3 types of TV wall mounting brackets

OK, it's now the teenies not the noughties. And that means you don't have to hang your flat screen TV on the wall above the fireplace just to prove you have one. Everyone has them. From the council estates of Croydon to the mansions of Chelsea. They look pretty good anywhere. Even in the corner where your old cathode ray used to be. But sometimes, just sometimes, it's a good idea to mount an LCD or flatscreen on the wall. In a kitchen perhaps or an office. And if that's the case then you need to think about the type of bracket you're going to use. They are not all the same.

There are 3 types of TV wall mounting brackets to consider. Low-profile, tilting and full-motion. It really depends on you, as to which is the best to use.

1. Low profile mounts

Low profile wall mounts are pretty easy to install. They sit flush against the wall and so the TV doesn't protrude too far out. Their disadvantage is that once fitted, you can't adjust the position of the television. It doesn't tilt or go from side to side, so it's important to make sure that you fit it exactly where you want it.

As with all wall mounts, make sure that you fit it properly and follow the manufacturer’s instructions. It will take at least an hour to fit a bracket properly. Make sure you use the right bolts and screws. LCD TVs and plasma televisions are still heavy pieces if equipment. You really don't want them coming away from the wall. Especially if you have small children. If you are not good with DIY and tools - get a professional to fit it.

2. Tilting wall mounts

Pretty much as you would expect, a tilting wall mount allows the TV to pivot up and down once it has been fitted. This can be useful with changing lighting conditions, as you can move the TV so that it doesn't catch too much light. They are more expensive than low profile mounts, but not significantly so. They are not much more complex to fit either. However, they do tend to protrude further from the wall.

3. Full-Motion wall mounts

A full motion wall mount has a bracket that attaches to the wall and a moveable arm that attaches to the television. You can move the TV into various positions away from the wall to increase your viewing options. Full motion mounts are the most expensive and can be tricky to fit. You really need to make sure that the bracket is attached to the wall correctly, because the arm will be supporting the full weight of the TV at some distance from the wall. This places a high load on the screws and bolts on the wall bracket.

That covers the types of wall mounts available. Just make sure that you attach them to the wall properly. It will probably mean a few trips back and forth to B & Q for the right screws, rawl plugs and bolts. But this is a job you don't want to cut corners on....