That tricky column in the living room doesn’t have to remain bare anymore. Many homeowners and business managers face the frustration of wanting to mount TVs in spaces dominated by columns rather than traditional walls. Whether it’s a modern open-concept home with support pillars or a commercial space with structural columns, the challenge is real. The good news? Column TV mounts offer a clever solution to this common design problem.
At Pillar Mount, specialized mounting solutions have been developed that transform ordinary columns into perfect television display locations. No more rearranging furniture around those unmovable structural elements – now they can become the centerpiece of entertainment.
The Column Mounting Dilemma
“We’ve had this column in our basement for years, just taking up space,” a customer from Minnesota Pillar Mount last year. Her story isn’t unique. Columns present mounting challenges in various settings – from rental properties where wall modifications are prohibited to industrial spaces with concrete pillars to homes with open floor plans supported by structural posts.
Many property owners worry about compromising structural integrity. Others simply hate the idea of that big column standing there, serving no purpose beyond its structural role.
In commercial spaces like sports bars or hotel lobbies, columns often block potential viewing areas, creating dead zones where customers miss the action. Before specialized solutions came along, these columns were considered obstacles rather than opportunities. Now they can be transformed into focal points.
Understanding Column TV Mounting Solutions
Column TV mounts work differently than traditional wall mounts. Rather than anchoring into studs or drywall, they typically use a strap or bracket system that wraps around the entire column. This distributes the weight evenly without compromising the column’s structural purpose.
Various mounting solutions accommodate different column shapes and sizes. Round columns require flexible strapping systems, while square or rectangular columns might use corner brackets with tension mechanisms.
Most quality column mounts can support TVs ranging from small 24-inch models up to 75-inch behemoths, with weight capacities sometimes exceeding 100 pounds.
The installation process tends to be straightforward – certainly less complicated than cutting into drywall, finding studs, and patching holes. Many systems require just basic tools like screwdrivers and wrenches, though each column’s unique characteristics might present its own challenges.
Benefits Beyond Practicality
Column mounts create a floating TV effect that looks sleek and intentional rather than like an afterthought. This aesthetic advantage turns previously unused space into a purposeful design element.
Space optimization becomes another key benefit – especially in smaller rooms where wall space is limited or needed for artwork, furniture placement or doorways.
Column-mounted TVs can often rotate 360 degrees, providing flexibility in viewing angles that even wall mounts can’t match. Watch from the kitchen while cooking, then rotate to view from the dining table during dinner.
Renters particularly appreciate column mounting solutions since they don’t damage walls or require landlord approval in most cases. The mounting system can be removed when moving out without leaving damage behind.
Cable management solutions have improved dramatically, too. Newer column mount systems include channels or covers that hide unsightly cords, creating a clean, professional look even when the back of the mount might be visible from some angles.
Real-World Applications
A family in Toronto couldn’t figure out how to make their basement entertaining area work with the support column smack in the middle of the room. After installing a column mount, that eyesore became their media center, with comfortable seating arranged around it in a conversation-friendly layout.
Commercial applications have absolutely exploded in recent years. Sports bars use column mounts to ensure every seat has a view of at least one screen. Gym owners mount TVs on columns between workout areas, keeping members entertained during cardio sessions. Medical office waiting rooms transform structural columns into information displays, reducing perceived wait times.
One creative restaurant owner in Dallas mounted six different TVs on a large central column, each tuned to a different sports channel during game days. The setup became so popular that reservation requests specifically mentioned “the TV column section.”
Installation Considerations
While DIY installation is possible for handy homeowners, commercial installations often benefit from professional help, especially when dealing with heavier TVs or complex cable management needs.
Standard tools for installation typically include a drill, level, screwdriver, and measuring tape. The most common challenge involves proper leveling on round columns. Taking time during initial mounting to ensure perfect alignment saves headaches later.
For maintenance, occasionally checking that straps remain tight and brackets haven’t loosened will extend the mount’s lifespan.
Safety should always be the primary consideration. Verify the mount’s weight capacity matches or exceeds your TV’s weight, and if mounting higher on a column, consider additional security straps as a backup measure.
Always consider the column’s material and structural role before installing.
Turning Problems into Opportunities
Column TV mounts represent a perfect example of smart design solving real-world problems. What was once considered an architectural obstacle now becomes a feature with purpose and function.
Pillar Mount continues to refine column-mounting technology, developing new solutions for increasingly diverse applications in both residential and commercial spaces.
For anyone dealing with the challenge of entertainment setup in column-dominated spaces, exploring column mounting options might reveal possibilities previously thought impossible. Those structural necessities can transform from design limitations into entertainment assets with the right mounting solution.
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