Designer Tips: TV placement with fireplaces

Let's tackle a very popular and controversial dilemma! TV over the fireplace, yay or nay? Short answer … it depends. Long answer … finish reading this post! And maybe reach out for a remote or in-person consultation if you still aren't sure in your situation.

Ok, so are you ready for this? Drum roll …

Rooms with fireplaces that also need to fit a TV often call for the TV over the fireplace. There is one major reason for this: having a dominant focal point to orient the furniture to. This may not seem like a big deal, but it actually matters a lot in optimizing not only the look of a room, but also the function. Fireplaces and TVs in different locations can compete with each other and cause the furniture arrangement to feel disjointed from the room, as well as inefficiently using the space. That being said, there are totally circumstances in which it isn't the best choice. But first, let's address some common concerns people often have.

Common Objections:

1- Won't it be uncomfortable for my neck to watch if the TV is that high?

... Well, it kind of depends, but mostly no. The closer your sofa or chair is to the TV, the more of an issue this would be. I've got my own TV over a 6' high mantle, and we are totally comfortable watching it when we are lounging on our livable couches which are set back about 12’ from the TV. (Of course, TV size also comes into play with viewing distance.) This is even more practical if your chair or sofa has reclining capabilities, but that's definitely not necessary to make it work.

2- Will heat from the fireplace damage my TV?

Usually not. Mantles provide a barrier to the most direct heat. Most fireplaces in newer homes are gas or electric and don't put off that much heat. Wood burning fireplaces are a little more of a concern, but even then, a sturdy mantle should be adequate. You can always check the heat in the space you're considering placing the TV and compare it with recommendations for TV temperature guidelines if your still concerned.

3- Is it possible to mount the TV into the stone or brick of a fireplace?

Check with a stone mason or handyman for your specific situation, but there are absolutely ways to ancher a TV mount onto almost any surface.

Now are you wondering if your situation is one that requires a different solution? It will be hard to stress all possible variations in one blog post, but I'll try to address at least the most common ones.

1- Fireplace is in a spot that is not visible from desired viewing spots (for example, a kitchen opens up to the living room, but the living room’s fireplace is off to the side and not visible from the kitchen).

2- Fireplace has built-ins around it that are big enough to accommodate a TV off to the side, and the furniture can be arranged to face both simultaneously.

3- Fireplace is tucked into a corner or small space that would be difficult to orient furniture around.

Hope that helps you think through the dynamics at play! We have been able to double the seating while still making a room look bigger by getting rid of a large entertainment center and moving the TV to over the fireplace.

Think about it, and don't pass it by as a potential solution. It might help you a lot in pulling together a lovely and functional living room!

If you need help making your spaces come together the way you envision and hope for, consider using our help. This is our expertise, and we love to help. Have a beautiful day, and thanks for taking the time to learn from us at Autumn Rose Interiors!

Photo Credit: Scott Wood Photography, Bentonville, AR

Virtual Rendering: Kaza Interiors