In my home, the last time we invested in a TV was more than 15 years ago. At the time, a Sony 40-inch LCD screen was all the rage. But, in 2023, it was a beautiful relic that belonged in the past. So when the opportunity arose, I snatched a great deal and purchased a 65-inch QLED screen for the lounge. What I didn’t account for was the best location for a TV, and now I have a glaring problem (pun intended).
As you can tell from the featured image above, the glare on my TV is ruining the viewing experience.
I didn’t realize that placing a TV opposite a window and door in a small room was a recipe for disaster. Through most of the day, I can’t use the TV without closing the curtains or door unless I’m willing to put up with the glare.
In a room, the space between the windows and the opposite wall determines the level of glare on the screen.
Also, the angle at which you face the couches also affects the viewing experience.
Related article: The pros and cons of placing a TV in front of a window
Where Should I Put A TV?
I’ve come to realize that the best place to put a TV is on a wall next to the window and opposite a wall with no windows. In this location, when you sit directly in front of the TV, there’s minimal glare or reflection.
I mounted a TV in my bedroom using this exact location, and from my bed, I have minimal glare and reflection.
The TV is literally 5 feet away from the window, but I have the fewest issues during the day.
Keep this in mind when you mount a TV to the wall because it can become an annoyance if the reflection and glare are substantial.
This is why I wish that I placed my new TV in the lounge on a stand rather than mounted to the wall. I can’t really move it to a different location without spending money, and that’s not an option right now.
I should add that if nobody is at home during the day and if you only use a TV at night, then it really doesn’t matter where you place the TV in a room because you won’t have any issues with glare at night.
I work from home, and I have off hours, so I catch up on my favorite shows in the morning while I prep.
Apart from glare, you should make sure that your TV is in a location for optimal viewing when seated. Use the backrest of your couch as a guide for the ideal height, since that position is going to align with your eyes.
Try to avoid a location that is exposed to direct sunlight, especially during midday when the sun is at it’s peak, because most screens are susceptible to discoloration, damage, and overheating when they are exposed to excessive sunlight.
If you can follow these general tips, you’ll be able to select the best place for a TV in any room. That’s my personal guarantee to you.