To mount a TV on the wall, you need a wall mount bracket. But not all brackets are the same — there are five main types, each designed for different rooms, viewing habits, and installation situations. Choosing the right one makes a significant difference to your viewing experience. See our TV bracket installation service for how we handle selection and fitting, or our guide to swivel vs tilt vs fixed brackets for a detailed comparison.
1. Fixed (flat) brackets
A fixed bracket holds the TV flat against the wall with no movement — the TV cannot tilt, swivel, or extend. This is the most minimalist option and creates the closest, flattest profile to the wall.
Best for: Rooms where you always watch from the same seated position directly in front of the TV. Bedrooms and dedicated TV rooms are ideal.
Limitation: You need to remove the TV from the bracket to access the ports on the back.
Installation: Mark the wall, drill fixing holes, secure the wall plate, attach the bracket arms to the TV, and hang the TV on the plate. Straightforward and fast.
2. Tilt brackets
A tilt bracket allows you to angle the screen downward (typically 5–15°) while keeping it fixed horizontally. This is useful when the TV must be mounted higher than eye level.
Best for: Above-fireplace mounting, chimney breast installations, high walls, or rooms where the natural seated eye line is below the centre of the TV.
Advantage over fixed: You can often access the ports on the back of the TV without removing it, by tilting it away from the wall.
3. Swivel (articulating) brackets
Swivel brackets allow the TV to rotate left and right on a horizontal axis. The degree of swivel varies by model — typically 45° to 180° total.
Best for: Corner rooms, open-plan living areas, and anywhere you watch from multiple positions in the room. Very popular in kitchens.
Note: The TV will stick out from the wall more than a fixed bracket, particularly when angled. Factor this in if space is limited.
4. Full motion brackets
Full motion brackets (also called articulating arm brackets) do everything — they extend from the wall on an arm, tilt up and down, and swivel left and right. They offer the maximum possible flexibility.
Best for: Large open-plan rooms, rooms with seating in multiple positions, bedrooms where you want to be able to watch while lying down, and installations where the TV needs to fold flat against the wall when not in use.
Cost: Full motion brackets are the most expensive type and the most complex to install. They require the most secure wall fixings due to the leverage created by the extended arm.
5. Ceiling mount brackets
Ceiling mounts suspend the TV from above on a drop pole. They are primarily used in commercial settings — gyms, restaurants, waiting rooms — where wall space is limited or the TV needs to be visible from a large area.
For residential use: Ceiling mounts are occasionally used in bedrooms for viewing while lying down, or in rooms where no suitable wall exists. They require solid ceiling fixings and are more complex to install safely.
Which bracket is right for you?
As a general guide: if you always watch from the same spot, go fixed. If you need to reduce glare or watch from an angle, go tilt or swivel. If you have an open-plan space or want maximum flexibility, go full motion.
Not sure? When we come to install your TV, we discuss the best bracket for your specific room and situation before drilling anything. Get a free quote here.
FAQ
Which bracket type is best for a chimney breast?+
A tilt bracket is the most practical choice for a chimney breast. It lets you angle the screen downward to compensate for the higher mounting position, and makes cable routing easier in the narrower alcove area beside the breast. See our chimney breast mounting guide for full detail on what is involved.
Can a full motion bracket be fitted to any wall?+
Full motion brackets can be fitted to brick, concrete, and plasterboard walls, but they require particularly solid fixings due to the leverage created by the extended arm. On plasterboard, we mount into studs where possible or use heavy-duty rated hollow-wall fixings to safely handle the extra load placed on the bracket.
Do you supply the bracket, or do I need to buy one?+
Either works — you have three options. (a) If you ask for a bracket when you book, we add the right type and VESA size to your quote and bring it on the day. (b) If you prefer to supply your own, we fit it. (c) We also carry brackets in the van, so if your own bracket turns out to be wrong on the day, or you change your mind, you can buy one from us on the spot. The bracket itself is a separate line on the quote — it is not bundled into the standard mounting fee.
Which bracket type requires the most secure wall fixing?+
Full motion brackets place the most load on wall fixings because the extended arm creates significant leverage when the TV is pulled away from the wall. Fixed and tilt brackets keep the TV close to the wall and distribute load more evenly. This is why we use rated fixings for every full motion installation regardless of wall type.
We advise on the right bracket type for your specific room before each installation — no guesswork. Get your free estimate. See our full TV wall mounting service for everything that is included.