How to Choose the Right TV Wall Mount for Large Screens

Wall mounting an 85 inch television creates a clean, cinema-like aesthetic while freeing up floor space and eliminating tip-over risks. However, the size and weight of large screen TVs require careful mount selection and proper installation. This guide covers everything you need to know about choosing and installing the right wall mount for your large screen.

Understanding Mount Types

Wall mounts fall into several categories, each offering different functionality and price points. The right choice depends on your room layout, viewing positions, and whether you need to access rear ports regularly.

Fixed Mounts

Fixed mounts hold the TV flat against the wall with no movement capability. They're the most affordable option and create the sleekest appearance, with the TV sitting just 2-3 centimetres from the wall surface.

Best for: Rooms where the viewing position is directly in front of the TV and at the correct height. Ideal for dedicated home cinema rooms or spaces where the TV position has been carefully planned.

Limitations: No adjustment after installation. If your mounting height isn't optimal or you need to view from different angles, a fixed mount won't help. Access to rear ports requires removing the TV from the mount.

Tilting Mounts

Tilting mounts allow the TV to angle downward, typically 10-15 degrees. This addresses one of the most common mounting issues: TVs installed above eye level, such as over a fireplace.

Best for: Above-fireplace installations, bedrooms where you want to angle toward the bed, or any situation where the TV must be mounted higher than ideal.

Limitations: No side-to-side movement. Profile is slightly thicker than fixed mounts to accommodate the tilt mechanism.

Full-Motion (Articulating) Mounts

Full-motion mounts feature extending arms that allow the TV to pull away from the wall, swivel left and right, and tilt up and down. They offer maximum flexibility but at higher cost and complexity.

Best for: Open-plan living areas where you view from multiple positions, corner installations where swivel is essential, or situations where you need regular access to rear ports.

Limitations: Most expensive option. The TV sits further from the wall even when pushed back. Extending arms can look less elegant when visible. Weight capacity becomes more critical due to leverage forces.

Motorised Mounts

Premium motorised mounts adjust position via remote control—some even lower from the ceiling or rise from furniture. While impressive, these are specialty products typically used in custom installations and priced accordingly.

Weight and Size Specifications

The most critical factor in mount selection is ensuring it can safely support your TV's weight. An 85 inch television typically weighs between 40 and 60 kilograms—far more than the casual buyer might expect.

Checking Weight Capacity

Every mount lists a maximum weight capacity. Choose a mount rated for at least 20% more than your TV's weight to ensure adequate safety margin. For a 50kg TV, select a mount rated for at least 60kg.

VESA Pattern Compatibility

VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) defines standardised hole patterns on the back of TVs for mounting. Common patterns for large TVs include:

• VESA 400x400: Four holes in a 40cm x 40cm pattern
• VESA 600x400: Four holes in a 60cm x 40cm pattern
• VESA 400x300: Older or smaller TVs

Most 85 inch TVs use VESA 600x400 or 400x400. Check your TV's specifications and ensure the mount supports that pattern. Many mounts accommodate multiple VESA patterns through adjustable brackets.

Wall Considerations

Australian homes feature various wall construction types, each requiring different mounting approaches.

Brick and Concrete Walls

Solid masonry walls are ideal for heavy TV mounting. Use masonry anchors rated for the load, typically sleeve anchors or chemical anchors for very heavy installations. A hammer drill with masonry bits is required for pilot holes.

Timber-Framed Plasterboard Walls

The most common wall type in Australian homes presents the biggest challenge for heavy TVs. Plasterboard (gyprock) alone cannot support significant weight—you must mount into the timber studs behind the plasterboard.

Australian standard stud spacing is 450mm or 600mm centre-to-centre. For an 85 inch TV, ideally the mount should span at least two studs. Use a stud finder to locate the studs, then verify by tapping or using a small pilot hole before committing to full installation.

Steel-Framed Walls

Some modern Australian construction uses lightweight steel framing. Steel studs are hollow and thinner than timber, requiring special toggle bolts or through-bolts. For very heavy loads, professional assessment is recommended.

Installation Height

Correct mounting height significantly impacts viewing comfort. The most common mistake is mounting TVs too high.

Optimal Height Calculation

When seated, your eyes should be roughly level with the centre of the screen, or the centre should be slightly below eye level. For most Australians seated on a typical sofa:

• Seated eye height: approximately 100-110cm from floor
• 85 inch TV centre height: should be around 100-110cm from floor
• This places the bottom of the TV approximately 45-55cm from the floor

Measure from your actual seating position—seat height varies between sofas, and some people prefer more reclined positions that change the calculation.

Above-Fireplace Mounting

Mounting above a fireplace almost always places the TV too high for comfortable viewing. If this is your only option:

• Use a tilting mount to angle downward toward viewers
• Consider a pull-down mount that lowers the TV when in use
• Ensure the fireplace doesn't generate excessive heat in the TV location
• Accept some compromise on ideal viewing ergonomics

Professional vs DIY Installation

When to DIY

DIY installation is reasonable if you:

• Have experience with wall mounting and power tools
• Understand your wall construction type
• Can confidently locate and mount into studs
• Have appropriate tools (stud finder, level, drill, appropriate bits)
• Have help—never attempt to hang an 85 inch TV alone

When to Hire Professionals

Consider professional installation if:

• You're uncertain about wall construction or stud locations
• The wall requires reinforcement
• You want cables concealed within the wall
• The installation is complex (corner mount, very high position)
• You want warranty protection for the installation work

Professional TV mounting in Australia typically costs $150-400 depending on complexity, location, and whether cable concealment is included. For a premium television investment, professional installation provides peace of mind.

Cable Management

Wall-mounted TVs look best with clean cable management. Options include:

• In-wall cable routing: Most elegant but requires wall access and potentially electrical work for power
• Surface-mounted cable covers: Paintable channels that hide cables against the wall surface
• Cord concealing raceways: Similar to cable covers but typically larger for multiple cables