Mounting your flat screen TV on the wall has become incredibly fashionable over the past few years, but is it the right thing to do? A lot of people aren't sure whether they should take the plunge and suspend their TV from the wall, or whether they should stick to the more traditional TV stands. Both have their benefits and drawbacks and choosing one over the other can be a tough decision, so this article will compare both options to give you a clearer idea about which one is right for you.
Advantages Of TV Wall Mounts
Using a wall mount means you can finally get rid of that bulky TV stand that is currently sitting in the corner; they are a fantastic way to reclaim some of your valuable floor space. There are literally hundreds of different models available so you are sure to find one with the exact features that you require. TV wall mounts really do add a touch of cutting edge, contemporary style to any room and can instantly transform old fashioned or out dated decor.
Disadvantages Of TV Wall Mounts
You can only mount your TV in certain places. Modern LCD and plasma TVs are still fairly heavy so you need to make sure the wall is strong enough to support your TV. Never fasten your mount to plasterboard because it is too weak and your TV will soon come crashing to the floor; instead you should only secure the mount to solid brickwork or wall studs.
The price of wall mounts can vary widely, and even though the cost may be small in comparison to the cost of your TV, a lot of people find that even the most basic types of mount can actually be relatively expensive for that they are. If you already have a cabinet to house your receivers and other equipment, it can look slightly odd to see the TV mounted to the wall instead of placed on top of the cabinet.
Advantages Of TV Stands
TV stands are very flexible since they can be placed anywhere in the room and can be moved from one location to another if you ever decide to re-arrange the furniture or redecorate. The majority of TV stands available feature several shelves or cupboards making them the ideal solution for housing all of your other home entertainment equipment such as DVD/ Blu-ray players and satellite boxes in one place.
Disadvantages Of TV Stands
TV stands can be quite bulky and often dominate the room when floor space is at a premium. When using a stand, you often have to arrange the furniture based on the available space left over, rather than on the optimal viewing position. Unless you are lucky enough to have a dedicated home theatre room that is off limits to kids and pets, your TV and other equipment is likely to be at risk from being knocked over. Stands can be quite fragile and it only takes a small bump in order to tip them over and send thousands of dollars worth of equipment crashing to the floor.
Which Is Best?
Choosing between a TV wall mount and a TV stand is totally dependent on your personal requirements. TV stands are good for those people who may not have a wall that is strong enough to support the weight of their TV set, or of course for those who don't like the look of wall mounted TVs. However, TV wall mounts are a great way to maximize space in smaller rooms and also make sure that your precious TV is out of the way of children and pets.
