How To Buy The Best Monitor Wall Mount For Your Workstation

So, you’ve finally managed to replace that big, bulky TV in your living room with a flat screen, sleek version. Now, you are thinking of mounting the television on a wall to de-clutter your space and create more floor room. This is a good thought, but one that need to be approached with careful planning. 

Mounting a screen starts with picking the appropriate wall mount, and that is what we are going to discuss in this guide. But first, what is a monitor wall mount? This is a supportive bracket or arm designed to hold up a TV or any other display screen, usually affixed to the wall or desk. A monitor mount is adjustable by angle, position, and height, letting you work comfortably at your workstation.

We have single monitor wall mount, dual monitor wall mount, and even triple monitor wall mount. There are also wall mounts for bigger display screens such as those used as TV stand wall mount in conference rooms.

Though, for this guide, we will focus on monitor mounts, specifically meant for workstations. Other terms include “monitor bracket” or “monitor arm”. You may also see other variants such as “monitor desk mount” or “wall monitor bracket” to describe where the mount is placed.

If you are ready to buy a monitor wall mount, this guide has some crucial points for you to consider. Keep reading to find out.

Advantages of Wall Mount Brackets

Space-Saver

A flat screen is a space-saver on its own, and by wall mounting it, you are ensuring that you are saving more space. If you are using a monitor stand, you will need a chest of drawers or cabinet to place it. By wall-mounting your monitor, you can do away with all these and free up some floor space.

Uncluttered Look

Does your workstation ever feel cluttered or crowded? One advantage of monitor wall mounting is that it frees up your desk, giving it a clean, minimalistic look. If you’re a person who doesn’t thrive in messes, a monitor mount not only clears up your space, but your mind as well. You will be able to do away with bulky furniture units that block the way, and also get rid of unsightly cords and wires hanging around.

More space means you’ll have more room for your laptop if you’re using it alongside the computer, or for your notebooks, in case you want to physically note something down.

Ease of Installation

Flat screens are really easy to mount as they are designed to be installed on a wall. The designs come with pre-installed mounting holes complaisant with the VESA Interface Guidelines. The package also comes with other necessary hardware needed to safely and securely mount your screen.

Prevents Eye and Neck Strains

Offices with conventional workstations lack the correct ergonomic setup. The screen ends up being so close to the workers’ faces and either too low or too high, thus causing eye and neck strains, as well as dry, tired eyes.

Monitor mounting allows you to adjust the eye level, the viewing distance, the recline angle, and the viewing angle. Thus, when fitted at the most appropriate height, a mounted monitor can help lessen both eye and neck strain usually experienced by continuously staring at a screen for long hours like in the case of stand-held monitors. And, with tilt and full-motion mounts, you can further tune the monitor to your desired level.

Improves Posture

Posture is a big problem for desk workers. This is because most office workstations are not customized to every worker’s needs. Monitors are simply put on desks as a one-size-fits-all solution.

Therefore, immobile monitors put too high or too low, below the eye level leads to slouching and other bad posture habits. Poor posture brings detrimental health issues like chronic pain, increased probability of a sedentary lifestyle, cardiovascular diseases, weight gain, and weakened muscles.

While it’s true that a lot of things go into rectifying one’s posture at a work desk, a monitor placed at the right angle and level makes all the difference.

Keeps your Screen Safe

Kids are enchanted by electronics and really love to touch them. The same goes for pets that enjoy nibbling and chewing electrical cords and cables. Mounting the screen keeps it out of the children and pets’ reach, ensuring they are not tampered with.

Keeps you More Focused and Productive

Having a dual monitor mount will help you work more efficiently because you will be able to allocate different tasks to different screens, and even be able to simultaneously open multiple files without having to shift between windows.

You will, therefore, find files easily, so you will focus on your work. What’s more, a dual monitor mount creates an inviting workstation that places more attention on the screen and less on the surrounding, helping you to become less distracted.

Do you Have a Mountable Computer Monitor?

This is the first question to ask yourself before buying a wall monitor mount for your screen. It’s important to note that only VESA© compatible monitors are mountable using third party monitor wall mounts; the rest will require custom brackets and stands that can only be gotten from the manufacturer.

VESA (Video Electronics Standards Association) was enforced in an attempt to standardize measurements across various applications, and most leading screen manufacturers adhere to this standardization.

The most commonly utilized size is VESA 100 (100mm X100mm) though large and mid-sized monitors weighing more will require a higher VESA complaisance like 600 X 200mm, 400 X 200mm, and 200 X 100mm. The product specifications for your monitor should tell you whether or not it is VESA-compliant.

Types of Monitor Wall Mounts

Fixed Mount

This is a basic mount that only allows you to attach and secure our screen to the wall. It’s ideal for people who don’t need to get their hands on the TV ports on a daily basis.

Note that there is no room to adjust or swivel the monitor’s viewing angle. Since its flat, it affixes the monitor very closer to the wall, so that means your monitor display won’t be jutting out. Budget wise, a fixed wall mount is the most affordable option, and also the easiest to install.

Before you decide to go with this option, make sure there is enough space behind the television to accommodate cables. Confirm that the HDMI ports are placed at the back or along the side. You’ll also have to check the positioning of the wall and ensure it’s done carefully—to achieve optimal viewing height.

Tilting Wall Mounts

With a tilting wall bracket, you can use the pivot in the center of the mount to tune the vertical viewing angle. You can either tilt the screen downwards or upwards depending on the angle you are viewing at. For example, if you are viewing while sleeping on the floor, then you will tilt the screen downwards.

The degree of tilt differs from one model to another. The tilting helps reduce glare and reflection from windows and light. Also, the tilt feature saves you the inconvenience of having to physically take off the screen, every other time.

Budget wise, a tilting mount will cost you more compared to a fixed mount and less than a full-motion one. A tilting wall is also easy to install, just like a fixed wall bracket.

Full-Motion Wall Brackets

Also known as articulating and cantilever wall brackets, full-motion wall brackets offer the best viewing angle and the highest degree of flexibility. The range of movement varies between models, with basic designs allowing only side-to-side swivel movements.

Sophisticated models have a retractable arm that allows you to rotate and tilt the monitor and also move it from right to left. You can also pull it out or push it back as needed.

Full-motion wall mounts are ideal for rooms with multiple viewing spots; particularly where you won’t have to sit directly in front of the screen when viewing it. If you plan to install your screen in a corner, this is the perfect mount for you. It is one of the most adjustable options, but it’s also the most expensive.

Ceiling Mount

A ceiling mount allows you to mount your screen on the ceiling. These ceiling mounts are ideal for those with limited space. Installing a ceiling bracket can be taxing, so it’s best if you call in a professional.

Also, it’s well-suited for homes with brick walls as it requires the structural support. Ceiling brackets can also be rotated and swayed to fine-tune the viewing angle.

What is the Ideal Height for a Computer wall mount?

So, you’ve chosen the kind of monitor wall mount arm you want; the next thing would be to decide on the ideal height for your screen. To calculate the optimal distance and height, you first need to know the exact size of your monitor.

Here are some of the factors to consider.

Viewing Angle

The right viewing angle for monitors should not go beyond 30 degrees.

Eye Level

The eye level figure is obtained by calculating the distance from the eye level to the floor in a sitting position. The optimal height measurement should be calculated from the floor up to the center of the television. And, the middle of the monitor should be in line with the viewer’s eye level.

Viewing Distance

Viewing distance refers to the distance between the mounting wall and the spot you will be viewing the screen from. The ideal viewing distance varies depending on the size of the screen. Here are two ways to help you calculate the perfect viewing distance in inches.

1. Multiply the size of the screen by 1.67

2. Divide the size of the screen by 0.55

What is the Best Monitor Wall Mount?

Just like your display screens come in different sizes and shapes, the mounts designed to support them also come in different shapes and sizes. So, when considering which wall monitor mount is ideal for you, it’s necessary to not only be knowledgeable about your screen, but also the environment needs. Here are some of the things to consider when buying your wall mount for monitor.

Size and Weight

It is important to put into consideration the size as well as the weight of your screen before settling on a particular wall mount bracket. While screen dimensions remain consistent across screen brands, weight specifications tend to vary. Confirm the maximum weight that can be supported by the bracket.

Mounting Types

As mentioned above, various types of monitor mounts are available with different mounting options. The right mount for you is one that is compatible with the installation environment. Consider the following: 

Desk-clamp: Your desk width has to be compatible with the size of the clamp

Grommet mount: Your desk needs to have a grommet hole

Cubicle hanging mount: Check that the mount will be able to fit the width of the cubicle wall.

Some brands come with the necessary components to offer flexibility and enable users to set up the bracket in different environments, for instance, you can use a single mount as a grommet mount or desk-clamp solution. This is the perfect solution for mass deployment situations where mounting options have to vary based on the particular needs of the employee or desk.

Adjustability

Before buying a particular mount, it’s important to consider the amount of readjustment you’ll require. Do you consider it crucial to be able to swivel, adjust, tilt, or rotate the height of the monitor?

To create an optimal viewing angle and also for comfort’s sake, the ability to easily modify the position of your screen is important. Tilting your monitor to get the best viewing angle or rotating it to the side to be able to change seating positions is crucial to your general productivity.

This brings us to our next point.

Viewing Angle

As discussed above, different kinds of wall mounts come with different features. Just like adjustability, it’s important to consider the viewing angle that you’ll be using with your screen when selecting a wall mount bracket.  Will you be using your screen straight-on or you would like to be adjusting it to your preferences? The answer to this question should help you decide if you are going for a fixed mount arm or one with more flexibility options like the tilting or full-motion option.

Space

Before you choose a particular PC monitor wall mount, it’s important that you consider the amount of space you have. While we all have these wildest dreams of creating the ultimate quad-monitor workstation, the truth is not many desks have the available space for such a complex configuration. We can, however, use monitor mounts to create our ideal space-saving workstation.

By replacing your typical monitor stand with a quad, triple, or a double monitor wall mount, you’ll be de-cluttering your desk and creating space, leading to increased organization and workplace productivity. Here are some space-saving solutions for your workstation.

a. Cubicle hanging monitor that eliminates the need for apportioning extra desk space to accommodate a monitor

b. A compact single monitor mount that takes up very little space on the desktop

c. Multi monitor mounts that give you a single and compact PC footprint (particularly when using a clamp or grommet mount) while also providing multiple screens for improved productivity and efficiency.

Ease of Installation

So, your monitor wall mount has just been delivered and you need to install it. Now, installing a monitor bracket should be a hustle-free process that can be done by just one person. With well-sorted packaging from the seller, assembling and mounting a monitor bracket shouldn’t take up so much of your time.

For faster and pain-free installation, it’s important to understand the VESA compatibility of your monitor, and the space and environment requirements of the mount.

The Material of the Wall

Drywall and plaster are the most popular wall construction materials. But, most wall mounts are designed with a drywall in mind. This is because drywalls hold screws better compared to plaster walls. Mounting on a plaster wall requires extra reinforcement to keep the screen from collapsing. It’s good to seek professional help if you are unsure of what to do.

Strong Construction

Since you wouldn’t want your brand new monitor falling off the wall, it’s advisable to choose monitor wall mounts from reputable brands. The wall mount bracket you choose should have a strong construction that won’t break due to the weight of the screen. It should also be constructed with good quality materials.

Price

The cost of the wall mount also matters; though it’s important not to sacrifice features over the price. Compare different brands and features with the price before making your choice.

How to Wall Mount a Monitor

Materials and Tools Needed

Dental floss, Socks, Marker, Drill, Weight (keys)

Two pairs of pliers

Screwdriver (not really necessary)

Matching bit to drive the wood screw

A pair of drill bits

2 feet of 1/16-inch uncoated cable

1/8-inch cable clamp

10 x 2-inch-long wood screw

4 1/8-inch x 3/4-inch diameter washers (matching the machine screws)

2 M4-0.70 x 16mm machine screws.

Computer Monitor Wall Mount.

Step 1: Find a Stud

It’s very important that you find a strong fixture to hang your monitor from. So, you can find a stud behind the wall by drilling just below an electrical outlet. It’s good to drill above the base board if you want to avoid tampering with the wires behind the wall and also hide the holes so that they are not visible to anyone.

Note that you need to be careful when putting anything that conducts electricity into the wall, because this could cost you more to correct or at worse burn down your house.

Use the smallest drill bit to drill directly into the wall. This should be an easy process for those with drywalls. Drill about ¾ of an inch on either hand of the first hole.  Carry on with the pattern until you pierce through the drywall and experience resistance, where you have to force your drill forward. It’s highly probable that you’ve encountered a stud. Confirm this by gently removing the drill bit and checking its tip for signs of wood.

It’s now time to find another stud nearer to where you want to put the monitor. Measure a definite distance to both sides of the drill hole; exactly where you found the first stud. This distance is usually 16 inches, but it can go up to 12 inches in ancient homes, or even 24 inches in contemporary homes.

Step 2: Put the Support Screw

Now that you have found the stud, it’s time to translate it to the extend you wish to hang your monitor. You can do this by using a piece of string and a weight. First, tie the string to a weight, and then hang the weight on the hole where the stud is and put a small stain where you intend to drill the trial hole.

Pick up the monitor and put it up in the overall area you want to pin it. Confirm that it is almost centered on the stain and that this is the position you want your monitor to be.

Now, choose a drill bit with a smaller diameter than that of the rod of the wood screw. Start drilling a hole on the stain in a downward position. This will ensure that the monitor slides down and opposite the wall, which will reduce the probability of it falling.
You can now insert the screw.

Step 3: Assemble the Harness

It’s time to remove the stand from the monitor. Next, put a machine screw and 2 washers in the two upper mounting holes of your monitor, and leave them loose.

Overrun the edges of the cable to make a loop, and then size the loop by putting its end around the mounting while preventing the loop from transcending the top of your monitor. This is to ensure the cable remains invisible when it’s hung.

Put a mark on both the left and right leg of the cable a bit far from either end but at same position where it overlaps. Then, fold over the two edges of the cable by roughly ½ and 1 inch with a dot centered in each layer without changing the original size of the loop. The folds are meant to increase the broadness of the cable to make it more hooked by the clamp and decrease the probability of slipping.

Use a pair of pliers to cut off excess cable.

Next, insert the two edges of the cord into the clasp from either side, procure the markings, put the clasp on the markings, and then hand-tighten the nuts. Now, using a plier, tighten each nut as evenly and securely as possible. Remember, the tighter the clasp, the less likelihood of the monitor falling and breaking.

Put the end of the loop through the washers on all the screws behind the monitor. Tighten the screws using the pliers, though you should be careful not to make them too tight as this may strip out the threading.

Step 4: Hang and Position the Monitor

Put the head of the loop over the pillar screw and carefully detach the support from the monitor. This is to test and see if the screw can endure the weight. With your hand under the monitor, attempt to push down on the upper part of the monitor or screw to determine if the screw requires any correcting.

Next, fold the socks over and place them at the bottommost corners of the monitor. Adjust the monitor as you deem fit. Now, plug in the cables and you will be good to go.

Tips to Get the Most Out of your Wall Mounted Monitor Arm

Ensure your Screen is Adjusted to Eye Level

Positioning your monitor at eye level means you’ll use the screen with the correct posture, thereby reducing neck strain. Instead of having the monitor horizontal to your desk, angle it back a little to ensure your chin is lifted away from your neck when using. You can tilt it to about 10-20 degree angle.

When it comes to wall mounts, you have to calculate the height between the PC to your eyes when seated down to be able to align the monitor correctly.

Position your Screen at a Suitable Distance

Your PC screen needs to be at a particular distance to be able to prevent eye strain. Ideally, your face should be an arm’s length or ½ meter away from the screen when you sit upright (the exact dimensions are 51-71 cm or 20-28 in).

Adjust your Keyboard, Mouse, and Chair

Having the correct posture does not just come from properly positioning your monitor. The correct placement of the keyboard and mouse, and the level of the chair also contribute to a good standing or seated position

Reduce slouching by adjusting the height of the chair so that the PC aligns with your elbows.

Adjust the Monitor when Switching between Standing and Sitting

This only applies to monitors connected to standing desks.

When raising or lowering your desk, you may notice that the positioning of the monitor may not be appropriate for both angles. You may not need to make any significant changes to the angle or height, but you can try to slightly tilt or elevate the screen.

We hope this guide was of great help and led you to the right direction when it comes to buying, installing and using your monitor wall mount. Don’t forget to check out our review of the best dual monitor wall mount if you are in the market for new monitor wall mount arms.

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