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Home » The Pros And Cons Of Placing A Tv In Front Of A Window

The Pros And Cons Of Placing A Tv In Front Of A Window

  • Zak 
Tv placement, putting a tv in front of a window

Can you put a TV in front of a window? If that’s a question on your mind, here’s a good answer for you. Yes, you can put a TV in front of a window, but there are pros and cons to this placement of the TV.

Before we touch on the pros and cons, I would like to describe what is meant by putting a TV in front of a window.

It means that the TV is placed in a position where a window is directly behind it. The screen itself doesn’t face the window. What you don’t want to do is put a TV opposite a window because the screen will be directly facing the window and exposed to natural light.

Sometimes, this can’t be avoided, but there are ways to minimize the hindrance caused by natural light striking the screen during the day.

When it comes to choosing an ideal location for the TV, here’s a list of the three most important factors to consider:

  1. Glare
  2. Heat from sunlight
  3. Privacy

Too much natural light that hits against the screen will cause a glare, making it difficult to watch TV while the curtains or blinds are drawn open.

Many TV manufacturer’s will issue a warning about direct sunlight causing heating issues. An overheated TV has the ability to wear down and sustain damage.

You should be able to watch TV without outsiders or passersby being able to see what’s on your screen through the windows.

These are some of the main problems faced by homeowners, and if you can work around them, you should be able to find the perfect location for your TV.

The Pros of Placing Your TV in Front of a Window

1. Natural Lighting

It’s common knowledge that blue light from a screen can cause a host of problems. These negative effects are only heightened in a dark environment.

Minimize these issues by placing a TV in front of a window. The natural light that seeps in creates a soft ambience that brightens the room as a whole.

This will be easier on your eyes and minimizes the need for artificial lighting in a dark room.

2. Aesthetic Appeal

In a room with large windows on one wall, I think it’s a great way to frame the window by centralizing a TV in front of it.

The aesthetic background of blue skies, a beautiful garden, or city lights behind a TV is something experts rely on to make a living room or entertainment room look inviting, modern, and relaxing.

3. Space Optimization

In a small room with limited, it’s better to place a TV on a floor unit or stand to free up the wall space for other uses.

TV units usually come with storage shelves or cupboards that can be used to conceal cables and store devices for use.

4. Privacy

One of the main advantages of placing a TV by the window is that nobody can see what you’re watching.

The back of the TV is only visible through the window which is an advantage if you prize privacy like I do.

The Cons of Placing Your TV in Front of a Window

1. Overheating

Ongoing exposure to sunlight can have a negative effect on your TV. Overheating is one of the main issues that can burn out key components.

In general, a TV will get hot with use. Adding sunlight into the picture will only worsen this issue.

2. Privacy issues

Even though people from outside may not be able to view the screen, they may still see that you have a TV and when you’re using it, especially if the lounge or entertainment room is on the ground level.

In certain neighborhoods, it’s not a good idea to showcase your expensive appliances and belonging.

3. Limitation of window use

Unless your TV is mounted, there’s a possibility that heavy winds or rain could damage it.

This might inhibit the use of your windows in certain weather conditions which can be frustrating over time.

4. It inhibits the viewing experience

Even though I stated that blue light from screens can cause eye strain and mess with our circadian rhythm, it’s also true that a dark environment makes for a better viewing experience due to the contrast of light and dark.

Having an influx of light from the window may inhibit your viewing experience over time. Consider this if you love to watch TV during the daytime. At night, it isn’t really much of an issue.

Tips For Optimal Viewing Experience With A TV

can you put a tv infront of a window, tv by window

In the event that the position of your TV will always be prone to glare and natural light, here are some practical tips to mitigate these issues.

  1. Use sheer curtains to block some of the natural light that enters through the windows while enhancing privacy.
  2. Opt for dark blinds that do not reflect or enhance natural light in a room.
  3. To block direct sunlight reflection, you could invest in anti-glare screen protectors that stick directly on the TV.
  4. You could shift the furniture in such a way that the angle of your couch is optimized for perfect viewing angles while minimizing glare.
  5. In the event that you mount a TV onto the wall, use a swivel mount for better viewing angles.
  6. To mitigate the heat generated from sunlight, place the TV in an area with adequate ventilation. Remove obstructions from the back and sides of the TV. Make sure the legs of the TV are tall enough for air to pass through.
  7. Invest in blackout curtains to completely block all light from entering the room.
  8. Choose a location with adequate floor outlets. Alternatively, invest in a high-quality extension cord for your entertainment unit.
  9. Add window tint to reduce sunlight and reflection. This also enhances privacy from the outdoors.
  10. Place floor or table lamps in a position that isn’t reflected on the TV screen.

Final Thoughts

I really hope that after reading through the pros and cons of placing a TV in front of a window, you’re able to make a decision that works well for your home.

Just because a TV is in front of a window doesn’t automatically mean that it isn’t in an ideal viewing position.

Keep everything in mind and test different viewing angles to find the best location for your TV.

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