TV mounting and viewing distance
TV size = viewing distance ÷ 2. Mount height: TV center at seated eye level (~42 inches).
The reliable way to get TV viewing distance right is to place the TV and your seating, then measure between them with the tape measure tool. The walkthrough below mounts a 55-inch wall TV and a 3-seater sofa about 9 ft apart; the charts that follow cover every screen size.
In this guide
- 1
Place a wall-mounted TV
Open the furniture catalog, search TV, and pick TV 55" (Wall). Click the wall to mount it — the inspector sets the mount height (aim for TV center near seated eye level, ~42 inches).
Search the catalog for a wall-mounted TV and click the wall to place it. - 2
Add a sofa facing the TV
Search sofa, add a 3-Seater Sofa, and rotate it so it faces the TV across the room.
Add a 3-seater sofa and rotate it to face the TV. - 3
Measure the viewing distance
Select the tape measure tool, lock one end onto the TV and attach the other to the center of the sofa, then slide the sofa until it reads your target — about 9 ft for a 55-inch screen.
Lock the tape measure to the TV and the sofa — here it reads 9 ft, ideal for a 55-inch TV. - 4
Check it in 3D
Clear the tape measure, then switch to 3D View to see the TV and seating together in the real room.
Switch to 3D to see the layout in the real room. - 5
TV size by viewing distance
50-inch TV: 8-10 feet viewing distance. 55-inch: 9-11 feet. 65-inch: 10-13 feet. 75-inch: 12-15 feet. 85-inch: 14-17 feet. 100-inch: 17-20 feet. Rule: optimal TV diagonal (inches) ≈ viewing distance (inches) ÷ 2.
- 6
Mounting height
TV center should be at seated eye level — typically 42 inches above floor when watched from a standard sofa. For a console-mounted TV, bottom edge sits 6-12 inches above the console. For wall-mounted TV with no console, mount center at 42 inches.
- 7
Above the fireplace — yes or no?
Contested. Pro: free wall space below; double focal point becomes single. Con: TV ends up too high (often 60+ inches center) — neck strain. If you must, use a tilt mount and aim for center at 50-55 inches max.
Frequently asked questions
How far should I sit from a 65-inch TV?
10-13 feet for optimal viewing.
How high should a TV be mounted?
Center at 42 inches above floor for typical sofa viewing.
What size TV for my living room?
Optimal TV size (inches) = viewing distance (inches) ÷ 2. A 10-foot couch-to-TV distance = 60-inch TV; 12 feet = 72-inch TV.
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