Looking to install a new TV at home? Then you’re probably wondering whether to use a wall mount or a TV stand.
If you don’t have an answer yet – our TV stand vs wall mount comparison article will help you out.
We’re going to explain their differences as well as the most important factors about each. You’ll learn everything you need to know to decide which one to go for.
Care to learn more about two of the most popular TV mounting options? Then keep reading!
What is a Wall Mount?
A wall mount is a mechanism that helps people set up their TV against the wall.
This mechanism usually consists of several brackets and mounts, which makes it easy to install a TV in just a few minutes or hours.
Most TVs nowadays come with a standard design for mounting. It is called VESA Mounting Interface Standard, and it is compatible with most wall mounts out there.
Wall mounts can boast different designs and features, as well as constructions and purposes. Depending on that, you can decide which one is better for your TV.
What is a TV Stand?
A TV stand is the closest thing to a cabinet that helps mount TVs. It offers an easy installation process, and it usually provides far more than just a place for TVs to stand.
You may find a TV stand with mount that allows the user to change the height by hand, aiding in organization and comfort.
Most TVs come with feet/bases that allow it to use on a stand. Others may come with a single stem and similar designs, offering a little less stability but still working neatly.
TV stands may come with a wide array of features and designs, can be made of different materials, and may work even if there’s not much space around.
Wall-Mount vs TV Stand: Factors to Consider
After reading about the concepts, it is now time to go over the most critical characteristics and differences:
Installation
How much does it take to install a wall mount and a TV stand? Here we talk about it.
While installing a wall mount can be easy, it is not necessarily so. This happens because you will need to play with brackets, mounts, screws, and more.
Also, depending on the type of wall mount, you will have to follow a different assembly process. Some are harder than others.
Usually, installing a wall-mount may take anywhere from 30 minutes up to 3 hours or more. This happens because they are somewhat complicated, but it is also necessary to secure everything well enough before mounting the TV.
As for TV stands, the installation process tends to be a piece of cake. Some TV stands come pre-assembled, so you need just to place them on the desired place and that’s it. Others you will need to assemble, but the process usually takes only a few minutes (it still depends on how large and complicated it is).
TV stands, on the other hand, can be moved without affecting walls. So you can place a stand anywhere you want, whenever you want. Their installation makes them slightly more convenient than a wall-mounting system.
Space
When it comes to the space that each method uses, you will find that TV wall mounts are the most efficient.
You won’t have to consume any footprint with a wall mount. And the TV usually goes deep into the wall, sometimes not even taking more than just a few inches out.
Wall-mounted TVs also look less cluttered than TV stands. The disadvantage is that you’ll have cables all around unless you pay for an electrician to install them in-wall.
Apart from that, you won’t have space available for video game consoles, media players, and/or sound equipment. So you’ll have to either install them on the wall as well or get a new stand accordingly.
With TV stands, the space works differently. They often take a lot of footprint and usually require a lot of space to be conveniently used. Yet, they offer the chance to mount other equipment/devices without problems – especially the largest ones.
Here, wall mounts are the most space-efficient. Yet, they don’t offer as much practicality.
Comfort
When it comes to the coziness wall mount tv stand offer, you need to consider their build & design.
Most wall mounts, for example, offer the chance to achieve the ideal viewing distance and height. You just need to calculate before making the final installation. And if you pick a functional type, you may even have the chance to switch angles and height.
With a wall mount, you won’t have cables laying around either. The wires usually go behind the TV and directly into the outlet/electric source and that’s it.
The main problem with wall mounts, however, is that you can’t move them after installing. So if you make a lousy installation that feels uncomfortable, you will need to go over the setup process again or simply stick with the discomfort.
TV stands are usually pretty comfortable, but they don’t allow as much versatility when installing. Most stands are generally between 2 to 4 feet. So you won’t have as much comfort in case you want something higher.
Adjusting angles, positions, etc. is not easy either. And if you move the TV stand too much with the TV on it, you may end up risking a fall.
In terms of comfort, a wall mount can be your best bet – but only if you install the right model in the perfect place.
Convenience
The practicality is another essential factor to consider. Here, you will find that TV stands are way more practical despite their larger design.
This happens because stands usually come with extra cabinets, drawers, and other built-in spaces that you can use to store things and place consoles or media players. Most mounts even come with holes and other spaces to store cables.
If you need to move the stand to another place, you shouldn’t have much of a problem either. As you can easily take the TV off, move the stand to the desired place, and then place the TV on it again.
With a TV wall mount, you won’t have such level of handiness. While they save a lot of space, they usually leave the cables hanging around, and installing them inside the wall can be messy and/or expensive.
On top of that, moving a wall mount to another place is pretty tricky, and sometimes leaves a mark on the wall you’ll have to cover later.
Overall, TV stands are way more convenient that wall mounts.
Maintenance
How difficult or easy is it to maintain a wall mounting TV vs stand? Well, we can say that wall mounts have an easier upkeep.
You may never need to clean a wall mount unless it is too visible. And apart from making sure it is well-tightened after installation, there’s no constant checking necessary.
With TV stands, maintenance is a little bit trickier. They usually require more cleaning and upkeep, as they can hold a lot of dust, dirt, and debris. Also, they’re mostly exposed to children, pets, and people – so they can get damaged easily.
In a few words, wall mounts need little to no maintenance – which makes them perfect if you don’t like doing any.
Safety
A TV can be a very pricey entertainment system, so taking care of it is critical. That’s why wall mounts make sure you don’t have to worry about the security of the system. Most wall mounts stay firmly attached to the wall for years and never loosen up. And sure enough, they hold TVs strongly without any problem.
TV stands, on the other hand, are more fragile and won’t hold the TV safely like a wall mount. In fact, they usually leave the TV on an unstable surface that may not be the best for a TV. Typically, though, they are safe – but not accident-proof.
Overall, wall mounts are way safer than TV stands.
Price
Last but not least, you have the cost of a TV mount vs stand.
Here, you will find that TV stands are way more affordable if they are simple. But complicated or high-end stands can be as costly or even more than a wall mount.
Wall mounts, being such a security-oriented product, need to use the right materials, so they can be utterly expensive. And with multifunctional models, you may be looking at even double the price than a simple model. Sometimes, they may cost the same or even more than a TV if you add installation costs.
That’s why TV stands win when it comes to costs.
TV Stands or Wall Mounts: Which One to Choose?
So, what should you go for?
We recommend TV stands if you have a lot of space in the room and want to install speakers, home-theater, media players, and consoles with the TV. This would be at the expense of less comfort and a little unsafe configuration.
If you prefer something neater that takes little space, a wall mount should be your way to go. You may end up spending a lot more money, struggle with the installation, and not have the chance to change position later – but that’s it.
What are you going for, then? Consider our recommendations and the TV stand vs wall mount factors to consider so you can have a better idea of what you want and need. Choose now!