Due to the emergence of flat and light TVs, we have more options for placing the TV, one of which is above the fireplace. Although installing the TV above the fireplace is not always the best option, in some homes, above the fireplace is the best place to place the TV. In the following, we provide tips and recommendations to pay attention to before placing the TV above the fireplace.
Essential tips for installing a TV above the fireplace
1. Checking the temperature before installing the TV above the fireplace
Turning on the fireplace while watching TV should not cause the temperature of the TV installation to exceed the recommended temperature in the device manual. High temperatures shorten the life of the TV and create conditions that may void the product warranty. Attach a thermometer to the wall above the fireplace to check the temperature and where you want to install the TV. Then turn on the fireplace and wait at least 1 hour to see what temperature the thermometer shows. Then, compare this number to the maximum safe temperature in the TV manual. This temperature is usually around 104 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). If the temperature exceeds recommended, it is better to avoid placing the TV above the fireplace.
2. Protecting the TV from the heat of the fireplace
A fireplace mantel is one of the best ways to protect the TV from the fireplace’s heat. The mantel deflects the heat from the fireplace and does not allow the hot air flow to go directly to the TV. Heat is harmful to electronics. Therefore, if you want to place your TV above the fireplace, you should not use a fireplace without a mantel. You should also pay attention to the depth of the mantle; Standard fireplace mantel depth is 6 to 12 inches (15 to 30 cm).
If you use a gas fireplace, choose one with a fan, as the heat is directed outward rather than upward. Although it is possible to mount a TV above most gas and electric fireplaces (provided a mantel), it is best to check the recommended clearances in the TV and fireplace manual. Also note that in some cases, installing the TV above the fireplace voids the TV’s warranty.
3. Installing the TV above the fireplace
Usually, wood-burning fireplaces produce a lot of heat, and there is also the problem of smoke. A wood-burning fireplace is not a good place to install a TV because the heat or smoke from the fireplace will damage the TV. If you insist on placing the TV above a wood-burning fireplace, install a mantle below the TV to deflect smoke or heat from the fireplace. You can also create a recess or enclosure in the wall to surround and protect the TV.
4. Viewing angle test
When placing the TV, you should also consider the viewing height. Ideally, the TV should be set at the eye level of the seated viewers. The TV cannot be installed at such a height if the fireplace mantel is not low. To test the viewing angle, cut a paper or cardboard template the size of the TV and stick it in the desired place. Then, sit on your favorite chair or sofa and stare at the pattern for a while. If you experience discomfort or neck pain, place the TV somewhere else. You can also spend money on a wall mount that you can use to tilt the TV for a better viewing angle.
5. Placing the TV on the mantel
A mantel is not a good place to put a TV unless you have a custom-made mantel of the correct size. The minimum width required to place the TV on the shelf or mantel safely is 10 inches or 25 cm. Most ready-to-install mantels are much narrower, with an average depth of 7 inches (18 cm). Therefore, to place the TV on the mantel, you must get a custom mantel with a depth of 10 inches (25 cm) or more.
6. The height of the TV from the ground and the fireplace
The lower the height of the TV above the fireplace, the better. To install the TV at the right height, place it where the height of the center of the TV screen from the ground is less than 70 inches or 178 cm (between 60 and 68 inches or 152 or 173 cm). If the height of the TV is higher than this value, you have to put a lot of pressure on your neck while watching TV. If the mantel’s height is so tall that the center of the TV is more than 70 inches tall, find another place to mount the TV or, if possible, remodel the fireplace surround to reduce the mantel’s height.
When installing a TV above a fireplace, follow the height guidelines for mounting the panel above furniture and appliances. In general, it’s best to mount the TV 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 cm) above the mantel if that distance is consistent with the recommended clearances in your TV and fireplace manual.
7. TV size
Placing the TV above the fireplace has a beautiful and appropriate appearance when the size of the TV is proportional to the mantel. A TV that is two-thirds to seven-eighths the width of the mantel is the best option. Do not forget that the size of TVs is expressed based on their diameter; that is, the width of a 55-inch TV is less than 55 inches. For example, if the width of the mantel is 69 inches, according to the two-thirds to seven-eighths rule, the width of the TV should be 46 to 60 inches. For example, a 55-inch TV (with a width of 48.7 inches and a height of 27.9 inches) and a 65-inch TV (with a width of 57.4 inches and a height of 32.8 inches) are included in this range.
Choosing a giant TV that fills more vertical space is better if the house’s ceiling is high. Another point to consider is the distance of your seat. If you sit a short distance from the fireplace, choose a smaller TV; if you have a long distance from the fireplace, a giant TV is a better option.
8. Safe installation of the TV above the fireplace
There are various tools and mounts to install a flat-screen TV above the fireplace easily. Use a stand suitable for your TV’s weight and size to mount the TV securely and firmly on the wall. If the wall above the fireplace is drywall, you may need to attach the base to a wall stud. Therefore, you must first find the location of the wall bracket before installation. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions carefully to avoid damaging the TV or wall. If you have a deep mantel, you can place the TV on a stand (tabletop) and no longer have to mount it on the wall.
9. Hiding and organizing wires and cables
When installing the TV above the fireplace, pay attention to the power sources and how to arrange the wires, cable systems, and audio equipment. If there is no power source near the TV installation location, it is better to contact an electrician to install power outlets. You can hide wires and cables with tools like ducts or cable covers. Ducts are available in different colors in the market, and you can choose a color that matches the color of the wall and the decoration of your home. Cable management boxes are also available in different models and colors that you can use to hide the wires behind the TV.
Since the TV above the fireplace becomes the room’s focal point, you should hide the wires and cables as much as possible to create a neat and beautiful appearance and make the TV a part of your home decoration.
10. Using ideas to match the TV with the environment
A big black screen in the middle of the wall does not have an exciting effect. To minimize this problem, you can:
- Place the TV on a ledge, wall recess, or behind accordion folding doors.
- Use a mechanized panel that hides and shows the TV screen at the touch of a button on the remote control.
- If possible, use the TV frame or mechanized panels that coordinate with the furniture and decorations in the room and create a coherent and unified look.
You can also use other options to camouflage the TV, such as artwork that folds up or mirror panels that disappear when turned on. Placing bookshelves around the fireplace also gives a beautiful effect to the space.
Installing the TV above the stove
Placing the TV near heat sources is not a good idea because it gets hot when used, and most TVs have parts that melt if they get too hot. The heater can generate enough heat to cause the TV to overheat and melt parts like the screen. Home heaters reach a temperature of 82 to 109 degrees Celsius. Most TVs get damaged when the temperature reaches 51 degrees. The TV suddenly turns off when it overheats and stops working correctly.
Of course, sometimes we have to put the TV above the stove because we have no other place to install it. In this situation, we must take the following precautions to avoid damaging the TV:
- Maintaining the distance between the TV and the heater: Most technicians recommend at least 15 cm between the heater and the TV. To have maximum airflow and cooling of the TV, there should be at least a 10 cm distance between the TV and the wall.
- Checking the maximum temperature the TV can withstand: Most newer TVs can withstand temperatures up to 50 degrees Celsius.
- Use an adjustable wall stand to create maximum airflow around the TV and prevent it from overheating and increasing the distance between the TV and the heater.
- I am placing a fan near the TV.
- Using the heating cover: the heating cover reduces the heat that reaches the TV by directing the heat to the outside and deflecting it.
final word
Installing the TV above the fireplace doubles the pleasure of watching it. Watching our favorite programs besides the fireplace’s flames is a beautiful experience. In addition, it gives a stunning look to the home and makes the TV the center of attention. By installing the TV above the fireplace, part of the room will be freed, and we can concentrate the furniture arrangement on one wall. Of course, placing the TV above the fireplace also creates problems, including high temperatures caused by the fire and wires and cables that may make the space above the fireplace cluttered and messy. Therefore, before installing the TV, we must consider all these things.
