If you’ve invested in a beautiful flat-screen TV, the last thing you want is a crooked mount, tangled wires, or a sore neck from the wrong viewing angle. A well-installed TV isn’t just about looks — it’s about safety, comfort, and creating the perfect entertainment experience.
At Smart Home Guys, we’ve mounted hundreds of TVs across Tucson and Phoenix, and we’ve seen it all — the good, the bad, and the “what were they thinking?” moments. This guide walks you through the most important tips, tools, and techniques so you can get it right the first time (or let the pros handle it for you).
1. Common Mistakes to Avoid
We’ll start with the big no-nos we see most often:
- Mounting too high or too low – The center of your TV should be at eye level when seated.
- Skipping the stud check – Drywall alone won’t hold a heavy TV.
- Choosing the wrong wall – Think about glare, viewing distance, and room layout.
- Ignoring cable management – Dangling wires kill the sleek look.
- Using the wrong bracket – Not all mounts fit all TVs or wall types.
💡 Pro Tip: Before you drill, double-check your measurements — and check them again.
2. Choosing the Right Mount
The right mount depends on your TV size, wall type, and how you use your space:
- Fixed Mount – Low profile, perfect if you don’t need to move the TV.
- Tilting Mount – Lets you angle the screen to reduce glare.
- Full-Motion (Articulating) Mount – Swings out and turns for multiple viewing positions.
If you’re unsure which to choose, we can recommend the best option based on your TV model and room setup.
3. Must-Have Tools for Installation
Before you start, gather your tools:
- Stud finder
- Level
- Power drill & bits
- Socket wrench set
- Cable concealment kit
- In-wall rated HDMI cables (optional, for a super clean look)
4. Step-by-Step DIY TV Mounting Guide
- Choose the wall & height – Avoid glare spots and place the center of the TV at eye level.
- Find studs & mark drill points – Secure mounts to studs, not drywall with lag bolts that come in the hardware pack. Make sure and predrill a pilot hole with a drill bit slightly smaller that the bolt. Predrilling makes a stronger overall joint and helps keep the bolt from wandering off. A common mistake we see often is using the plastic anchors in drywall that come with the hardware pack. Those plastic anchors are for brick, concrete only. Sometimes you will run into the situation where the mount will only catch one stud, you can use heavy duty toggle bolts to support the other side but only up to 60lbs for a full motion mount and 85lbs for flat or tilt.
- Attach the mount to the wall – Use heavy-duty hardware.
- Connect cables before hanging the TV – It’s much easier now than later for flat tilt mounts. On full motion mounts it would be best to do it after the tv is up since the cords need to be ran along the rail in order to prevent kinking or pulling the cords when you move the tv in/ out and side to side.
- Secure the TV to the bracket – Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If there is room vertically on the bracket, you could split the difference that way in the future you could if needed move the tv up or down a couple of inches without having to remount it.
- Hide your wires – Use a cord cover or run cables in-wall for a pro look( Low voltage cords such as HDMI, Optical, etc.) and add a power outlet behind the tv. Running the tv power cord inside the wall is not recommended because it is a fire hazard.
5. Benefits of Professional Installation
While DIY can be fun, hiring a pro ensures:
- Safety – No risk of your TV falling or damaging your wall.
- Perfect placement – Straight, level, and at the right height.
- Clean cable management – No mess, no stress.
- Time savings – We’re in and out, usually in under an hour.
6. Styling & Decorating Around Your TV
Once your TV is up, make it part of your décor:
- Paint or wallpaper an accent wall.
- Add floating shelves for media players and décor.
- Frame your TV or include it in a gallery wall.
- Use LED backlighting for a modern touch.
7. Ready to Mount Your TV in Tucson or Phoenix?
Whether you want a basic wall mount or a full custom media wall, Smart Home Guys delivers professional, clean, and secure TV installations.