Decorating Home Features Fireplaces Can You Hang a TV Above a Fireplace? Here Are 5 Considerations Mounting a television above a fireplace can double your viewing pleasure, but the modern media application might not work in every setting. By Ann Wilson Ann Wilson Ann Wilson is a leading expert on home design and remodeling. She has over five years’ experience discussing all-things remodeling, color designs, and flooring ideas to help readers make the best design choices. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process and Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett Jessica Bennett is an editor, writer, and former digital assistant home editor at BHG. Learn about BHG's Editorial Process Updated on March 13, 2024 Flat-screen, light-weight televisions have opened up the possible locations for your entertainment center. Hanging a flat-screen TV above a fireplace mantel or on a brick fireplace's face results in a dual-purpose entertainment center that becomes a room's visual centerpiece. The TV-hearth partnership frees up valuable floor space and lets you focus furniture arrangements on a single wall. But as with many high-tech design treatments, this pairing presents a few challenges. High temperatures from the fire, mounting techniques, and wire management are essential factors to consider before hanging a TV above a fireplace, so make sure your setup will be safe and practical. 15 Stylish Ways to Decorate with a TV BHG / Marisa Kikis 1. Check the Temperature Before You Hang a TV Above a Fireplace You may be planning to burn a fire while watching TV. If so, where you'll be hanging your TV mustn't exceed the recommended temperatures noted on the unit's technical specifications. Too much heat adversely affects a TV's lifespan and creates a situation that could void product warranties. To check the surface temperature, tape a thermometer onto the wall or fireplace face when a fire's blazing in the hearth. If the temperature exceeds the recommended limits, you might want to forgo the TV above the fireplace idea. If you decide to go ahead with the plan, understand that you won't be able to watch flickering flames and TV programs simultaneously. The 8 Best Electric Fireplaces of 2024 to Keep Warm and Cozy at Home, According to Testing 2. Test the Viewing Angle Consider the viewing height when placing a TV above a fireplace. Ideally, televisions should be set at the eye level of seated viewers, but this placement probably won't be possible unless you have a very low mantel. You can double-check the angle by taping a paper template the size of your TV in the preferred location. Sit in your favorite chair and stare at the template for a while; if you experience neck strain, consider placing the TV somewhere else. Otherwise, invest in a mounting system that lets you tilt the TV to improve viewing angles. David A Land 3. Choose a Safe Method for Mounting the TV Above the Fireplace Several mounting methods and systems allow you to easily place and hang flat-screen TVs above a fireplace. Select a mounting system that suits your TV's weight and size to ensure the unit stays safely secured to the wall. If there's drywall above your fireplace, you'll likely need to attach the mounting system to a wall stud, so check the stud location before you begin. Be sure to follow all manufacturer instructions carefully to avoid damage to your TV or the wall. Consider placing your TV on a stand if you have a deep mantel. The 18 Best TV Stands That Are Stylish and Functional 4. Determine How to Manage Wires and Cables Consider power sources and how you'll manage electrical wires, cable systems, and sound equipment when hanging a TV above the fireplace. If there's no power source nearby, you might need to call an electrician to install electrical receptacles. Consider hiding wires and cables using a bridge system ($70, The Home Depot) that carries wiring behind the wall surface. You can also purchase cable channels ($20, The Home Depot) that run along the wall and cover small bundles of cords. These can typically be painted to match your wall color for a more discreet look. Because a TV above a fireplace will become the room's focal point, you'll want to hide as much technological clutter as possible to integrate the technology into your decor. Michael Partenio 5. Consider TV Integration Ideas To minimize the appearance of a large black screen: Try setting the TV above the fireplace into a wall recess or behind a pair of accordion-style folding doors. For a more high-tech solution, add a mechanized panel that rises and falls to hide and expose the screen with the touch of a remote-control button. If possible, choose TV frames, cabinet doors, and mechanized panels that mirror finishes and materials already in the room to create a cohesive scene. You can also consider other options that camouflage the TV above the fireplace, including motorized artwork that rolls up or mirrored panels that disappear when the TV is turned on. Bookcases that frame the fireplace will add a decorative touch. Fireplace Design and Decor Tips Do You Need a Fireplace Screen? Plus 8 Design Ideas to Try 34 Beautiful Fireplace Ideas for Cozy Warmth All Year Long How to Paint a Brick Fireplace for an Updated Modern Look Our Best Ideas for Corner Fireplaces 22 Fireplace Tile Ideas for a Stylish Upgrade to Your Room Frequently Asked Questions Can You Place a TV on a Mantel? A mantel is not a good place to situate a TV unless you have one custom-built to the right size. The minimum depth needed for a TV to sit safely on a shelf (or mantel) is 10 inches, and most ready-to-install mantels are too narrow, with the average being 7 inches deep. How far above the fireplace should the TV be? Ideally, a TV is hung so the center is between 60 and 68 inches above the ground. Depending on the size of your fireplace and whether you have a mantel, a TV should be hung between 4 and 12 inches above the fireplace. Does it matter whether your fireplace is wood-burning? If you have a wood-burning fireplace, it's not an ideal situation for mounting a TV. Any heat or smoke that drifts out and up can damage the TV. If you must hang a TV over a wood-burning fireplace, install a mantel below it to deflect any escaping fumes or warmth. Or build an alcove or enclosure around it for added protection. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit