The 42-inch TV, measured
Dimensions (16:9 screen)
- Screen width
- 36.6″ (93 cm)
- Screen height
- 20.6″ (52 cm)
- Typical weight
- 15–25 lb
- Typical VESA
- 200×200 or 300×200 mm (some 300×300)
Bezels add about ½–1″ to width and height. Weight and VESA vary by model — check your manual.
On your wall
- Center at eye level (42″)
- bottom edge ≈ 32″ from the floor
- Immersive distance (THX ~40°)
- 4.2 ft
- Relaxed distance (SMPTE ~30°)
- 5.7 ft
- Studs to anchor into
- one is enough; two is better
- Mounting labor
- $94
What to know about 42-inch TVs
Forty-two inches came back into fashion with OLED: it’s the smallest size many premium OLED TVs are made in, and a favourite as an oversized gaming monitor. On a wall above a desk you’ll sit only three or four feet away, so height matters more than usual — the centre of the screen belongs close to seated eye level, far lower than a living-room TV.
OLED panels at this size are thin and light but easy to flex, so they should be lifted by the thicker lower section. Ours is the top of the smallest labor tier: $94.
Typical rooms for this size: desks and gaming setups, bedrooms and compact living rooms.