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 while you get on with household tasks. A screen has become a familiar feature in this space, but placing it properly raises a few questions: how do you protect it from moisture and grease, where do the cables go, and how can you find a suitable spot without cluttering the worktop?
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, hob, kettle or any other source of moisture or heat. It should also not obstruct walkways, stop cupboard doors from opening properly, or get in the way of the working area. The mount or stand must also be suitable for your particular TV.
Check that the bracket and TV are compatible
Before buying a TV mount, check that it is compatible with your TV in terms of screen size, weight and VESA standard. The TV must not exceed the bracket’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 particularly 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, the food preparation area, a breakfast bar or the 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 the cable management
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 brackets, stands and mounts include solutions for keeping cables organised, such as cable channels and clips for securing wires. A cable channel helps conceal cables, protect them from damage and give the TV area a neater appearance.
Check the position of the socket
Ideally, the socket 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 socket is far away, it is better not to leave the cable exposed. It can be hidden in cable trunking, routed behind furniture, or you can ask a specialist to install a new power point in a more suitable location.
Find a place for adapters and set-top 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 point
Once you have considered safety, screen height, the socket position 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 changes in temperature.
Below, we look at several ways to position a TV in the kitchen and suggest 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 option is suitable if:
- there is a free section of wall in the kitchen;
- there is a free section of wall in the kitchen;
- you want to free up the worktop and furniture surfaces;
- you do not want cables lying across the working area.
For this type of placement, a fixed or tilting TV wall bracket is a good choice. A fixed TV bracket, such as the FM2-B, allows the TV to sit close to the wall and keeps the screen securely in the desired position.
A tilting TV bracket, such as the TM5-B, 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 downwards so you do not have to crane your neck.
Important: before installing any wall mount, assess the wall material. Concrete, brick, aerated concrete, plasterboard and tiles all require different fixings. For a heavy TV and a full-motion bracket, wall strength is particularly important because the load on the mount increases when the screen is extended. If you are unsure whether the wall is suitable for bracket installation, it is better to have the work carried out by a professional.
Read more about choosing a television bracket in our article.
Option 2: full-motion TV wall bracket for viewing from different areas
In a kitchen, there may be several viewing points: the dining table, the worktop, a breakfast bar or a sofa in an open-plan kitchen-living room. In this case, a full-motion bracket is often the best option.
How it works: the TV is mounted on the wall, but when needed it can be pulled out, swivelled or tilted. This is useful if the screen needs to face the table at one moment and the cooking area at another.
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 wall mount, it is important to consider not only the TV’s screen size and weight, but also the bracket’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 bracket in our step-by-step guide.
Option 3: tabletop TV stand without drilling into 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 TV’s standard feet and provide a more stable setup. With the PT2-B, for example, you can place the screen on a TV unit, sideboard, wide shelf or separate furniture section — a practical alternative to wall mounting.
This option is particularly convenient when:
- the wall is not suitable for installation;
- 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 socket is to the side, you can use decorative cable trunking in a colour that matches the wall or furniture.
Important: do not place the TV too close to the sink, hob 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;
- practicality: 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 TS1351, for example, lets you position the TV and keep cables neatly organised thanks to its well-designed cable channel. The stand is fitted with lockable castors, so it can be moved easily and secured in place.
An interior TV stand is the best choice if the TV will remain in a fixed position. The TS5065, for instance, is a stylish, understated solution with a sturdy tempered glass base. For more tips on choosing the perfect TV stand, read our review.
FAQ
Can you mount a TV on a tiled kitchen splashback?
Yes, but only with the right fixings 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 stand or TV stand may be a better option.
Is it suitable to place a TV above a kettle, coffee machine or multicooker?
It is better to avoid this type of placement. Appliances that produce 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.
Final Thoughts
A TV can be placed in the kitchen neatly and safely if you plan the key details in advance: choose the installation point, select the right type of mount and organise the cables. Fixed, tilting and full-motion ONKRON brackets are suitable for wall mounting. If you would rather not drill into the wall, a tabletop stand, mobile or floor TV stand is a practical alternative. We explain the key differences between various TV brackets in detail in the article: "Types of TV Mounts: What’s the Difference?"
Cable management deserves particular attention. Wires should not hang loosely, lie across the worktop, run close to water or be exposed to heat near kitchen appliances. ONKRON brackets, stands and supports help position the TV so that the screen looks tidy, cables stay organised and the kitchen remains comfortable for everyday use.
