Wall-mounting a curved TV

Curved TVs aren't sold in the numbers they once were, but plenty are still in living rooms, and they do go on walls. They have standard VESA mounting holes like any other set. The differences are in how the bracket meets a back that isn't flat, and how the result looks.

The back isn't flat

On a curved TV the four mounting holes sit on a curved surface, so straight bracket arms don't touch the back evenly. The fix is spacers (standoffs) between the TV and the arms — longer ones at the holes that sit further back — plus longer screws to match.

• Many curved TVs shipped with a wall-mount adapter kit or list the spacer lengths in the manual.
• Universal mounts include assorted spacers; check that the kit has ones long enough.
• The screws must thread in several full turns but not bottom out. Test by hand before hanging the TV.

It will stand off the wall

The centre of a curved screen is its deepest point and the edges bow forward. Even on a slim bracket, the edges will be a few inches off the wall. That's simply the shape. If a flush look matters to you, a curved TV isn't the one to hang.

Which mount style?

• Fixed: works and is strongest, but emphasises the gap at the edges.
• Tilt: fine; check that the curved bottom edge doesn't hit the wall when tilted.
• Full-motion: often the best match. A curved screen has a narrower sweet spot — the picture is designed to be watched from the centre — so being able to aim it at the seat is useful.

Viewing position

The curve is meant to keep each part of the screen at a similar distance from a viewer sitting in the middle. From far off to the side, the near edge looks compressed and reflections stretch across the curve. Mount it centred on your main seat and at eye level.

Weight and balance

Curved sets are no heavier than flat ones of the same era, but the centre of gravity sits a bit further forward. Use a mount with margin in its weight rating and bolt into studs as usual.

Reflections

A curved screen gathers reflections from a wider part of the room. Check the wall with the mirror test in our glare guide before drilling.

Soundbars

A straight soundbar under a curved TV looks slightly mismatched; it works perfectly well. Mount it to the wall below rather than to the TV's VESA holes if the spacers leave no room.

Curved monitors

Curved gaming monitors use small VESA patterns (75×75 or 100×100) and sometimes need a brand-specific adapter. They're light; a monitor arm or a small fixed plate is all they need.

We mount curved TVs at the normal price for their size — labor from $94. Have the TV's adapter kit or manual handy if you still have it.