You may think it really doesn't matter where you place your television as long as you have a good view and feel comfortable. While those are the preferred end results when you set your television on a stand, in the corner, or straight ahead, the problem is, unless you do a fair amount of binge-watching TV, you may not feel the effects of a badly positioned TV. Yet, the accumulated strain on your back, neck, eyes, lungs, and brain may eventually contribute to bad posture and other health issues.
The Best Environment for TV
Lung capacity is reduced by one-third when sitting due to the C-shape of a curved spine. Your heart declines in this resting position, but depending on the television show, both breathing and heart rate can accelerate. Other physical effects of television-watching include dry eyes, headaches, insomnia (due to blue light), and a variety of aching or cramped muscles. To reduce these symptoms, try modifying your TV environment:
- Position screen away from overhead lights or direct sunlight to eliminate glare.
- Avoid putting your TV at a severe viewing angle — preferably center and straight to main viewing area.
- Consider neighbors and sound direction — use a Bluetooth or wired speaker for lower volume.
Prime Location for Your Television
Technically, it's not the size of your television set, but it's the location/position that makes for the best viewing. You've probably seen a large-screen TV mounted high on a wall in a small room. This is an unnatural position to watch television and may contribute to the above physical strains. Instead, consider these two variables when placing a TV — distance, and height:
- Distance — While opinions vary among experts, the most widely accepted rule for optimal distance when watching television is attained by applying this formula:
television size (diagonal measurement) divided by seven = number of feet away for best viewing
- Height — You may be surprised to know that the height of a television should be centered at eye level. So, if you consider a regular couch will sit about 16–20" off the floor, and an adult's eye level is about 2 feet above that height — you get that the optimum sight line for a television is centered at about 3.5 feet above the floor.
When you make your environment conducive to watching television and position your seating and your TV at the optimum distance and height, you will have a much more enjoyable viewing experience. Visit The Residences at Springfield Stations apartments in Springfield, VA, to schedule a viewing of our spacious apartments that are perfect for binge-watching your favorite television shows in comfort.