Full-Motion vs Fixed Mount: Which One Is Best? (2025 Guide for Dallas–Fort Worth Homeowners)

By Majid – Owner & Lead Installer at DFWTVMount

What Is a Full-Motion Mount?

A full-motion mount (also called articulating or swivel mount) allows you to move your TV in multiple directions. You can pull it away from the wall, swivel it left or right, tilt it up or down, and adjust the viewing angle. This is ideal for:

  • Large open living rooms
  • Outdoor/patio areas
  • Corner mounting
  • Rooms with multiple seating areas
  • Kitchens or open floor plans

Full-motion mounts offer the most flexibility and are one of the top choices for homeowners searching for professional tv mounters, tv installers near me, and tv mounting Dallas.

What Is a Fixed Mount?

A fixed mount keeps the TV close and tight to the wall. The TV does not move, swivel, or tilt. This is the simplest and most stable mounting option. Most people use a fixed mount when:

  • The TV is at the correct eye level
  • You don’t need side-to-side movement
  • You want a minimal, “floating” look
  • You’re mounting above a fireplace
  • You want the TV as close to the wall as possible

This is the mount most commonly used in modern DFW homes in Frisco, Plano, and McKinney.

Full-Motion vs Fixed Mount: Side-by-Side Comparison

1. Viewing Flexibility

Full-Motion: Excellent — move, swivel, tilt.
Fixed: No movement at all.
If you have a large room, open layout, or multiple seating angles, full-motion is the best choice.

2. Appearance

Full-Motion: TV sticks out more from the wall.
Fixed: Sleek, clean, minimal, almost flush.
For a modern hotel-style look, fixed mounts win.

3. Installation Difficulty

Full-Motion: More complex, requires perfect stud alignment.
Fixed: Simple and fast.
This is why professional installation is highly recommended for full-motion setups.

4. Cable Management

Full-Motion: Requires longer cables and more cable planning.
Fixed: Easier to hide cables inside the wall.
When homeowners want a clean fireplace installation, fixed mounts are usually preferred.

5. Price

Full-Motion: Typically more expensive for both the mount and installation.
Fixed: More affordable and faster to install.

Which Mount Should You Choose?

Choose Full-Motion If:

  • Your TV needs to be angled toward different seating areas
  • You have a wide living room or open floor plan
  • You want the ability to reduce glare from windows or lights
  • You’re mounting outdoors or in a corner
  • You want maximum control over viewing angle

Choose a Fixed Mount If:

  • Your TV is going above a fireplace
  • You want the TV as close to the wall as possible
  • Your seating is always in one direction
  • You want the cleanest, simplest aesthetic
  • You want the most affordable option

Full-Motion vs Fixed on Fireplaces

If your TV is going above a fireplace, a fixed or tilt mount is almost always the best choice. Full-motion mounts can sag over time when installed on stone or brick unless installed perfectly. They also place more stress on the wall. We always test:

  • Heat levels above your fireplace
  • Wall material (stone, brick, mortar)
  • Stud location
  • Cable routing options

And then recommend the safest mount for your specific home.

Real Example: Full-Motion Mount in Frisco

A homeowner in the Starwood neighborhood in Frisco wanted to watch TV from both the living room and the dining area. A fixed mount wouldn’t work because half the room couldn’t see the screen. We installed a heavy-duty full-motion mount capable of pulling the TV out 24 inches and swiveling 90 degrees. The customer said it completely changed how they use the room.

Real Example: Fixed Mount in Plano

A couple in West Plano wanted their new 75-inch Sony mounted above a white stone fireplace. A full-motion mount would have stuck out too far and ruined the clean look. We used a low-profile fixed mount with hidden cables, and the final result looked like a luxury showroom.

Which One Is Best Overall?

There is no single “best” mount — the best option depends on your space. But in DFW:

  • Full-motion wins for flexibility
  • Fixed wins for appearance, affordability, and fireplace mounting

If you’re unsure, send us a photo of your wall and we’ll recommend the right mount instantly.

Need Your TV Mounted the Right Way?

Call/Text: 214-998-3144
Email: dfwtvmount68@gmail.com
Website: www.dfwtvmount.com
We provide professional TV mounting in Dallas, Frisco, Plano, McKinney, Prosper, Allen, Garland, Irving, Arlington, Carrollton, Fort Worth, and all DFW cities.

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