This article is for anyone searching for the best full-motion TV mount for your 65-inch TV that fits a single stud or a low-profile TV wall mount for your fireplace in 2025. Weโll walk you through what to measure, which mounts to consider, and steps you should follow to keep installations safe and your mount level.
VESA and weight primer (the basics you canโt skip)
Before purchasing any mount, verify two key specifications on your TV’s spec sheet: the VESA pattern and its weight. VESA is the hole pattern on the back of your TV (for example, 400 x 400 mm) and indicates which brackets are compatible. The weight determines the mountโs capacity and whether you can safely use a single-stud solution or must anchor into multiple studs or a reinforced plate.
The idea is to purchase a mount thatโs compatible with your TVs VESA settings and can carry its weight or more.
Quick checklist:
- Find your TVโs VESA pattern (ownerโs manual or manufacturer page).
- Note the TV weight with the stand removed.
- Decide if you want to be able to move your TV mount and how: fixed (flush), tilt (tilt for glare), or full-motion (articulating for corners/angling).
- Check the wall type in the room you plan to mount the TV: drywall with studs, concrete, brick, or mantel-facing masonry (fireplace installations often need special mounts). Each surface brings unique challenges.
Best picks
- Echogear full-motion dual-arm mount (good single-stud options) โ reliable articulating mount with long extension and solid weight rating; Echogear publishes single-stud models that simplify installs in retrofit spaces. Good all-round choice if you need reach and tilt. Buy the Echogear full-motion mount.
- Mounting Dream articulating mount (Amazon best-seller example) โ often listed among Amazonโs top-selling mounts for 32โ65 inch TVs, affordable and flexible for most living rooms. Good budget option if your studs align with the mountโs plate. See Mounting Dream mounts on Amazon.
- MantelMount pull-down mount (best low-profile TV wall mount for fireplaces in 2025) โ purpose-built for above-fireplace installs; MantelMountโs offering lets you pull the TV down to eye level and stow it tight to the wall when not in use. If youโre mounting over a mantel or want a low-profile fireplace solution, this category is the safer, less painful option. Shop MantelMount fireplace mounts.
- Mount-It! or Monoprice single-stud full-motion models (specialty single-stud mounts) โ for situations where you literally only have one stud to work with, some manufacturers offer certified single-stud mounts rated for specific weights. Use these only when the mountโs rating matches or exceeds your TV’s weight. Find single-stud mounts on Amazon.
Installation checklist (do this before you drill)
- Confirm stud spacing and quality. Use a reliable stud finder and verify with a small inspection hole if needed. Single-stud mounts rely on a single strong stud โ older or damaged studs may not be safe.
- Mark the TV height using eye-level guidelines. Most experts recommend the center of the screen at or slightly below seated eye level. Avoid permanent high placements that cause neck strain and often look wrong.
- Match VESA and hardware. Ensure the screw sizes included match your TV’s VESA holes; many mounts include multiple screw sizes.
- Use the correct anchors for your wall type. Concrete and brick require masonry anchors; drywall without studs requires a rail or backing plate. Do not rely on toggle anchors for very heavy TVs.
- Have a helper. Large TVs are heavy and awkward โ a second pair of hands makes leveling and bolting far safer.
- Test movement and clearances. For full-motion mounts, open the arms fully and make sure cables wonโt pinch and the TV wonโt hit the trim or the mantel.
Avoid these mistakes
- Mounting too high above the fireplace and assuming youโll like the result. If you must mount above a fireplace, use a pull-down or tilting solution and account for heat and clearance. Mantel mounts are engineered for this use. (MantelMount)
- Using a single-stud mount without checking ratings. Some single-stud mounts list strict weight and VESA limits โ donโt exceed them.
- Buying the wrong VESA size and planning to โmake it workโ with adapters โ itโs messier and less safe than getting the right plate.
- Forgetting to secure cables after mounting, a dangling power cable looks bad and risks damage when you articulate the mount.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I mount a 65-inch TV to a single stud?
A: Maybe. Only if the mount is explicitly rated for single-stud installation at your TVโs weight and your stud is solid. Some full-motion single-stud mounts exist, but they often have stricter weight limits than dual-stud plates. Always check the mountโs certification and consider a reinforcement plate if you doubt the stud’s integrity.
Q: Is it safe to mount a TV above a fireplace?
A: Yes โ if you use a mount designed for the application (for example, pull-down mantel mounts) and confirm that heat and smoke wonโt exceed the TVโs operating limits. Mantel-specific mounts give you the viewing angle you need without permanently high placement.
Q: What is the difference between โlow profileโ and โtiltโ mounts?
A: Low-profile (fixed) mounts hug the TV close to the wall and offer the smallest gap; tilt mounts give a small angle adjustment to reduce glare. Low-profile mantel or fireplace mounts made for 2025 designs may include pull-down or spring mechanisms to lower the TV for viewing.
Final tips
- Measure twice. Confirm VESA, weight, and stud placement before you buy.
- Read our guide on how to mount a TV if you need more tips on getting the job done yourself.
- If in doubt, hire a professional. The cost of a pro install is worth avoiding a dropped TV or damaged wall. Itโs typically no more than a couple of hundred bucks, a fraction of the cost of any television worth mounting.
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