Collection: TV Wall Mount

Which TV wall mount do you actually need?

Most PC builders treat a wall mount as an afterthought, then find out the hard way that the bracket decides whether a big OLED sits flush or leans off the wall. The three tiers differ mechanically, and the differences matter. A fixed mount is a plate and a bracket that holds the TV roughly 20 to 30mm off the wall. It has the fewest moving parts and the cleanest look, but you can't reach the HDMI ports once the TV is up. A tilt mount adds a pivot, usually 10 to 15 degrees downward, which helps when the TV sits above eye level or there's glare from a window. A full-motion arm adds articulating joints that extend 400 to 600mm and swivel, so you can angle a TV across a room or pull it out to reach the ports.

The catch with full-motion arms is leverage. A mount rated for 35kg is only rated that way at a given extension, and a heavy panel pulled out on a long arm puts far more shear and pull-out force on the wall fasteners than the same panel sitting flat. Better arms use thicker steel (around 2 to 3mm), fully welded joints and adjustable tension at the pivots, so the TV holds position without sagging or creeping. Cheaper arms use thinner steel, plastic bushings and fixed friction, which loosens over time. Diminishing returns kick in once you're past a properly rated mid-range arm. Premium lines mostly add smoother motion, better cable routing and tighter tolerances, not more strength.

Upgrading and technical nuances

Start with the VESA pattern on the back of your TV, measured in millimetres horizontally by vertically. Common patterns are 200x200, 300x300, 400x400 and 600x400, with M6 or M8 bolts on larger sets. The mount must support your pattern and your weight, and you should leave a 20 to 30 percent margin on weight. Many slim OLEDs and some curved-back models need spacers to clear the bolt holes, and a mount that technically fits can still foul a recessed bolt pattern.

If your TV doubles as a gaming display, the mount affects your cabling. Running 4K 120Hz from a graphics card or console means a certified 48Gbps HDMI 2.1 cable, and that cable has a tighter bend radius than the old HDMI most people have lying around. A mount that pulls the TV flat to the wall can force a sharp bend at the port. Right-angle adaptors or a mount with a bit more standoff solve this, and you can find suitable options in Cables & Connectors.

For brands to look for, Ergotron's LX series and Vogel's are the premium end, with smooth, repeatable motion and well-documented weight ratings. Sanus and Neomounts sit in the middle. Brateck is the sweet-spot choice for most local builds and has a wide range of fixed, tilt and full-motion options at sensible prices. If the screen is under about 32 inches and mostly used from a desk, a proper monitor with a VESA arm will usually serve you better than a TV bracket.

Practical things to check before buying

The wall is the first thing to check. In most Australian homes, timber studs sit at 450mm or 600mm centres, so make sure the mount plate spans two studs. Steel studs need the right fasteners, and plasterboard alone won't hold a TV, even with heavy-duty anchors. Brick and concrete need proper masonry anchors, and hollow brick is a classic trap, so use the correct fixing for it. If you can't find studs, get a stud finder or ask someone who has done this before.

Next, check how the mount handles size. A 75-inch TV is wide, and a mount plate that doesn't extend far enough can't reach both studs. Some mounts offer lateral shift, which lets you slide the TV sideways after installation to centre it even when the studs are off-centre. That feature is worth paying for.

Thermal clearance matters as well. Don't box the TV into a cabinet recess without airflow, because modern panels run warm, especially with HDR content. Leave a gap at the top and sides, and check that a soundbar or console shelf won't block the vents. If you plan to connect a small-form-factor PC or mini system behind the TV, think about where it sits and whether it gets enough airflow. Pre-built computers in compact cases often need more ventilation than people expect.

For power, an in-wall power point behind the TV looks tidy, but in Australia in-wall wiring must be done by a licensed electrician. Don't run a standard power cable inside the wall. If you want a wired connection for streaming or gaming, run Ethernet while the wall is accessible, and pair it with decent networking gear or TP-Link switches and access points. Finally, check the box contents. Better mounts include bolts, spacers, a spirit level and a template. Cheaper ones sometimes skip the extras.

Brands and local warranty

Ergotron, Vogel's, Sanus, Neomounts and Brateck are the names that come up most often when people talk about reliable mounts. What separates them is documentation, quality control and how clearly they state weight limits and testing standards. Ergotron backs its mounts with long warranties, and Brateck is a common pick in Australia thanks to local stock and straightforward support.

Genuine Australian warranty support matters more than it might seem. A mount is a safety item, because a failure means a broken TV or a damaged wall. Under Australian Consumer Law, products must be of acceptable quality, and buying from a local retailer with a proper supply chain makes any claim much easier. Grey imports and marketplace sellers can leave you chasing an overseas company if a joint fails, so buy locally and keep your receipt.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use any TV wall mount with any TV?

No. The mount must match your TV's VESA pattern and weight, and it needs a comfortable weight margin. Screen size on the box is only a rough guide, so check the VESA pattern and weight in your TV's manual before buying.

Is a full-motion mount worth the extra cost over a tilt mount?

It depends on the room. If you sit in one spot and the TV is at a sensible height, a tilt or fixed mount is simpler and stronger. A full-motion arm makes sense in corners, open-plan rooms, or when you need regular access to the ports, but you should only buy one rated well above your TV's weight.

Will a wall mount work with HDMI 2.1 and 4K 120Hz gaming?

The mount doesn't affect signal quality, but your cable does. Use a certified 48Gbps HDMI cable and leave enough space behind the TV so it isn't bent sharply at the port.

Can I mount a TV on plasterboard?

Only if you fix into the studs behind it. Plasterboard alone can't carry the load safely, even with heavy-duty anchors. For brick or concrete, use the right masonry fixings.

Do I need a special mount for a curved or very slim TV?

Often you'll need spacers or a low-profile bracket. Check the depth of the VESA holes and whether the back of the TV is flat. A mount with adjustable arm depth makes installation easier on awkward panels.