Mounting a TV on a wall is typically a straightforward and uncomplicated process. All you really need is the right screwdriver and drill, mounting bracket, and screws. The latter two often come packaged together. Of course, you also need a dry, level wall to properly mount the TV. But what if you want to do this on a curved wall instead?
Is it possible to mount a TV on a curved wall? Yes, it is possible to mount a TV on a curved wall. The procedure is similar to installing a TV on a flat wall, but the main difference is that you also need to consider the type of wall, the degree of curvature, and the placement of the studs.
In the following article, we will discuss the main differences between curved and flat wall structures, as well as the process of mounting a TV on a curved wall and best practices to ensure that the finished mount looks good in your space.
Contents
Curved Walls vs. Flat Walls
The main difference between a curved wall and a flat wall lies in their curvature radius. A curved wall has a large curvature radius, and its intensity can be seen in the curved surface. Similarly, a flat wall has a small or no curvature radius, resulting in a flat surface.
The second difference between a curved wall and a flat wall is the spacing between two consecutive studs behind the wall. A stud is one of the inner load-bearing layers of walls: they are typically made of wood. When mounting TVs or other large, heavy objects, studs are used as a stable base to keep them in place.
Flat walls have straight and linear stud arrangements. Studs are usually placed at an even spacing of 16 or 24 inches apart. However, curved walls vary in stud orientation. Although they are also spaced between 16 and 24 inches apart, the distance between each stud can change depending on the extent of the wall curvature (Westlake Hardware).
For example, with flat walls, you may see a uniform arrangement of studs. There may be an additional stud placed every 18 inches along a wall. On the other hand, curved walls lack consistent stud placement. The first two studs may be 16 inches apart, while the next stud is 24 inches away.
The higher the degree of curvature of a wall, the more difficult it is to mount a TV. However, if you can find a consistent stud arrangement at the right spacing along a curve, you’re in luck.
How to Mount a TV on a Curved Wall
Mounting a TV on a curved wall can be slightly more complicated than on a flat wall. In some cases, if you can’t find a consistent placement of studs, you may need to “correct” the wall’s “curvature” so that you can work around it.
Locate the studs within the wall: In general, studs inside walls are placed 16 or 24 inches apart. To see how your wall is aligned, you’ll need a stud finder to help. Use the pencil searching tool to determine where along the curved wall studs are currently positioned, and mark them with a pencil.
Measure the curve: Next, you need to measure the extent of the curvature of your wall. To do this, place a straight ruler against the part of the curved wall where you want to mount your TV. One end should make contact with the wall. Ideally, there should be a stud here for attachment, while the other end is floating in front of the wall surface. Then, use a tape measure to measure the difference (in inches) from the floating end of the ruler to the wall. The number you obtain is the curvature radius of the wall.
Compensating for the Curve
To properly mount a TV on a curved wall, you need to ensure that you have the right length of screws/bolts to compensate for the curvature radius. This way, when installing the bracket on the wall, both sides will be connected with a bolt along the curve. For example, on the left side, you may need 4-inch bolts, while on the right side, 5-inch bolts may be required. Note that the side with your floating ruler will need the longer screws from earlier.
It is also important to mention that the curvature radius you find should be added to the original mounting screw length, not replace it. For example, if your TV mounting kit came with 4-inch screws and the curvature radius of your wall is 2 inches, you will need a 6-inch screw.
After making the necessary adjustments to the wall and finding the proper position for two consecutive sets of screws for the mounting bracket, the rest of the process is similar to mounting a TV on a flat wall.
Attaching the Brackets to Your TV
The type of brackets you use for your TV will depend on the brand and model. Some TVs come with a mounting kit included. Others may need to be purchased separately, so make sure you have all the correct parts on hand before you begin.
- Remove the base of the TV. If the TV has not been disassembled yet, remove the base (the part used to hold the TV on a flat surface, such as a table). The base may be screwed into the bottom or simply snapped on and off. Make sure to lay the TV face down on a soft, flat surface like a bed or sofa.
- Look for the TV’s mounting holes. While the TV is face down on the soft surface, look for four holes located along its backside. These holes will be used to attach the mounting bracket(s) to the TV.
- Attach the mounting bracket to the TV. Use the screws or bolts that come with your TV’s mounting kit to attach the mounting bracket. Make sure you are using the correct screws. Using the wrong ones can damage the TV’s holes and result in a loose connection once it’s mounted on the wall. Insert the screws and tighten them by hand first before further tightening them with a screwdriver. (Note: Loose or weak screws are the reason most mounted TVs fall off the wall. Make sure all screws are secure before mounting the TV).
Mounting the TV on the Curved Wall
Now that you have attached the bracket to the TV, the next step is to attach the bracket to the wall.
- Place the mounting bracket on the wall. First, have a friend or family member help you position and hold the bracket on the wall. Use a level to ensure it is at the same height as the stud markings and level with the floor. Mark the spots where the screws will be screwed in with a pencil.
- Use a drill to screw the screws through the holes of the bracket and into the wall studs, making sure the correct screw sizes are used for the right places.
- Connect the bracket on the back of the TV with the bracket on the wall. Again, have a friend help you with this step as well. Make sure the fittings align properly and are tightened sufficiently.
Summary
The issue of mounting on a curved wall is reduced when the proper curvature measurements are calculated. The bracket on the wall should be as straight as possible.
To find the perfect position for the wall brackets, it is recommended to use a stud finder. You can mount without studs, but it is risky as your TV can fall off. Wall studs provide the sturdy attachment.
References:
https://www.cnet.com/news/tv-weight-fact-and-fiction/
https://home.howstuffworks.com/stud-finder.htm