Can You Put A TV In Front Of A Window?

Rearranging your living room can be like playing a game of Tetris. It can seem impossible to figure out the perfect place for your furniture. For example, can the TV go in front of the window? Let's take a look to see if this is a good idea.

TVs can be placed in front of windows, but you should consider a few things before doing so. Here are the following reasons not to put a TV in front of a window:

  • Screen glare
  • TV overheating
  • Window accessibility
  • Less natural light

As you can see, putting your TV in front of the window can cause some problems. In this article, we will take a closer look at each of these reasons. In addition, we will answer other frequent questions about this topic, so keep reading!

TV cabinet in contemporary style by the large window, Can You Put A Tv In Front Of A Window?

Reasons Not To Put A TV In Front Of A Window

Every living room is different, and sometimes it can make it difficult to place your TV. Since you will need to figure out the best place to put the couches and other furniture, you might be tempted to put the TV in front of the window. However, there are a few reasons why this might not be the best idea.

interior of a modern house

Screen Glare

One of the biggest reasons you don't want to put your TV in front of a window is because of screen glare. Sunlight can reflect off the screen and make it difficult to see.

This means that the only time you might get a clear screen is when the sun goes down. If you must put your TV in front of a window, try to close the curtains or blinds during the daytime.

TV Overheating

Another reason not to put your TV in front of a window is that it can overheat. TVs generate a lot of heat, and if they are in direct sunlight, this can cause the temperature to rise inside the TV. This can shorten the lifespan of your TV and potentially damage the internal components.

Window Accessibility

If you have a window behind your TV, it can be difficult to open or close it. This might not seem like a big deal, but it could be a problem if there is an emergency and you need to get out of the house quickly.

In addition, if you have young children or pets, they might accidentally knock the TV over when trying to reach the window.

Less Natural Light

If you put your TV in front of a window, it will block some of the natural light from coming into the room. This can make the room feel darker and less inviting. If you have a small living room, this can be a problem because you want to make the space feel as open and airy as possible.

At the end of the day, it's your home, so if you want to put your TV in front of the window, go ahead! Just be aware of the potential problems that could arise.

Before you do so, let's take a look at some other options you might want to consider.

Living room of modern house with glass window and wooden floor

Where Should You Put A TV?

There are a few different places you can put your TV, and it ultimately depends on your living room setup. Here are some tips on how to decide where to put your TV:

Outlet Locations

One of the first things you should consider is where the outlets are located. If you can't plug in your TV, you'll need to use an extension cord. This can be a safety hazard, so it's best to avoid it if possible.

Cord Length

You'll also need to think about the length of the cords. If they are too short, you might need to use extension cords. If they are too long, they will be visible and could be a trip hazard. In addition, cords don't look great, so you'll want to keep them hidden if possible.

A great thing to do is run the TV wiring behind the wall using a cord hider. That way, the cords will be hidden but easily accessible if you need to unplug them.

Furniture Placement

You'll need to think about where the other furniture is placed in the room. For example, depending on the shape of your couch, you might not be able to put the TV in front of it. You'll also need to think about whether or not you want the TV to be the room's focal point.

Viewing Angle

You'll want to make sure that everyone in the room has a good viewing angle. This means that you'll need to think about where people will be sitting when they are watching TV.

People won't want to crane their necks to look at the TV. So instead, set up the TV so it is at eye level for everyone in the room.

Room Size

The size of your living room will also play a role in where you put your TV. Consider mounting the TV on the wall if you have a small room. This will free up some space and make the room feel more open.

If you have a large room, you might want to consider putting the TV in a corner. This will help define the space and make it feel cozier.

Window Placement

Finally, you'll need to think about where the window is located in relation to the TV. If the sun shines directly on the TV, it can cause screen glare. It can also make the room feel darker and less inviting.

Finding the perfect spot for your TV may take some trial and error. But once you do, you'll be able to enjoy it for years to come!

Modern living room interior of real home

Where Not To Put A TV

Besides not putting the TV in front of the window, here are some other places where you should not put a TV:

On Top Of Furniture

You might be tempted to put the TV on top of a dresser or another piece of furniture. But this is actually a bad idea for a few reasons.

First, it can be unsafe. The TV might fall and break, and it could hurt someone if it falls on them. Second, it can damage the furniture. The TV is heavy, and it could leave scratches or dents on the wood. Third, it's just not a good look. It will make the room look cluttered and messy.

In A Corner

While it's not a bad idea to put the TV in a corner in general, you should avoid putting it in the very back corner of the room. This will make it hard for people to see the screen, and it will make the room feel smaller.

Above The Fireplace

You might be tempted to put the TV above the fireplace. But this is actually a bad idea for a few reasons.

First off, the heat could damage the TV. Second, it's just not a good look. It will make the room look top heavy and unbalanced.

Also, putting it above the fireplace means that the TV will be high up on the wall. This will make it hard for people to see the screen.

A luxurious white living room with a coffered ceiling

How High Should A TV Be Mounted?

Since TVs come in different sizes, it may seem that the height at which a TV should be mounted will vary. But, surprisingly, there is an easy answer to this question.

The bottom of the TV should be at eye level when you are seated. This will ensure that everyone in the room has a good viewing angle. If you aren't sure what eye level is, then measure 42 inches from the floor. This is generally the average eye level for most people.

How Do You Mount TV With No Wall?

In the situation that you have a room with no wall, such as a sunroom, you can still follow the general ideas for TV placement.

One of the best ways to mount the TV is by installing a ceiling mount. This will give you the most flexibility in terms of where you place the TV.

Mock up template of blank white digital display screen

Another option is to put the TV on a stand. This way, you can move it around as needed. Just make sure that the stand is sturdy and won't tip over.

Lastly, you can invest in a TV lift cabinet. This will allow you to hide the TV away when it's not in use.

Final Thoughts

TV cabinet in contemporary style by the large window

Now that you know more about where to put a TV, it's time to start planning your own setup. Keep these tips in mind, and you'll be sure to find the perfect spot for your new TV. Thanks for reading!

Before you go, here are other articles you might find helpful:

13 Best Living Room Color Schemes With Brown Leather Furniture

Where To Place A Sectional In A Small Living Room

15 Great Couch And Two Chairs Living Room Layouts

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