Ready to reclaim your desk space and achieve that clean, minimalist setup you’ve been dreaming of? Learning How To Mount A Monitor On The Wall is one of the best upgrades you can make for your workspace or gaming battle station. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about ergonomics, flexibility, and creating a more immersive experience. But let’s be real, drilling into your wall can feel a little daunting. Don’t worry. As the lead experts at Computer Monitor PC, we’ve done this countless times. We’re here to walk you through every step, from picking the right mount to hiding those pesky cables for a pro-level finish.
Why Wall Mount Your Monitor in the First Place?
Before we grab the power drill, let’s quickly cover why this is such a game-changer. It’s more than just looking cool.
- Ergonomic Bliss: A wall-mounted monitor allows you to position the screen at the perfect eye level, reducing neck and back strain. This is a massive win for anyone spending long hours at their desk.
- Desk Space Freedom: Say goodbye to that clunky monitor stand. You’ll instantly free up valuable real estate on your desk for keyboards, notebooks, or, you know, more coffee.
- Ultimate Flexibility: With the right mount, you can tilt, swivel, and extend your monitor to the perfect viewing angle, whether you’re working, watching a movie, or sharing your screen with someone else.
- A Cleaner Look: A floating monitor creates a modern, organized, and professional-looking setup. It’s the secret sauce to those envy-inducing desk setups you see online.
The Prep Work: What to Do Before You Drill
Success here is all in the preparation. Rushing this stage is a recipe for a crooked monitor or, worse, a hole in the wall you’ll regret.
Check Your Monitor: Is It VESA Compatible?
First things first, flip your monitor around. You’re looking for a square pattern of four screw holes on the back. This is the VESA mount interface standard. Think of it like the bolt pattern on a car’s wheel—it’s a universal standard that ensures your monitor and mount can connect.
- The most common VESA sizes are 75x75mm and 100x100mm.
- Larger or heavier monitors might use bigger patterns like 200x200mm.
- Your monitor’s manual or a quick online search of its model number will tell you its VESA size.
“I always tell my clients: measure twice, drill once. But before you even measure, confirm your monitor’s VESA compatibility. It’s the foundational step that prevents a world of frustration and a trip back to the store.” – David Chen, Professional A/V Installer
If your monitor doesn’t have VESA holes, don’t despair! You can find VESA adapter kits online that clip onto your monitor, but for a truly secure setup, a natively compatible monitor is best.
Understand Your Wall: Drywall, Plaster, or Brick?
Where you plan to mount the monitor is just as important as the monitor itself. The type of wall determines the hardware you need.
- Drywall with Wood Studs: This is the most common wall type in modern homes. The goal is to drill directly into the wooden studs behind the drywall for a rock-solid hold. A stud finder is your best friend here.
- Plaster and Lath: Older homes often have plaster walls. They can be more brittle and harder to drill into. Finding studs is still the best option.
- Brick or Concrete: These walls are incredibly strong but require a hammer drill and specialized masonry anchors. Do not use the standard screws that come with your mount.
Warning: Never, ever mount a monitor using only drywall anchors. They are not designed to hold the weight and constant, subtle movements of a monitor arm. You must anchor into a stud or use heavy-duty toggle bolts designed for hollow walls if a stud is absolutely not an option.
Gather Your Tools
Having everything on hand before you start makes the process smooth and painless. Here’s your checklist:
- A quality monitor wall mount (more on this next)
- A power drill with various drill bits
- A stud finder
- A Phillips head screwdriver
- A level (a torpedo level or a level app on your phone works)
- A tape measure
- A pencil for marking
- A friend (optional, but highly recommended for lifting the monitor)
Choosing the Right Wall Mount
Not all mounts are created equal. The right one for you depends on your needs and budget.
| Mount Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fixed/Low-Profile | A clean, simple look where you don’t need to adjust the angle. | Sits closest to the wall; most affordable. | No angle adjustment whatsoever. |
| Tilting | Reducing glare or for setups where you might be standing or sitting. | Allows for vertical tilt. | No side-to-side swivel. |
| Full-Motion/Articulating | Maximum flexibility for any situation. | Extends, retracts, swivels, and tilts. | Sits furthest from the wall; can be more expensive. |
When shopping, make sure the mount supports your monitor’s VESA size and weight. This information is always listed clearly on the product packaging or page. For more options, check out [our comprehensive guide to the best VESA mounts]().
The Main Event: How to Mount a Monitor on the Wall Step-by-Step
Alright, tools are ready, the mount is chosen, and you’ve had your coffee. Let’s do this.
- Find and Mark Your Stud: Use your stud finder to locate the center of the wooden stud in your desired mounting area. Slide it across the wall until it beeps or lights up. Mark the edges of the stud with a pencil, then find the center point between them. This is your drilling target.
- Position the Wall Plate: Hold the wall plate from your mounting kit against the wall, centered on your stud mark. Use your level to make sure it’s perfectly straight. A crooked plate means a crooked monitor! Use your pencil to mark where you need to drill the pilot holes through the plate’s screw holes.
- Drill the Pilot Holes: Choose a drill bit that is slightly smaller in diameter than the mounting screws (lag bolts) that came with your kit. This is crucial—it allows the screws to bite into the wood securely. Drill your pilot holes on the marks you made.
- Attach the Wall Plate: Line the wall plate up with your pilot holes and use your drill or a socket wrench to drive the lag bolts in. Make them snug and secure, but do not overtighten, as this can strip the wood or damage the wall plate.
- Attach the Monitor Bracket: Now, turn to your monitor. If it’s on a stand, remove it. Carefully lay the monitor screen-down on a soft surface (like a towel or the original box foam). Attach the VESA bracket (the other part of your mount) to the back of the monitor using the screws provided. There are usually a few screw sizes in the box; use the ones that fit your monitor snugly.
- Mount the Monitor: This is where a friend comes in handy. Carefully lift the monitor and hook the VESA bracket onto the wall plate. Different mounts have different locking mechanisms—it might be a simple hook-and-set, or you may need to tighten a security screw. Follow your mount’s specific instructions.
- Level and Adjust: Even if you leveled the plate, the monitor might be slightly off. Most mounts have a small post-installation leveling adjustment. Use your level on top of the monitor and make those final tiny adjustments until it’s perfect.
Pro Tips for a Clean Finish
You’ve successfully mounted your monitor! Now for the final 10% that makes all the difference.
What About Cable Management?
Dangling cables can ruin the clean look of a wall-mounted setup.
- Cable Raceways: These are adhesive plastic channels you can stick to the wall. You run the cables inside, then snap on the cover. They’re easy to install and can even be painted to match your wall color.
- In-Wall Cable Management: For the ultimate clean look, you can run the cables behind the drywall. This is more involved and requires cutting two holes in the wall and using a special power bridge kit to safely run power cables.
- Cable Sleeves & Ties: If a raceway isn’t for you, a simple braided cable sleeve can bundle your power, HDMI, and DisplayPort cables into one tidy package.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I mount a monitor on drywall without a stud?
A: We strongly advise against it for most monitors. Standard drywall isn’t strong enough. If you absolutely cannot find a stud, you must use heavy-duty hollow-wall anchors like toggle bolts or snap-toggles, and only for lighter monitors. Always check the weight rating of the anchors.
Q: How high should I mount my monitor?
A: The general ergonomic rule is that the top of the monitor screen should be at or slightly below your eye level when you are sitting up straight. Mount it, sit in your chair, and see how it feels. It’s better to mount it a little low than a little high.
Q: Is it safe to mount a heavy ultrawide or curved monitor?
A: Absolutely, as long as you use the right mount and anchor it properly. Check your monitor’s weight and VESA pattern, then buy a heavy-duty mount that is rated to handle well over that weight. And always, always anchor it into a stud.
Q: Can I use a TV wall mount for my monitor?
A: Yes, provided the mount supports your monitor’s VESA pattern and weight. Many TV mounts are overkill for a monitor, but they will work perfectly fine if the compatibility lines up.
Q: What if I make a mistake and drill in the wrong place?
A: It happens! The easiest way to fix a small hole in drywall is with a bit of spackle. Fill the hole, let it dry, sand it smooth, and touch it up with a little paint.
Your Desk, Reimagined
Taking the time to how to mount a monitor on the wall is more than a simple DIY project; it’s an investment in your comfort, productivity, and the overall feel of your space. By following these steps, you’re not just hanging a screen—you’re creating a more ergonomic and inspiring environment. It might seem intimidating, but with a little preparation and the right tools, you can achieve a professional-looking result that will make you wonder why you didn’t do it sooner. Now, step back and enjoy your new, improved setup! We’d love to hear about your experience or any questions you have in the comments below.