For professional AV installers, finding the perfect TV mounting solution isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about maximizing space, enhancing functionality, and creating seamless viewing experiences.
With the growing demand for clean, modern, and tech-savvy home entertainment setups, homeowners are looking for innovative ways to integrate televisions into their living spaces without compromising on design. That’s where custom TV mounts and lifts come in.
From ceiling-mounted solutions that elegantly disappear when not in use to hidden lifts that make a TV appear from unexpected places, these advanced mounting systems offer versatility, luxury, and convenience. Whether the residential client wants a discreet, space-saving setup or a dramatic reveal for their entertainment system, there is a mounting solution for every home.
Exploring the Types of TV Lifts and Their Benefits
In luxury homes, big screen TVs are used essentially everywhere from the living room, bedroom, game room, and den, to the kitchen, home office, home theater, and outdoor living areas.
To improve aesthetics, function, and create amazement, AV integrators are now using various types of special motorized lifts to conceal TVs before having them dramatically appear in a variety of innovative ways including:
Ceiling flip-down or drop-down
When wall space is limited or nonexistent, ceiling mounted TV lifts offer the perfect solution. “When the TV is not in use, a drop-down mount conveniently stores it in the attic, freeing up valuable floor space,” says Art Walker, CEO of Auton Motorized Systems, a leading designer and manufacturer of custom audio-visual concealment systems since 1978.
Ceiling drop-down lifts store the TV in the upright position and can lower the TV from the ceiling up to 20 feet! It can then swivel, allowing viewing from any angle in the room.
Ceiling flip-down lifts are only 11 inches tall, so they fit nicely in the space separating two floors of a structure. The TV is stored horizontally flat on its back. It then flips down to a vertical viewing position and can then be swiveled for viewing from any angle in the room.
“If there’s no attic space, a compact flip-down mount can fit easily between two floors, and then flip down, extend, and swivel into position for any size TV up to 100 inches,” says Walker.
Floor and wall lifts
Another way to save valuable floor space and avoid blocking beautiful window views is to hide the TV in the floor and raise it up when needed with a motorized lift.
Alternatively, a motorized platform can slide the TV in and out of the wall with the push of a button.
In-cabinet or dresser
To protect and hide a TV until it is ready for use, a cabinetmaker can design and build custom cabinetry around a motorized lift. This option is very popular in high-end kitchens.
“A designer kitchen with a million-dollar budget has to be picture perfect, so homeowners don’t want a TV on the wall.
As a solution, we have mechanisms that ‘pop’ the TV up out of the island, whether it’s at the end or a cutout in the middle. There’s even a motorized drawer that slides out of the end of the island that the TV pops up out of and swivels to allow viewing from any angle,” says Walker.
Walker notes that typically, the cabinet only needs about 4” of space behind and below the TV to accommodate the lift.
He adds that a similar approach can also be used with a cabinet, dresser, or comparable furniture with drawers in other rooms of the house.
Under the bed
Under-the-bed TV lifts minimize visual clutter by preserving wall space and panoramic window views. This new type of TV lift, such as the Dream Machine by Auton, fits under the bed frame and operates with a wireless remote.
At the click of a button, it allows the user to quietly slide the TV out from under the bed and raise it to the ideal viewing position in seconds. From that position, the TV can swivel 360 degrees (180 degrees in each direction), allowing it to be viewed from anywhere in the room. Another click returns it to its original position, hidden under the bed.
“High-end homeowners may desire a TV in the bedroom, but do not want to see it on the wall. They may have a floor-to-ceiling window and don’t want anything obscuring the view. They also don’t want any furniture at the foot of the bed. In these cases, under the bed is often the best place to put a TV,” says Walker.
Unlike wall-mounted TVs or other TV lifts, the under-the-bed TV lift requires no installation. At 6.5” high, it rolls under any standard king, queen, full or twin-sized bed frame and plugs into a standard outlet. Because these mechanisms are completely free-standing, and do not attach to the floor, they can be installed and set up in a manner of minutes.
Behind a painting, mirror, or acoustic tiles
A panel lift raises a panel, painting, or mirror out of the way to expose the TV hidden behind. These super-compact mechanisms only require a space 3 ½” deep.
Outdoor TV lifts
For homeowners who like to entertain outdoors with full access to big screen TVs, hiding the AV equipment when unused can be an important aesthetic advantage. The approach also offers added protection from potential damage, theft, and the elements.
In these cases, an under deck or planter box TV lift can be used that rises at the push of a button. These function similarly to indoor floor lifts but are specifically engineered for outdoor use. For a state-of-the-art viewing experience from any angle, two TVs can be mounted back-to-back on a single lift and swiveled for viewing from any location.
For luxury homeowners that want to live large and truly impress their guests, AV integrators can install an LED video wall lift from Auton that can accommodate screen sizes up to 24 feet wide and 10 feet tall. A motorized swivel option is also available.
The video wall remains hidden underground until raised to its full height at the push of a button. The rugged IP-55 rated video-wall lift provides outdoor protection from water and dust.
To ease transport and installation of the video wall lift, the OEM is finalizing a design that allows the lift to be placed into a shipping container for delivery to any location worldwide.
Why AV Installers Should Consider These Solutions
In today’s competitive market, there are compelling reasons why AV installers should be aware of all the aesthetic and functional possibilities offered by advanced TV mounts, according to Walker.
Hidden and motorized lifts help homeowners make the most of their living areas, keeping entertainment systems out of the way until needed.
Many homeowners enjoy the high-tech, automated experience of a disappearing TV, making these mounts a premium feature for modern interiors.
Whether blending into ceilings, walls, furniture, or outdoor spaces, these solutions offer a sleek, clutter-free look.
Residential TV mounts and lifts are revolutionizing how homeowners incorporate entertainment into their spaces. By offering these advanced mounting solutions, AV installers can expand their services and cater to high-end clients seeking innovative home automation.
“By understanding the wide range of mounting options available, AV installers can help clients achieve the perfect balance between design and functionality. Whether it’s a hidden ceiling lift, an under-bed reveal, or an outdoor entertainment setup, these solutions elevate the viewing experience and add a touch of sophistication to any home,” concludes Walker.
For more information, call 1-661-257-9282; email [email protected]; visit auton.com; or write to Auton at 24856 Avenue Rockefeller, Valencia, CA 91355.
