A TV in the kitchen lets you catch up on the news over breakfast, follow recipes while cooking, or simply have something on in the background during everyday chores. A screen has become a familiar feature in this space, but placing it properly raises a few questions: how do you protect the TV from moisture and grease, where do the cables go, and how can you find a suitable spot without cluttering the countertop?
Checklist: What to Consider Before Installing a TV in the Kitchen
The main priority when placing a TV in the kitchen is safety. The screen should not be too close to the sink, stove, kettle, or any other source of moisture or heat. It should also not obstruct walkways, stop cabinet doors from opening properly, or get in the way of the work area. The mount or stand must also be suitable for your particular TV.
Check the Compatibility of the TV Mount
Before buying a TV mount, check that it is compatible with your TV in terms of screen size, weight, and VESA pattern. The TV must not exceed the mount’s maximum load, and the mounting holes on the back of the TV must match the VESA range supported by the selected model.
This is especially important in the kitchen, where screens are often placed above eye level, in a corner, or close to furniture.
Choose a Comfortable Screen Height
The right installation height depends on where you usually watch TV from: the dining table, cooking area, breakfast bar, or living area. Ideally, the screen should be roughly at eye level when viewed, or slightly higher, but not so high that you have to tilt your head back uncomfortably.
Plan Cable Management in Advance
The main challenge is often not only choosing where to mount the TV, but also dealing with the cables. Wires can get in the way on the worktop, become tangled behind appliances and make the interior look visually cluttered.
To keep the TV area in the kitchen looking tidy, it is worth planning the mounting method, installation height, and cable management in advance.
Choose a TV mount with cable management: a number of ONKRON mounts and stands include solutions for keeping cables organized, such as cable channels and clips for securing wires. A cable channel helps hide wires, protect them from damage, and give the TV area a neater appearance.
Check the Location of the Power Outlet
Ideally, the outlet should be close to the TV installation point or behind the screen. This avoids having to run the power cable across the wall.
If the outlet is far away, it is better not to leave the cable exposed. You can hide it in a cable channel, route it behind furniture, or ask a specialist to install a new power point in a more suitable location.
Find a Place for Adapters and TV Boxes
If you connect a TV box, media player or aerial to the TV, decide in advance where these devices will go. Small devices can be placed behind the screen, on a shelf or in a furniture niche. The key is to keep them accessible and avoid blocking the TV’s ventilation.
Choose the Right Installation Spot
Once you have considered safety, screen height, outlet location, and cable routing, it becomes easier to choose the exact spot for the TV. This could be a free section of wall opposite the dining area, a space near TV furniture, or a position in an open-plan kitchen-living room where the screen can be seen from several areas.
Leave Space for Ventilation
Do not install the TV tightly inside a niche or between cabinets unless there is enough clearance around the body for ventilation.
Always follow the instructions for your specific TV model: ventilation openings must not be blocked by furniture, décor, set-top boxes or cables. In the kitchen, this is especially important because of steam, grease, and temperature changes.
Below, we look at several ways to position a TV in the kitchen and explain which ONKRON TV mounts can help you install the screen safely and keep visible cables to a minimum.
Ways to Install a TV in the Kitchen
Option 1: Wall-mounted TV Bracket
One of the most convenient ways to install a TV in the kitchen is to mount it on the wall opposite the dining table. For a small kitchen, another option is to place a compact TV above the doorway. This does not work in every layout: the screen will be above eye level, so it is worth checking in advance whether it will be comfortable to watch and whether it puts strain on your neck.
A wall-mounted TV is a good option if:
- there is a free section of wall in the kitchen;
- the TV is mainly used while eating or as background entertainment;
- you want to free up the countertop and furniture surfaces;
- you do not want cables lying across the work area.
For this type of installation, a fixed or tilting TV wall mount is a good choice. A fixed TV mount allows the screen to sit close to the wall and keeps it securely in the required position. A tilting mount lets you adjust the screen angle for more comfortable viewing. If the TV is positioned above eye level, tilt adjustment is especially useful: the screen can be angled downward so you do not have to tilt your head back.
Important: before installing any wall mount, assess the wall material. Concrete, brick, aerated concrete, drywall, and tile all require different fasteners. For a heavy TV and a full-motion mount, wall strength is especially important because the load on the mount increases when the screen is extended. If you are unsure whether the wall is suitable for installation, it is better to have the work carried out by a professional.
Read more about choosing a television mount in our article.
Option 2: Full-Motion TV Mount for Viewing from Different Areas
In the kitchen, there may be several viewing points: the dining table, cooking area, breakfast bar, or a sofa in an open-plan kitchen-living room. In this case, a full-motion TV wall mount is the best solution.
How it works: the TV is mounted on the wall, but when needed, it can be pulled out, turned, or tilted. This is convenient when you want to swivel the screen toward the dining table or the cooking area.
Benefits of this solution:
- one TV can be watched from different parts of the home;
- the screen does not take up useful surface space;
- cables can be kept neat with built-in cable management.
When choosing a full-motion TV mount, it is important to consider not only the TV’s screen size and weight, but also the mount’s extension range. This is especially relevant in the kitchen: when extended, the screen should not block the walkway, hit cabinets or interfere with opening doors and fronts.
For example, the M4-B allows you to adjust the TV position with ease: you can set the swivel angle, tilt angle, and distance from the wall.
You can learn how to install a TV wall mount in our step-by-step guide.
Option 3: Tabletop TV Stand Without Drilling the Wall
If you cannot or do not want to drill into the wall, you can place the TV on a tabletop stand. This option is suitable for rented homes or kitchens with tiled walls.
A tabletop stand can replace the standard TV legs and provide a more stable setup. With the PT2-B, for example, you can place the screen on a TV cabinet, dresser, wide shelf, or separate furniture unit - a practical alternative to wall mounting.
This option is particularly convenient when:
- the wall is not suitable for mounting;
- there is already furniture near the intended TV position;
- you need a non-permanent solution and want to keep the option of moving the TV.
To keep the cables looking tidy, route them behind the furniture straight away and secure them with cable ties or cable holders. If the outlet is on the side, you can use a decorative cable channel in a colour that matches the wall or furniture.
Important: do not place the TV too close to the sink, stove, or kettle. Even if the screen stands securely, moisture, steam, and heat can damage the equipment over time.
Option 4: Mobile or Interior TV Stand for an Open-Plan Kitchen-Living Room
In an open-plan kitchen-living room, the TV may need to serve both the dining area and the relaxation zone. In this case, a mobile or interior TV stand is worth considering.
Benefits of a TV stand:
- easy installation: no need to drill into the walls;
- adjustability: you can choose a comfortable screen height and set the best viewing angle;
- practical placement: the screen can be seen from both the kitchen and the living area.
A mobile TV stand is useful if the screen needs to be moved from one place to another. The TS1571-B, for example, lets you position the TV and keep cables neatly organized thanks to its well-designed cable channel. The stand is fitted with lockable wheels, so it can be moved easily and fixed securely in place.
An interior TV stand is the best choice if the screen will remain in one place. The TS1220-B, for instance, is a stylish, minimalist solution with a sturdy tripod base. For more tips on choosing the perfect TV stand, read our review.
FAQ
Can you mount a TV on a tiled kitchen backsplash?
Yes, but only with the right fasteners and careful drilling. It is important to consider not only the tiles themselves, but also the wall material behind them. If the base is not strong enough or there is a risk of damaging the finish, a tabletop TV stand or floor stand may be a better option.
Is it safe to place a TV above a kettle, coffee machine, or multicooker?
It is better to avoid this type of placement. Appliances that release steam or heat create unfavourable conditions for a TV, especially if the screen is positioned directly above them.
Can you mount a TV above a doorway?
Yes, provided the TV is small and its height and position do not obstruct the passage. The screen must be securely fixed and should not be placed where it could be accidentally knocked.
Where will a TV be most convenient?
In most cases, the best spot is a free wall opposite the dining area, or a position where the screen can be seen from several points in an open-plan kitchen-living room. The right choice depends on the layout of the room.
Final Thoughts
A TV in the kitchen can be installed neatly and safely if you plan the key steps in advance: choose the installation point, select the right type of mount, and organize the cable routing. ONKRON mounts make the right choice for this. If you do not want to drill into the wall, a tabletop stand, mobile or floor TV stand is a practical alternative. We explain the key differences between various TV mounts in detail in the article: "Types of TV Wall Mounts: What’s the Difference?"
Cable management deserves particular attention. Wires should not hang loosely, lie on the countertop, run near water, or be exposed to heat near kitchen appliances. ONKRON mounts, stands, and tabletop solutions help place the TV neatly, keep cables organized, and make the kitchen comfortable for everyday use.
