Small condominiums and full-scale home theater owners are all looking to mount their flat panel televisions to create more space and a better eye-catching design. Mounting a television onto the wall does not have to be difficult but it does take some care and research in order to do it safely and correctly.

The following are some helpful steps and advice for mount your LCD flat panel television to your home theater or condominium wall.

1. Choose A Wall

Look around your home theater or living room and decide where the ideal location for your TV would be. Look for a wall that is roughly twice the width of your television. Also, look for a wall that gives you enough height for the size of your TV. Remember you may be watching the screen from a sitting position or standing. The rule of thumb is that you will want your flat screen television located where the bottom edge is at eye level when you are seated and the top is at eye level when you stand up.

Also consider your wiring when choosing a wall. You will need to be able to either drill into the wall to thread the wiring or be able to hide the wiring in some way. You will also want to choose a wall with access to your cable our satellite outlet.

2. Practice with Art

Before drilling into any wall, hang a framed picture the approximate size of your TV or cut out piece of paper where you think you want your television to go. Leave it for a while and see if it feels like the right location. Look to see whether sunlight or lamp glare is reflected off the surface. If it reflects on the paper it will reflect off your screen. Move the paper to a different location if it doesn't seem right.

3. Choose The Wall Mounts

Flat panel TV mounting brackets come in various shapes, sizes and functions. A home theater equipment retailer can point you to the right size for your particular brand of flat panel. Fixed brackets can be difficult to put in place because they require small hands and patience in order to line them up with the television mounts. Mounts that swivel are ideal for rooms where seating is located in several areas of the room. They also tend to be easier to mount.

4. Measure Before Drilling

Once you know where your television will go and what mount to use, find the wall stud and mark where the mounts should be placed with a pencil. Ensure the mounting bracket locations are level and that the height is appropriate. Once you are sure that the appropriate marks have been made, drill or screw in the mounting brackets. At this time, it is also appropriate to drill any holes for threading wiring if applicable. Just remember, measure two or three times before drilling into any wall.

5. Have a Buddy

It is imperative that you have help when hanging the television for your home theater. Many factory warranties do not cover damage that occurs as a result of trying to hang your flat panel television, so it is important to do things right and to be sure that you have help for the lifting and hanging. A helper can also give you advice on the location and height of the screen.

Consult with a home theater installer if you need any advice, or, if this seems like more than your time is worth, hire a professional to install it for you. That way you are sure it will be done in the best way possible.

~Ben Anton, 2008