12 Useful Tips in Placing TV In Front Of Window

12 Useful Tips In Placing TV In Front Of Window

A TV is commonly placed in a room where people can sit and even chat comfortably. Undeniably, it is also a type of electronic device that boosts the entertainment value in every house. That is why its existence can be important.

When you do not have any other place in the house to place the TV but in front of the window, you may wonder whether it is possible to do it. The sun’s glare and the heat from outside might be the main things that you concern more in this case.

In this article, you will find out not only the information about whether you can place the TV with a position in front of the window. Here, you will also find the 12 useful tips to follow when there is no other place available to place the electronic.

Can You Put a TV in front of a Window?

a large traditional sunroom with a large TV in front of the window
a large traditional sunroom with a large TV in front of the window. image © novascotia.archadeck.com

If there is another better location to place the TV, it is sure that you will choose that instead of the area that is right in front of the window. Although sometimes the thing is just unavoidable, which means that there is no other option available.

Another possibility may occur when you want to add a TV in a room with lots of windows. A case example is in a sunroom.

We can say that it is still possible for you to choose the location in front of the window. Although so, you must never forget that this position may lead to some potential problems.

The most common problem is the glare from the natural light outside the house. It is the one that often causes discomfort in watching the TV.

Another problem is the heat from the sun. It possibly leads to overheating on the back of the TV that can cause damages to the device.

The decision to place your TV right in front of the window must be followed by an awareness that some things must be done to eliminate or reduce the possibilities for the problems to occur. You can follow the tips that we share below to make everything easier.

Think Carefully About The Direction Where the Natural Light Comes From

The direction of where the natural light comes from is an important aspect here. The basic theory is to avoid any position in front of the window because the sunlight will pass through it unavoidably, except something is blocking the light from outside the house.

However, suppose it is the only place available. In that case, you must consider the window position that receives less natural light and the one that is not on the opposite location from the window that receives more light from outside. Doing so can help in reducing glare and heat.

a TV placed in front of windows facing the right shaded direction
a TV placed in front of windows facing the right shaded direction. image © ome.co.il

As an example, you can take a look at this traditional sunroom. The TV placement here is just fine, even if it is right in front of a wall-size glass.

The reason is none other but because the window itself faces the right shaded area in the yard. Thanks to the green trees and bushes outside that reduce the glare at the same time.

the TV is perfectly shaded even if placed in front of the window in this traditional sunroom
the TV is perfectly shaded even if placed in front of the window in this traditional sunroom. image © lucianhoodarchitect.com

The TV placement in this sunroom is another good example. As you can see, although the outside is sunny, the TV is still properly shaded, so there is not even much glare on the screen.

Please Make Sure There One or Two Outlets Nearby

a large TV with complete entertainment equipment in front of the window
a large TV with complete entertainment equipment in front of the window. image © tweakyourspace.com

Another important thing to make sure of before choosing the TV placement in front of the window is the outlets’ existence. It is so simple that people often forget about it at the beginning. Although so, it is a crucial one.

If you are the type of person who loves complete entertainment equipment, you must make sure that there is more than just one outlet nearby. This way, you can get all the electronics ready, so you can use them easily whenever you want to.

If there is no outlet nearby, it seems that you must consider another location to place the TV. If the spot in front of the window is the only possible one, it seems you must use an extension cord to deal with the problem. If you choose the second option, please secure the cable so that the place is safe for everyone, especially kids and pets.

Frost Roll-Up Blind to Reduce The Window Glare

frost roll-up blinds added in front of the window for a more comfortable watch time
frost roll-up blinds added in front of the window for a more comfortable watch time. image © kababiearquitectos.com

If you want a more practical problem solving, you can install a frost roll-up blind to cover the windows. These accessories can reduce the amount of glare that will result in a more comfortable TV time.

The best thing about the roll-up blinds is that they still allow a subtle amount of light to enter the interior. It will be the best option for you who do not like to watch TV in the dark because it will make your eyes strain or even cause a headache.

Please take a look at the picture of a modern apartment above as an example. The glass windows are covered with roll-up frost blinds while a small TV is placed right in front of it.

Bamboo or Woven Blinds as More Natural Options

Asian-inspired family room with natural-looking roman blinds covering the windows with a TV in front of them
Asian-inspired family room with natural-looking roman blinds covering the windows with a TV in front of them. image © taliankodesigngroup.com

If you prefer an option that looks more natural, you can choose bamboo or woven blinds or shades instead. You can see an example of this in this Asian-inspired family room.

As shown in the picture, the two windows behind the TV are completed with natural roman blinds that help block the light from outside to reduce glare. If we look closely, it seems that the material is bamboo or something like the reed.

Another item that catches our attention in this design is the corner TV stand. A piece of furniture like this helps create chances for you not to place the TV right in front of the windows. Besides, it provides storage space to store items like entertainment equipment under the TV.

a transitional sunroom with roll-up woven blinds to reduce glare and heat for better TV-viewing
a transitional sunroom with roll-up woven blinds to reduce glare and heat for better TV-viewing. image © maryrossidesigns.com

This sunroom design has another example that is good for you to look at. Every window here is adorned with a roll-up woven blind.

This accessory does not only look natural. It also provides the shade needed for less glare when watching the TV.

If you have a similar design, you can roll down the shade behind the TV during hot days. This simple action can prevent the light to heat the back of the device and cause overheating that may lead to damages.

Naturally Shaded Environment Is The Best for Placing a TV in Front of Your Windows

a sunroom with bed, complete with a TV placed right in front of the window
a sunroom with bed, complete with a TV placed right in front of the window. image © marredesign.com

The naturally shaded environment outside the room where you want to place the TV is why you should not think twice about putting the device right in front of a window. We said so because the shade will help you deal with common problems like glare and heat.

For example, you can take a look at this sunroom that looks more like a gorgeous bedroom with a TV. This place is quite small, and the glass windows are everywhere. When a TV is added here, there is no other option but to place it in front of the window.

Thankfully, the environment outside the room is naturally shaded by trees. They create a stunning exterior view and provide shade for a more comfortable TV time.

Adding Window Tint to Reduce the Glare

window tint is added to the ceiling window to reduce the sun glare
window tint is added to the ceiling window to reduce the sun glare. image © livingbylaura.com

When there is no other place for you to place the TV and the only possible location is in front of the window, we have another practical solution that you can try. It is none other but adding a tint to the window. Choosing a darker tint to the glass can effectively reduce the glare.

Although the name of the action is tinting, it does not mean that you will use a special coloring substance here. The item that you will use to make the glass of the window darker here is called film.

If you are experienced, you can tint the windows on your own. However, if you are not, you can always hire a professional to make everything perfect.

Placing the TV Inside a Custom Entertainment Center Instead of Letting It Stands Alone

a TV placed inside a custom white entertainment center with bookshelf feature
a TV placed inside a custom white entertainment center with bookshelf feature. image © katiemartinezdesign.com

Placing your TV inside a custom entertainment center is another thing you should consider. It can help you deal with the heat and glare related to the device’s placement in front of the window.

However, you must know that this idea is better only when the window is higher, not the one with wall size.

The picture of a family room above has an example. As you can see, the window here is higher. It leaves an empty vertical space that makes it possible to place a custom entertainment center there.

The thing that we love here is the fact that the shelf secures the TV perfectly. It gives the shade needed to deal with the glaring light from the window.

The furniture even has space for storing some entertainment equipment under the TV. It even has bookshelves that can add another fun to the area.

Choose Special TV Lift Instead of Regular Stand

When dealing with the TV location in front of the window, sometimes you need to make a smarter decision to make everything better. It is not always about the glare and heat but can also be about making the window still functional.

when lifted-up, it looks like a regular TV placed on the window sill
when lifted-up, it looks like a regular TV placed on the window sill. image © timbowdin.com

Please take a look at this picture to know what we meant. At a glance, it looks like a standard small living room with a TV standing on the window seal.

A position like this seems risky because it looks like the device can fall at any time. Besides, it covers half of the window, so the room receives less natural light.

the TV is lifted-down when not in use
the TV is lifted-down when not in use. image © timbowdin.com

The thing that you do not know is that the place where the TV stands is not a window sill. Instead, it is a custom cabinet complete with a special mechanism called a TV lift.

With it, you can store the TV inside the thin cabinet when not in use. This way, the window can still serve its function to provide natural light to the interior.

Use Mount When It Is Not Possible to Use TV Stand

the TV is mounted on the ceiling in front of the window
the TV is mounted on the ceiling in front of the window. image © sleepingdogproperties.com

When it is impossible to add a stand to place the TV in front of the window, you can always use a mount as a solution. If no wall space is available because of the positioning, the ceiling mount is still an excellent alternative to pick.

An example case exists in the picture of a beach-style sunroom above. As you can see, the ceiling-mounted position is the only possible option here. However, it does not seem to create discomfort in watching the TV.

The fact that the TV is mounted facing the house is great here. It does not create any glaring effect on the screen. For a more relaxing TV time, blinds can be added to cover the windows here.

Build a Higher Fence Can Help

a higher wall outside the house as a really helpful element for a comfortable TV-viewing
a higher wall outside the house as a really helpful element for a comfortable TV-viewing. image © pr-design.co.uk

If possible, you can get inspired by the design shown in the picture above. It is to build a higher fence or wall across the window.

This exterior element does not only reduce the glare and avoid overheating on the back of the TV but also inside the room. It also provides extra privacy to the room with lots of glass windows like this.

The design above is even more interesting. The homeowner also provides a table and bench set in the empty area between the house and the high fence. A place like this can be an alternative eating spot where you can enjoy your meals while enjoying the weather.

Higher Windows Will Not be a Problem

a TV mounted on the wall in front of windows in a higher position
a TV mounted on the wall in front of windows in a higher position. image © hh-architects.com

When the windows are located in a higher position, you should not be worried about placing a TV in front of it. Please take a look at how the TV is mounted on the wall in front of the windows in the picture of a contemporary family room above.

As you can see, no glare-related problems seem to occur here. The room is quite bright, but it looks like we can still enjoy watching TV comfortably here.

Although glare is not a problem, you must know that there is still a possible problem that may occur, especially when the windows face west or east. It is none other but the possibility for the TV to get overheated because its back is attached to the wall.

We will present you with a solution to such a problem in the next subheading.

Provide Fan or Air Conditioner to Avoid Overheating

ceiling fans provided to cool down the room as well as the TV in front of the windows
ceiling fans provided to cool down the room as well as the TV in front of the windows. image © suntrol.com

Previously, we already mentioned overheating. It is a problem that often occurs too when you decide to locate your television right in front of the window.

If you are worrying about the same thing or, even worse, you are facing it right now; there is no need to worry. We have a trick that can help you deal with that.

It is by providing a fan or even better air conditioner in the room. Both of these devices can help reduce the heat that passes through the walls from outside.

If being asked about the number of fans or AC, it depends on the room’s size, of course. The bigger the room will commonly need more cooling devices in there.

Especially for the room design, you see the glass window here comes with special optically clear film in the picture. As we told you earlier, something like this is effective in reducing the glare on the TV.

Closing

Those are the 12 tips we can share with you about the placement of a TV in front of windows. No matter where you live, each of all the tricks listed above is possible to do.

The sure thing is that when you follow one or even more of them, you will find the comfort you need in using TV as one of the entertainments you can find right at home. Even if the only place possible to locate the device is in front of the window, you do not have to worry about anything anymore.

What do you think? Do you have other tips to share here?