Here are some tips for decorating with televisions without compromising your decor integrity.
Find a Power Source
Locate the closest power source to where you want to put your TV. Make sure there’s enough of a power supply to handle any extras like Blu-ray players and sound systems. Also, consider where the windows are and how much glare you’ll get on the screen.
Spacing
First of all, it’s always best to put the television at eye level. This is best so that when you are seated, you’re not straining your neck or eyes by looking up or down to see the screen. Usually, about 4 feet off the ground is good. Then multiply the diagonal width of the screen by three to determine the best viewing distance. (You can’t always do this, but it’s a good place to start.)
Choose a Focal Point
If your TV is your focal point, then place it in the center of the seating area. If you have another focal point such as a mantel or a beautiful window, then think about placing it on the wall adjacent to the focal point so it can still be viewed comfortably.
Hide It
If you don’t want your television to be a focal point, or you want to be able to conceal it at a moment’s notice, consider putting it in a cabinet or armoire with doors that can close. Make sure there are holes in the back (or drill some yourself) for all of the cords to go through. Also, be sure that the cabinet is easy to open and close if you have kids that will be using it.
Integrate It
Incorporate your television into your décor by placing it on a unit such as a bookcase and surround it with books, objects, and photographs. To integrate it, even more, surround it with a gallery wall of photography or art in black frames.
Flip It
If you want to have a small television in an area such as the kitchen, purchase one that can be mounted under cupboards and flipped up or down as you need it. These can also work in dens or home offices.
The Mantel: Yea or Nay?
Most decorators will say you should never put your television on or above the mantel. Not only is it too high, but you’re putting a big, black screen smack dab in the middle of the room’s best focal point. That said, it’s a trend right now, and there are a lot of people out there who seem to like it. If you choose to put your TV above the mantel, then get a flatscreen and mount it to the wall rather than having it on a stand directly on the mantel
10 Essential Tips To Maintain Your TV Set
Maintaining your TV will save you the cost of repairing and replacing new parts and most importantly, will extend the life of your flat screen. Many times, one forgets to do the simplest of things, like turning off the TV before sleeping.
Sometimes, the voltage in your power supply is unchecked and this gives rise to spikes in electricity, further degrading the internal circuits. The biggest enemy of any electronic equipment is dust, which creates a short circuit and potentially damages the screen beyond repair.
Below are 10 essential tips to maintain your TV set.
Turn off your TV regularly
The lifecycle of a television set is about sixty-five thousand hours. However, if you are doing something else while using your TV in the background or even if you sleep while watching something, this gradually tends to become a habit. Its lifespan will consequently decrease. And maybe after two years or so, it might need repair. You can simply avoid it by making a habit of switching off your TV when you do not really need it.
Use a voltage regulator or a surge protector
You must also be wary of severe voltage spikes. This damages your electronic items to a great extent. Voltage spikes generally happen whenever there are power cuts and when the power gets back all of a sudden. Voltage fluctuations may also happen even when there is a continuous power supply or during thunderstorms and lightning.
A voltage regulator will take care of not only your television set but also other electronic equipment like your air conditioner, refrigerator, washing machine, and your microwave. You can also get a surge protector, which is quite economical.
Optimal brightness
Adjusting the brightness settings to the maximum level at all times can also reduce the lifespan of your TV. It is not advisable if you want your flat screen to function for long. Too much brightness causes eye strain, so it is better to keep the brightness at an optimal level.
Appropriate use of contrast
Using high contrast levels decreases the lifespan of your flat screen. The picture quality is bound to decrease in a few years as more processing power is used at high contrast levels. So, it is advisable to vary the contrast rates from time to time.
TVs also need to breathe
Your flat screen LCD television set requires a decent space for ventilation. Generally, it generates a lot of heat due to the amount of electricity used. Therefore, it is best to use your TV in an open space without humidity so that it cools by itself when you turn off your television. And even when you are using it, the internal circuit would not heat as much, thereby increasing the lifespan.
Keep the sharp objects away
Sharp objects can easily destroy your screen and can create a permanent damage sometimes since LCD screens are much thinner. Thus, keep such objects away as much as you can.
Clean your TV from time to time
It is recommended that you get good quality products that are meant for cleaning your TV sets. Sometimes, dust accumulates on the screen, affecting visibility. Never use water to clean the screen. Anti-static electricity cleansers are a must-have and are safe.
Keep dust away
As mentioned earlier, dust is detrimental to your TV’s health. And it can not only settle on your screen but also in the insides of your flat-screen set. It can cause your TV to respond slowly. You can use electronic vacuum pumps that are meant for household electronic items.
Burn-in prevention
You can refrain from using your television for long periods of time as the images that stay for a longer time than the others, will start having burn-ins.
Avoid low temperatures
Cold temperature creates condensation and it can seep into other vital parts inside your TV. Thus, it is recommended not to turn on your television set in freezing temperatures.
