Can I put a TV in my window so I can watch while I watch?
November 18, 2013 9:35 AM Subscribe
What are the downsides, or dangers to my TV, of putting my TV in a bay window?
To maximize the usable space in my living room, I want to move my TV stand in front of my west-facing bay window. Right now it is on the other side of the room, facing the window.
There is a covered porch outside which blocks most of the direct sun from hitting the TV; in the summer the low, setting sun will stream in through this window.
Before I go through the hassle of trying to move the couch and get everything re-organized, are there problems I am going to have with viewing? Is my TV in danger?
The TV will block the window a bit, but since our couch is currently in front of the window we just leave the blinds shut must of the time since it's extra work to climb back and forth over the couch to use them. We will probably leave them open more with the TV there.
To maximize the usable space in my living room, I want to move my TV stand in front of my west-facing bay window. Right now it is on the other side of the room, facing the window.
There is a covered porch outside which blocks most of the direct sun from hitting the TV; in the summer the low, setting sun will stream in through this window.
Before I go through the hassle of trying to move the couch and get everything re-organized, are there problems I am going to have with viewing? Is my TV in danger?
The TV will block the window a bit, but since our couch is currently in front of the window we just leave the blinds shut must of the time since it's extra work to climb back and forth over the couch to use them. We will probably leave them open more with the TV there.
How visible would the TV be from the street? Is it going to become an easy target for thieves?
posted by corey flood at 10:14 AM on November 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
posted by corey flood at 10:14 AM on November 18, 2013 [1 favorite]
Seconding Etrigan; the main downside of this is that it's super annoying to be looking directly into sunlight to try to watch TV. If your main TV-watching hours are during the early daytime or at night, then this shouldn't be an issue, but if there are shows you regularly watch during setting-sun hours, it could get annoying fast. If it doesn't bother you to have the blinds shut all day (sounds like it doesn't), then I don't see any big problems with this. I'm in a 2nd floor apartment and we currently have our TV against a north-facing window with no blinds. Since I'm more of a night owl, it doesn't bug me at all.
posted by augustimagination at 10:34 AM on November 18, 2013
posted by augustimagination at 10:34 AM on November 18, 2013
If your summers are hot, an insulating curtain would be a good idea in the interest of protecting the TV. Several friends have setups like this and it works just fine.
posted by Sullenbode at 11:23 AM on November 18, 2013
posted by Sullenbode at 11:23 AM on November 18, 2013
We put a TV under a kitchen counter that faces a sitting area — one of those breakfast bars with stools that nobody ever sits on. We got rid of the stools and put the TV there, raised about 6 inches off the floor on a little platform I built, and fitting just underneath the counter overhang. This turned out to be a very comfortable viewing height from 10 feet away — much better than a standard TV stand that's 24 or 30 inches high. So my point is: (a) you might have a spot like that, or (b) if you want to go with the bay window location, consider putting it essentially on the floor in front of the window. You'll find looking slightly down at your TV, rather than slightly up, feels much better. I always have to wonder about people who have their TVs above the fireplace or in other high spots.
posted by beagle at 1:08 PM on November 18, 2013
posted by beagle at 1:08 PM on November 18, 2013
Different options:
There are some entertainment centers that can raise and lower a TV into a hidden compartment. Would that work? [Example 1],[Example 2] Spendy but nice.
What about using a VESA mount and have it mounted on the ceiling or on the wall where it can flip out of the way or expand into view [Example 3] from its flush storage position against a wall?
posted by Leenie at 4:51 PM on November 18, 2013
There are some entertainment centers that can raise and lower a TV into a hidden compartment. Would that work? [Example 1],[Example 2] Spendy but nice.
What about using a VESA mount and have it mounted on the ceiling or on the wall where it can flip out of the way or expand into view [Example 3] from its flush storage position against a wall?
posted by Leenie at 4:51 PM on November 18, 2013
Agree with Etrigan, make sure that you have good, opaque curtains or blinds in the windows. When it's bright outside, the TV will be "backlit" by the outdoor light. Picture being out on a sunny day, and looking at a person when that person is directly between you and the sun. The sun is so bright, the person appears dark and it's hard to make out their features. You'll be in the same scenario with your TV.
Our TV is in the bay window, and while there are good venetian blinds in the windows, there are small gaps at the edges. When it's really bright outside, even these little gaps make me squint, which makes the TV appear to be darker.
While the heat may not be an issue, many plastics discolor visibly in direct sunlight from UV exposure. Lighter-colored plastics, even grays, tend to yellow noticeably.
posted by xedrik at 8:40 PM on November 18, 2013
Our TV is in the bay window, and while there are good venetian blinds in the windows, there are small gaps at the edges. When it's really bright outside, even these little gaps make me squint, which makes the TV appear to be darker.
While the heat may not be an issue, many plastics discolor visibly in direct sunlight from UV exposure. Lighter-colored plastics, even grays, tend to yellow noticeably.
posted by xedrik at 8:40 PM on November 18, 2013
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Temperature issues may also be a problem; better ventilation may ameliorate that, but check whether the back of the TV is warmer after the move.
posted by Etrigan at 9:40 AM on November 18, 2013 [3 favorites]