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Choosing between mounting a TV or using a TV stand is a dilemma that most homeowners face when setting up their TV. It is a decision that you have to make whenever you have just bought a new TV, trying to redesign your living room, or setting up a new home. Making a choice between mounting your TV and using a TV is not straightforward, mainly because both options are quite reliable, having their respective advantages. If you have been struggling to make a decision on how to mount your TV, this article will help you choose between using a stand or mounting your TV.
Difference Between a TV Stand and a Wall Mount
Before we proceed to a comparison of both options, it is important to highlight the difference between a TV stand and a wall mount. Also known as TV consoles or TV racks, TV stands are pieces of furniture used to hold a TV, at a suitable height for comfortable viewing. TV stands are made of different materials including wood, aluminum, metal and glass as well as wrought iron. TV stands usually come with additional space in form of shelves and drawers.
Mounting a TV simply refers to the TV setup that involves fixing your TV on the wall,using a wall mount. Mounting a TV on the wall takes up now floor space, and allows you to put your TV in the best spot for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Pros and Cons of TV Stand
Below are the pros and cons of using a TV stand.
Pros of TV Stand
- Additional Storage: TV stands provide additional storage space, in form of shelves and drawers. The space can be used to hold TV accessories such as game consoles, cable boxes and DVD players. With these items neatly stored, your entertainment area looks neat and welcoming. You can also place toys, artifacts and other forms of decoration, on the top of the TV stand.
- Wires and Cables: Using a TV stand, wires and cables can be hidden properly. This is a major advantage of TV stands over wall mount, as the latter has no provision for holding cables.
- Aesthetic: TV stands also offer aesthetic value to a living room. Stands come in different designs, colors and with special features, that can add a touch of beauty to your interior design.
Cons of TV Stand
- Space: The main disadvantage of TV stands is that they take up a lot floor space. This makes them unsuitable for small rooms, as they make the rooms appear cramped.
- Safety: A TV stand is not usually the safest option, particularly for people that have kids and pets. Televisions placed on TV stands can tip over when left unchecked, which can result in injuries. Your TV can also be damaged, should it fall of the stand.
- Limited Viewing Height: TV stands do not offer many options when it comes to customization. The angle of the TV can only be changed, if you move the stand from its position, while the viewing height cannot be altered.
Pros and Cons of Wall Mount
Below are the pros and cons of using a wall mount.
Pros of Wall Mount
- More Space: Making use of a wall mount saves space, allowing your living room to appear bigger and more open. It also provides you with valuable space to design your room.
- Best Viewing Angles: With a wall mount, you can customize your TV to a viewing angle that works best for you. Even after choosing the best spot on the wall, you can still tilt your TV for better angles, with tilt mount or articulating wall mounts.
- Safety: Mounting a TV on the wall guarantees safety, as it is out of the reach of your kids and pets.
Cons of Wall Mount
- No Storage: Wall mount come with no storage for your TV accessories, unlike TV stands. Instead you have to combine it with other items such as lockers or floating shelves to store your console and players.
- Wires: Wires are left hanging from your TV when you use a wall mount, and this can make your TV area look messy.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Between a TV Stand and Mounting Your TV
There are certain factors to consider, when choosing between getting a TV stand or mounting your TV. We have discussed these factors below.
- Space: Space is very key to determining the type of TV setup to go for. TV stands take up a lot of floor space, but they provide an option for you to store your players, consoles and accessories. On the other hand, mounting your TV do not take up any floor area, as they are installed on the wall. However, the wall mount does not provide storage for your players, consoles and accessories. TV stands fit big house with spacious rooms, while wall mounts are suitable for both big and small rooms.
- Budget: TV stands typically cost more than wall mounts. TV stands are pieces of furniture that come in different designs, with their prices varying based on quality. Wall mounts are simple tools that are usually quite affordable.
- Maintenance: TV stands require more maintenance than wall mounts. This maintenance comes in form of cleaning, polishing and repainting the stands, depending on their materials.
- Safety and Comfort: A wall mount is a much safer option than a TV stand. This is because wall mounts install the television to a safe height on the wall, out of reach of children and pet. On the other hand, kids can easily climb TV stands, and cause the television to tip over. While most TV stands only allow a fixed viewing height, wall mount can be customized for a better viewing experience.
Conclusion
Overall, it is clear to see that using wall mounts slightly edges TV stands. This is due to the safety, comfort and affordability that they offer. It is also a modern option that is in vogue. Both types of TV setup are reliable, provided you install them following the right steps.