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There’s no correct height for mounting your TV, but many experts often recommend placing the screen such that your seated eye level is centered on the top two-thirds of the screen. How high or low you set your TV depends on the size of the TV, the size of the room, and your personal preference. As a fail-safe measure, consider using a tilting or full-motion TV mount. This way, you can adjust your TV up and down to the best viewing position, even after the installation.

You can mount a TV over a fireplace, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Consult your product manual for recommendations or instructions on placement. Check if mounting your TV over a fireplace will void the warranty. Fireplace heat could damage your television. A mantel can help deflect the heat from your TV, though soot and smoke may still be an issue. A TV mounted over a fireplace may also be too high for comfortable viewing.

Most homes have drywall, which cannot support a mounted TV on its own. You’ll need to anchor screws into the studs backing the drywall. Most studs are wooden, but some might be metal. Wooden studs are generally strong enough to hold a TV and are easier to work with. Use normal lag bolts that screw into the wooden stud directly.

Don’t screw lag bolts into metal studs. You need special hardware like toggle bolts, drill toggles, or snap toggles that are strong enough to support your television's weight while securing the mount to the stud.

Installing a TV wall mount usually takes two to four hours, depending on the size of the TV, the type of mount, the wall material, and other considerations. A simple fixed mount for a smaller TV might take less than an hour. By comparison, a full-motion mount for a larger TV above a brick fireplace can take much longer, especially if you also need to install new electrical outlets or want to hide wires in the wall.