Essential Guidelines for Measuring and Installing Your Living Room TV
Learn practical tips for accurately measuring and installing your living room TV. From diagonal measurement techniques to fitting within space constraints and choosing the right viewing distance, these guidelines help you create an ideal entertainment setup that looks great and offers optimal viewing comfort.

Key Factors to Consider When Measuring and Setting Up Your Living Room TV
Upgrading to a 40- or 43-inch television adds a modern touch to your living space. To ensure the perfect fit within your existing furniture or designated area, accurately measuring the TV size is crucial. Determining the correct dimensions is straightforward—comparable to simple daily tasks like tying shoelaces.
Measurement Technique
Measure diagonally from one corner of the screen to the opposite corner. Remember, the measurement isn’t from the outer bezel edges horizontally, but diagonally across the screen. Avoid mismeasuring the bezel from its outer edge to the frame’s edge.
To fit your TV seamlessly into a tight space, measure the entire dimensions including the frame or bezel. For instance, a 46-inch TV typically measures around 44.5 inches in width and 25 inches in height. Make sure the existing space, like a cabinet or wall opening, can accommodate these dimensions without compromising visual appeal. For a cabinet with a 45-inch height, opting for a 40-inch TV provides extra room for a balanced look.
Aspect Ratio Considerations
The aspect ratio reflects the width-to-height proportion of the display. Older models often have a 4:3 ratio, whereas modern TVs commonly feature a 16:9 widescreen format. Although the diagonal size remains consistent, the screen’s overall area varies. To adapt from a 4:3 to a widescreen display, multiply the diagonal measurement by 1.22. This helps select a screen that maintains the intended viewing experience.
Viewing Distance for Optimal Experience
Once the TV size is selected, determine the ideal seating distance. For a 40-inch TV, optimal distance ranges from 5 to 8 feet. For larger models like 46 inches, the recommended distance extends to 5.75 to 9 feet. Proper spacing enhances picture clarity and reduces eye strain, ensuring a comfortable viewing experience.