We all want to enjoy our TV without neck strain or awkward viewing angles. Unfortunately, standard TV stands often don't align with our unique room layouts and seating arrangements, leaving us with less-than-ideal viewing experiences.
This guide shows you several ways to raise your TV stand's height. We'll cover quick fixes you can do today, plus long-term solutions that give your setup a more polished look. Each method is designed to help you create the perfect viewing angle for your space.
Determining the Desired Height
Before making changes to your TV stand, you need to find the right height for comfortable viewing. The ideal height depends on your seating setup and eye level when seated.
For the most comfortable viewing experience, you'll want the center of your TV screen at eye level when you're seated. This natural viewing angle reduces neck strain, especially during long movies or TV shows. Simply sit in your regular spot and measure the distance from the floor to your eyes to find this ideal height.
If multiple people use different chairs or seating areas, try to choose a TV height that works well for everyone. You might need to test a few different positions to find the most comfortable viewing height for the whole family.
Using Wooden Blocks or Furniture Legs
One effective way to raise your TV stand is by adding wooden blocks or furniture legs. You can either cut wooden blocks to size or purchase ready-made legs from a hardware store.
Before making changes, check your TV stand's material. Solid wood stands can support direct leg attachments, while particleboard or MDF stands need mounting plates to distribute weight and prevent cracking or breaking.
Secure the legs or blocks to each corner using sturdy screws or strong adhesive. Before placing your TV back on the stand, test its stability by gently pushing from various angles to ensure it's completely secure.
Using Adjustable Risers
Adjustable risers provide a simple, temporary solution to increase your TV stand's height without permanent modifications. These metal or plastic platforms can be placed under your stand's legs or corners for quick height adjustment.
Here's how to use TV stand risers safely:
- Measure the height increase you need by sitting in your usual viewing position and checking where your eye level meets the TV screen.
- Check the weight capacity of your risers. Make sure they can support the combined weight of your TV and stand.
- Place one riser under each corner of your TV stand. All risers must be positioned evenly to maintain balance.
- Adjust each riser to your desired height. Some models have preset levels, while others let you adjust manually.
- Test the stability by gently pushing the stand from different angles. It should not wobble or shift.
- Place your TV on the stand only after confirming the setup is completely stable and level.
Be sure to check your setup once a week to make sure everything is stable, since things can move around with regular use.
Building a Platform
Building a custom platform is a reliable way to raise your TV stand. This method lets you create the exact height you need while keeping your setup stable.
Follow these steps to build your platform:
- Measure your TV stand's base dimensions carefully. This ensures your platform will fit perfectly underneath your stand.
- Get sturdy materials from a hardware store. Choose plywood or hardwood that can support your TV stand and the weight.
- Cut your chosen material to match your measurements. Add support braces underneath the platform for extra strength if needed.
- Paint or stain the platform to match your TV stand and room decor. Let it dry completely before use.
- Place the platform in your chosen spot. Use a level tool to make sure it sits flat on the floor.
- Attach your TV stand to the platform using appropriate screws. This creates a secure, permanent setup.
- Test the setup by gently shaking it from different angles to check stability and balance.
Make sure to choose sturdy materials that can handle the weight of everything you're planning to put on them. A solid, properly constructed platform will provide the exact height you need while fitting nicely into your space.
Using Furniture Risers
Furniture risers offer a simple way to make your TV stand taller without breaking the bank. These durable plastic supports are commonly used for beds and other furniture pieces.
Before starting, measure how much height you need to add. Then purchase sturdy risers that can support the combined weight of your TV stand and TV. You'll also need to remove any existing feet or wheels from your stand.
Here's how to install furniture risers:
- Inspect each riser carefully to ensure they're all in good condition and can provide stable support for your TV stand.
- Position one riser under each corner of your TV stand, making sure they're placed evenly and sit flat on the floor.
- Lower your TV stand carefully onto the risers, checking that each corner aligns properly with its supporting riser.
- Test the stability by gently pushing the stand from different angles, and adjust the risers if you notice any wobbling.
- Once stable, place your TV back on the stand and check again for any signs of instability or unevenness.
While furniture risers offer a quick and removable solution, they're best suited for minor height adjustments. For safety, limit raising your TV stand to just a few inches. If you need to elevate it significantly higher, opt for building a sturdy permanent platform instead.
Be sure to regularly test the stability of your setup, particularly if you have kids or pets at home.
Other Off-the-Shelf Options
Ready-Made TV Stands
If you're in the market for a new solution, consider TV stands designed with optimal viewing height. When shopping, look for "extra tall" models that match your needs. Make sure the stand is wider than your TV and can handle its weight. Check if it offers storage space for your devices.
This 76-inch Fluted Fireplace TV Stand is designed with a height of 31.2 inches to ensure a comfortable viewing experience.
TV Mount Solutions
Several mounting options can give you more control over your TV's height:
- Tabletop mounts replace your TV's base and let you adjust the height easily
- Floor-standing mounts offer flexibility to place your TV anywhere in the room
- Wall mounts save space and allow precise height control (but require proper wall installation)
Before choosing any mount, check your TV's VESA pattern and weight limits to ensure compatibility.
Key Considerations for Any Method
Before you start raising your TV stand, you need to think about several key factors that apply to any method you choose.
Safety First
Safety comes first. Elevating a TV stand changes its balance point, which could make it unstable and more likely to tip over. It's essential to verify that the modified stand remains stable, can safely hold your TV's weight, and sits perfectly level. For maximum safety, especially in homes with children or pets, we strongly recommend using anti-tip straps to anchor the stand securely to the wall.
Comfort Matters
Position your TV screen so its center sits at or just below your eye level when you're seated. This helps prevent neck and shoulder pain during those long viewing sessions.
Keep It Looking Good
Your raised TV stand should look like it belongs in your room. When adding height, pick materials and colors that match your existing furniture. The final result should appear planned, not makeshift.
Get the Right Tools
The tools and materials needed depend on your chosen DIY method. If you're adding legs, you'll need new legs, screws, a drill, and a screwdriver. If you're building a platform base, you'll need wood (such as plywood), a saw, measuring tools, fasteners, and possibly finishing materials like paint or stain. Remember to always use appropriate safety gear.
Conclusion
Getting your TV to the right height makes a real difference in how comfortable you are while watching. You've got plenty of options to work with, from quick fixes like furniture risers to more permanent solutions like building a platform.
Before you pick a method, think about how high you want your TV, what your current stand can handle, and how much you want to spend. Don't forget to put safety first, no matter which option you choose.
By taking time to adjust your TV stand height correctly, you'll create a better viewing setup that you can enjoy for years to come.
Read More:
How to Secure Your TV to a Stand?
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