March 6, 2022
How to choose appropriate TV size and height
How far is your sitting area from the TV screen? It’s an important question to consider before making your TV selection.
A general rule of thumb: Calculate your TV size based on the distance (in inches) the screen is from the sitting area. If the sofa is 120 inches from the TV, simply divide in half. There’s your answer – a 60-inch TV is ideal for viewing comfort. Don’t forget -- TVs are measured diagonally.
Still not sure which TV size is best for your room? Consider using a TV template, which can be taped to the wall as a visual preview before you commit to a specific size . Most of the time, a visual helps your choice become crystal clear because you’ll be able to see how a TV will fit in the actual space.
The best picture quality available today is an 8K ultra-high-definition (UHD) TV. However, most TVs currently on the market are 4K or Ultra HD.
If you select a larger TV, choose a higher-quality screen resolution to go along with it. Otherwise, if you skimp on resolution, you’ll end up with a large screen, but with a more pixelated image.
For a 50-inch screen or larger, a resolution of 1080p or more will display a crisp picture. For smaller TVs, 720p resolution will work.
Lastly, you can sit closer to TVs with high resolution. So, a smaller TV with a high resolution works perfectly if you’re limited on space.
These days, high-resolution TVs are best viewed parallel to your eyes. If you’re sitting on an angle, it may distort your view of the picture. A comfortable viewing angle is generally within 30 degrees in any direction -- up, down, left, or right -- to eye level.
Keep the viewing angle in mind when working with an interior designer to arrange furnishings in your custom smart home. Place the TV only slightly up or down on the wall. A common mistake is mounting a TV too high up above furnishings below.
Arrange your TV centered in the area where your eyes fall naturally from your sitting area. Typically, in residential homes, this means you’ll want to mount your TV about 50-55 inches from the ground, a term in smart home design called above finished floor (AFF).
After all is said and done, ‘right’ TV is the one that fits best for you. More often than not, you may opt for a smaller or larger TV depending on your own personal preference.
Keep in mind, there are many design configurations that allow for flexibility. Aesthetically, a TV can be hidden discreetly behind paneling in your entertainment center. Or, if you’d like to save counter space, you can have the TV mounted to the wall above a credenza or console.