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Mounting your display or computer monitor is an excellent way to clear workspace, fit more into a smaller office space, and give your workstation a cleaner, more attractive look. Moreover, swivel arms used on wall mounts provide extra viewing flexibility and range, allowing you to adjust your display angle to your personal preference and needs, potentially limiting neck and/or eye strain common to users working long hours in front of a computer. Below we walk you through the process of setting up and adjusting your mount.
The first thing you need to do is determine whether or not your display can be mounted. The Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) is an organization that oversees standardization for computer display mounts, so any compliant monitor with built-in mounting brackets approved by VESA should be easily mountable on most surfaces using standard tools. VESA brackets are generally found in the middle or lower portion of the monitor’s backside.
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing and installing your preferred type of mount, which also includes monitoring computer temps. This is important because if your display mount setup blocks the airflow, there’s a good chance your monitor will burn out quicker.
Clamp mounts are the most common VESA mount adapter option and they provide a good amount of angle, height, and general adjustability, among other benefits. They work by securing to your desk or via a clamp and more often than not have an adaptable bracket for drilling into your desk. One issue with clamp mounts is that while most desk types and sizes are compatible, not all are- this is especially true of older desks with bulkier builds that like thin edges to attach clamps to.
All you’ll need in addition to the tools included in your mount kit is a standard-size Phillips head screwdriver.
Desk mounts are semi-permanent and provide the best stability for even larger monitors, but they generally require drilling a hole into your desk or using one that’s already there such as the cable management grommet built-in to many office desks. As such, their adjustability and placement tend to be more limited than other mount types, but it’s a good choice for heavier units due to its increased stability and strength.
Follow the installation instructions for the clamp mount, adjusting for the cable management grommet if present.
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Wall mounts are the most attractive and versatile option, saving precious desk space and offering a range of motion and adjustability options that others do not, however they generally require locating a secure wall stud to attach to safely, and even still, they may not always provide maximum stability for especially heavy monitor types, and care must be taken that your display doesn’t exceed the weight limit of the wall mount you’ve selected.
Sometimes, the weight limit of a mount will be expressed via monitor sizes- a 27-inch display should not be attached to a wall mount rated for 24-inch models.
That’s why it’s important to have the right monitor for the chosen mount, otherwise, you’re likely to damage or destroy your monitor, which probably then means you’ll need to look at computer monitor recycling options.
Still, for most users, wall mounts are a great way to go and aren’t too much more labor-intensive or difficult than the other major mount types.
It’s important to remember that eye and neck strain can be serious issues for people working long hours in front of computer screens. One of the benefits of a specialized wall mount is that its range of motion and flexibility can provide the least impactful, most ergonomic user experience possible.
To reduce eye strain over long work periods, your screen should be placed 20 to 28 inches away from your face, with the top of the display at or just below eye level for a viewing angle of approximately 15 degrees, and with the screen tilted up at about 20 degrees for the least neck strain possible. Finally, in terms of seating position, your feet should be resting flat, with your thighs approximately parallel to the ground, and your keyboard just below elbow height, ideally not touching the desk. Following these guidelines will ensure the most comfortable and physically healthy user experience possible.
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STAT:
The optimal recommended viewing distance for reducing eye strain during long work periods is between 20 and 28 inches.
https://mount-it.com/blogs/articles/how-to-mount-a-monitor-a-simple-step-by-step-guide
The overwhelming majority of modern computer monitors are VESA compliant.
https://www.howtogeek.com/330187/how-to-pick-the-right-monitor-mount/
Tilting your display at an angle of 20 degrees can significantly reduce neck strain.
Sources:
https://www.benq.com/en-us/knowledge-center/knowledge/vesa-mount.html
https://www.racksolutions.com/news/blog/computer-monitor-mount/
https://www.nytimes.com/wirecutter/reviews/best-monitor-arms/
