How to Choose and Install the Right TV for a Bathroom

 If your idea of a dream bathroom remodel includes a way to binge-watch all the latest shows while taking a long bath, we’ve got good news: Thanks to new technology, it’s possible to safely install a television in your bathroom. Considering the cost of a bathroom remodel can be $30,000 or more, why not add this luxurious, tech-forward extra and differentiate your washroom from the rest? Here are all the considerations when choosing and installing a television in your bathroom.

What Is a Bathroom-Safe TV?

Perhaps you’ve been toying with the idea of installing a spare TV in your bathroom, but did you know not all TVs are safe to use in the bathroom? Using a regular TV in your bathroom can lead to electronic failure because of the moisture and humidity.

For a long-lasting solution, look for TVs designed for smart home bathrooms or outdoor use. Several manufacturers offer bathroom TVs, and some work like regular TVs, while others turn into mirrors when the TV is off. Regardless of the make and model, carefully check the description of the TV and make sure it has special waterproofing that makes it safe for use in high-moisture areas.

Look for the Ingress Protection (IP) rating before choosing a model. The first number indicates how well the TV withstands dust and dirt, and the second number indicates how resistant it is to moisture. TVs for bathrooms should have ratings of IP65 to IP68.

Selecting a TV for Your Bathroom

There are many bathroom-friendly televisions on the market. Here are a few considerations when deciding which to purchase.

Waterproof Is a Must

Select a waterproof television for your bathroom, whether it’s going to be 2 or 10 feet away from your tub. This is for your and your family’s safety. A non-waterproof TV will corrode over time in this high-humidity environment, leading to it breaking or short-circuiting. 

Special Features

Like many electronics, more expensive models of waterproof televisions offer additional features you may care about. These might include:

• Surround sound

• Integrated WiFi

• Smart TV features, such as voice controls

• High-definition (HD) or 4K resolution

• Embedded wall mounts or brackets

• Touch screens

Screen Size

The average screen size for a bathroom TV is 32 inches, but you can go smaller or larger, depending on your budget, bathroom size, and preference. Just be mindful of where you primarily want to watch television in the room and how large you might need the TV to be for optimal viewing.

Existing Decor 

What does your bathroom look like, and does it seem like a television would clash with the existing design? For instance, if you’ve chosen an all-wood, spa-like vibe, a TV might seem out of place. On the other hand, if you’ve opted for a tech-forward, sleek look with lots of slate, a TV may integrate well. 

Some manufacturers, such as the UK-based Aquavision, offer models (starting at $4,765) that appear like mirrors when switched off to better conceal the devices. Depending on your budget, there are many designs to choose from, but note that most waterproof sets start at $1,500.

To Disguise or Not to Disguise

If you want to hide a TV when not in use, there are other ways to do so. For example, you can cover the set with a cabinet door or install it into a recessed niche. You can also hide it under a piece of framed art with hinges that open and close.

Tips for Installing Your Bathroom TV

Many televisions come with an installation kit, making this a simple DIY project. However, if you are installing the television in a more complex way, such as concealing it behind a cabinet or placing it into a wall, hire a home remodeling contractor to handle the installation properly. 

Location

Decide where you want your television. If you wish to binge-watch “Love Island” while drinking a glass of wine during bathtime, find a location where it would be comfortable to view the television while bathing. If you’re looking for a way to catch the morning news while getting ready for work, a location near your vanity might be best. If you want the ability to view your television from various angles, you can choose a wall-mounted model that swings or install the TV on a shelf that pivots.

Tilt for Comfortable Viewing

Have the television tilted slightly downwards so it’s at the optimal viewing angle while bathing or brushing your teeth. You don’t want to install a television in your bathroom only to find yourself craning your neck to enjoy it.

Opt for an Open or Transparent Design

If you have opaque shower walls or room dividers, consider replacing them with glass or other transparent ones so you can see your new TV and additional smart features. 

How to Install a TV in Your Bathroom 

The first step in installing a TV in your bathroom is choosing where to put it. You can either mount it to the wall or have it recessed into the wall. Installing a TV into a wall provides more protection against moisture, but the project is more complex, and you’ll need to cut into existing drywall. 

Once you’ve decided on where you want the TV, you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician to run the wiring. This part of the job requires know-how and a thorough understanding of building codes, so don’t try to DIY it. 

After the electrical wiring is installed, you can mount the TV with brackets. You’ll install the back-mounting plate and then the TV. Connect all the cables before sealing the edge of the TV to protect it against moisture intrusion. Alternatively, you can hire a pro to mount the TV for you, and you won’t have to worry about the TV falling on your bathroom tile floor.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Hiring pros to get your bathroom TV up and working is the best bet for your new setup’s longevity. A pro will ensure that your TV is securely mounted, protected from moisture, and functions properly. For safety reasons, the electrical wiring for your bathroom TV project should be handled by a licensed pro, and hiring an electrician costs about $50 to $130 per hour. 

Handy DIYers can likely take over after the electrical work is complete, especially if you’re opting for a wall-mounted TV. Otherwise, hire a local bathroom remodeler to help you get it done. This pro’s hourly rate ranges between $50 and $85, and they can help you choose the location for the new TV and conceal it in the wall or a cabinet.