These Are The 10 Worst Spots In The Home To Put A TV

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

Your television has your attention for hundreds, if not thousands, of hours each year. That's why you need to make sure it's hanging in the right spot in your home. A badly positioned TV will annoy you over time. Plus, where you hang it can contribute to its condition — bad placement may age your appliance prematurely. There are a few places you should avoid hanging the TV so it doesn't get damaged or cause you bother. Across from a sunny window, at an odd angle in your living room, above a fireplace, beside a door, or in your bathroom are just some examples.

The process of finding the perfect spot for your TV isn't complicated, but it does require some thought and planning. Whether your TV is in your living room or bedroom, choose a secure spot where it can't easily fall from a tabletop or become detached from the wall. If you hang a TV in a place where it can be easily damaged, you might void the warranty. The last thing you need when dealing with a broken TV is to waste money on fixing or replacing it. The right spot for a TV is anywhere you don't have to strain your neck or move around the room to see the screen properly. Also, anywhere with excessive heat, glare, or the potential for dings isn't ideal.

If your television is across from or adjacent to a window, glare could negatively impact your viewing experience. If you set up your TV on a cloudy day, you may not realize glare is even a problem until the sun comes out again. Also, keep in mind that some windows let the sun in at different times of day. If you like watching the news in the morning, don't place your TV in front of an east-facing window. If placing your TV across from a window is the only spot available, keep your curtains drawn to prevent glare.

Your stove is where grease, steam, and sometimes smoke are produced, so you should never hang a TV above it or sit one nearby it. Some people like to watch television while they cook, and there's nothing wrong with that, but beside the stove is just not the right place for this sensitive appliance. Instead, pick a spot on the wall that's at least a few feet away from anything you cook on. Or play shows or movies on a tablet set up on your kitchen island.

Set up your TV in the wrong place, and you may end up paying for it in physical therapy bills. A TV mounted at a bad angle could strain your neck as you watch it. Try to keep your TV at a comfortable level—generally, that's eye level. If it's too low, raise it; if it's too high, lower it. You can even fix your TV to the wall with an adjustable mount like this Mountup Height Adjustable TV Wall Mount. These are great for the bedroom, where you alternate between sitting up and lying down to watch TV.

Air conditioning units can damage other electronic devices. For instance, both mini-split systems and window units can leak water if they're malfunctioning, and that water could drip onto the TV or puddle near the electrical cords. Older air conditioners can make a lot of noise, which may drown out sounds coming from the television. To avoid damage and distraction, mount your TV well away from the air conditioner.

Some people like to watch TV while they take a bath, but the excessive steam can damage the appliance. That's why it's imprudent to hang a television in your bathroom unless the model is designed to withstand steam. For example, the Haocrown 32-Inch 4K Ultra HD Smart Mirror Bathroom TV is waterproof and perfect for bathrooms or enclosed porches. There are a few do's and don'ts of hanging a TV in a humid bathroom. For instance, always hire a professional, and make sure the TV is mounted in a spot that's visible from the shower or tub.

Parents have differing opinions over whether their children should have televisions in their bedrooms. Of course, it is up to each guardian to decide what is best for their children. Some parents feel that the appliance distracts from learning. Others believe TVs in bedrooms reinforce unhealthy habits, like staying up too late. Then, there's the subsection of parents who feel they can spend more time with their kids when the TV is in a common area.

Living room fireplaces are a feature that can tie a room together. They draw attention, especially when a fire is burning inside. Your TV also draws attention, so hanging it over the fireplace may seem like a good idea at first. However, the opposite is usually true — unless you never use your fireplace and it's only ornamental. The heat from the fire can damage your TV and, over time, soot can build up on the screen.

Your wall-mounted television needs to be secure; if the heavy appliance falls, it could injure a family member or pet. One of the most important things you need to know to wall-mount a TV is that drywall is brittle and can break. Always screw a TV mount into the studs running vertically through your wall, not open drywall. You can use a handheld stud finder to locate the wooden beams, or tap the wall and listen for dense and hollow areas.

When you set up a television in any room, always check that a door can't swing open and hit it. Also, make sure the TV's stand isn't blocking the door. Even if your TV is set up outside of the door's swinging range, you still have to deal with the distraction of people walking past the TV every time they enter or leave the room. 

While all spaces in your home can serve a purpose, they're not all designed for hanging out comfortably. For instance, you don't need a TV in your garage if the only time you spend there is when you're getting in and out of your car. You also don't need a TV in a hallway that you just pass through on your way to other rooms. Kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms are the best places for a TV because they're where you and your family spend the most time.