We spend a lot of time agonizing over finding the perfect Smart TV. But when the box is finally unpacked and its time to set it up, the question of where to put the TV often becomes an afterthought.
We spend a lot of time agonizing over finding the perfect Smart TV . But when the box is finally unpacked and it's time to set it up, the question of where to put the TV often becomes an afterthought. But there are a few places you might want to consider before you put your precious screen down.
7. Above the fireplace
From a design and aesthetic standpoint, placing your Smart TV above a fireplace may look great, especially if you've seen it done in a magazine or home improvement show. However, this setup can actually shorten the life of your TV and significantly impact your viewing experience.
Heaters, even electric ones, pump out a steady stream of hot air directly onto a wall-mounted display. If left for long enough, that heat can fry the internal components of your TV, leading to performance issues and shortening the life of your TV over the years. Additionally, most manufacturers recommend keeping your TV below a certain temperature threshold (10°C to 40°C), but the area above a running heater often exceeds that threshold, especially after extended use.
6. Direct sunlight
If your TV faces a large window or gets direct afternoon sunlight, you may be constantly dealing with a washed-out, shadowy image and a viewing experience that's more frustrating than enjoyable. You don't want to squint to watch a blockbuster or miss the action on game day because the sun is stealing the spotlight.
Constant sunlight also heats up the screen and can physically damage the TV panel over time, causing discoloration, warping, or even burn-in. OLEDs, in particular, don't take well to this kind of abuse. A better approach is to place the TV perpendicular to a window or glass door, or invest in blackout curtains or UV-blocking film.
5. Kitchen
The kitchen, a culinary playground, is also full of airborne oil particles and moisture that not only disappear but also seep into the TV's vents and contaminate the interior over time. This buildup not only shortens the life of the TV, but can also cause overheating or distortion. Plus, accidental splashes or spills on the TV are more likely to happen here than in the living room or bedroom.
4. Bathroom
Constant moisture from showers and baths can seep into the internal components of your television, leading to corrosion, short circuits, or even complete failure of the device over time.
So unless you're using a waterproof, bathroom-rated display, which most smart TVs aren't, it's best to skip this spot. Maybe you'll be better off reading a good book or magazine on your porcelain throne.
3. In the children's playroom
Kids and expensive electronics are not a perfect match, especially when their playroom turns into a messy toy battlefield. Your Smart TV becomes an unwitting target for tossed balls, blocks, and art supplies. Even wall-mounted TVs aren't safe from excited jumping, climbing, or the occasional toy rocket. And since kids are naturally drawn to screens, their sticky fingers, crayon marks, and spilled juices are always bound to touch the TV.
2. In the workshop
At first glance, installing a Smart TV in your workshop might seem like a fun or even a luxury upgrade, keeping the lights on while you're working on a project. But the reality isn't so romantic. Workshops are often harsh environments, filled with dust, sawdust, metal shavings, and temperature fluctuations. All of these things eventually find their way into your TV's vents and ports, slowly wearing down the delicate internals.
There is also a higher risk of physical damage from accidentally handling tools or flying materials. Just a careless knock could crack the screen or break the power cable.
1. On loose or flimsy bases
There's been a lot of talk about where not to put your TV, but where you place or mount your TV is just as important, if not more. A loose entertainment center, a makeshift table, or an old TV stand you're planning to replace can send your expensive Smart TV crashing to the floor, even with the slightest bump from a pet, child, or elbow.
Your TV deserves a sturdy stand that can support its weight without bending or wobbling. Test your current stand by gently pushing on it from different angles. If it doesn't hold up to even the slightest pressure, it's not the right stand for your monitor. Invest in a quality stand that can support at least 1.5 times the weight of your TV, or better yet, mount it securely to the wall using the VESA mounting standard.