With each new advancement comes a host of accessories that can make a handy item even handier. This occurred with the invention of flat screen and plasma televisions as their creation spawned the wonderfully diverse world of TV brackets. These brackets turned a simple TV into a compliment to the interior of a room an opposed to an obtrusive but necessary monstrosity.

The brackets also serve a multiplicity of functions, chief among them being the ability to place your flat screen TV on the wall. It can also act as a space saver and keep children and pets away from cords and television control panels.

Thing is, these marvelous TV brackets are extremely diverse. This is why it pays to know what kinds of brackets are available and what each kind does.

Below is a list of the most popular types of TV brackets on the market day. Again, the type of choices will depend on what you want to do with your new television set.

1. Flat On Wall --- the least expensive of all the television brackets, the flat on the wall type allows you to hang your plasma screen like a picture. It can go in any room and is usually sturdy enough to handle large sizes, although some brackets are size specific. Normal flat on wall brackets are usually a bit thick so they don't rest completely against the wall, however, a few can rest flush to the wall and cost a bit more than regular brackets. The drawback to a flat on wall bracket is that they are stationary and cannot be moved or adjusted once put into place.

2. Swing Arm – as the name implies, swing arm TV brackets can swing away from the wall allowing you to adjust the screen for maximum viewing pleasure. Top end swing arm models will rest at least 4 inches away from the wall when in the closed position. The expensive brand of Swing arm will also tilt giving you the best of all TV brackets worlds—the only disadvantage here is that a swing arm mount won't rest flush to the wall.

3. Tilt out – reasonably priced, a tilt out TV bracket allows you to angle your flat screen in ways that makes the screen easier to see and keeps you from having to crane your neck to enjoy your favorite programs. Tilt outs generally do not rest flat on the wall and cannot be swung out at all.

4. Pull out, tilt and turn – these moderately priced TV brackets are a low cost alternative to the more costly swing arm and can deliver many of the benefits of the more expensive brackets. It can tilt, turn and pull out from the wall, allowing for a greater range of motion. This enables you to position the TV for maximized viewing. Unlike the swing arm however, the TV will not rest close to the wall.

When looking at TV brackets investigate the various kinds prior to purchase so you can be assured you picked the best kind for your room as well as for your flat screen! With due diligence you are bound to find bracket that is just right for you!