Wall-mounted monitor arms help you organize your desk better by getting your screen off the desk and onto the wall. These mounts let you adjust your screen position for comfort, free up desk space, and keep cables tidy. If you work from home or use multiple screens, or just want a neater desk, a monitor wall mount is a practical addition to your workspace.
What is a Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm?
A wall-mounted monitor arm is a bracket system that attaches your computer screen to the wall. It replaces the standard monitor stand that comes with most displays, giving you more control over your screen's position and freeing up desk space.
Components of a Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm
The main parts of a wall-mounted monitor arm include:
- Wall Plate: The metal bracket that securely fastens to your wall
- Extension Arm: The adjustable section that moves your screen away from or closer to the wall
- VESA Mount: The attachment point that connects to your monitor (available in common sizes like 75x75mm or 100x100mm)
- Cable Management System: Built-in channels or clips that keep your monitor cables organized
- Joints and Tension Points: Parts that let you adjust the height, tilt, and rotation of your screen
Types of Wall-Mounted Monitor Arms
Fixed Arms
Fixed arms are the simplest option, keeping your monitor in one set position. They're budget-friendly and work well when you don't need to adjust your screen often. These mounts suit users who maintain the same viewing position throughout their workday.
Adjustable Arms
Adjustable arms offer more flexibility, moving up, down, left, and right while also tilting and rotating. These work especially well in shared workspaces or when you switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. The mechanical joints let you position your screen exactly where you need it.
Gas Spring Arms
Gas spring arms represent the most advanced option. They use gas pistons to provide smooth, effortless adjustments with just one hand. While they cost more than other types, they offer the most control over your monitor's position and stay firmly in place once adjusted. These arms excel in situations where you frequently change your screen position.
Benefits of Using a Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm
Wall-mounted monitor arms change how you use your desk space. They affect your comfort, space, and office layout.
Space-Saving Solutions
A monitor wall mount moves your screen off the desk. This creates room for documents, keyboards, and other work items. You can push your monitor against the wall when you need space, then pull it forward during work. The empty desk space gives you more options for how to use your workspace.
Improved Ergonomics
Wall-mounted arms help you fix your posture. The screen moves to eye level, which reduces neck and shoulder strain. You can set the screen height and distance based on your needs. When you change positions during work, the monitor moves with you to keep the right viewing angle.
Enhanced Aesthetics
A monitor wall mount removes desk clutter. The cables stay hidden inside the arm's channels instead of hanging down. Without the standard monitor stand, the desk looks clear. The screen appears to float on the wall, which fits well in both small and large offices.
How to Maximize Space with a Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm
Beyond basic space-saving and ergonomic benefits, your monitor arm can organize your workspace in specific ways. Set up different zones based on your daily tasks:
- Focus Zone: Screen pulled close for detailed work
- Meeting Zone: Screen pushed right for client meetings
- Paper Zone: Screen moved left for document signing
Use the vertical space your monitor arm creates:
- Add a monitor shelf for charging phones
- Install a small whiteboard under the floating screen
- Attach pen holders or cable clips to the arm itself
For dual screens, try these layouts:
- Top-bottom setup saves side desk space
- Stack vertically during solo work
- Split to sides during team reviews
- One centered, one vertical for coding
These setup options adapt to your changing tasks throughout the day. Your workspace becomes more flexible as you switch between different screen positions.
How to Choose the Right Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm
Selecting a monitor arm requires checking your monitor specs and wall type. These details determine which mount works for your setup.
Check Your Monitor's Weight and Size
Most single monitor arms support screens up to 20 pounds. Heavier screens need a heavy-duty arm that holds 20-30 pounds. Check your screen weight in the manual or on the back label. Next, locate the four screw holes on your monitor's back. Count the space between these holes - if it's 75mm or 100mm, standard arms will fit. Larger screens might need a 200x200mm mount.
Pick the Movement Range You Need
Basic arms tilt 15 degrees up and down - good for fixed sitting positions. Mid-range arms add 180-degree left-right swing and work well for shared screens. Full-motion arms move up 15 inches, extend 20 inches forward, and turn screens vertical - perfect for standing desks or multiple viewing positions. Note the arm's reach - a longer arm gives more position options but needs more wall support.
Match the Mount to Your Wall
Wood stud walls need 2.5-inch lag bolts driven into the stud center. Drywall alone won't hold a monitor arm. Concrete or brick walls need 4-6 expansion anchors rated for your monitor's weight. The wall needs a flat mounting space at least 6 inches wide. Mount the arm where cables reach your power outlet and computer - usually within 4-6 feet. Leave room around the arm for full motion without hitting shelves or cabinets.
Step-by-Step Guide to Installing a Wall-Mounted Monitor Arm
The installation takes about 30 minutes. Success depends on the right tools and proper wall mounting.
Get These Tools and Parts Ready
You need:
- Stud finder
- Level
- Drill with 1/8" and 3/16" bits
- Phillips screwdriver
- Pencil
- Measuring tape
- Socket wrench set
Your mount should include:
- Wall plate
- Monitor bracket
- Arm pieces
- Lag bolts for wood studs
- Concrete anchors if needed
- Cable clips
- Assembly instructions
Mark Your Wall Mount Spot
Start with finding a wall stud using the stud finder. Mark the stud center at your sitting eye level, which sits about 45-50 inches from the floor. Draw a straight vertical line on the stud with your level to guide the wall plate placement. Once you have the line, hold the wall plate against it and mark where the bolt holes need to go. Make sure your chosen spot keeps cables within reach of power outlets and your desk.
Mount the Arm Step by Step
Begin the mounting process by drilling pilot holes into your marks. For wood studs, use a 1/8" bit and drill 2.5 inches deep. Concrete walls need 3/16" holes with anchors inserted. Place the wall plate and start the lag bolts, but don't tighten them fully yet. Check the plate with your level and adjust as needed before final tightening.
Next, attach the arm to the mounted wall plate. Connect the VESA mount to your monitor, then carefully lift and click the monitor onto the arm. Set the tension at each joint for smooth movement. Finish by threading your cables through the arm's channels to keep them tidy.
The mount needs 24 hours to settle. Test the arm's movement gently at first, and check the bolts again after a week of use.
Tips for Optimizing Your Workspace with a Monitor Arm
The right monitor position changes your work comfort and efficiency. Small adjustments make a big difference in daily use.
Adjusting Height and Angle for Comfort
Place your screen at arm's length, about 20-28 inches from your eyes. The top of the screen belongs at or slightly below eye level when you sit straight. Tilt the monitor back 10-20 degrees to keep your neck straight. Your eyes should point slightly down at the screen center.
Morning and afternoon light affects screen view differently. Move your monitor away from windows to prevent glare. The screen works best at a right angle to windows. Adjust your screen throughout the day as the light changes. A slight tilt up or down cuts glare from overhead lights.
Using Dual or Triple Monitor Arms for Multitasking
A double monitor wall mount lets you set your main screen directly in front of you and the secondary screen at a 30-degree angle on the side. Keep both screens at the same height and distance from your eyes. A curved layout reduces neck turning. Line up the screen edges with a 1-inch gap between them.
For three screens, a multi monitor mount holds your center screen straight ahead for main tasks. Side screens angle in at 30-45 degrees. Put screens you check often on your dominant side. Arrange them based on your tasks - coding on the left, reference docs in the center, communication apps on the right. Leave 4-6 inches between the desk and bottom screen edge for papers or tablets.
Can I Use Multiple Monitors with One Mount?
Yes, you can mount multiple monitors on one mount, but you need to check three key factors first: the mount's weight rating, your screen sizes, and your wall strength.
A single arm mount holds one screen up to 20 pounds. For two screens, you need either two single arms or a dual arm rated for 40 pounds total. Three screens need a mount rated for 60 pounds or more.
Screen size affects your mount choice. For two 24-inch screens, standard dual arms work well. Screens of 27 inches or larger need heavy-duty mounts with stronger joints. The mount's center pole must rise 16-20 inches to fit larger screens side by side.
The wall construction also matters. Two or three screens put more stress on your wall. Wood studs need mounts attached to two studs, 16 or 24 inches apart. Brick or concrete walls need extra anchors. Each screen adds 10-15 pounds of force to the mount, so check your wall type's weight limits.
Make More Space with a Monitor Arm!
A wall-mounted monitor arm helps you work better at your desk. It lifts your screen off the desk, keeps your cables tidy, and lets you move your monitor where you need it. Pick the right mount by checking your screen's weight and size, then spend 30 minutes to set it up. Your desk will have more space, and you'll work more comfortably.