Tv over fireplace mount: Want to Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? Read This First

Want to Mount a TV Above a Fireplace? Read This First

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Q: We just bought a new 55-inch flat-screen TV, and I’d like to hang it over the fireplace in our family room. But my husband’s afraid that heat from the fireplace will mess with it. Is it really a bad idea to mount a TV above a fireplace?

A: Talk about a hot-button issue! You’re not the first person to think above the fireplace is an ideal spot for a TV; in fact, home builders often install electrical and cable outlets over the mantle (the horizontal shelf above the fireplace) for just that purpose. But depending on the type of fireplace you have, it could very well be a mistake to hang your new flat screen there—for reasons that go beyond the heat. Keep reading to find out why it might be best to locate your TV elsewhere.

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It’s not advisable to mount a TV above a fireplace because excess heat and electronics don’t mix.

The area above the fireplace is often warmer than other wall surfaces in your home. Consider this: A gas fireplace can generate 20,000 to 35,000 British thermal units (BTUs) of heat per hour. To put that into perspective, it takes approximately 15,000 BTUs per hour to heat an entire 1,400 square foot house during a typical New England winter.

Heat rises, and even a fireplace with a blower that directs hot air toward the center of the room will still allow some heat to escape upward. Still, a number of factors come into play. The farther the fireplace mantle extends into the room, the more it will deflect heat from the above wall (and TV mounted there). In addition, some fireplaces produce less heat than others, and when combined with a good blower, the wall above the fireplace may get only slightly warm.

But you may be able to mount a TV above an electric fireplace, which is less likely to generate excess heat than a gas unit.

Some electric fireplaces are for ambiance only and they don’t produce any heat at all, while others produce a moderate amount of heat—less than 5,000 BTUs per hour. To be sure the wall above an electric fireplace is safe, perform the thermometer test (described below) to ensure that the wall doesn’t get too warm.

Some freestanding electric fireplaces are designed for the very purpose of positioning a TV on top of a shelf built over the firebox, such as the Carter Convertible Electric Media Fireplace (available from The Home Depot). The Carter fireplace generates only 3,000 BTUs per hour on its highest setting, making it a safer choice for TV placement.

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Only mount a TV above a fireplace if temperatures in that spot do not surpass 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

You may have luck with a fireplace that produces less heat, features a deep mantel, and strong blower.

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  1. Tape a thermometer to the wall in the approximate center of where your flat-screen TV might hang.
  2. Then start the fireplace and let it run for several hours.
  3. Check the thermometer.

If the temperature reaches or exceeds 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the location is too hot for your TV. If the temp remains below 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the TV should be safe in that location—but you still might want to reconsider, for the reasons explained below.

Damage from a fireplace’s heat could void your TV’s warranty.

Today’s new big-screen TVs cost a pretty penny, and if yours goes on the fritz soon after you buy it, you’ll want to call a service technician to fix it. If the technician discovers signs of heat damage, the manufacturer will often refuse to pay for the repairs, even if the TV is still within the warranty period. Read the warranty’s fine print; it may specify that just the act of mounting the TV over a fireplace is enough to void its warranty.

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Watching a TV that’s mounted too high can literally be a pain in the neck.

If you’ve ever had to sit in the front row of a movie theater, you probably left with a kink in your neck from looking up at the screen. The same effect can occur if you’re watching a TV that’s mounted above a fireplace.

The most comfortable angle for viewing a television is when the bottom third of the TV is at eye level. If you watch TV from a recliner that’s tilted backward, you may not develop a sore neck, but anyone sitting upright will likely suffer some discomfort after watching TV longer than 30 minutes or so.

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The image on the screen isn’t optimal when viewed from an angle.

LCD TVs are notorious for being difficult to see from an angle of more than 30 degrees from horizontal. If you mount the flat-screen TV flat against the wall above the fireplace, and you’re sitting on a sofa or loveseat, you’ll be viewing the screen from an angle. The greater the angle, the worse the quality of the picture.

An angle of no more than 15 degrees is acceptable, and if you have to mount your TV on the upper section of any wall, it’s a good idea to use a mount that swivels, such as the Emerald Full-Motion TV Wall Mount (available from Walmart), which allows you to angle the screen downward for viewing and then push it flat against the wall when it’s not in use.

RELATED: Solved! How High to Mount a TV

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Think creatively when figuring out a spot for a large screen TV.

You’re not limited to putting a large TV on a small media console. The following ideas will help you think outside of the box for where to place the TV.

  • If you have a window that’s wider than your TV, considering hanging the TV in front of the window. Lined curtains can create a backdrop and block light from the street from entering the window.
  • Surround the TV with shelving to create an “entertainment center” look. Install cabinets below (providing a spot for the TV to sit) and build shelves above and alongside the TV to help integrate it into the overall look of your room.

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6 Best Pull Down TV Mount Over Fireplace Reviews in 2022

Mounting a TV over a fireplace can be very tricky for a number of reasons. And the most important being heat from the fireplace and air circulation. Though it does free up your space and provide an aesthetic appeal to your room, it is can be quite a challenging task to find a proper mount that is safe and does the job with any issues.

However, there are solutions now. Pull down TV mounts can be used to mount the TV over the fireplace with ease. There require sturdy brackets that are easy to install to make mounting a seamless experience. Before we talk about the top few best pull-down TV mounts over the fireplace, we will have a brief look into the parameters which you need to consider while choosing one.

  • Range of motion: It is extremely crucial to consider the full range of motion of the TV mount as it provides you with the freedom to tilt your TV, swivel and adjust the angle. You certainly don’t want to look for the pull down TV mount that limits motion as it can cause backaches or neck strain. Most commonly, these pull down TV mounts have the freedom to adjust somewhere between 3 to 40 inches based on the TV mount you choose.
  • Cable Management: You definitely would not like to purchase the TV mount that will keep your wires hanging around. It will not only reduce the look of your room but also make them untidy. So, while looking for the best pull down TV mount over your fireplace, make sure to check their specifications and ensure that the system supports wires and keeps them clean.
  • Weight capacity: You need to ensure that the pull down TV mount has the capacity to bear the weight of your TV. In case you just choose a TV mount based on its looks and not check the weight that it can bear, it can lead to a terrible disaster. So, before you choose, make sure that you check the weight the pull down TV mount can carry. It is mostly around 20 to 150 LBS depending on the quality.

While these were the top three parameters that we considered when choosing the pull down TV mouse, there are several others which we will talk about later in the Buying Guide. So, if you wish to know the top few best pull down TV mounts over the fireplace, make sure that you keep reading the following.

Outline

Best Pull Down TV Mount Over Fireplace 2022

Best Pull Down TV Mount Over Fireplace Mounting Type Movement Type TV Size Maximum Tilt Angle Buy Now
SANUS TV Wall Mount Wall Mount Tilt 90 Inches Check On Amazon
MantelMount Pull Down TV Mount Full Motion, Pull Down & Swivel, Above Fireplace Swivel 80 Inches 30 Degrees Check On Amazon
VIVO Counterbalance Plasma Wall Mount Wall Mount Swivel, Tilt, Articulating 70 Inches 15 Degrees, 10 Degrees Check On Amazon
Mount-It! TV Wall Mount Swivel Articulating 47 Inches 30 Degrees Check On Amazon
StarTech. com Ceiling TV Mount Full motion, Swivel, Tilt Swivel, Tilt, Articulating 75 Inches 25 Degrees Check On Amazon
MORryde Drop Down TV Wall Mount Wall Mount Swivel 50 Degrees Check On Amazon

Best Pull Down TV Mount Over Fireplace Reviews

1. SANUS Advanced Tilt Universal TV Wall Mount

The SANUS VLT6 is the advanced tilt wall mount for the premium TV that includes exceptional design and groundbreaking performance. The brand is known for providing the ultimate user experience with some of the revolutionary tilting TV mounts. The VLT6 is one of their eye-catching TV mounts that provides better glare reductions.

It offers 5.7 inches of extension on the tilting mount. Such extension enables even the big TVs to acquire the maximum tilt range. Moreover, since the TV mount provides the extension of moving the TV to 5. 7 inches from the wall, wires and cables can be easily and quickly assessed while switching to a future device. It has an open wall plate design that provides easy installation over the electrical outlets. So, it ensures an easy and clean installation. The availability of the centre studs makes it easy to shift side to side.

After a successful installation, making level and height adjustment ensure easy and quick tuning to gain the perfect level. It also comes with a padlock for additional security or safety. It has a universally compatible pattern that can easily adjust 46 inches to 90 inches of flat screen and can bear up to 150 LBS. Lastly, in three installation steps, you can mount this pull down TV mount over your fireplace and enjoy a great cinematic view.

FEATURES:

  • Compatible with 46 to 90 inches of TV size.
  • It can bear a maximum weight of 150 LBS.
  • It has an open wall plate design.
  • Level adjustment after installation is pretty easy.
  • You can easily tilt the TV mount to 5.7 inches from the walls.
  • Wires and cable adjustments are simple.

PROS:

  • It is a fantastic mount.
  • Ability to hold huge weight.
  • Mountain slots enable great adjustability.
  • The tilt feature is simply outstanding.

CONS:

  • A little bit overpriced.

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2. MantelMount MM340 Pull Down TV Mount

The MantelMount MM340 is the pull down TV mount that provides exceptional flexibility. It is designed with some outstanding features that make it a cutting-edge choice. MantelMounts is the winner of several industrial awards due to its construction with lightweight and high-quality materials. Their state-of-the-art technology makes them one of the best choices for users. This pull down TV mount is compatible with TVs from 44 to 80 inches in size. So, you can easily buy anything you wish and have this TV mount to get it installed above the fireplace.

The TV mount has good eye-level viewing that allows the users to enjoy a cinematic view without putting any strain on their eyes. 30° of right and left swivel eliminates neck strain and unnecessary glare. The TV mount can vertically travel to 27 inches, providing you adjustability of your TV as per the requirement. Engineered with pull down handles to enable easy usage. You can also manage cables and wires on this TV mount. It has dual gas pistons that seamlessly pull down the TV.

The high-quality TV mount is engineered with heavy-duty steel. It has adjustable stops for easy usage. Included with safety bowls provides even more security to your TV. The sliding wall plate and enhanced stabilisation on this TV mount provide even more stabilisation and easy usage. So, if you’re looking for a sturdy choice, the MantelMount MM340 is a great choice for you.

FEATURES:

  • Engineered with easy pull down handles.
  • Cable management can be easily made.
  • Use of heavy-duty steel products.
  • The safety bolt installation provides seamless use.
  • You can move the TV mount to 27″ vertically.
  • 30 degrees of right and left swivel.

PROS:

  • Installation is super easy.
  • It provides sufficient range of motion.
  • Side-to-side motion makes it super good.
  • The TV mount is created from heavy-duty metal.
  • Adjustment is very easy.

CONS:

  • It is overpriced.

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3. VIVO Counterbalance Plasma Screen TV Wall Mount

The VIVO MOUNT-VW03G is a brand known for articulating the counterbalance gas spring. It is from VIVO, which features fluid movement and simple assembly for seamless screen positioning. The TV mount includes a gas spring arm to help in the adjustment of screen height both up and down to a range of 12. 5 inches. The robust TV mount is four times stronger and has a capacity of weighing up to 66LBS. This high-end TV mount’s sturdy build and look can help you easily adjust the screen and enjoy a great experience.

The TV mount has been strongly built to hold TV sizes from 40 to 70 inches. With a 90° of swivel, the TV wall mount lets you enjoy your movie from any corner. It can provide the maximum viewing experience along with concealing the video and power cards inside the mount.

The range of height adjustment, along with a tilt from -15 to +10°, enables a full range of motion. So, when installing it over the fireplace, such a huge adjustment angle lets you enjoy the best movie experience. The strength has been tested, and make sure to take four times of the normal and ordinary TV mounds. It also includes three years of manufacturer warranty. The sturdy steel design along with the top-notch engineering makes it the best choice for your requirement.

FEATURES:

  • The TV mount is compatible with 40 to 70 inches of screen size.
  • Provides a screen tilt of -15 to +10° for a range of motion.
  • It can bear weight up to 66 lbs.
  • Gas spring inclusion provides full motion.
  • Engineered with a cable management system.
  • Tested to have four times more strength.

PROS:

  • Installation is super easy.
  • Great range of height adjustments.
  • It can work seamlessly.
  • Looks incredibly sturdy.

CONS:

  • Cord concealing is not significant enough.

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4. Mount-It! Height Adjustable TV Wall Mount

The Mount-It! Height Adjustable TV Wall Mount is a revolutionary design that provides you with a new way to mount your computer screen or TV. This fully adjustable mound offers a full-motion design to help you sit and enjoy your TV from any corner of your room. These are constructed with high-end aluminium steel alloys to acquire long-lasting and durable use. Irrespective of where ever you plan to install this, this TV mount bracket can help you enjoy a fantastic viewing experience.

The presence of a counterbalance tension alarm provides this wall mount with a height adjustment of 13.25 inches. It means that it can move from a sitting to a standing position seamlessly. The three swivel points included on this mount provide a dynamic range of motion. You will be able to watch the screen from any point of your room with 180° 330° and another 180° of swivel points. Providing the freedom to move your screen up and down to +/-15° can offer a comfortable viewing angle and the most transparent view.

It is included with the cable management on the TV mount. The in-arm cable clips included in this TV mount make sure to keep the cables organised for a neat and clean appearance. Included with a single stand ensures easy and seamless installation on different types of walls. It is compatible with 25 to 55 inches of screen size.

FEATURES:

  • Compatible with 25 to 55 inches of screen sizes.
  • It provides 180° swivel motion for a great viewing experience.
  • Designed to tilt from +15° ~ -15° for the best experience.
  • Constructed with plastic and steel products.
  • Have the ability to bear a weight of 44lbs.

PROS:

  • It offers full motion for a better viewing experience.
  • Installation is straightforward.
  • Adjustments can be made seamlessly.
  • Both vertical and horizontal movements.
  • Value for money.

CONS:

  • Some users did not like the use of plastic material in the mount.

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5. StarTech.com Ceiling TV Mount

StarTech.com is one of the renowned brands known for offering some quality products since 1985. From the varied range of products, the StarTech.com Ceiling TV Mount is one of their superior quality products that can be a good choice for users.

The TV mount comes with adjustable height with the telescopic pull. It will help you to keep the display suspended at a proper distance from your ceiling. It becomes a good choice for different types of ceiling heights. The steel pull can be easily extended from 8.2 feet to 9.84′. The full height extension is somewhere between 19.6 inches.

It provides a full range of motion and is compatible with 32 to 75 inches of display. Whether you have a pitched, horizontal or sloped ceiling, the swivel included in this display ceiling mount effortlessly adjusts to a range of ceilings. It can help the display swivel from +180 / -180° without using any tool. Besides, the easy installation of the TV mount makes it a better choice for anyone who wants to enjoy a great cinematic experience.

FEATURES:

  • Compatible with 32 to 75 inches of TV.
  • Can adjust with a range of ceilings like sloped, pitched and horizontal.
  • It lets you easily swivel to + 180 / – 180 degrees.
  • Included with cable management design.
  • Made with alloy steel metal.

PROS:

  • Heavy-duty material for robust use.
  • Products look just the way it has been advertised.
  • Looks simply great.
  • Mounting is super easy.

CONS:

  • A little bit flimsy.

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6. MORryde TV56-129H Drop Down TV Wall Mount

MORryde is known for providing a range of accessories for different purposes. The brand has several other products manufactured at the best quality, and the Drop Down TV Wall Mount is one of them. It is highly effective in appropriately keeping your TV on the walls to provide a safe and great experience. With a vast range of swivel adjustments, it provides you with the opportunity to choose the right viewing angle and get rid of any kind of annoying glare on the screen or monitor.

The drop down wall mount can be a good choice over the fireplace. The pantograph movement offered by this product allows you to make the TV come out from the wall and put it down for a better viewing experience. Being able to swivel to 50° provides you with the opportunity to create the right viewing angle.

FEATURES:

  • Engineered to bear a weight of 12 to 20lbs.
  • The package includes everything you need for installation.
  • 50 degrees of swivel.
  • It can be dropped to 11.5 inches.
  • It helps to reduce glare.

PROS:

  • It is a value for money.
  • Fantastic material.
  • Does not put a strain on your neck.
  • Ensures comfortable viewing angle.

CONS:

  • The screws are loose.

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Buying Guide for the Best Pull Down TV Mount Over Fireplace:

While the descriptive guide of some of the best pull down TV mounts over the fireplace will help you to make the right choice, it is still a must to understand the important things to consider. Despite most brands telling you to have the best features and functionalities, understanding by checking the features provided is always a better choice for you. So, make sure you read the following to find out the prime feature of TV mounts to ensure seamless functionality.

1. Full Range of Motion:

You have to make sure that the pull down TV mount you’re choosing has a full range of motion. What we mean about the full range of motion is the swivel and tilt offered by this TV mount. So, while you choose the TV mount, make sure that you research their tilt and swivel degrees. The limited motion offered by the TV mount can result in backache. We already have provided the best names above, but if you want to move out from the list, make sure you check their tilt degrees and swivel.

2. Integrated Wire Management:

When it comes to TV, which is the main entertainment box, a lot of wires will be included to provide the connection. Even when necessary, this can significantly result in snatching away the clean and tidy appearance of your room. You certainly don’t want an untidy look, so while choosing the TV mount, make sure it has an integrated wire management system. The space provided for concealing the wires or cables will keep everything at a certain point and give a clean and tidy appearance.

3. Weight Capacity:

When choosing the best pull down TV mount over your fireplace, you should certainly check the ability to bear weight. Since different TVs have different weights, you must make sure that they can take the load while choosing the TV mount. If you don’t stay assured about it, it can result in a disaster. Not only can it damage your TV, but it also can be a health hazard for anyone in your home. So, it is always advisable to choose a TV mount that has the ability to bear twice or at least more than the weight of your TV.

4. Adjustment:

The TV mount adjustability is another crucial aspect you must ponder while purchasing the over fireplace pull down TV mount. Not only will this provide the tile and swivel, but also you have to make sure that it offers both vertical and horizontal movement. The more you can move the TV mount, the better you can adjust it as per your viewing distance and place. So, it is ideal to check the height, especially the vertical movement, to ensure adjustability.

5. Improved Safety:

While choosing the pull down TV mount over your fireplace, security is one of the substantial factors. Since there will be kids and pets in your house, checking the safety is undoubtedly a must for adults. It can be dangerous otherwise. So, look for the safety features that are included in the TV mount to prevent falling and knocking off the TV mount from the fireplace.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What to check to ensure the motion?

When it comes to choosing the best TV mount over your fireplace, you cannot avoid checking the motion and adjustability features. Since it will be mounted over your fireplace, which is at an elevated level, you need to ensure that it has degrees of tilt and swivel to ensure you get the ultimate viewing experience. Besides, you also have to ensure the vertical movement of the TV mount to let them adjust to different heights.

2. How to keep my TV space clean?

One of viewers’ biggest challenges is maintaining clean and tidy surroundings. Since wires and cables make a total mess of the space, there is always a need for the owners to look for the desired TV mount. Make sure that the TV mount provides you with the ability to conceal your wires and cables for a tidy and clean space. As it is associated with the room’s aesthetic appeal, avoiding it will only make the space look messy and unappealing.

3. Which is the best material for a TV mount?

There is no such special thing about any particular material. However, it is a good choice if you can find a TV mount engineered with a quality metal finish. It would make sure to have the weight-bearing capacity.

Final Verdict:

Now that you have the knowledge about the best pull down TV mount over your fireplace, it is time to make the right choice. However, if you are looking for the top 3 recommendations, then make sure that you keep reading. Keep reading to find out more about the expert-recommended top 3 TV mounts.

  • SANUS Advanced Tilt Premium Universal TV Wall Mount is the first choice with the compatibility of 46 to 90 inches TV. It can bear a weight of 150LBS, and the open wall plate design makes accessibility super easy. The 5.7-inch tilt feature lets you adjust to any degree.
  • The VIVO MOUNT-VW03G is the next brand with a gas spring arm. It is compatible with 40 to 70 inches of screen size along with a screen tilt of -15 to +10°. Added with a cable management system provides a clean space.
  • The StarTech.com Ceiling TV Mount comes with adjustable height with the telescopic pull. It can be extended from 8.2 feet to 9.84 feet. Being compatible with 32 to 75 inches of displays and swivelling from +180 / -180° provides the ultimate viewing experience.

With the best inclusion of pull down TV mounts over the fireplace, choosing can be a lot easier for you now. However, irrespective of your choice, always ensure to check every detail and feature to enjoy a great living experience.

Pull Down TV Mount for Flat Screen Over The Fireplace -MantelMount.com

Revolutionary Solutions-Based TV Mounts

A Redefined and Fully-Optimized Home Entertainment Experience

You’re here because home entertainment greatly matters to you.

MantelMount is an entirely re-imagined, fully-optimized home entertainment experience. Our patented technology and full-range motion make MantelMount a premium solution like no other. MantelMount not only offers tilt and swivel, but also allows you to easily pull your TV down off the wall and position it at eye level in front of a fireplace. This delivers to you the highest levels of comfort and picture quality. MantelMount also has triple the amount of performance and safety features as your standard TV mount. You’re not just buying “another TV mount” with MantelMount. You’ve created a new room. A home theater experience to WOW your guests with. Maximized TV viewing enjoyment is guaranteed for the whole family.

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Why MantelMount?

7s” data-wow-delay=”0.07s”>Because you’ve never enjoyed watching TV like this before. Our patented safety and performance features set us apart from any TV mount ever made.

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The MantelMount Experience

A TV Mount Designed For Home Entertainment Connoisseurs

The Perfect TV Picture

Only Happens At Eye-Level.

For the highest quality TV picture, manufacturers suggest the bottom 1/3rd of your TV screen be BELOW eye-level. Viewed from a standard distance, however, the typical height above a fireplace will be well above the manufacturer-suggested viewing height. This causes significant degradation in TV brightness, contrast and color gamut (the accuracy and reproduction of color from a TV screen).

Most of us care too much about our home entertainment to settle for a lackluster TV picture. By pulling your TV down towards eye-level with MantelMount, you’re assured a much finer picture color and clarity, as well as your greatest level of enjoyment.

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Looking up is a pain in the neck.

Literally

When a TV’s mounted too high, there’s more at stake than just your picture quality…there’s your health. Placing a TV high on the wall moves the image you’re trying to watch well above the recommended eye-level. Craning your neck into an unnatural position for any extended period of time is going to cause discomfort, but doing so for even short periods of time, day after day, can have lasting effects. With the easy-to-use, full-range motion of a MantelMount, say goodbye to common neck strain, eye irritation, headaches and fatigue caused by a detrimental TV height and angle.

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Easy Installation

If you can install a flat-screen television mount, you can install MantelMount. Our complete, easy-to-follow PDF installation manuals can be printed out or viewed on your smartphone, and you can watch our quick install video guides as well.

Prefer to leave the installation to a certified technician? We’ve partnered with OnTech Smart Home Services, a division of Dish Network, for nationwide premium installation service on our MM340, MM540 and MM700 mounts.

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Anatomy of a MantelMount

The Most Performance-Based, Feature-Loaded TV Mount Ever Built

Patented Construction

High-quality automotive pistons, lightweight alloys & state-of-the-art counterbalance technology

Exclusive Features

Paintable covers, heat-sensing handles, soundbar adapter, adjustable stops, auto-straightening and more. (features vary by model)

Solid Construction

Made with heavy-duty steel and the finest of materials

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Our Best-Selling MantelMount MM540 Enhanced Pull-Down & Swivel TV Mount

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Full-Range TV Motion

Mounts range from 24”-30” vertical, 25°-60° swivel, 0-9° tilt, and 12”-20” off the wall travel

For Large Flat Screen TVs

MantelMount holds TVs from 20-125 lbs and 44”-100” depending on your model

Flexible Payments

Interest-free installment option available


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7s” data-wow-delay=”0.05s”>Testimonials

MantelMount solved all our needs!

Installed in less than 1 hour, excellent manufacturing quality and easy for the whole family to use. Every house should be built with a MantelMount already installed.

Best Thing Ever! I don’t even have it over a fireplace.

Bought it to go up and down plus tilt left and right. Everyone is in love with this mount. Love it.

MantelMount is space saving, sleek and really cool!

It’s extremely well built and the customer service is amazing. One of our best purchases and we recommend it to all of our guests.

Love it! MantelMount is exactly as advertised.

We’re able to watch TV without craning our necks and I can turn it to watch from the kitchen. Installation was easy and customer service was ready with answers.

MantelMount solved a huge problem for us!

Our family room has a fireplace and lots of windows, so it didn’t have a good place to hang a TV. When the MantelMount is lowered, the TV is in the perfect spot!

I Love It! MantelMount freed up so much space

Completely changing the feel of the living room. There’s now tons more room for the kids to play and I no longer worry about them tipping the TV or pulling on wires.

MantelMount is New Jersey Smart Homes & Theater’s GO-TO for fireplace TV mount requests.

When we show our customers how easily you can pull a large screen down to eye-level they flip out! 100% positive customer feedback.

Everyone should have a MantelMount

If they really care about their living room space and viewing their TV properly. The service from MantelMount has also been exceptional!

MantelMount the Magnificent.

Flawless design. Highest quality components. Functional superiority. Spot-on installation instructions. Couldn’t be more satisfied. Looking forward to years of continued use.

Perfect Fit For Our New Porch.

Hung a 55″ LG above a 12″ wide oak beam. Instructions were very easy and I had the TV up in 45 minutes. Incredibly secure, easily leveled, and very easy to raise/lower.

Even my kids love it!

I knew my wife and I would, but my kids were skeptical. Then after watching Zootopia with MantelMount pulled down, they absolutely love it! Only problem is getting them to stop watching TV.

Superb Product!! This mount is a beast!

It solved my family’s sore necks and it looks great. MantleMount have been extremely responsive to my questions. I couldn’t ask for anything more from them. A+

As a developmental engineer I can say this is a very well thought out & designed product.

Everything fit together nicely & the instructions are very clear. I Just can’t figure how such a good product is only $400.

Love the MantelMount. Received it in Australia in just 2 days!

Our TV is now above the fireplace out of the way. When we watch movies, we pull it down to a level where our necks aren’t sore. Highly recommend.

No more neck strain from watching TV.

Our mantel is quite high, so it’s much more comfortable watching TV in the lower position. We can now raise and lower our TV with two fingers.

Love the Mount & the Support!

I chose Mantlemount because of their excellent support answering all my questions. The price was very reasonable for the quality. I installed it myself & highly recommend.

Can I Mount My TV Above the Fireplace?

When it comes to mounting a tv above a fireplace, simply put, what works for someone else may not work for you. That’s because every home’s fireplace system is entirely different.

There are so many factors involved that it takes the trained eye of a professional to know and consider all factors. Proceeding with this seemingly simple project could be a costly mistake. 

Ask yourself a few questions and consider the following things before starting this popular household project:

  1. Understand why the construction of the facing around and above is a factor to consider 
  2. Use only the right sized anchors/fasteners 
  3. Be aware of the risks involved before drilling into your fireplace surround
  4. Be familiar with all internal fireplace/chimney system components 
  5. Know the difference between glue and mortar
  6. Understand that TVs and Heat do NOT go together
  7. Do you have the right type of fireplace and TV for Mounting? 
  8. How to know if a TV can go above your open-fireplace
  9. Consider the seating requirements and viewing angles
  10. Have you ever considered a projector TV?
  11. The risks of using full-motion wall mounts
  12. Consider the television weight, type of tv mount, and if the two are appropriate for your specific fireplace wall/facing, etc.

Why Understanding Mortar is Important to your TV Mount & Fireplace Project

If you’re wondering why we’re talking about bricks and mortar instead of tv mounts, it’s because it’s extremely relevant to your home fireplace project.

Whether you have a masonry or a prefabricated system, your fireplace surround/facing is likely held in place by mortar on your chimney/wall. 

The fireplace surround is unique to every single home. We’ve been to thousands of homes and never come across one that’s exactly like another, which is why we cannot in good conscience give an exact recipe for how to mount a tv above a fireplace. Not without thoroughly inspecting the area and all components therein.

As you can see, the mortar is holding the brick facing on the wall.

Use only an appropriately sized anchor for your specific setup

We cannot recommend the correct size because every home has a unique fireplace and hearth setup. So what works at your neighbor’s house may very well not work for your home. 

You’ll want to use multiple right-sized anchors… 4-inches is usually good. Just remember you’re attaching a heavy object to a structure that MIGHT not be as sturdy as sheetrock and 2×4 wall.

Remember, you’re bolting the television to a single wall of brick, NOT the chimney.

Another thing to remember is that this project requires more than your standard drill and drill bit set. Here are a few tools you’ll likely need to mount a tv above a fireplace: Anchors, a hammer drill, a high-impact drill and bits, and a dry shop vacuum.

Don’t let common sense mislead you when choosing your mounting anchors

When planning this project, you’ll likely consider the weight of a big-screen television. It might even SEEM like a great idea to use extra-long anchors to make sure your fireplace tv is mounted in the brick or wall solid enough that it won’t shift or fall out. However, that common sense is misleading in this case. Allow us to explain:

First, while there may be times when it works, if you’re not familiar with the inner workings of your fireplace and chimney, then we advise you NOT to use extra-long anchors unnecessarily. When doing so, you’d run the risk of causing damage to a structure; this is difficult and costly to repair.

An example of potential damages to a masonry chimney caused by using anchors that are too long is they could drill too far through and accidentally penetrate the chimney’s smoke chamber or ceramic flue tiles. The smoke chamber and flue tiles contain the smoke on its way outdoors. 

Using extra-long anchors poses the risk of penetrating the smoke chamber or flue tiles, leading to major safety hazards.

What do you think happens if we unknowingly drill a hole through that barrier between the smoke and the living room?

That’s right; it could become a safety hazard. Chances are, not much will get through if there’s a bolt filling the hole; however, let’s say the first attempt at hanging the TV on the mount above the mantel didn’t go as planned and needs moved, leaving open holes and hidden puncture damage. Smokey exhaust and gases, such as carbon monoxide, can seep through the new openings that shouldn’t be there. 

Or maybe you mount your television using a fastener that’s a little bit too long, but there’s nothing that immediately alerts you to the problem. The TV looks great, and everything appears to be okay. But what you don’t know is that there’s a tiny puncture wound in the chimney’s ceramic flue tile behind the fireplace wall, which is just the start of progressive damages. 

It happens over time, and in a situation like this, you may not find out about the damage until your next level 2 inspection.

This is when your chimney tech runs a high-resolution camera up the flue and finds the spot right behind where the fireplace tv mount has started cracking. 

Every time you’ve used the fireplace, the heat only aggravates that crack, making it bigger and spreading it until repairs or a complete rebuild is necessary.

Now ask yourself if that TV mounting was worth a repair job that could easily cost you tens of thousands of dollars.

If you’re not sure about the current state of your fireplace facing or chimney, schedule an inspection with one of our certified chimney professionals.

Your masonry fireplace surround is actually part of the home, not the chimney

Did you know that the surrounding area of a masonry fireplace, otherwise known as the outer hearth (the whole indoor area around and above your hearth) and the fireplace facing is not part of the chimney structure, but it’s a part of your home? Believe it or not, it’s true. 

A fireplace facing is the part of your hearth that belongs to the house’s interior, and the chimney stack is an exterior feature. It’s often difficult for many people to understand. Even within the chimney and fireplace industry, it is difficult to grasp without visualizing it.

We’re going to explain it further, but we need you to understand a bit about bricks and mortar.

Mortar is NOT Glue

Although mortar is commonly called the “glue that holds bricks together,” mortar is NOT an adhesive glue.

While it’s not directly related to your fireplace’s TV installation, if you’re like us, and love to learn new things, here’s a cool video that goes a bit more in-depth on what exactly mortar is, how this bonding material was invented centuries ago, and why it’s still being used every day on job sites like ours. 

Mortar is essentially like a space filler. A bonding substance that fills the spaces in between blocks or bricks and then hardens. When blocks/bricks interlock with mortar, it becomes tight-fitting and sturdy. 

During a chimney’s construction, the builders will often construct the fireplace and chimney structure and then a week later return to build the outer fireplace hearth, making them two separate structures bonded together with mortar.

Master Chimney Sweep Robert Berry has seen this scenario countless times in his 33+ years rebuilding fireplaces and their chimneys. Here’s what he had to say: 

“The bricks or blocks that you see on and around your fireplace is not actually attached to the chimney behind it, rather only lightly bonded with a thin layer of mortar between the interior and the exterior structures. After years without maintenance, the outside “tall tower” part of a chimney may start to lean or tilt, pulling away from the house and when this happens the stack of bricks pulls away from the mortar, too.”

Heat & TVs Don’t Mix

Heat and television, or any other electronics for that matter, aren’t designed to get along. When it comes to mounting your television above your fireplace, it’s best to play it safe and know which fireplaces are less likely to cause you problems with overheating and which types you should avoid mounting a tv above.

Why can I not use a tv mount with a gas insert or wood stove fireplace? Because the nature of those is to make a lot of heat… which can harm the delicate electronic components inside the television. 

 As always, when in doubt, call a professional for help.

Mount Your TV Above an Open-Fireplace 

While you can usually get away with mounting a flat-screen tv over an electric fireplace, when it comes to gas or wood-burning units made to produce heat, you must be careful what you place above the mantel. Even direct vent gas fireplace and inserts produce a substantial amount of heat that can eventually deem your television useless. You won’t notice the damage until the day comes when the television refuses to turn on.  

In most cases, you should not install electronics above wood-burning stoves or gas fireplaces and inserts because they produce massive amounts of heat. That heat could severely damage your tv or other electronic devices.   

An open fireplace that burns wood or decorative gas logs, which has non-removable glass doors (with gaskets and a tight-fitting latch) or air-tight doors, would frequently allow a TV to stick out from the facing IF said television was mounted in excess of 12 inches above the opening or fireplaces lintels.

Take this Quick QUIZ to Determine if a Mount Can Work for You
  1. Does your fireplace have air-tight doors that open with a latch? 
  2. Does your fireplace produce heat? 
  3. Does it have a single fixed sheet of glass in a frame, held in place with springs and a clamp? 

If the answer is yes to ANY of those questions, then heat could become a problem for the TV mounted above your fireplace.  

Some other things that could be problematic: 

    • Are there any cracks or movement in your masonry? If so, this is not a good fit for tv mounting.
    • Is your facing brick or rock veneer? If so, then this is not best for mounting TVs on. 

Consider the seating requirements for comfortable viewing

We know hanging your TV above the fireplace or mantel is a trendy thing to do these days, but before grabbing your drill and a new mount, perhaps the best place to start is asking yourself this question: 

Do you really want the television above eye level? 

If so, you’ll need to determine if your fireplace room is large enough to accommodate this arrangement for comfortable screen viewing?

If you’re not sure, test it out. That’s what we did, and we go into detail about those test results below.

Consider the proper angle for viewing LED/LCD Televisions

When trying to relax and watch our favorite shows, we all want the best possible viewing conditions. The first thing to consider is the angle at which most modern LED/LCD televisions, especially the older plasma model TVs, have a limited angle at which the picture is clearly seen.

If you’ve ever looked at flat-screen television from a different angle, rather than head-on, eye-level, then you know exactly what we mean. There are newer OLED model televisions that don’t have this problem, but we won’t cover those in this article. 

So, now to find out how far back to put a couch or recliner chairs away from a TV hung over the fireplace. Using the television mounted above our 75-inch fireplace, where the center of the flat-panel screen is approximately 7-feet above the floor. 

Our goal was to determine how far away we must sit from the tv mounted above the mantle not to need to lookup. Our reason for doing this is to avoid getting neck pain. Anyone who’s ever watched a whole movie from the front row of a movie theater can understand why this is important!

Measure for Seating with TV Wall Mount

During the test, we used our fireplace room for comfortable seating arrangements. Taking measurements for a television mounted over a fireplace:

Seating Distance from Television Comfort Level
Under 8 feet Suffered Neck Strain. Had to bend neck to look up enough to cause significant neck pain after a while.
At around 8 -10 feet Suffered Eye Strain. Able to look straight ahead but had to look up, causing eyes to feel strained.
At around 15 ft Mostly Comfortable Viewing. The neck and eye strain was reduced and at a comfortable level for viewing. The only issue at 15 ft. is the distance may be a problem for people with poor eyesight or smaller televisions.

What to do if you can’t mount a television over your fireplace

So what if you’ve discovered that this is not going to work out as you’d hoped. Are you bummed about not being able to attach a TV above your fireplace?

If you’ve done your research and maybe even consulted a professional but still determined that your original plan for your fireplace tv mounting project is not a good fit for your current home, that’s okay. We’ve got good news! There’s another way.

Have you ever considered a Projector TV?

Projector technology has come a long way and is much higher quality than they ever were before! The projector shines an image onto a lightweight screen. These modern devices are a real convenience that attaches to a ceiling instead of a wall.

Many of them also have remote-controlled opening and closing capabilities that allow you to hide the screen quickly!

The projector box itself can also be concealed in a decorative cabinet when not displayed. They can now even work in well-lit rooms, which wasn’t possible with early projector models. 

What is the best surface for a wall-mounted TV? A wall of course

If you have a plain fireplace wall (2×4 and sheetrock) above your fireplace where the brickwork stops above the opening and is regular drywall, consider the projector to shine directly on the wall and, once prepared with the paint, mimics a projector screen and produces a pretty nice image.

Using Full-Motion Wall Mounts to Angle your Television 

Many people frequently wonder what tv mounts to use above your fireplace. If you want full tilt and swivel options for your tv, there are full-motion, “accordion” style wall mounts with articulating arms that allow you to move your television in all different directions once it’s mounted.

These are great for a standard wall (assuming you know how to use a stud finder and choose the right sturdy spot to hang your tv). 

We love that these mounts move in different directions and provide mobility to your television if you need it. However, If the wall above the mantle is a brick or stone veneer, we do NOT recommend using adjustable mounts on the facing above your fireplace. 

These full-motion bracket mounts pose a risk when hanging it on a fireplace surround and facing. (*See the section on mortar for a more in-depth understanding).

Usually, the brick, rock, tile, or stone veneer facing a fireplace is held onto the wall by a thin layer of mortar. Now, bolting in a heavy object on that facing places a lot of strain on a pretty important piece of your room! 

TV Weight is a Heavy Concern for a Fireplace Surround

As mentioned above, the weight of the electronic device you’re mounting is a concern you must take seriously. Think about it. New tv models (under 65-inch) are fairly lightweight (50-65 lbs). The older flat panels typically weigh between 80-100 lbs. Add in the weight of the mount itself, which is usually over 30 lbs. 

You could easily have at least 100 lbs. of torque, where the mount is bearing the weight of the television and trying not to break the wall or facing behind it. And depending on the wall’s material, age, or current physical state, cracking or collapsing is a real possibility and concern.

The leverage of a cantilever arm helps move heavy objects but puts more of the load on the wall itself. When that “wall” is sometimes as little as 4-inches thick and attached to a thin layer of mortar, that weight could now be too much to hold.  

We Recommend: The type of mounts that do NOT move or adjust are the safest to use when mounting a tv above a fireplace, especially when attached to fireplace facing.

Summary

Mounting a tv above your fireplace is a wonderful idea for combining beauty, comfort, and entertainment in your home; however, just because it’s a good idea in theory doesn’t mean it’s the right idea for you specifically. 

It’s imperative to remember that every home’s fireplace and chimney system is different from the rest. That’s why there’s no “one size fits all” approach to tv mounts.

And as we detailed in this blog, whether or not a typical flat screen above the fireplace is the right option for you depends on several factors.

When it comes to home improvement projects that could substantially impact you financially or the safety of your fireplace, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. So, before you embark on this tv mount journey, we strongly suggest that you consult with a professional. Regardless of the result, we hope this blog acts as a jumping-off point to kick-start your project!

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3 Reasons Why You Should Think Twice Before Mounting a TV Over Your Fireplace

It’s really not a good idea to mount your TV over your fireplace. It might center your living room in a charming way, but it can do a lot more harm than good — especially if you watch a lot of TV,  are prone to neck pain or actually use the fireplace. Yes, we know it seems like the logical place to stick a TV, but there are serious issues with such placement. (Mounting a TV in the bathroom isn’t much better, but it’s doable.)

If you’re considering above-the-fireplace mounting, I’ll presume you’ve already considered how you’re going to run power and signal (HDMI or wireless) to the TV, and how you’re mounting it to the brick or stone. These are concerns too, but easily fixable. There are bigger issues, though. 

Read more: Mounting a TV on Your Deck? Not So Fast

Here’s why you should really think twice before mounting your TV over your fireplace. 

Now playing:
Watch this:

Why a TV should never be mounted over a fireplace

1:01

1. Viewing angle: A TV over a fireplace is too high 

Ever sit in the front row of a movie theater? Some people like it; most don’t. That sore neck you get from staring up at the screen? Imagine that every time you watch TV. Most people find staring up at something for long periods to be uncomfortable. Worse, it might seem fine at first, but then you develop a neck issue later.

Not surprisingly, one of the first Google autocomplete results after “TV over fireplace…” is “too high.” This isn’t a rare issue.

Imagine how far back your head would have to tilt to watch this TV from those seats.

Mint Images/Getty Images

Sure, this won’t be a problem in some rooms. The fireplace might be low, you might be reclining to watch TV, you might be far enough away that you’re just barely looking “up” at it. But if you’ve ever had neck issues, often from something work-related, this aspect is something to consider as it could make such an injury worse. 

Most of us would much rather look slightly down at a TV. It’s a much more natural position (similar to what’s recommended by OSHA for monitors). Ideally you should be able to keep a neutral/relaxed neck position to watch your TV, which will vary depending on your sofa/seating position and so on. 

2. Your TV will be off-axis

Mounting a TV above a fireplace is almost always a bad idea.

Chris Heinonen/Geoff Morrison

Nearly every TV on the market today is an LCD. There are higher-end models from LG, Sony, and Vizio that are OLED, but otherwise, regardless of the marketing name, it’s an LCD. 

Most LCDs look significantly worse if you’re not looking at them straight on. Even a few degrees below their centerline, like you’d have sitting on a sofa looking up at the TV, can make the image look profoundly different than what it looks like directly on-axis.

This is fairly easy to fix, though you’ll need specific equipment. Some wall-mounting brackets let you pivot the TV downward, so it’s directly facing the seating area. Keep an eye out for models that do. Flat-mounting the TV on the wall (the cheapest solution) might make your TV look worse.

3. Heat and soot damage your TV

There is nothing worse for an electronics product than heat (OK, maybe water or kicking it could be worse, but you get my point). Increasing the operating temperature of the TV can shorten what should be a lively and reliably long life.

Worse, the soot from the fire can get into the TV’s innards, doing nothing good. Even worse, the damage will be slow and over time, not right away, so the TV will likely fail sooner than it would have otherwise, but still beyond the length of your warranty.

There is no best seat in this house, at least for watching TV.

Cavan Images/Getty Images

This won’t be an issue for everyone. If you don’t, or can’t, use your fireplace, then this won’t be a problem. A gas fireplace might not have soot, but if the wall above is warm to the touch, that heat is going to warm your TV too.

Bottom line

Though stylish and popular, mounting a TV above a fireplace probably isn’t the best option for you or your TV. Placement is a big issue, and location and TV height can be significant factors when it comes to picture quality. 

For more TV tips and tricks, check out our recommendations for TV picture settings to change, why it’s usually not a good idea to increase your television’s sharpness control, and the best time to buy a TV. Plus, a fix for muffled TV dialogue and 7 solutions for hiding ugly TV wires.


As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, airplane graveyards and more. 

You can follow his exploits on Instagram and his travel video series on YouTube. He also wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-sized submarines, along with a sequel. 

Mounting Your TV Above the Fireplace? Pros vs.

Cons

Few things are cozier than watching television next to a crackling fire. And due to the layout of some homes, as well as personal design preferences, often the best arrangement is mounting your TV over the fireplace.

But there are valid reasons why you should and shouldn’t mount a TV above a fireplace. Viewing comfort and safety—in particular protecting your TV from fireplace heat—are both important considerations. Read on to see if it’s okay to put a TV above the fireplace.

Pros

  • Helps with room layout and creating a focal point

  • Frees up floor space by eliminating TV stand

  • Location above fireplace often has wiring for TVs

Cons

  • Can be a poor height and angle for viewing

  • Can limit size of TV

  • Possible heat issues from fireplace

Click Play to Learn If You Should Mount a TV About the Fireplace

Why You Shouldn’t Mount a TV Above a Fireplace

Viewing Height and Angle Can Be Incorrect

Consult your TV manual for how high the TV should be mounted over a fireplace. The manual also should include the best viewing angle and the distance you should maintain from the screen. Typically, the center of the screen should be at eye level when you are sitting and facing the screen. Unless your fireplace is especially low, its height will likely conflict with the optimal viewing height and angle for the TV.

Tip

A full-motion articulating wall mount can help to angle your TV screen downward when it’s mounted high above your fireplace. But that still might mean you have to tip your head back uncomfortably to view the screen.

There Might Not Be Enough Room for the TV

Fireplace mantels generally range from roughly 4.5 to 5 feet tall. The standard ceiling height in newer construction is around 9 feet tall. So that doesn’t give you much space to work with for a TV in between the mantel and ceiling, especially if you don’t want the TV to look squeezed into the space. This, of course, depends on your TV size. But for those who like a large TV, mounting it over the fireplace might be too tight of a fit.

Flames Can Distract From Viewing Experience

Ambient light and background activity can take away from a quality home theater experience. And the licking flames of even a modest fireplace represent both light and activity. So if you value an undistracted viewing experience, mounting your TV over your fireplace is probably not the best idea. Even a fireplace screen might not be enough to minimize the distraction.

Fire Heat and Smoke Can Harm a TV

Heat can damage a flatscreen TV, and most manuals include a temperature range in which the TV should remain. It is generally not safe to mount a TV over a wood-burning fireplace. That’s due to both the high heat and smoke that wood fires create. Any heat and smoke not vented up the chimney will cascade over the front of the mantel and around your TV, damaging the electronics.

Gas fireplaces generally produce less heat upward behind the mounting wall than wood-burning fireplaces, though it still can be too much heat for a TV. You can protect your TV from fireplace heat by closing the fireplace doors and adding a mantel that will deflect some heat from going directly up toward the TV. Converting to an electric fireplace that doesn’t produce heat is also recommended.

Wiring and Mounting Can Be Difficult

Brick, natural stone, manufactured veneer stone, and similar solid masonry fireplaces afford no below-surface room to run wires. As a result, wiring for a mounted TV would need to be run on top of the facade. This would hardly be an attractive feature for your fireplace. Plus, the surface-level wiring might not be to code in certain areas. Likewise, it can be difficult to drill into certain materials and properly anchor a mounted TV.

You also might run into questions about where to put the cable box when the TV is mounted above the fireplace. The box might look clunky on your mantel—or maybe you don’t even have a mantel at all. In that case, you might need some sort of TV stand.

When Mounting a TV Above a Fireplace Might Be OK

Cables and Jacks Are Located There

Homes are sometimes built with a recessed niche above the fireplace that’s meant for TV placement. The niche comes equipped with all the outlets and jacks you need to plug in your TV. This obviously cuts out any difficult and potentially problematic wiring work. But you’d still need to determine whether the viewing angle is right for you, as well as whether your fireplace would create too much heat for a TV.

Room Space Is Tight

When you need to maximize a small living space, you might want to mount the TV above the fireplace. This can help with layout by giving the room one main focal point—rather than you trying to create separate sitting areas around the fireplace and the TV. Plus, it eliminates the need for a TV stand that would take up floor space.

Your Fireplace Doesn’t Get Hot

If you have a fireplace style that puts out very little heat, such as electric and gel fireplaces, it’s likely safe to mount your TV above it. You can always use a temperature gun to check your fireplace heat output against what your TV manual says is OK. Moreover, if you don’t plan on using your fireplace or it’s nonfunctional, you can keep the space above it in mind for mounting your TV.

Four reasons not to hang a TV over a fireplace (and useful tips if you have to) [translation] • Stereo.ru

Hanging TVs over a fireplace has somehow become very popular. If this does not concern you personally, then for sure there is your friend who did just that. Who came up with the idea to do this and why they thought it was such a cool idea – these are mysteries that will haunt me until the end of my days. However, there’s nothing you can do about it. If scientists came up with a time machine that would allow me to prevent something in the past, then I, dear reader, would try to convince you not to follow this idea.

Please don’t misunderstand my distaste for TVs over fireplaces as an attempt to hurt the feelings of those of you who have positioned the TV panel that way. It’s possible that you simply didn’t have a choice. What if you really like it? Well, that’s good! In the end, if you look for the guilty, then these are those who did the design in your house. They’ve made the fireplace the centerpiece of your living room, with windows all over the other walls. Then they ran the cables exactly to the place above the fireplace, as if to imply “install the TV here.” How annoying…

Let’s take our time. Is hanging a TV over a fireplace really such a bad idea? It’s not always the same. If it can be avoided, then it must be avoided, and I will explain why below. If there is no way out, then I will give you some tips that will help you get the most out of your viewing experience.

Heat + electronics = bad

Radiant heat is bad for technology and smoke is even worse. Ever paid attention to the windows of a smoker’s car? If this smoker does not clean the windows as regularly as he smokes, then the windows will become covered with a cloudy layer of dirt like a film. When exposed to the smoke of burning wood, the same film can form on your TV’s internal components. You may not see the smoke particles when the fire is burning, but they are there (you can smell them, by the way). When a tree burns, even if the chimney is fully open and working perfectly, a small amount of smoke and ash enters the room. All this, including the heat of the TV itself, affects the device.

I have a wood stove for cooking. The heat generated by this thing (which is what it is for) is enough to melt candles that are much higher than the stove itself. As for me, hanging a TV there is a way to quickly disable it.

To make sure all of the above is true, I spoke with Brian Sevigny, owner of Digital Connex, an installation company in Portland, Oregon. He said that he is often asked to install a TV over the fireplace. When asked if he recommends doing this, he abruptly jumped up and unequivocally stated: “I dissuade, and first of all because of the heat and smoke.”

Most electrical devices function better and more reliably at low temperatures. Too much heat can quickly damage materials that cannot tolerate high temperatures, and microscopic growths of metal can form on conductive materials, which cause short circuits in TV circuit boards.

However, if your fireplace is made of high quality or you have a gas hearth, then this is much better. A TV above such a hearth is likely to last less than expected. But you will probably replace it with another model before it stops working.

Neck pain

I have experienced this problem many times when I was visiting friends or renting a place on vacation. I also heard complaints from other people. On the other hand, I have information that some of you don’t get neck pain from watching high-hanging televisions. If you are from the last camp, then calmly scroll on, and congratulations on your incredibly strong healthy spine. The rest I ask you to read everything.

By positioning the TV over the fireplace, you move the picture above eye level. Remember how you had to look at the screen in a movie theater when you were sitting in one of the first three rows. Most likely, you left the cinema with your neck chained. Temporary discomfort occurs if you hold the neck in an unnatural position for a long time, but if you do this day after day, then the side effect can turn from temporary to chronic. For example, in constant headaches.

I contacted physiotherapist Brad Simpson, who runs the clinical program at Life’s Work Physical Therapy. Breda Clinic treats patients with various problems of the musculoskeletal system, clinic specialists are experts in ergonomics. Simpson says that regular sitting in an unnatural position leads to chronic consequences.

“Everything ends with the fact that the upper muscles of the neck (like those in the lower back) stop working. Posture with a forward neck and a raised head to watch TV reduces the load on these muscles, Simpson explains. – The head in such a forward position has a bad effect on the cervical vertebrae. It causes pain… you lose the ability to hold your neck.”

Muscle pain is not the only problem. “Headaches are very common in our population, and they also appear when you start to push your chin forward in the ‘looking up’ position,” Brad says. Simpson also noted that the wrong posture leads to respiratory failure, which in turn causes us to overstress certain muscles. It also leads to pain. My verdict after our conversation is that it’s not worth the pain.

The viewing angle affects the picture quality

There are no disputes here. Every year I review more than 30 TVs. The viewing angle of an LED/LCD TV remains a major issue, even at the top of the range.

Basically, an LCD screen is made up of many small windows that open and close. This principle of operation allows the backlight of the TV to pass through the windows, creating an image. The problem is that these “windows” have a very limited viewing angle. If you look at the screen from the left, right or bottom, you will see only a part of the transmitted light. As a result, the picture is faded, unsaturated. It is unlikely that you wanted to get it when you bought a new TV with hard-earned money.

But there is good news for you: there are several ways to partially solve the problem. First, you can buy a tilting arm with a higher angle to get a more direct image towards you. There are even motorized brackets on the market that lower the TV lower to eye level (but be careful not to let the fire burn in the fireplace at this point). Either option will improve saturation and contrast.

The second way is to buy an OLED TV, which has virtually unlimited viewing angle, and this TV will provide a great picture no matter how high you hang it. There are many reasons why OLED is winning the “battle” with LED TVs. If OLED TV is not your choice, then pay attention to LED TVs with LCD display using IPS technology.

It’s just plain ugly

To be honest, I’m as good at design as a colorblind hippo who spends most of his time in the swamp. I have nothing against hippos, but the fact is the fact. Realizing my complete lack of experience in interior design, I turned to Garrison Hullinger, owner of Garrison Hullinger Interior Design. I asked if his TV was hanging over the fireplace. “No, I live in a house that is over 100 years old and I would never hang a TV in my living room over the fireplace,” Hallinger told me. “We have a house by the sea, there is also a fireplace in the living room, but we decided not to install a TV in this room at all.”

However, in most modern homes there is a room designed specifically for this. Hallinger told me that 25% of the houses he visited had a dedicated (wired) space for a TV above the fireplace. Installer Brian Sevigny told me the same thing when he talked about modern residential buildings where “the wires are immediately led out over the fireplaces.”

In the end, this is my opinion. But many other people agree with him. Take it how you want.

Tips

I, being a TV snob, tend to recommend that you install the TV in another room that is designed for this. In the living room, where you often visit, you can put a music system that will become a central element. However, the interior of most houses is simply not thought out for this, and your views are likely to be very different from mine. If you love the idea of ​​hanging a TV above the fireplace (and you’re already thinking about doing it) or just don’t have any other choice, here are a few tips:

• Sit as far away as possible, if possible. The farther you are from the TV, the smaller the angle you need to bend your neck.

• Take a relaxed posture! – Lean back and relax while watching TV. This way you avoid having to bend your neck.

• Use tilt or motorized mounting system. – By changing the angle of the TV, you can achieve a more direct view, which will improve the picture quality.

• Buy an OLED TV. “These TVs not only have great pictures and ultra-thin bodies, but they also have no problems with viewing angles.

• Do not light a fire while watching TV. – The flickering of fire and additional lighting in a dark room can play a trick on your pupils, you have to strain your eyesight. Plus, fire is distracting. If the fireplace and TV are located nearby, then it would be better to enjoy one at a time.

• Contact a professional installer. – A professional will not only be able to hide all the cables, but also offer several options on how to get the most out of your TV installation.

Original: 4 reasons not to mount your TV over your fireplace (and a few helpful tips if you must)

Is it possible to hang a TV over a fireplace, reviews and advice from designers

A TV over a fireplace is one of the topics that unequivocally divides people into two “camps”: those who are for (unconditionally or with reservations), and those who are unequivocally against combining fireplace and TV on the same wall. The practicing professionals who took part in our survey were no exception.

papac media AB

Fireplace from the designer – TV from the owners
“TV above the fireplace is wonderful! A center (hearth) appears in the room, a dominant, near which the entire subsequent interior is built. We live in Russia, and one cannot do without a TV in the house. This is our mentality. Therefore, the only place where it can be placed is in the interior of the living room. Thank God, not in the bedroom! Therefore, this is how it turns out: a fireplace from the designer and a TV from the customer,” Olesya Vinnikova voices the point of view of those who are “for”.

“TV above the fireplace is bad manners. The fireplace is a significant part of the interior, often even a central, style-forming one. He got this role from the time when the fireplace in the living room was the only source of heat in the house, a “hearth” in the sacred sense. With the advent of centralized heating and television, this role went to the TV. So either one or the other. You should not wear a tie under a tracksuit,” Roman Nosenko, a representative of those who are “against”, is convinced.

The Design Atelier

Why designers are against a TV over a fireplace
1. Heat harms appliances
A TV and a fireplace require certain operating conditions and a very careful approach to the technical component (thermal insulation). If we are talking about a real wood-burning fireplace and without glass firebox doors, problems arise. Warm air with ashes goes up, the wall and the TV heat up: this is not good for him. In addition, it is not safe to hang a TV over the fireplace.

Jessica Helgerson Interior Design

“Capacitors and electronics dry up and the TV goes bad. It’s the same with pictures. Once they hung a painting from the end of the 18th century, after six months it crumbled (the oil dried up),” explains technical designer Konstantin Rozhdestvensky.

LOOK AT THE TOPIC…
Fireplace repair

Studio SHK

In the photo: a fireplace and a TV on the same wall – an ambiguous decision that causes a lot of controversy

2. Stiff neck
Another important point: ergonomics and comfort. Often, safety requirements force the TV to be hung high enough above a real fireplace. However, viewing it in this position can be uncomfortable, especially when the sofa or other furniture is close enough.

“As a rule, the normal height of the mantelpiece (top cover) is at least 110-115 cm, so the lower dimension of the TV can be about 125 cm from the floor, the center of the screen is more than 150 cm high, which is unhealthy , and inconvenient for watching TV,” emphasizes Mikhail Toporov.

Photographer Mikhail Pomortsev / Pro.Foto

Solution : hang the TV not strictly above the fireplace, but on the side at a convenient height. It is often advised to move the TV relative to the central axis of the fireplace by combining two objects in any way (for example, with a shelf), when choosing a vertical placement.

Architectural workshop Akant

3. They argue emotionally
Another argument against hanging a TV over the fireplace is different emotional burden. The fireplace is associated with a relaxed atmosphere, leisurely leisure and focused reflection. TV and what comes out of it – with exactly the opposite things (even if you watch only programs from the life of animals). Therefore, they often prefer to place works of art above the fireplace: a collection of ceramics, paintings or installations, as in this photo of the living room. And the area with a TV, if the area of ​​​​the room or house allows, is offered to be placed somewhere else.

Mikhail Chekalov

4. Reduces the cost of the interior solution
“A good big house should not have a combined bedroom and an office, a laundry room in a bathroom, a gym in the living room. A TV above the fireplace in the living room space is hung out of economy when there is no separate familyroom (to watch TV) and livingroom (to chat), a library with a fireplace, etc. In its own way, it’s just an economical option,” notes Anton Newmark.

Possible solution to problem : if you still decide to hang a TV over the fireplace, do not turn them on at the same time.

Focus on what matters most to the client. “Ask customers what they want more: enjoy the fire and gather around the fireplace or watch TV. Sometimes it is enough to equip the kitchen with a TV area, and leave a fireplace in the living room (as in the photo of the living room above),” Yulia Arslanova shares her experience.

Enjoy Home Studio

5. Skirt over pants
A TV set and a fireplace are too noticeable accents in the interior, and when they are close, the two dominants begin to “argue” with each other, and it is not always possible to “reconcile” them.

“TV over the fireplace is like a skirt on your pants. It is better to watch movies on a laptop. We have to prioritize. The fireplace is the center of the composition, a symbol of the hearth. The TV also crowns, as a rule, the arrangement of upholstered furniture. Two composition centers are the best way out in this situation, recommends ”Kristina Izotova.

Jenny Martin Design

In the photo: an example of how to hang a TV away from a fireplace0081
As is often the case with modern technology, there is also the question of stylistic relevance. Well, when it comes to a modern interior without historical references (as in these two photos of the living room). In other styles, the TV will in any case look like a foreign object, no matter where it is hung. Therefore, it is often hidden in a closet, behind doors, behind a picture, a mirror, etc.

Possible solution: to frame the TV in a classic frame. However, not all fans of historical styles like gilded baguettes. In addition, the fireplace and TV are still things from different eras, and the stylization hurts the eye.

Ziger|Snead Architects

Arguments “for” (besides the words I want )
“Until recently, it was an ardent opponent to hang over a fireplace. Until a situation happened when a different arrangement kills the interior, literally tears it apart. Symmetry in everything required the placement of these equally powerful objects on the same vertical. Country interior style with splashes of Provence made it possible to close the TV with “shutters”. It turned out to be a magnificent view of the fireplace and without too much emphasis on a modern object,” designer Elena Velikaya shares her experience.

Amanda Webster Design

Indeed, placing a TV over a fireplace is often justified by functional needs, such as the size of the room or its configuration. “Unfortunately, most rooms where both a fireplace and a TV are supposed to be placed are small enough to include two functional areas – a fireplace and a TV viewing area. Therefore, placing a TV above the fireplace is more of a necessity than a rule,” Pavel Sobolev is sure.

How then to minimize the risks mentioned above, including possible overheating? “If you still have nowhere to go, you can hide the TV in a shallow niche, and provide a protruding shelf above the fireplace, which will create additional protection for the TV,” advises Natalya Pushkina.

Naturally, the fire itself needs to be “closed” with glass – only then can you hang both the TV and other modern equipment.

YOUR TURN…
Is it okay for you to have a fireplace and TV on the same wall? How did you solve this problem? Show your photos of interiors with a fireplace and TV in the comments section below the article!

Is it possible to hang the TV above the fireplace

Placing a TV above the fireplace is a fairly popular solution for living rooms and bedrooms with an artificial or wood-burning hearth. It looks aesthetically pleasing and saves space. However, such an interior solution has its advantages and disadvantages, as well as important features that you need to consider before you place the TV above the fireplace.

Contents of the article
1. Placement of the TV above the fireplace: advantages and disadvantages.
2. Features of the installation.
3. Combination options.
4. TVs above the fireplace in the interior.

Placing a TV over a fireplace: advantages and disadvantages

Such a solution in the interior has both opponents and supporters. Moreover, its pros and cons are directly related to such important points: what type of fireplace is installed, whether the rules of operation, installation, etc. are observed. We will note a number of key advantages and disadvantages.

So, among the advantages of we can distinguish:

  • The most economical use of free space, which is especially convenient in rooms with a small area.
  • Freeing up walls that can be used in a more practical way, such as installing bookshelves or other functional pieces of furniture.
  • The ability to create an accent in the interior and set the tone for the entire room as a whole.
  • If you use an AVEL mirror TV, it will add a functional and aesthetic component.
  • In the off state, it carries a completely different semantic load, representing an ordinary mirror. It can add light to the room, make it more spacious and airy. In the on state, this is an ordinary TV with high picture quality.
  • The technique guarantees a high quality image, since the screen resolution even in simple models is 1920×1080 pixels with a color depth of 16.7M.

You can see how spectacular mirror TVs look above fireplaces by looking at the photo of mirrors installed above the fireplace in the living room.

This placement option also has disadvantages . When answering the question of whether it is possible to hang a TV over a fireplace, it is necessary to mention them:

  • Danger of overheating and violation of safety regulations. This is due to the fact that the warm air coming from the fireplace heats appliances that are not designed for use at high temperatures.
    This does not apply to electric or biofireplaces. The heat from them comes not so strong and is directed more directly or downwards, and not upwards.
    In the case of a wood-burning open hearth, you need to follow the installation recommendations, which will be discussed below, and also give preference to heat-resistant TV models.
    All AVEL waterproof TVs have an extended operating temperature: from 0 to 50 0 C. You do not need to worry about overheating of the TV and the risk of premature failure of the device thanks to AVEL technologies.
  • Uncomfortable height. A high setting may cause physical discomfort when viewing, especially if the TV is placed in front of a bed or sofa. The screen in this case is above the eye line, which forces you to lift your head and keep your neck in tension. It is also necessary to choose the right viewing angle, starting from a specific model of equipment.
    To avoid this inconvenience, try to reduce the height of the firebox and fireplace portal in order to place the TV lower. And also increase the distance from the viewing place to the screen itself.
  • The complexity of stylistic combination. The TV belongs to modern technology and is usually made in the style of hi-tech or minimalism. The fireplace, on the contrary, is an attribute of the past and most often looks classic. To combine two such different elements in style, you have to try. Choose austere fireplace portals for modern interiors or arrange plasma in a wooden frame for classic living rooms.
    You also need to take care in advance about where the wires and the outlet will be. The proximity and hanging of wires is unacceptable, neither aesthetically nor from a safety point of view.
  • Fight for attention. The TV and fireplace are both bright accents in the room. So by putting them next to each other, we force them to compete for our attention. The glare from the fire can distract from watching TV, while the flickering bright picture of the TV can make it difficult to relax and enjoy the beauty of the burning flame. We advise you not to use the fireplace and appliances at the same time in order to get the most out of each.

Given all of the above, you can give a number of arguments to help you decide whether to hang the TV over the fireplace or not:

  • You don’t have an alternative solution. Especially if the zoning of the space into two parts, one of which has a fireplace and the other a TV, completely distorts the original idea of ​​the designer.
  • Due to the small area of ​​​​the room, you are not physically able to install these two elements separately from each other.
  • This is your personal desire or dream.

Installation details

If you, after weighing all the pros and cons, came to the conclusion that a TV placed above the fireplace suits you, then for comfortable and, most importantly, safe operation, you should follow the following installation tips:

  • Install the TV in a niche. A prepared niche for installing a TV should protect it from the warm air from the fireplace.
  • To hide the wiring from prying eyes, you should bring the outlet, as well as the antenna cable and other wires to the very place where the TV is installed inside the niche.
  • It is advisable to give preference to fireplace inserts made of materials such as cast iron or steel, and always equipped with protective glass.
  • The outer box must be made of heat-resistant materials and equipped with high-quality thermal insulation. This will help to avoid heating from the outside and, as a result, the risk of overheating of the equipment.
  • As an additional protection against heat, a stone or wooden shelf / beam can be placed between the TV and the fireplace.
  • The vents must be away from the TV so that the hot air escaping does not hit the unit.
  • Choose a firebox and a TV of approximately the same size so that they look harmonious and not a single element draws attention.

Matching options

If, after our article, you decided not to hang the TV over the fireplace, we offer several other interesting options for placing these elements in the same room.

  • On one wall. In addition to placing the TV directly above the fireplace, you can place the elements with a slight offset or next to each other. In order to avoid asymmetry in space in the first case, it is important to think over the location of other functional and decorative elements in the room as clearly as possible.
  • Opposite each other. However, choosing this option increases the risk of glare that interferes with TV viewing.
  • on adjacent walls. An excellent option that allows you to practically combine 2 zones with different functional loads: a sofa or a dining table is located opposite the TV, and a fireplace heats up on the side.
  • Corner installation. This method is relevant for rooms with a small area or complex geometry of space.

TVs above the fireplace in the interior

TV above the fireplace – can I hang it? 50 photos in the interior + location ideas

Is it possible to hang a TV above the fireplace?

If you follow certain rules and methods of placement, you will be able to form not only a beautiful, but also a safe design that will concentrate all attention on itself.

Table of pros and cons

Consider the most popular opinions of designers about the relevance of such a solution.

For Vs
This combination allows you to form a single compositional center and create an accent wall.

Not all fireplace models are suitable for placing a TV above them. Such a combination does not quite meet the safety rules, since due to the warm air emanating from the fireplace, the television equipment is very hot and this has a bad effect on its service life.

This combination saves space, which is especially important for small rooms.

Glare from fire can draw attention to itself and distract from watching TV.

This arrangement frees up more walls in the room.

A TV panel placed too high causes inconvenience and discomfort when viewing.

Stiff neck. TV is often watched either from the bed or from the sofa, and by placing the TV over the fireplace, we shift the viewing angle and this significantly affects the viewing comfort. Such a decision is both unhealthy and simply inconvenient.

For some models, the viewing angle significantly affects the image quality.

Types of fireplaces

There are several varieties:

  • Electric fireplace. It is a conventional electric heater, made in the form of a fireplace. This model imitates a living flame and heats the room.
  • Biofireplace. This type does not imply the installation of a chimney. It runs on a special biofuel that does not emit harmful substances and odors.
  • Drovyanoy. A real hearth that requires firewood. A wood-burning fireplace exudes natural heat and requires a separate place to store logs.
  • False fireplace. A decorative raised fireplace is a design solution that is perfect for decorating any interior.

Various models of fireplaces allow you to choose the most suitable option for decorating a country cottage, a wooden house, and a city apartment. They undoubtedly become the most beautiful and memorable element of decor, giving the room more comfort and at the same time spectacular.

The photo shows a small living room with a plasma TV placed above a white false fireplace.

Photo in the interior of the apartment

Examples of decorating different rooms.

Living room

Read also

Living room with fireplace and TV

The combination of TV and fireplace is quite common in the living room. This tandem allows you to fill the room with special comfort and contribute to a pleasant and quiet evening with family or friends.

Bedroom

Harmoniously combined in color and design, devices will make the bedroom more comfortable and fill the atmosphere with uniqueness and sincerity.

The photo shows a black plasma TV above the bio-fireplace in the interior of the bedroom.

Dining room

Placed above the fireplace, opposite the dining table or on a free wall, the TV is a win-win option for the dining room, which allows you to combine comfortable pastime with watching your favorite TV shows or movies.

How to position the TV and fireplace?

The most popular types of accommodation.

In a drywall recess

A built-in fireplace and TV are often placed in a specially designed drywall recess. When placing a TV screen in a separate recess, you can also protect it from heating and exposure to heat flow emanating from the hearth.

Corner

This corner design allows you to save space and rationally use the usable area, which will be especially useful in the design of small rooms.

Single wall

Single wall mounting options:

  • Horizontal fireplace under the TV. This arrangement allows you to save usable space as much as possible and leave other walls in the room free for decoration with various design elements.
  • Offset location. So that such an arrangement does not look asymmetrical, and the wall does not seem empty, it is very important to correctly think over the composition, design, size and shape of the devices.

Properly thought-out location of the TV with a fireplace below, taking into account the size of the room and the overall interior solution, will create a truly harmonious composition.

On opposite walls

This placement is not the best, as flames reflected on the TV screen may interfere with viewing. However, this will be considered a personal choice of each.

On adjacent walls

This is the best option. A TV installed opposite the sofa and a hearth located on the side form two functional zones that do not distract from each other.

Built into furniture

A TV and a fireplace built into a cabinet, shelving, wall or furniture structure with shelves on the sides will become an interesting accent and a functional and practical decor element that does not overload the overall look of the room.

Pictured is a light-colored living room with a TV and a wood-burning hearth with white cabinets on the sides.

Hidden

If the TV does not match the interior and does not match the fireplace, the TV panel can be hidden in a special niche with sliding doors or with the help of other camouflage systems that can not only hide the plasma, but also become an excellent wall decoration.

Style ideas

Design ideas for popular styles.

Provence

Original, unique and at the same time elegant and multifaceted Provencal design requires a special approach to decorating. Flat elegant TVs above a false fireplace, bio-fireplace or wood-burning hearth, with a fireplace area in light colors, decorated with natural and environmentally friendly materials, will become the main component of the French style.

Contemporary

A flat-screen TV and an electric fireplace with a strict and concise design will perfectly complement a rational and most functional modern interior.

The photo shows a TV above an electric fireplace in a modern kitchen interior.

Classic

For refined classics, a simple-shaped TV or a TV model framed with a baguette, molding or stucco, placed above a U-shaped hearth lined with wood, marble or granite, is appropriate.

Loft

A modern TV and a fireplace will be an unusual solution for a loft that will allow you to go beyond the usual and look at the design in a completely new way.

Pictured is a loft-style living room with a modern TV over a brick wall fireplace.

Placement tips from the pros

A few practical tips:

  • The TV screen should preferably be placed between 150 and 170 cm above the floor. This indicator is the most optimal for modern plasmas with a diameter of up to 42 inches.
  • To protect the TV from heat and heat, you can hang it in a special niche made of wall panels and drywall or install a wide mantelpiece.
  • If the fireplace is not large, then the best option would be to place the TV panel at a comfortable height on the side of the hearth.

Photo gallery

TV above the fireplace undoubtedly becomes a strong and self-sufficient accent that draws attention to itself. If you take into account the layout, a competent and serious approach to combining these two items, you can get a harmonious installation that will take its rightful place in any interior.

TV above the fireplace: pros and cons

In the living room, two important elements often compete for the palm and attention to themselves: TV and fireplace. What is important to consider if you want to hang a TV on a wall with a fireplace?

FOR



Single composition center

Both a fireplace and a TV can be placed on the same wall. Such a wall often becomes an accent wall and implies finishing with expressive materials: wood, stone, decorative plaster. Often the stone finish of the fireplace continues to the ceiling, making up a single background for both items.



Convenient arrangement of furniture
Since there is only one compositional center, then all the furniture is arranged around it. This allows you not to divide the living room into a fireplace and TV zones. This is especially true for small apartments, where there is definitely not enough space for two soft separate furniture sets.



Freeing up the rest of the walls
This arrangement of the TV and fireplace frees up more wall space that can be used to display art, photographs, place cabinets or other furniture that is so necessary to furnish the living room.

VS



Picture quality

When you place the TV above the mantel, the viewing angle changes from standard (at eye level) to too high. As a result, the picture quality may suffer due to the fact that the elements of the LED/LCD screen have a very small viewing angle.
Solution: hang your TV on a wide angle bracket or buy TVs with OLED or IPS screens. Place sofas and armchairs as far away from the TV as possible. When sitting, lean your head back, but do not hold it.



Neck tension
Ergonomically, this placement often causes an uncomfortable neck position. This is especially true if the furniture is close to the TV. The standard placement of the mantelpiece is at least 110 centimeters from the floor, which implies that the center of the TV is at a height of about 150 centimeters – which causes a tilting of the head, which is unsafe for the cervical spine.



Solution: hang the TV on the side of the fireplace at eye level. Asymmetry fits perfectly into modern interiors, but in the classics, where symmetry reigns, it often looks alien.



Insulation
For proper operation of appliances, it is necessary to adhere to certain temperature conditions, and, most likely, the place above the fireplace will not satisfy these conditions. Because of this, the electronic filling of equipment can quickly deteriorate. By the way, the same rule applies to paintings – the oil, which is part of the paint, can dry out and the picture “falls”.
Solution: if you rarely use the fireplace or if you have an electric fireplace, there should be no significant problems. If not, then think about this issue more seriously and consider other options for placing a TV or fireplace. Never turn on the TV while the fire is on.



Screen fouling
Smoke and ash particles rise with hot air and settle on your screen. Over time, it becomes cloudy and faded, so it requires regular and more thorough cleansing.
Solution: clean the TV screen, use the fireplace less, provide a very good exhaust.



Stylistic mix
This counterargument works when your interior is finished in antique, historical or ethnic styles. In these cases, it is better not to distract attention from the fireplace as the center of the composition, but to hide the TV in a skillful way (in a closet, behind decorative panels, or using other methods). If your interior is decorated in a modern style and the fireplace is finished in a concise and strict manner, then there may not be any competition.



Solution: hide the TV behind decorative panels or place it in another room.



What to do
If you have one room, it is worth prioritizing: what is more important for you – watching TV or enjoying the fire in the fireplace? What activity do you spend more time on? What element decorates your room more? Weigh the pros and cons and make your choice. Perhaps you rarely use a fireplace, but you really like it for its aesthetic characteristics. Think about it, maybe you watch movies on your laptop more often or before going to bed in the bedroom?



If you have two rooms that can be used as living rooms, then separate their functions: one, more chamber and cozy, will be equipped with a fireplace, and the second one will be a multimedia zone or an entertainment center, so often done in western interiors.



Summary
Placing a TV over a real fireplace has more disadvantages than advantages, so we recommend that you do not use it in your living room. If this cannot be avoided, use the tips above to neutralize the shortcomings.
Photo: Pinterest

TV above the fireplace in the interior

Contents:

  1. Basic information
  2. Types of fireplaces
  3. Minimalist style and TV
  4. Expert advice
  5. TV and fireplace types

It is very difficult for a modern person to imagine his living room without a TV. But even more I want a fireplace in the main room. The fireplace is a design item, and the TV is an element of technology. It would seem that these two things are not compatible. But the designers figured out how to place a TV above the fireplace in the interior. There are many options.

The article tells how to properly decorate a room with a fireplace, where and how to place the TV. The photos and videos in this article will serve as a visual aid for solving this issue.

Basic information

Every owner’s favorite place is the living room. Therefore, it should be cozy and comfortable. If, nevertheless, it is decided that there must be a living room interior with a fireplace and a TV, and for the TV to be located just above the fireplace, then you must definitely follow the basic rules.

  • It is important to consider that the fireplace and the TV are two different objects, they are both dominant and attract attention.
  • In order to properly combine these two different items, you need to make sure that they match the composition of the overall interior.
  • It is necessary to take into account the dimensions of the fireplace and TV. They should be about the same. For example, turning on the TV, a fireplace that is too small will lose its appearance. Too bulky fireplace will distract from an interesting movie.

Given these simple rules, you can make the room cozy and even more loved by the household. But also when arranging these items, it is necessary to take into account the type of fireplaces, the style of their decoration.

Types of fireplaces

If you absolutely need a TV above the fireplace, you must take into account the style of the heating element. In some cases, this approach will not be appropriate.

If you like the baroque style, then in this case the fireplace in the living room with the TV will not be combined very well. Moreover, it is impossible to place a TV device above a heating device. The attached instruction to the TV device confirms this fact.

The reasons are as follows:

  • Antique style, massive device, bright catchy finish. Against the background of graceful stucco, a household appliance is out of place.
  • Fireplaces are large, the portal is high, the mantelpiece is placed high, if you hang a TV above the shelf, it will be very high.
  • Do not hang the TV close to the mantelpiece, the TV will heat up and fail.

Note! The TV is an item that belongs to the modern style, and it is difficult to combine it with the Baroque style.

An interior with a TV and a fireplace needs to be thought out in advance. With a rustic style, a TV appliance above the heater is also hard to imagine. This style has its own characteristics.

Finishing comes from natural material:

  • stones;
  • trees;
  • metal.

All parts are large, portal is high. A place above the mantelpiece for a TV is hardly to be found. Or the appearance of the fireplace will be spoiled, the light no longer looks so attractive. The design is completely broken.

It’s hard to imagine a plasma TV over an English-style fireplace.

The decoration is made of noble material, more often it is good wood. Everything is decorated with carvings and sculptures. Each element is sustained and gives “old times”. Near such a fireplace there must be old paintings or good reproductions.

Expensive gizmos, figurines, vases are placed on the shelves. The style is elegant, artsy and it is unlikely that a standard electrical appliance of a modern person will fit into the old days. Even the high price of a TV device does not play a role here.

Modern styles are the most successful. In this case, a fireplace with a TV in the living room will be combined very well.

They fit the following:

  • small in size, low mantelpiece;
  • design is dim, concise, no frills;
  • the portal is small, the light is small, inconspicuous;
  • mantelpiece placed low;
  • there is no great heat from the fireplace, there is no danger for the TV.

Minimalist style and TV

This combination is the most successful. Especially if it’s a small living room with a fireplace and TV.

The style is characteristic:

  • simplicity of form;
  • lack of frills in decor;
  • all lines are strict;
  • are made in neutral colors;
  • small dimensions.

If it is decided that the TV will be located exactly above the mantel, then you need to additionally decorate the false panel with logs, a large number of candles is not needed. A little illusion of a flickering light is fine.

In the modern style, electric fireplaces or biofireplaces are more often produced.

Note! It is necessary to choose a fireplace in such a way that its size is not much larger than the TV, preferably the same. Only then will the fireplace delight with a twinkle and the TV with an interesting program.

Expert advice

When placing the TV over the fireplace, you need to follow some rules:

  1. The TV panel must be placed in a niche or must be at a certain angle, otherwise viewing will be inconvenient.
  2. The firebox should not be bulky, otherwise everything will affect the operation of the device.
  3. Do not use bright elements in the design of the fireplace, they will distract attention from the TV screen.
  4. It is not worth placing upholstered furniture next to the fireplace, the distance between the TV and the sofa must be certain (no closer than two and a half meters) for watching TV.

Beauty and comfort are the main qualities, but safety and health should not be forgotten either.

TV and fireplace types

When decorating, it is important to know not only how to place the fireplace and TV in the living room, but also how to properly arrange the furniture. There are a number of nuances that should be followed if it is decided to place a TV panel above a heating device. The advice of professionals will help you do everything yourself.

The future location of the TV must be taken into account when choosing the type of fireplace. It is difficult to place it above the mantelpiece if the device is angular. You will need a special shelf or bracket. Designers do not recommend such a solution, but if you need to do just that, then you need to think through everything to the smallest detail.

If a built-in type is planned, then the place for the TV is given in a niche. In this case, the dimensions of both the fireplace and the TV are important.