A waterproof television can transform a bathroom into a more relaxing and enjoyable space, but choosing the screen is only part of the decision. You also need to decide how it will be fitted.
The two main options are a recessed bathroom TV, which sits within the wall for a flush finish, and a wall-mounted bathroom TV, which is secured directly onto the finished wall. Both can provide an excellent viewing experience, but they suit different bathrooms, budgets and renovation plans.
This guide compares recessed and wall-mounted bathroom TVs to help you choose the right installation style for your home.
What is a recessed bathroom TV?
A recessed bathroom TV is installed within an opening formed in the wall. Once fitted, the front glass sits flush or almost flush with the surrounding surface, creating a clean, integrated appearance.
This style is especially popular in luxury bathrooms, wet rooms and new renovation projects where the wall construction can be planned before the tiles or final surface are installed. Wiring and connections are concealed behind the screen, helping the television feel like part of the architecture rather than an added device.
Recessed models are available in finishes such as black glass, white glass and mirror-style panels. A mirror bathroom TV can become particularly discreet when switched off, depending on the chosen model and lighting within the room.
- Advantages of a recessed bathroom TV
- Creates a premium, flush finish
- Keeps cables and connections concealed
- Saves visible space around the screen
- Integrates neatly with tiles and fitted wall panels
- Ideal for high-end renovations and new bathrooms
Points to consider
A recessed installation requires more preparation than a standard wall-mounted fitting. The opening must match the manufacturer’s dimensions, and suitable space is needed within the wall for the television and its connections.
Access for future servicing should also be considered during the planning stage. Cutting the opening after expensive tiles have been fitted can be difficult, so it is best to select the exact television model before the bathroom walls are completed.
What is a wall-mounted bathroom TV?
A wall-mounted bathroom TV is attached to the surface of the wall using an appropriate mounting system. It does not require a full recess, making it a practical option for completed bathrooms or walls that cannot easily be opened.
Although it projects further from the wall than a recessed model, modern waterproof televisions can still provide a slim and attractive finish. Careful positioning and concealed cable routing help create a neat installation.
- Advantages of a wall-mounted bathroom TV
- Usually requires less building work
- Suitable for many existing bathrooms
- Can be easier to access for maintenance
- Avoids forming a large recess in the wall
- Offers more flexibility when installation time is limited
Points to consider
The screen will remain visible as a separate object on the wall, so positioning is important. The mounting system and cable route must be planned carefully, and the wall must be capable of safely supporting the television.
A wall-mounted installation does not remove the need for professional electrical work. The television must still be suitable for bathroom use and fitted in an appropriate location.
Which option works best for a bathroom renovation?
If you are already stripping the bathroom back, moving walls or replacing all the tiles, a recessed bathroom TV is usually worth considering. The installer can form the correct opening and route the necessary cables before the final finishes are applied.
Planning early also allows the screen to align neatly with grout lines, wall niches, furniture and the centre of the bath. This attention to detail can make the finished room look far more considered.
Make sure you have selected the precise model and obtained its installation information before construction begins. Similar screen sizes do not necessarily use identical housings or opening dimensions.
Which option is better for an existing bathroom?
A wall-mounted model is often the more practical choice when the bathroom is already finished. It may avoid removing large sections of tile or changing the internal wall structure.
The final decision still depends on the available wall, power location, viewing angle and bathroom zones. In some rooms, a small amount of careful alteration may make a recessed installation possible. In others, a surface-mounted solution will be simpler and more cost-effective.
Ask an experienced installer to assess the wall before ordering. The visible surface does not always reveal pipes, existing cables, insulation or structural restrictions behind it.
How do you choose the correct screen size?
The largest television is not automatically the best choice. A bathroom TV should feel balanced within the room and remain comfortable to watch from the bath, shower or vanity area.
Before selecting a size, consider:
- The distance between the screen and your normal viewing position
- The available wall width and height
- The location of taps, shower screens and furniture
- Reflections from windows, mirrors and lighting
- Whether the TV will align with tiles or wall panels
- The screen’s exact external dimensions, not just its advertised diagonal size
Marking the proposed dimensions on the wall with low-tack tape can help you judge the scale before committing to a model.
Can a normal television be installed in a bathroom?
A standard domestic television should not be treated as a bathroom TV. Bathrooms expose electrical products to humidity, steam, condensation and splashing.
Choose a purpose-built waterproof television that is confirmed as suitable for the proposed environment. Always check the specifications and installation instructions for the exact product, as ratings and permitted locations can vary between models.
Bathroom electrical safety and installation
Bathrooms are treated as special locations because water increases electrical risk. The position of the bath or shower affects where electrical equipment may be installed, and the product must offer appropriate protection for that location.
In England, fixed electrical installation work is covered by Part P of the Building Regulations. Certain additions or alterations within the area surrounding a bath or shower are notifiable. Electrical Safety First also advises that electrical equipment must have an IP rating appropriate for its position.
Whether you select a recessed or wall-mounted TV, installation should follow the manufacturer’s instructions and be completed by a suitably qualified professional. The installer should assess the bathroom zone, electrical protection, wall construction, ventilation, cable route and future service access.
Requirements can differ across the UK, so obtain advice relevant to your property before installation begins.
So, which bathroom TV fitting should you choose?
Choose a recessed bathroom TV if you want the cleanest integrated finish and can plan the installation as part of a renovation or new bathroom. It is the strongest option for a minimal, high-end appearance.
Choose a wall-mounted bathroom TV if you want to add a waterproof screen to an existing room with less disruption. It offers a modern finish while generally requiring fewer alterations to the wall.
The most important point is to decide early. Confirm the model, screen size, viewing position and installation method before walls are closed or tiled. Good planning makes either option look intentional and ensures the television can be fitted safely.
Explore waterproof bathroom TVs from Sarason
Sarason offers recessed and wall-mounted waterproof televisions designed for British bathrooms. Explore the available sizes, glass finishes and smart features, or contact the Sarason team if you need help finding the right television for your space.
Frequently asked questions
Is a recessed bathroom TV completely flush with the wall?
It is designed to sit within a prepared opening so the front glass creates a flush or near-flush finish. The exact result depends on the model, wall construction and installation method.
Can a recessed TV be fitted after the bathroom is tiled?
It may be possible, but the work is generally more difficult and carries a greater risk of damaging tiles. It is better to plan the recess and cable route before the final wall finish is installed.
Is a wall-mounted bathroom TV waterproof?
It should be if it is a purpose-built waterproof model suitable for its intended location. “Wall-mounted” describes the installation method, not the level of water protection, so always check the individual product specification.
Which option is easier to maintain?
A wall-mounted television may offer more direct access, but a well-planned recessed installation can also allow safe removal or servicing. Follow the manufacturer’s access requirements and never permanently seal the unit into the wall unless specifically instructed.
Do both types need a qualified installer?
Yes. The mounting method does not change the electrical risks found in bathrooms. Use suitably qualified professionals and follow all model-specific installation guidance.
