Mounting a TV in a NYC Apartment: What You Need to Know

Mounting a TV in your NYC apartment seems simple — until you run into weird walls, strict landlords, or cable-hiding headaches. Whether you're in a brownstone, a studio, or NYCHA housing, here's everything you need to know before drilling that first hole.

📺 What Mount Should You Use?

Choosing the right TV mount depends on your wall, room layout, and how you watch TV.

Mount Types:

Fixed Mount – Best for eye-level installs where viewing angle won’t change.
Tilt Mount – Slight downward angle, ideal for TVs mounted higher on walls.
Full-Motion/Swivel Mount – Can rotate and extend. Great for open spaces or corner installs — but not recommended for extra-large TVs.

⚠️ If your TV is over 70" — skip the swivel mount for safety and stability reasons.

🧱 What Kind of Wall Do You Have?

Before buying a mount, you need to know what kind of wall you’re working with — because not all walls are created equal.

Drywall over wood/metal studs is the easiest to work with. You can drill into it cleanly, it’s great for securely mounting most TVs, and it’s the only wall type where in-wall cable hiding is recommended. You’ll find this in most newer apartments and renovations.

Plaster walls are trickier. They’re more fragile than drywall and can crack easily if you’re not careful. In-wall cable concealment isn’t recommended. If you're mounting into plaster, pre-drill carefully and avoid over-tightening screws.

Brick walls are tough — but that’s a good thing if you have the right tools. You’ll need masonry anchors and a hammer drill. Cable concealment inside the wall is a no-go here, but you can still run external raceways or conduits for a clean look.

Concrete walls are very strong and extremely durable. Just like with brick, you’ll need a hammer drill and proper anchors. In-wall hiding is off the table, but surface-mounted solutions work well.

If you're unsure what wall type you have, try tapping it: hollow knocks usually mean drywall; solid, dense thuds often mean plaster, brick, or concrete. When in doubt, take a test drill or contact a pro.

📏 How High Should You Mount the TV?

The center of your screen should sit about 42–48 inches from the floor, depending on couch height.

Quick Guide:

Eye-level when seated = best comfort
Over fireplaces or high dressers? Use a tilt mount and keep neck strain in mind
Bedrooms: Slightly higher is okay — you’ll likely be reclined

🏢 Special Rules for NYCHA Housing

If you live in a NYCHA apartment, there are specific size and safety restrictions:

❌ No TVs over 75” may be wall-mounted
✅ Only fixed mounts are allowed (flush to the wall)
❌ No swivel or articulating arms
🚫 Do not drill near electrical conduits or sprinkler lines

When in doubt, get written permission from your housing manager.

🧾 Does Your Building Require a COI?

If you live in a doorman or high-rise building, they may ask your installer to provide a Certificate of Insurance (COI).
At NYC TV GUY, we’re fully insured and can send one before your appointment — no stress.

💡 Other Pro Tips

⚒️ Don’t mount over a radiator or heat source
📐 Always check TV weight + mount rating and VESA pattern
🔎 Use blue painter's tape to preview mount height before drilling

🛠️ Want It Done Right?

We mount TVs all over NYC — including in plaster, brick, and concrete walls. We’ll help you pick the right mount, hide the wires (if possible), and keep everything code-compliant.

➡️ Book Your Install Now
Or text us at (646) 912‑5050 if you have a quick question.