A badly mounted TV can make a beautiful living room look like a college dorm. After over 10,000 professional installations — and countless "fix-it" jobs where we've corrected DIY disasters — we've compiled the most common TV mounting mistakes that ruin the look, comfort, and safety of your setup. The good news? Every one of these is fixable. The even better news? You can avoid them entirely by reading this guide before you drill.
Whether you're in Kennesaw, Marietta, Woodstock, or anywhere across Metro Atlanta, these are the mistakes we see most often — and how to prevent them.
Mistake #1: Mounting the TV Too High
This is the single most common TV mounting mistake, and we see it in at least 4 out of 10 homes we visit for repair or upgrade work. When the TV is too high, you're forced to tilt your head back to watch, causing neck strain, eye fatigue, and reduced picture quality.
The Fix
The center of your screen should be at seated eye level — approximately 42-48 inches from the floor for standard seating. If your TV is above a fireplace, a MantelMount pull-down bracket brings it to comfortable viewing height.
Mistake #2: Visible Cables and Wires
Nothing ruins the clean look of a wall-mounted TV faster than a tangle of cables dangling to the floor. We call it the "cable waterfall" — and it's the main reason people call us to fix their DIY install.
The Fix
Professional in-wall wire concealment routes all cables inside the wall. It's code-compliant, invisible, and takes about 30-45 minutes. For renters or situations where wall penetration isn't possible, paintable cable raceways offer a clean alternative.
Mistake #3: Not Mounting Into Studs
Drywall alone cannot support a TV. Period. We've received emergency calls from homeowners whose TV crashed to the floor because they used standard screws or inadequate anchors in drywall only.
The Fix
Always mount into wall studs using proper lag bolts. If studs aren't available at your desired location, use professional-grade toggle bolts or a plywood backer board spanning two studs.
Mistake #4: Choosing the Wrong Mount Type
A fixed mount on a fireplace. A full-motion mount where a tilt would do. An undersized mount on an oversized TV. Wrong mount selection leads to uncomfortable viewing and, in some cases, safety issues.
The Fix
Read our mount comparison guide to choose the right type for your room and TV. Key rules: tilt or MantelMount above fireplaces, full-motion for corners and kitchens, fixed for eye-level clean-look installations.
Mistake #5: TV Not Level
Even a half-degree off-level is noticeable — especially on large screens. DIY installers often eyeball it or use a phone level app on an uneven surface.
The Fix
Use a quality bubble level (not a phone app) during installation. Most quality mounts also have post-installation level adjustment screws that allow fine-tuning after the TV is hung.
Mistake #6: Ignoring the Viewing Distance
A 55-inch TV in a room where you sit 12 feet away feels tiny. A 75-inch TV 5 feet from the couch is overwhelming. Getting the size-to-distance ratio wrong diminishes the entire viewing experience.
The Fix
- 6-8 feet: 55-65 inches
- 8-10 feet: 65-75 inches
- 10-12 feet: 75-85 inches
- 12+ feet: 85-98 inches
Mistake #7: Forgetting About Glare
Mounting a TV directly opposite a large window turns your screen into a mirror during daylight hours. This is especially common in newer homes in Alpharetta, Johns Creek, and Roswell with open floor plans and large windows.
The Fix
Mount on a wall perpendicular to (not opposite) windows. If that's not possible, use a tilt mount to angle the screen slightly downward, which reduces ceiling glare. Blackout curtains or anti-glare screen protectors also help.
Mistake #8: Using the Wrong Hardware
Wood screws instead of lag bolts. Anchors rated for 20 lbs holding a 60-lb TV. Mismatched VESA pattern bolts. We've seen it all — and it's all preventable.
The Fix
Match your hardware to your wall type and TV weight. Use 5/16" lag bolts for wood studs, Tapcon screws for brick, and sleeve anchors for stone. Always verify your TV's VESA pattern before buying a mount.
Mistake #9: No Power Outlet Behind the TV
Running a power cable down the wall to a floor outlet is ugly and potentially a code violation if you try to hide it inside the wall (power cables cannot legally run through wall cavities without proper conduit).
The Fix
Install a recessed outlet behind the TV. This allows the TV to sit flush against the wall with no visible power cord. We install recessed outlets as part of most TV mounting packages.
Mistake #10: DIY When You Should've Called a Pro
YouTube makes everything look easy. But TV mounting involves stud finding, level mounting, proper hardware selection, wire routing, and often electrical work. One wrong move and you're looking at wall damage, a broken TV, or both.
The Fix
Professional TV mounting typically costs $150-$300 — less than the deductible on your homeowner's insurance if a DIY mount fails. Read our professional vs. DIY comparison for the full breakdown.
🔧 Already Made One of These Mistakes?
Don't worry — we fix DIY mounting mistakes every week. Our "rescue" service includes re-mounting at the correct height, hiding cables, patching old holes, and ensuring everything is safe and level. No judgment, just results.
📞 Want It Done Right the First Time?
Skip the mistakes entirely. Call (678) 870-8890 or get a free quote →
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a TV that was mounted too high?
Absolutely. We remount TVs at the correct height every week. We'll patch the old holes, install at the proper height, and conceal all wiring. The finished result looks like it was done right the first time.
How do I know if my TV mount is safe?
Give the TV a gentle tug at each corner. There should be zero movement or play. If it wobbles, shifts, or makes creaking sounds, the mount needs to be re-secured — potentially with different hardware or a stud-mounted installation.
Is it worth hiring a professional for a simple mount?
Yes. Even a "simple" mount involves stud finding, leveling, and hardware selection. Professional installation takes 45-90 minutes and comes with a 5-year warranty. The peace of mind alone is worth the $150-$300 investment.
What does it cost to fix a bad TV mounting job?
Fixing a DIY mount typically costs $150-$350 depending on the extent of corrections needed (re-mounting, hole patching, cable concealment). It's comparable to getting it done right the first time — which is why we recommend calling a pro upfront.
