Once you've chosen your perfect 65 inch TV, the next decision is how to display it. Wall mounting creates a sleek, modern aesthetic that makes your TV the centrepiece of the room. A TV stand or entertainment unit offers flexibility and storage. Both options have distinct advantages and considerations that depend on your room layout, rental situation, and personal preferences.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to make the right choice for your home.
Wall Mounting: The Modern Choice
Wall mounting has become increasingly popular as TVs have grown larger and thinner. A 65 inch TV mounted on the wall creates a cinema-like feel and frees up floor space that would otherwise be occupied by furniture.
Advantages of Wall Mounting
- Clean aesthetic: No bulky furniture beneath the TV creates a minimalist, modern look
- Space saving: Frees up floor space in smaller rooms
- Optimal positioning: Mount at exactly the right height for your seating
- Child and pet safety: TV is secure and out of reach of curious hands and paws
- Reduced clutter: Cables can be hidden in-wall or behind conduit
- Flexible placement: Mount over a fireplace, in a corner, or on a feature wall
Disadvantages of Wall Mounting
- Installation complexity: Requires tools, wall knowledge, and sometimes professional help
- Wall damage: Creates holes that need repair if you move the TV
- Rental restrictions: Many landlords prohibit or limit wall mounting
- Cable management: Hiding cables requires in-wall routing or surface conduit
- Repositioning difficulty: Moving the TV means new holes and patching old ones
- No storage: You'll need separate furniture for devices, gaming consoles, etc.
A 65 inch TV weighs 20-30kg, and the mount adds more weight. Wall mounting must be done into studs (wooden frames within the wall) or using appropriate anchors for plasterboard. Mounting into plasterboard alone risks the TV falling. If unsure, consult a professional.
TV Stand: The Flexible Option
TV stands and entertainment units remain the most common way to display televisions. They offer practical storage, easy setup, and flexibility that wall mounting can't match.
Advantages of TV Stands
- Easy setup: No tools or wall work required—just place and plug in
- Built-in storage: Shelves and cabinets for consoles, players, and accessories
- Rental-friendly: No wall damage, easy to take when you move
- Easy access: Simple to reach cables and connect new devices
- Repositioning: Move the TV to a different spot or room without hassle
- Cable management: Many units include cable routing built into the design
Disadvantages of TV Stands
- Floor space: Takes up valuable room, especially in smaller spaces
- Height limitations: May position TV lower or higher than optimal
- Less sleek: Furniture beneath the TV can look cluttered
- Tip risk: Freestanding TVs can be pulled over by children climbing
- Dust collection: Horizontal surfaces gather dust around and behind the TV
If you rent, move frequently, or value flexibility, a TV stand is usually the better choice. If you own your home and want a clean, permanent installation, wall mounting delivers a more refined result.
Wall Mount Types
If you decide to wall mount, there are several mount types to consider:
Fixed Mounts
The simplest and most affordable option, fixed mounts hold the TV flat against the wall with no movement. They're low-profile and secure, ideal when you have a single, optimal viewing position.
Tilting Mounts
Allow the TV to tilt downward, useful when mounting higher than eye level (such as above a fireplace). The tilt helps reduce glare and improve viewing angles from below.
Full-Motion (Articulating) Mounts
Extend from the wall and swivel left, right, up, and down. Perfect for corner mounting or rooms where you want to view the TV from multiple seating areas. More expensive and complex to install.
Motorised Mounts
Premium options that adjust position via remote control. Some can lift TVs from cabinets or lower them from ceilings. Expensive but offer the ultimate in flexibility.
Choosing a TV Stand
When selecting a TV stand for a 65 inch TV, consider:
- Width: The stand should be at least as wide as your TV (approximately 144cm for 65 inches)
- Weight capacity: Ensure the stand supports your TV's weight (typically 20-30kg)
- Height: The stand plus TV should position the screen centre near eye level when seated
- Storage needs: Count your devices—soundbar, gaming consoles, streaming devices, Blu-ray player
- Cable management: Look for built-in cable routing or open backs for easy access
- Style: Match your room's aesthetic—modern minimalist, traditional wood, industrial metal
Installation Considerations
Wall Mounting DIY vs Professional
Wall mounting a 65 inch TV is achievable for confident DIYers, but hiring a professional has benefits:
- DIY: Saves money if you have the tools and knowledge; expect 1-2 hours
- Professional: Guarantees secure installation, often includes cable concealment, takes liability if something goes wrong
If you're mounting into a brick wall, above a fireplace, or are uncertain about your wall structure, professional installation is recommended.
Cable Management
Visible cables detract from a wall-mounted TV's clean look. Options include:
- In-wall cable routing: Most professional; requires cutting drywall and running cables behind it
- Surface raceways: Plastic channels that attach to the wall and can be painted to match
- Cord covers: Fabric or plastic sleeves that bundle cables together
If running power cables in-wall, Australian electrical codes require this to be done by a licensed electrician using specific cable types. Never run standard power cords inside walls—it's a fire hazard and code violation.
Hybrid Solutions
You don't have to choose exclusively. Some popular hybrid approaches:
- Low entertainment unit with wall-mounted TV: Storage for devices with clean wall mounting above
- Floating shelves: Wall-mounted shelving below the TV for devices and decoration
- TV cabinet with internal mount: Furniture designed to hold the TV securely while looking like traditional furniture
Conclusion
The choice between wall mounting and a TV stand ultimately depends on your living situation, room layout, and aesthetic preferences. Wall mounting delivers a cleaner, more cinematic look but requires permanent wall modifications. TV stands offer flexibility and storage at the cost of floor space.
For renters and those who prioritise flexibility, a quality TV stand is the practical choice. For homeowners seeking a permanent, polished installation, wall mounting creates a stunning focal point. Either way, ensure your 65 inch TV is positioned at the right height and viewing distance for comfortable, enjoyable viewing.