Buying a TV for your living room or bedroom or kitchen needs a lot of research due to the many options we have today. Just a few years ago, a 55″ TV was found to be gigantic, but now we have TVs that go up to 90″ even.
They say that a “TV can never be too big“, which is true in most cases but, it isn’t in some. However, you will notice that most people regret buying a smaller TV because no matter how big a TV is, we get used to it very quickly.
Most houses these days have contemporary designs with large open spaces, which allows for a 65″ or a 75″ TV easily. A 75″ TV might look very big in a small room, while it will fit perfectly in a large room.
Mentioned below are some important information that will give you better knowledge about if a 65-inch or 75-inch TV is right for you.
Also, mentioned are some factors you should consider before buying a 65″ or a 75″ TV.
Distance
The distance of the TV from the viewer plays a vital role in fully experiencing the quality and features of the TV.
The viewing distance depends on the TV size and also the resolution of the TV.
In case of a 65 inch TV the average recommended distance is between 8.1 -13.5 feet away. While for a 75 inch TV the distance should be between 8.75-14.75 feet away.
These are only the recommended average distances and maybe vary with every viewer.
The recommended viewing distance may also slightly vary among different manufacturers.
The recommended viewing angle by THX is 40 degrees if you want a cinematic experience.
For that, you need to you divide your distance from the TV (in cms) by 0.84. That will give you the size of the TV display you should get.
Most viewers usually sit at 9 feet away from the TV, so for that distance, the recommended size by THX is a 90-inch screen!!
So, the 65 inches or the 75 inch TV you think could be too big is not big at all.
While according to CNET, for the recommended distance, you need to multiply the distance(in cms) by 0.667. Now, that will give you 72-inch screen size for a distance of 9 feet.
Room size
Room size is one of the crucial factors you should consider before buying a TV.
A 65″ or a 75″ TV will need a bigger room size in order to give a fully immersive experience with excellent audiovisuals.
The room should not be either too big or too small for the TV size.
You should know the dimensions of the TV you wish to install and check its feasibility with your room size.
A 65 inch TV has the following dimensions
- Width: ~ 57-inch
- Height: ~ 32-inch
And, a 75″ TV has
- Width: ~ 66-inch
- Height: ~ 37-inch
It’s always a good idea to cut cardboard with the dimensions of the TV size you want and place it in your room to check how it looks.
A 65 inch or a 75 inch TV is a good size for the living room or your bedroom if it is spacious.
Resolution
The resolution of the TV you wish to buy will also help you to decide the room size or the viewing distance or the size of the TV.
The most commonly used TV resolution these days is 4K Ultra HD. We can even find a resolution of 8K ultra high definition these days.
When you sit too close to a TV with lesser resolution, you can notice the pixelation on screen. A higher resolution allows you to sit closer to the screen without seeing the small dotted pixels.
If you have a 65 inch TV, the recommended viewing distance with a resolution of 1080p HD is between 8.1-13.5 feet.
And, in case of a 4K Ultra HD resolution, then the distance should be between 5.4-8.1 feet.
For a 75 inch TV with a resolution of 1080p, the viewing distance range is 9.4-15.6 feet.
While in case of a 4K Ultra HD resolution, the recommended distance is between 6.3-9.4 feet.
If you have space in your room that can accommodate either a 65 inch or 75 inch TV, then it is best to buy a bigger screen.
TV placement
When you buy a big screen TV like a 65 inch or a 75 inch, you need to be concerned regarding the space it will take up.
You can either wall mount the TV or place it on a TV stand.
These days, TVs are usually light regardless of their size. It is a good option to wall mount big screen TVs.
Wall-mounting the TV will save you a lot of space and is a safer option if you have kids or pets around.
But, if you wish to use a TV stand then make sure you measure the dimensions of the stand and compare it with the TV size. This will give you an idea of the space the whole setup will consume.
In case of wall mounting, you will find a variety of brackets and mounts of your choice.
The current trend is to use an articulating or swivel wall mounts for ease of viewing.
Bottom line
You should know that the TV size you buy is never too big for you if you have a room that fits the size.
People these days prefer bigger display TVs because of the high-quality resolutions they come in.
Better the resolution, closer you can sit to the TV and hence lesser the room space you need.
A 65 inch or75 inch TV is not too big if you want a theatre- like experience in your home.
No matter what size of a TV you buy, in a matter of time you get used to the size and, that leaves you wanting for a bigger size.
Colin says
Very helpful in decision making thank you
Kenny says
Colin,
Glad it helped!
James T. Stewart says
Thanks, this was very helpful information.
Dolores A. says
Very informative!
Mike says
Still helpful all these years later! Hello from the future!
darren says
This was extremely helpful. Simple and very sensible explanation. Very much appreciated as I wade thru the Black Friday trenches
robert kendzior says
thanks. helps a lot.
Kenny says
You’re welcome. Glad this helps!
joe says
we have 11 feet viewing distance and bought 55″ 4K tv but it was small.
we returned and bought 70 inch 4K tv and was much better, but still you can go bigger, you can’t go wrong with the new 4K tv.
Rose Toner says
Your article was very helpful. My husband just bought a 75 inch 4K tv & according to measurements it fits our room. We’re going to have it wall mounted. I’ve been obsessing over the size because the 75 seems to take away from the warm feeling I’ve created in our family room – all I see is this big black square on my wall! My husband & son love it so I don’t want to be the kill joy. Thank you for reminding me that I will get use to the size. The 52 inch that is being replaced by the 75 seemed big when we first bought it & I will admit it’s too small now.
Em says
Literally feeling the same way. My husband bought a 75 inch today and our livingroom is tiny I’m feeling claustrophobic in the space. Not to mention it completely blocks our fireplace which is decorative only. It’s just a huge eyesore. Now we’re discussing removing the brick fireplace because theres no way we can have both. I’m so frustrated.
Yoga Guru KM says
Good reply!
Sals57 says
Hi! I have a 78″ 4K, Super Ultra HD TV (Samsung 9000 Series, 2016) in my greatroom thats 24×30. It’s in a corner and has a curved screen which is awesome with all the lights throughout the room. There is very little reflection from those lights on a curved screen. I have it on a 72×48 inch cabinet w/fireplace. There’s no traffic in the corner so it’s very secure there.
Rosely says
Thanks for the info., I’m trying to decide between 65″ or 75″ I have 11’5″ from TV to sofa. My concern is that my living room is only 14 x 12.5; I’m wondering if that is to small although there are openings on either side for the dining room and office area. Not sure what to get, yet anything will be better than my current 40″ as my daughters remind me daily.
Chris G says
Rosely, what did you decide? We have a similar size, about 12.5 x 17.
Jonny Weber says
I would go with a 75″, since you will 11.5ft from the TV.
Robert Goodwin says
Also wondering what you decided. Help us out!
C. Renee Richardson says
This information has been considerbly helpful regarding the 65 inch’s delivery that I’m anxiously awaiting in the next several days.
Rinae Tshikalange says
Great help indeed I am getting 75″
Kenny says
Glad it helped. Enjoy your new TV, Rinae
Radha Krishnan says
Wow, what a wonderful article that is, it’s very helpful to buy a Big TV. It was cleared lot of confusions in my mind. Once again thank you for your valuable Guidance.
Juzer Jasdenwvalla says
For a distance of 13 feet viewing do you recommend 65 or 75″ tv ?
Kenny says
Hi Juzer,
for 13 ft viewing distance, I would recommend the 75″ tv for better viewing experience with movies and sports tv shows.
Adam says
I need some help here.
We are sitting 9ft 6 away (290cm) from the TV to couch.
Would we go 65 or 75.
Room itself is
4.2metres x 3.1metres
Please get back to me thanks.
paul says
my room is nearly same size go for a samsung 75 inch qed model you wont regret it
mine comes with one connect box you can put all your equpment anywere
Sidney says
I was going to replace our 65 inch with a 65inch, but now after reading the article, I’m definitely going for 75. (Viewing distance is 12 feet)
Jonny Weber says
Go with a 82″, since you are 12ft from the TV.
Pittsburgh James says
Thanks. That was helpful. My dresser is 60 inches so the width of TV would limit me to the 65″ model in the bedroom. How would a 75 inch TV at 65 inches wide look if it’s wider than dresser? Sitting 8-10 feet away, I should be alright with the 65 inch model.
Marcus says
I am already happy with the 65″ that I just bought sitted 8 feet from the TV. It looks so good that I want to replace it for a 75″ thinking it will look much more immersive.
My advised is to go for the biggest TV. That way you won’t regret it later. At 8 feet, you will be very happy with the 65″ in the beginning. That’s for sure.
Bob says
I am between 10’ and 11’ and leaning towards the 75” but will hang past the stand on both sides. The 65” would be even with the stand and might look better aesthetically. Open floor plan Florida house.
Ted says
Our 75″ extends 3 inches past both ends of stand (60 inch stand/66″ wide tv) and it looks fine..actually gives a better balanced appearance than the replaced 65″ TV which left about 3 inches to spare.
Nitin says
I just ordered a Samsung QLED 75″ and it’s sitting in the box in my living room and I am confused whether to open it or replace it with a 65″. Mine is not a lot of space all the way behind my couches.. though we have our open kitchen behind the couches. Viewing distance approx. 3m. (9.8 ft)
Also conscious of my little one who is only 4 and if 75″ may be too much for his eyes.. Any thoughts and comments?
Kenny says
Hi Nitin,
9.8ft is a good viewing distance for a 75″ TV.
Regarding your boy, I think it’s more depending on the total time he’d spend on watching. Maybe put a time restraint on how long he can watch TV each time and how much time in a week per se.
Kes says
sry for my english but still hoping that the “reader” will understand my point.
I bought 75 inch TV and my viewing distance was 3 meters. For me it was too much.
Watching movies was OK, cause movies have mostly black stripes (up/down) and the filming is quite different compared to TV shows. Watching movies felt littlebit like in the cinema, but when watching news, serials, documentaries etc. then this size was too big (no black stipes). What I noticed was that how the show was filmed, some shows (especially old ones) had very close ups scenes and then it was not good to watch – the whole screen was one giant head, dialogs were just head switching moments. Also I noticed that some (very very few) shows were OK, which made me think that this is related to “camera man’s thinking” on what size TV is the best to watch this production. Movie makers always filming it for big screens – but TV shows … some thinking of that but most of them seems not.
Conclusion: my recommendation is – if you watch most of the time movies then go for a 75 inch if you watch lots of serials, documentaries, new … then go for a smaller TV. At least on this viewing distance.
David Perkins says
Hey Kes, thanks so much for sharing your experience. Although my current TV is only 55”, it’s easy for me to imagine what you’re describing with a 75”. Most people in online reviews never seem to comment on what you’ve experienced and what you are talking about here. Perhaps another common experience that might help people deciding on screen size is to consider where they like to sit at the movie theater. Some like way up front by the screen; some like sitting much farther back. And of course a movie theater is just for movies, not TV shows. Personally I don’t like to sit up front, and always pick a seat farther back. Because of what you’ve shared, and also my movie theater preferences, I think I’ll be happier with a 65” instead of a 75”. Thanks again for your helpful review.
Tony says
We are about 10′ away and looks like the 4k oled options will be 65 or 77 for the LG. We watch a lot of netflix, youtube, basketball, and prime movies, and do like the old black and white classics, I suspect that a majority of what we watch is available in 4K except for the classics, e.g. “Rear Window”
From the article and comments looks like we will get you used to 77, we currently have a 55″ and it’s not that bad so, 77″ seems like a shock, but I suspect we’ll get used to it. I was also thinking that content will evolve so it’s probably safe to assume that most content in a year or so will be 4K which they say is more suitable due to less pixilation for larger screens.
I think I’m answering my own question here, but appreciate the feedback. Should we just get the 77″ 🙂
Thanks for the feedback!
Lynda says
Wonderful article but I have a total problem not mentioned and mine went out so have to buy quick.
Our builder cut an opening above the fireplace for the tv. Right now there is a 48 inch sitting inside we want to go to 65 “
Our opening is 46” H. 52”W and 49” Deep
Mantel is 64 “ long but only 11” deep into opening.
The mantle will hold the 65” tv since you say is 55”W. But still only gives me the 11 in depth into wall opening. Seems it would have to be mounted on each side in front of the opening unless there is a long depth arm to come out center of my opening
Not having a stand it’s going to look funny not being very tall. Is it to dangerous to come out on the mantle should I give it up and put it on a nice tv Stand/Table.
Anthony Calhoun says
It would be fairly easy to build a 2″x4″ constructed internal frame inside the hole, may require some concrete anchors and a simple mount if you don’t need articulation. In any case, I wouldn’t give up, it can be done. All the best!
Rob says
I have what now seems an extremely small 50 inch TV which I am replacing with a 75 inch ultra HD. The distance from my TV to settee will be 7ft / 190 cm as I want to create an immersive cinema experience however having read the advice on hereI wonder if I will be going to big with a 75 inch? Has anyone else on here got a similar distance from settee to screen set up and can let me know what it’s like?
Raul Hernandez says
Thank you for this information, I started off with a 32″ tv and have a 65″ right now looking at getting a 75″ and this really helped me out. Explained alot that I had not considered and made my decision easy. Thank you
Carl A Johnson says
Interesting how some people see a “huge black square” completely ruining the warm, artistic atmosphere of the room….. while other people could totally care less about that as long as the TV itself is spectacular.
Harry says
I love to watch a lot of 4K fetish video’s, and I got the 82 inch. It makes the peeps life size, and for foot fetish video’s, it just drives me nuts!
Rowena says
Harry. does your boyfriend know what you’re watching? Tsk tsk!
Great article- 65″ is a great TV size, unless you’re pretty far off from it, then get an 85″ if that’s the case.
STEPHEN says
My room is 14”x12” and benefits from a flat wall against which my TV is mounted, fireplace to the side and sofa/viewing distance 13 feet away.
I put black tap on the wall to represent 65 and 75 inch screens around the existing 55 inch. This proved useful for my wife and young son to then vote in what was best.
A 75 inch Philips 4K UHD Mini LED with Ambilight is the choice and we can’t wait to get it installed.