Stop Squinting at Your Screen: The Case for Going Big on TVs
How to Choose the Right-Sized TV (And Save Your Neck)
The following content should not be taken as legal or marriage advice. Before buying a giant TV you should consult a licensed therapist—or at least a bartender.
Most TVs Are Too Small
The average person spends 3 hours a day watching TV. If your screen feels more like a postage stamp than a portal to another world, it’s time to rethink your setup.
That TV you tucked into a cabinet back in the 90s might have been perfect for your square 20-inch set. But today’s flat screens often look awkward in those spaces—and worse, they’re too small to enjoy from the couch.
While it’s tempting to downplay the TV’s role in your living room, let’s face it: for most of us, the primary activity in that space is watching TV. Don’t sacrifice comfort for aesthetics, especially if the only time you appreciate a smaller TV is during the rare family board game night.
How to Pick the Right TV Size
The most important factor you need to consider is the distance of your seat from the screen. There are calculators online that can help, but most are focused on theater rooms and will size the TV too large. Here’s a simplified guide:
• 10+ feet away: Go big—75 inches or more. (Or move the couch forward)
• 6-10 feet away: 55-65 inches works well.
• Under 6 feet away: 43 inches is fine, but smaller than that? Just use your laptop.
For Bedrooms: Go one size smaller than you’d choose for a living room. A 55-inch screen is usually sufficient unless your seating is over 15 feet away. In that case, consider a 65-inch screen—but remember, a giant black rectangle may dominate the room. If you’re going big, consider a Frame TV to mitigate this.
Pro Tip: Test with Your Phone
Here’s a quick trick: from your usual TV-watching spot, hold up your phone and play a video. If the video on your phone feels larger than what you see on your TV, it’s definitely time for an upgrade.
Stop putting your TV above the Fireplace
No matter how big your TV is, please don’t mount it above the fireplace—unless you’re seated 20+ feet away. Otherwise, you’re risking neck strain for aesthetics.
Sure, it might look nice up there, but think about your primary activity in that room. If it’s not watching TV consider skipping the TV entirely or use a projector.
In most homes (based on my extremely scientific observations), the fireplace-mounted TV is the main TV, and the fireplace itself rarely gets used. Move the TV to a more ergonomic spot—your neck will thank you.