Need to free up space on your desktop but not sure if you can – or even should attempt to – mount your computer monitors to the wall?
Whether you’re looking to mount your monitor on the wall or simply want to get rid of the clutter, there are several ways to accomplish this task.
And the best way to do that is to get your monitors off your desktop surface.
But then that begs the question: Can your computer monitors be wall mounted?
Computer monitors are easy to mount to a wall. All you need is a computer monitor that is capable of using a mounting system with monitor arms that are able to be affixed to a wall. The VESA mounting standard is widely adopted among monitor manufacturers and is the perfect solution for mounting your monitors to your home office wall.
But what about Apple products?
Can you mount an iMac to a wall?
What wall mount should you use?
In what scenario should you choose a desk mount over a wall mount?
Keep reading – it’s all covered here!
By the way – before we get into it, if you want to get more great ideas for your gaming room or home office and want to connect with other home office hackers to make your space the best join my free private Facebook group, Home Office Hacks here.
Can computer monitors be wall mounted?
Yes – you can definitely mount your computer monitor or multiple monitors to your wall!
There are two main types of mounts: wall-mounted and desk-mounted. Wall-mounted mounts are typically used in situations where your desk is not adjustable. It’s either standard height or a standing height, but either way, it stays in the same place.
However, if you’re using an adjustable desk, then a desk-mount would be best (but more on that in a minute).
It doesn’t matter if they’re gaming monitors or you’re using a 4k LCD monitor to edit video – with the right equipment it can be done pretty easily.
Most computer monitors manufactured today are equipped with the ability to use a standard base and an option to forego a traditional stand so you can mount the monitor to another piece of equipment.
The most important factor is making sure that the wall mount you choose is designed to accommodate the size and weight of the monitor you have.
It’s important to use monitor mounts that are strong enough to hold up your large screen monitors while being nimble enough for you to flip from landscape mode to portrait mode if needed to free up desk space or just to get a different view.
In addition, there must be enough room for the cable management options available on your particular model. There should be sufficient space behind the screen so as not to block access to any other cables or components in the back of your monitor to allow for a full range of motion.
This is especially important with a dual monitor setup. Your monitor mounts should have sufficient space so that you can get the perfect monitor arrangement without compromising your workspace.
Keep in mind, the height at which you mount your display may need to be adjusted depending upon whether you plan to sit at a desk or stand.
What are the benefits of mounting your computer monitor?
Mounting your computer monitors to the wall has several benefits.
Increased use of desk space – If you have limited workspace in your office or home, then having more desktop area will help increase productivity by allowing for additional tasks to be completed at once.
Improved ergonomics – Having your computer monitor mounted on the wall allows for greater comfort in your workspace and better posture which will help increase your ability to concentrate because you’re much more comfortable.
Better viewing angles – Mounted screens provide greater visibility than flat screen displays due to their increased height above the surface they’re being viewed from.
Improved accessibility – The ability to adjust your monitor’s position makes it easier to view from different positions and desk configurations. This may include adjusting the angle of the display so that it faces away from other users when working with others who need to see what you’re doing.
Easier cleaning – Since you can move your monitors around so easily you’ll notice that cleaning day for your home office is a lot easier. You won’t have to worry about any dust accumulating under your monitors as since they’re easy to move around.
Virtually endless monitor positioning – You can place your monitor virtually anywhere within arm’s length of where you want to sit and at any angle you’d like. It becomes much easier to reposition and move your monitors around so they’re in the best position for you when your monitors are mounted.
How do I know if my computer monitor should be wall-mounted?
There are two main factors to consider before deciding if a computer monitor should be wall mounted:
1) Monitor Size & Weight – A large monitor requires less effort to lift off the desk and move around when it’s mounted.
2) Screen Position – Where you plan to actually place your monitors matters just as much as its physical dimensions – it’s vital to have the appropriate wall space to support them both spatially and physically.
In addition to where you place your monitor the position in which you plant to use your screens is important too. If you’re using your monitor in portrait mode, you’ll need to plan for the extra vertical space you will be using.
If you decide to go ahead and get your computer monitor wall mounted, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Wall mounts come in many shapes and sizes (I’ll give you my recommendations in a minute down below). Some are designed specifically for computers while others were made for televisions.
In either case, most wall mounts consist of an adjustable bracket attached to a metal frame. There are three types of brackets used to secure a computer monitor to the walls:
1) Flat panel – These mounts attach directly to the backside of your monitor via screws. They offer great stability but don’t give you flexibility in terms of placement.
2) Adjustable arms – Most people prefer this type of wall mount because it gives you complete control over the exact location of your monitor.
3) Fixed arms – These mounts use a clamping mechanism to hold your monitor securely in place.
What kind of wall mount does my computer monitor need?
The first thing to look into when buying a new computer monitor wall mount is determining the size and weight of your computer monitor. Computer monitors vary greatly in both size and weight; however, there are several standard measurements available to help determine the ideal fit.
Monitor Dimensions
Height: Height refers to the distance between the top and bottom edge of the screen. When choosing a specific model for your wall mounting system, make sure to check the actual measurement to ensure compatibility. Having a mounting bracket sticking out from the top or bottom of your display can be quite ugly.
Width: The width of your monitor is how wide the entire monitor is from side to side. You need to make sure you have ample wall space and a mount that’s strong enough to bear the weight – especially if you’re using an ultra wide monitor.
Depth: The depth of your monitor distance from the front surface to the deepest part of the back surface. This matters because the depth will affect how close – or far away – you are from your monitors you actually are. What looks great on a desk stand can look totally different when moved back several inches to a foot or more from your desktop surface.
Can all monitors be mounted?
Yes all computer monitors can be mounted, with an important exception.
Most computer monitors are equipped with the capability to use what’s called the VESA mounting system (we’ll talk more about that in just a minute).
Here’s one important thing to know if you’re a Mac user:
Apple iMacs are not able to be mounted to a wall without a specific special adapter.
The 2020 iMac can be ordered with a built-in VESA mount adapter.
However, it must be ordered with the adapter at the time of purchase.
According to Andrea with Apple support, if you don’t order your iMac with the VESA adapter it’s not possible to mount your iMac.
Otherwise, virtually all other computer monitors can be used with a VESA mount.
What is a VESA mount?
A VESA mount provides a universal solution for attaching flat panel displays to walls or to other surfaces, like the edge of a desk, to which a mounting arm can be attached.
Most modern computer monitors are designed to allow a connection to a VESA mount.
In order to determine if your monitor is VESA-mount compatible, the best place to start is by checking the documentation that came with your monitor.
If you’re like me, you didn’t hang on to that so that could be hard to come by.
So the next best place is to simply look at the back of your monitor.
There are several different sizes for VESA mounts, but most computer monitors utilize 75×75 or 100x100mm mounts.
One of the greatest benefits of computer monitors using the VESA standard is that it allows users to easily connect their display to a variety of matching wall mount devices while maintaining compatibility throughout different brands of monitors and mounting systems.
How do I know if my monitor is wall mountable?
Many monitors already come with a VESA mount included!
The only thing you would need is the mounting arm itself.
And you can know if your current monitor is wall mountable by looking at the mechanism used to attach it to its current stand (assuming it’s already mounted to a stand).
This will usually consist of four screws located near the center of the rear side of the monitor.
Or, there are many now equipped with a quick-release clamp that your monitor sits into, like in the image above.
If you don’t see screws in the corners of your stand, then it’s likely you have one of the quick-release options and there should be a button on the bottom side.
You should find these screws when removing the monitor from its stand.
Once you’ve found your mounting apparatus you can attach your monitor mounts.
How do you mount a monitor to the wall?
To install a monitor on the wall you first need to find a suitable mounting bracket which has been designed specifically for hanging a monitor on the wall.
There are many types available including hanger brackets, shelf mounts, stand alone arms etc.
Mounting kits usually contain everything necessary to hang your monitor securely onto the wall.
In order to get the most secured mount in place, you will need to attach your wall mount to the studs behind your drywall, or use heavy-duty drywall anchors that are more than enough to not only hold the weight of your computer monitors, but also be able to tolerate the movement of rearranging your monitors.
Once you’ve got your monitor arms affixed to your wall, you should then affix the mounting bracket to your monitor.
You’ll have to secure your monitor into place by placing screws through holes provided in the backside of your monitor.
Once that’s done, all you need to do is connect your monitor to your mount, and you’re good to go!
Is wall mounting a computer monitor worth it?
If you use an adjustable standing desk, you will want to mount your monitors to an arm that’s attached to your desk instead of the wall.
This is important because if you mount your monitors to the wall, then when you adjust the height of your desk your monitors will not move with your desk
You wouldn’t be able to do this if your monitors were mounted directly to your desk.
It will take just a bit of handyman-type skills – drilling, leveling, etc. – to get it attached to the wall the right way, but you can do it!
Wall mounting vs. Desk mounting: Which one is right for me?
There are pros and cons associated with each type of mounting method. When deciding between wall mounting and desk mounting, there are some factors to consider.
If you’re using an adjustable height desk, as mentioned previously, then you will want to go with a desk mount as opposed to a wall mount.
If your desk in your home office is not adjustable, then using a wall mount is a great way to go to free up the space and get all the other benefits of having your monitors mounted to the wall.
Using a mounted arm would allow you to keep your monitor off the desktop surface but still make adjustments to its height.
If you choose to go with a wall mount, you could potentially save yourself money by buying just one arm that handles two monitors rather than two separate arms.
Recommended Computer Monitor Wall Mounts
There are a lot of options when it comes to mounting your monitors to the wall. Here are our top 3 picks:
Home Office Hacks’ Pick: Pipishell Full Motion Wall Mount
Full Motion TV Monitor Wall Mount Bracket Articulating Arms Swivels Tilts Extension Rotation for Most 13-42 Inch LED LCD Flat Curved Screen TVs & Monitors, Max VESA 200x200mm up to 44lbs by Pipishell
- TV Mount Compatibility – TVs wall mount fits SAMSUNG, SONY, LG, VIZIO, TCL, ELEMENT, SCEPTRE, HISENSE and other TV brands between 13 and 42 Inch screen sizes and up to 44 lbs, with max VESA/mounting holes spacing of 200 x 200mm. our Images and video will help you see if this TV/ monitor mount perfectly fits your device in the aspects: VESA, stud location and possible blocked inputs.
- Full Motion for Optimal Viewing – Our articulating arm mount tilts +9°/-11° for anti-glaring, max swivels 90° display left or right according to your seats position (note: max. swivel angle depends on screen size) and rotates 360° for landscape and portrait orientation. It extends 14.59″ and retracts back to 2.7″ to save space. Makes your viewing or working feel more enjoyable! Universal Monitor Wall Mount – ideal for large
- Compatible with VESA 75×75 up to 200x200mm
- Can hold monitors and displays up to 42 inches and up to 44lbs.
- Ideal for ultra wide monitors
- Full motion arm extends up to 14.5 inches with 180 degree turn capability
Mounting Dream Full Motion Wall Mount
Mounting Dream Full Motion Monitor Wall Mount TV Bracket for 10-26 Inch LED, LCD Flat Screen TV and Monitor, TV Mount with Swivel Articulating Arm, Monitor Mount Up to VESA 100x100mm and 33LBS MD2463/a>
- TV Mount Compatibility: TV/ monitor wall mount fits for most 10″, 12″, 13″, 14″, 15″, 16″, 17″, 19″, 20″, 24″ TVs and monitors up to 33 LBS, with max VESA/mounting holes spacing of 100 x 100mm.
- Space Saving: Viewing becomes more comfortable. Tilts display up 15° and down 15° to reduce glare, swivels display left or right according to your seat position. Pull out to 13.6” and retract back to 2.6”, making your display alive to move.
- Compatible with VESA mounts up to 100x100mm
- Extends to 13.6 inches from the wall and retracts to 2.6 inches depth
- Suitable for monitors up to 26 inches and 33lbs.
- Super easy to install
The WALI Wall Articulating Wall Mount
WALI TV Wall Mount Articulating LCD Monitor Full Motion 15 inch Extension Arm Tilt Swivel for Most 13 to 30 inch LED TV Flat Panel Screen with VESA up to 100x100mm (1330LM), Black
- Compatibility: Full motion heavy duty wall mount for most 13 to 30 inches flat panel display up to 33lbs, with VESA 75x75mm to 100x100mm. Detail: 75x75mm(3”x3”),100x100mm(4”x4”).
- Fully Adjustable: +/-15 degrees tilt; 180 degrees swivel and 360 degrees rotate for better-viewing flexibility.
- Can hold monitors up to 30 inches and up to 33 lbs.
- Compatible with VESA 75×75 or 100x100mm
- Articulating arm extends up to 15 inches
- Super space saving slim line look
Next Steps
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