The short answer
For most living rooms, the center of the screen should sit at about eye level when you are seated. That is often lower than people expect, roughly 40 to 45 inches from the floor to the center of the screen.
Why eye level matters
A TV that is too high forces you to tilt your head back, which gets uncomfortable during a movie. Mounting slightly lower keeps the picture sharper from off-angles and reduces neck strain.
Above a fireplace
Fireplaces are the classic exception. The TV often ends up higher than ideal. A tilting or pull-down mount can angle the screen toward you and bring it to a better height. It is also important to check heat and plan the wiring path before you decide.
Bedrooms and standing spaces
In a bedroom you view from a lower angle in bed, so a slightly higher mount with a tilting bracket works well. In kitchens or gyms where people stand, aim higher.
Quick checklist
Before you drill, check these:
- Sit where you will watch and mark eye level
- Measure the center of the screen, not the top
- Check for studs and hidden pipes or wires
- Choose a bracket type that fits the height
- Plan where the wires will go
Let a pro handle it
A technician can find studs, plan the height with you and hide the wires. That is the difference between a TV on a wall and a TV that looks built in.