OUT IN THE OPEN
Space savings is one 1tig appeal of
flat-panel TVs. With their clean lines and
slim profile, they’re not intrusive.
1
A wall-hung TV offers a look that’s
synonymous with flat-panels. Here, a
built-in cabinet with furniturelike
detailing and bright accessories helps
the TV blend into the room. The cabinet
also acts as a buffer, since wall-hung TVs
actually protrude several inches. Some
caveats for a clean on-the-wall
placement: You’ll need an outlet behind
the TV, so factor in electrician costs.
Additionally, the wall may need to be
reinforced to bear extra weight,
particularly if your home has steel studs
or the TV mount has articulating arms.
2
With its rectangular shape and useful
storage, a console or credenza is a
natural for today’s wide screens. “You
just put the TV on it and you’re good to
go,” Arthur says. Even a dresser you
already own can be repurposed as a TV
base. Consoles tend to be shallow, so
make sure shelves are deep enough for
DVD players and other components,
some of which may require 20 inches.
3
A new genre of furniture with
attached panels or mounting bars makes
it easy to “float” the TV and hide cords.
Rose Valley credenza ($
325
) and hutch
($
170
); sauder.com
Above the fireplace
If you plan to hang your TV above a
mantel, keep in mind that it will
usually be higher than normal for
comfortable viewing. Using a tilting
wall mount will allow you to angle
the screen down a bit and may also
reduce reflections and glare.
size up your situation
SCREEN SIZE Bigger isn’t necessarily better. You need to consider the
size of the room
and where you sit relative to the TV. A 50-inch screen
that feels right in most family rooms, for example, would be overkill in
an average-size bedroom. If you’re debating between two TVs that are
nearly the same size, choose a few inches too big than too small.
VIEWING DISTANCE The long-standing rule is to sit no closer than twice
the screen’s diagonal measurement. For a 40-inch TV, that means 80
inches (about 6
'/2feet)
away. But the rules are changing. W
ith digital
technology,you can sit a bit closer without compromising quality.
You’re too close if you see pixels or the image simply seems in your face.
SIGHT LINE The middle of the TV screen should be as close to eye level
as possible when you’re seated. A TV that’s too high or too low
can be
uncomfortable to watch for long periods.
THE ANGLE Straight-on viewing is ideal. But flat-panels, especially plasma
70 JUNE 2009 BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
PHOTOS: (1) GORDON BEALL; (2) GREG SCHEIDEMANN
