White fluted floating TV entertainment unit with wall-mounted television.

How to Install a Floating TV Unit: A Step-by-Step Safety and Wall Mount Guide

Posted by Luxo Living on

Installing a floating TV unit is a fantastic way to elevate your living room, but because it relies on the wall for support, the installation process is the most critical step.

Before you begin, explore our collection of sleek, modern floating TV units that are designed to provide that "intentional" look while maintaining structural integrity.

Minimalist wall-mounted media console showing open shelving illuminated by blue neon lighting.

Before You Start: What You Need to Know 

Check your wall type first 

Not all walls are the same and the wall type determines everything about how you mount your TV unit. Getting this wrong is the most common and most costly mistake. 

  • Brick or concrete walls are the most secure for heavy installations. You will need a hammer drill and masonry anchors rated for the weight of your unit. 
  • Timber stud walls with plasterboard cladding are common in Australian homes. You must locate the timber studs behind the plasterboard and fix into them. Fixing into plasterboard alone will not hold. 
  • Double plasterboard or lightweight walls require specialist hollow wall anchors. Always check the weight rating before proceeding. 

If you are unsure of your wall type, knock on the wall. A solid thud usually indicates masonry. A hollow sound indicates a stud or lightweight wall. When in doubt, consult a licensed tradesperson. 

Know the weight of your unit

Every floating TV unit has a maximum load rating. Check the specifications of your unit before you buy your fixings. Your wall anchors or screws must be rated for at least the combined weight of the unit plus everything you plan to store in or on it. Always build in a safety margin. 

Locate your studs or check for pipes and cables 

Before drilling into any wall, use a stud finder to locate timber framing behind plasterboard. Use a cable and pipe detector to confirm there are no electrical cables, water pipes, or gas lines running through the area you plan to drill. This step is non-negotiable. Hitting a live cable or water pipe is dangerous and expensive. 

What You Will Need 

Gather these tools and materials before you begin: 

  • Floating TV unit and manufacturer's mounting hardware 
  • Stud finder 
  • Cable and pipe detector 
  • Spirit level 
  • Tape measure and pencil 
  • Power drill with appropriate drill bits for your wall type 
  • Hammer drill and masonry bits if drilling into brick or concrete 
  • Wall anchors or screws rated for your wall type and unit weight 
  • Screwdriver 
  • Safety glasses 
  • A second pair of hands for lifting and holding 
Installation infographic showing a technician mounting a modern media console below a television.

Step-by-Step Installation Guide

Step 1: Read the manufacturer's instructions

Every floating TV unit is different. Before you do anything else, read the instructions that came with your unit from start to finish. Note the recommended fixing points, the required hardware, and any specific guidance about wall type or installation method. Following the manufacturer's instructions also protects any warranty on the product. 

Step 2: Decide on your height 

The ideal height for a floating TV unit depends on your seating arrangement and screen size. As a general guide, the centre of your television screen should sit at roughly eye level when you are seated. Work backwards from your TV height to determine where the top of your unit should sit, then mark the wall accordingly. 

A common comfortable height for the top of a floating TV unit is between 100cm and 120cm from the floor, but measure for your own space and seating height. 

Step 3: Mark the wall

Using your tape measure and pencil, mark the position of your mounting bracket or keyhole fixings on the wall. Use a spirit level across all marks to confirm they are perfectly horizontal. A unit installed even slightly off level will be immediately obvious and frustrating to correct after the fact. 

Step 4: Locate studs or select appropriate anchors

Run your stud finder across the marked area to identify stud locations. If studs fall within your fixing points, mark them clearly. If your fixing points fall between studs, select hollow wall anchors rated for the required load. For masonry walls, mark your drill points and select masonry anchors appropriate for the weight. 

Step 5: Drill your holes 

Put on your safety glasses. Using the correct drill bit for your wall type, drill your holes at the marked points. For plasterboard, drill to the depth specified for your anchors. For masonry, drill to the depth recommended for your masonry plugs. 

Keep the drill level and perpendicular to the wall throughout. A hole drilled at an angle will compromise the holding strength of your fixing. 

Step 6: Insert anchors and fix the mounting hardware 

Insert your wall anchors if required, tapping them gently into place with a hammer until flush with the wall surface. Fix your mounting bracket or screws into position according to the manufacturer's instructions. Do not overtighten, as this can damage plasterboard or strip anchors. 

Step 7: Hang and level the unit

With a second person assisting, lift the TV unit and hang it onto the mounting bracket or screws. Check the level again once it is hanging. Most units have minor adjustment available at this stage. Make any corrections before tightening all fixings to their final position. 

Step 8: Test before you load it

Before placing anything on or inside the unit, apply firm downward and outward pressure to confirm it is secure. If there is any movement, stop and investigate before proceeding. A unit that moves when empty will not be safe when loaded. 

Once confirmed secure, load your unit gradually and check again. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Fixing into plasterboard alone without locating studs or using rated anchors 
  • Skipping the cable and pipe check before drilling 
  • Using fixings not rated for the weight of the unit 
  • Installing without a spirit level and ending up with a crooked unit 
  • Attempting the installation alone without a second person to assist with lifting 
  • Ignoring the manufacturer's instructions in favour of guesswork 
Trade professional using a rotary hammer drill to mount a white TV console.

When to Call a Professional

If you are not confident working with power tools, if your wall type is unclear, if the unit is particularly heavy, or if your home is a rental where you need to be certain of the outcome, call a licensed handyperson or carpenter. The cost of a professional installation is modest compared to the cost of repairing a wall or replacing a damaged unit. 

Find Your Perfect Floating TV Unit

A well-chosen floating TV unit anchors your living room and gives your space a clean, considered finish. Browse the Luxo Living range to find the right size, style, and finish for your home: 

Important safety note: This guide is intended as general information only. Always follow the specific instructions provided with your product. If you are unsure about your wall type, the location of cables or pipes, or the suitability of your fixings, consult a licensed tradesperson before proceeding. Luxo Living accepts no liability for installations carried out without appropriate care, tools, or professional advice where required. 

Luxo Living is Australian-owned and delivers nationwide. Visit Luxo Living to find furniture built for real Australian homes.