How to Choose the Right TV Size

Bigger is often equated with better. And although TV screens continue to get thinner and larger—with increasingly higher picture quality—it's important to remember that, depending on the distance you're sitting from them, bigger screens don't always provide the best viewing experience.

A larger TV screen can look overwhelming or out of place in a more confined space if you sit too close. Too far, and you lose the immersion that we seek to achieve with a good home theater setup. 

This blog will look at choosing the perfect TV size for your living space.

Down to Size

Choosing the right television size for your room comes down to simple math. 

First, measure the distance between your sofa or chair and the screen and divide that number in half. For example, if you are customarily watching from approximately 12 feet away—or 144 inches—you want a screen that measures at least 72 inches diagonally. Bear in mind that the most common TV sizes are 42, 50, 55, 65, and 75-inches (measured diagonal).

As we mentioned, technology has advanced to where 4K televisions are the industry standard, offering meticulously detailed picture quality. But if your screen is too large for your space, that 4K resolution may not register viscerally as the resolution on a more proportionately sized TV set.

New Resolutions

Previously, suggested viewing distances from televisions were based on standard-definition TVs and 1080p models, requiring a certain distance to avoid visible pixelation. But with the advent of 4K resolution, this became less of a factor. Now you can get as up close and personal as you want with your favorite TV characters or take the curves of Gran Turismo 7 seemingly from the driver’s seat, resulting in a richer entertainment experience.

With that in mind, larger screens are usually more comfortably viewed from further back to prevent losing a sense of the whole picture and possible strain on your neck and your eyes. For example, an 85-inch screen—though an impressive size—may be visually overwhelming and look out of place in a smaller living space—for instance, if you are only sitting five feet from it.

At 65 or 55-inches, a smaller TV may offer an overall better visual experience while remaining equally impressive (especially if you are sitting 6 feet or more away).

Another option to consider is purchasing a wall mount rather than the stand supplied with your TV. By hanging your set on a wall, you can likely add a foot of distance between you and your screen, allowing you to increase the size of whatever TV you have set your sights on.

Get the Hang of It

When considering the correct height to hang your TV, consider several facets. Much, of course, depends on the personal preference of the viewers involved; some people prefer to face their set head-on, while others like to look up (as in a traditional movie theater experience). Purchasing an adjustable TV mount is probably the best way to go so that all viewers in your household can modulate to their taste.

Generally speaking, here are the suggested distances to mount some of the popular-sized televisions, measuring from your floor to the center of your screen. A 42-inch TV should be mounted about 56 inches from the floor to the center. A 55-inch set should be around 61 inches from floor to center. A 70-inch television should be mounted about 67 inches from floor to center. Most wall mount sellers advertise which sized television they are compatible with. You can also access online tools to help you calculate the ideal TV height for your space.

If you have an existing wall mount and are just replacing your TV model, be sure to match the back of the new set to the brackets on the wall mount and modify as needed in terms of width and length. Keep in mind that not all wall mounts are universal, so check it against the size specs of your new set. Also, make sure that all existing screws and bolts are secure on your current mount, and look for rusting and general wear and tear. If the quality has eroded, investing in a new wall mount may be wise.

Lastly, there is a safety benefit to hanging a television—especially with little ones running around—by eliminating the risk of an accidental TV tip over. 

The Big Picture

Again, a lot of what goes into selecting the right TV size for your space depends on your personal preferences.

Bear in mind that TV manufacturers are incentivized to push their larger (and pricier) models, so don’t be pressured or seduced to buy a set that will ultimately overwhelm your living space rather than enhance it.

You can still get the big picture without getting the biggest set and end up with all the right angles you need for a perfect home entertainment center for your needs.