When it comes to picking the right mounting bracket for your TV there are a few things that should be considered. There are many options to choose from, so let me make things a bit easier for you! In this article I will attempt to narrow your choices so that you don’t end up getting something you didn’t want or need. Please also keep in mind that every house is different and if you don’t feel comfortable with installing these brackets, you should consult with or hire a professional like myself to help you.

Lets start by stating some of the basics. Obviously you need to have a bracket that will support the size and weight of your TV, where weight is usually not an issue if you get the correct bracket for the size of your TV. If you didn’t know this already the size of your TV can easily be determined by finding the sticker on the back that tells you the model number. The model number will be made up of letters and numbers (UE55KS9000 for example is a Samsung model number for a 55″ TV). The first 2 numbers will generally be the size of the TV. Now that you know what size your TV is we can move on to the next step.

In general, unless you have a specific want, the mounting location will determine the type of mount you should get. 

If you are wanting to install the TV in the middle of a wall or in a location where you will only be viewing it from straight on or slight angles, a standard Tilt mount will be your best choice. These types of mounts will let you adjust the angle of the TV up or down so you can make sure it lines up with your specific viewing needs. They are also on the cost efficient side so your not blowing your entire budget on just the mount.

The Extend+ Tilt mount is a middle step that will give you a bit more versatility than a standard Tilt mount. These are able to extend out from the wall just a few inches to make connecting cables a breeze. They also give you an option to tilt the TV slightly to the left or right in case you need that option.

If you are planning on installing your TV in the corner of the room, or want the option of pulling it away from the wall to turn it so it can be seen from another room, you will want a Full motion mounting bracket. These types of brackets will give you the option of tilting up and down, left and right and pull away from the wall, making it perfect for corner applications. Of course  like anything, there are downsides to having this type of mount. Hiding the wires can be challenging because you need to take into account the range of motion. You don’t want cables that are too short because the connections may bend or break. On the other hand cables that are too long may hang down and appear unsightly. Some full motion brackets give you options for wire management so that you can have longer cables and tie them up. Just keep in mind that when the TV is pulled away from the wall you need enough slack in the cables to make sure they don’t bend or break.

Another option for corner mounted TVs would be a Ceiling mount. These are especially useful if you have a drop ceiling because it will allow you to hide your Satellite or Cable box in the ceiling and make it easy to manage the wires. Ceiling mounts are also useful for applications where the TV will be located in the middle of the room, like at the foot of your bed or maybe in a man cave by the Bar…

In my opinion these are the only mounting brackets that are worth using, however there is one option that I left out. The Fixed wall mounting bracket is by far the least versatile and hardest to work with after it is installed. That being said, it does have an upside. If you have a super thin TV that you would like to appear as though it’s a picture hanging on the wall, this is the way to go. Fixed mounts have a very low profile and are great for that type of application. They do however make it very difficult to plug in cables after they have been hung on the wall.

I hope this will make it easier for you to decide what bracket to get, and again if you aren’t sure about how to install them, ask or hire someone who does.

Below, I have taken the liberty of compiling some mounts that I have personally worked with and can say are quality brackets. Feel free to check out the reviews for yourself.