mounting screws.

Cable Management Makes All the Difference

Nothing ruins a clean TV installation like a tangle of cords.

• Use cord covers that match your wall color
• Consider an in-wall kit for a truly hidden look
• Keep power and HDMI cables separated to avoid interference

Safety First: The Over-Bed Warning

Never mount a TV directly over where you sleep unless you’re using professional-grade hardware. I’ve seen too many close calls.

If you must mount over the bed:

• Use twice as many mounting screws as recommended
• Add a safety cable as backup
• Consider a professional installation

Quick Pro Tips:

• Have a helper hold the TV while you connect cables
• Take photos of the back of your TV before disconnecting anything
• Pre-drill your holes at slightly smaller diameter than your screws
• Use a level twice, once on the mount and again on the installed TV

Taking your time on installation day saves headaches later. A rushed job often means doing it all over again.

Conclusion

The perfect TV height is all about your comfort, not just looks. By following the steps in this guide, you’ll find that sweet spot that keeps your neck happy during those late-night binge sessions.

Remember, most bedroom TVs should be mounted with the center of the screen between 42-50 inches from the floor, but your specific measurements might vary based on your bed height and viewing habits.

Take the time to measure twice and drill once. Use quality mounting hardware that can support your TV’s weight, and never skip finding those wall studs.

Your perfectly mounted bedroom TV will enhance your relaxation time without causing physical strain. No more awkward neck angles or constantly adjusting your pillows to see the screen properly.

Trust me, a properly mounted TV is worth the extra effort. Sweet dreams and happy viewing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I mount my TV at the same height in the bedroom as in my living room?

No. Bedroom TVs should typically be mounted lower than living room TVs because you’re watching from a reclined position in bed rather than sitting upright on a couch.

Can I mount my TV directly above my dresser in the bedroom?

Yes, but make sure the TV doesn’t sit too high relative to your eye level in bed. The dresser should be low enough that the center of the TV can still be mounted around 42-50 inches from the floor.

How do I hide the cables when mounting a TV in my bedroom?

Use cord covers that match your wall color, invest in an in-wall cable management kit, or position your TV near furniture that can hide a power strip and connected devices.

Is it safe to mount a TV over my bed?

It’s not recommended unless you use professional-grade hardware and mount into multiple studs. If a TV falls while you’re sleeping, it could cause serious injury. Consider mounting on a side wall instead.

Do I need a special TV mount for a bedroom installation?

A tilting mount is usually best for bedrooms as it allows you to adjust the viewing angle downward when you’re lying more flat in bed. Full-motion mounts are great if you watch from different positions.