A fireplace or stove is a key fixture in many homes. And so is the TV. But not all homes are ideally designed to accommodate both, which can lead to some pretty awkward layouts. We’ve compiled some design ideas to spark creative solutions if you’re stuck on how to enjoy both your fireplace and your TV without sacrificing function or aesthetics.

Fireplace and TV Side by Side

This arrangement is the only choice if you have a wood or gas stove - and it works well for fireplaces, too. If your room has enough wall space, place the TV and fireplace side by side. The fireplace and TV can complement each other as visual focal points and the TV will be at a comfortable viewing height.

To boost aesthetics, built-in cabinetry around both the TV and fireplace or stove will create a cohesive and intentional look. Keep proportions in mind although a large TV won’t overwhelm a small fireplace as much as if it were mounted above the firebox.

Fireplace on the Wall, TV in the Corner (Or Vice Versa)

This side-by-side arrangement is an ideal way to make use of a corner while keeping the TV and fireplace side by side. Typically, builders will install a fireplace on a wall rather than in the corner, so the TV would go in the corner. 

However, wood- or gas-burning stoves are often placed in corners which opens up the wall for the TV. Whatever the configuration, this combo creates a cozy spot in the home and places the  TV at a comfortable eye level.

And finally, we get to a very popular but challenging option:

TV Above the Fireplace

Many people like to mount their TV above the fireplace to keep both in full view. This grouping can be a visually appealing focal point that efficiently uses the vertical space. However (there’s always a “but”) - it’s not always recommended by fireplace professionals due to safety reasons. If mounting a TV over the fireplace is your only option - or you have your heart set on it - then there’s a lot to consider. 

Heat and Clearances

Before you hang a TV over a fireplace, you need to understand the fireplace’s clearance minimums: or the minimum distance from the fireplace to anything combustible or vulnerable to heat. This includes mantels, shelves, and TVs. Don’t take this lightly. Ignoring clearances is a massive fire hazard.

Wood-burning fireplaces generate the most heat. While a lot of heat escapes up the chimney, the area and surfaces around the fireplace can still get very hot. 

Ventless gas fireplaces are designed to generate and retain heat, while vented gas fireplaces lose a lot of heat up the chimney, much like a wood-burning fireplace. This will mean different minimum clearances depending on what type of gas fireplace you have.

Electric fireplaces are okay to use in close proximity to combustibles, including TVs. 

You can protect your TV from heat in several ways:

• Mount the TV higher

• Install a fireplace hood. This metal shield will deflect heat from going up toward the mantel and the TV.

• Install a fireplace mantel. Traditionally, mantels have been wood or stone. Wood is not the best choice because of clearances but a stone, steel, or concrete mantel is fireproof and will deflect heat from reaching the TV. 

TV Mounting Challenges

Next, you’ll need to consider the mount itself. What will you be drilling into? Stone? Masonry? Tile? Drywall? Each of these fireplace facings have different characteristics and strength tolerances. For example, mortar isn’t as strong as glue and a stone could peel off from the wall under the weight of a TV.

It’s all too easy to accidentally drill into the chimney wall or electrical wiring. This can be catastrophic, and very costly to repair. 

Another challenge with mounting a TV over the fireplace is how to hide those ugly wires. A cable raceway is a common solution to create a cleaner look and protect TV wires from heat, but they are still not super attractive.

If you want to set your TV directly on the mantel, make sure it’s wide enough and cool enough. Not all mantels are wide enough to support a TV. You can get around this with a custom mantel. If you’re wondering whether your mantel will get too hot for your TV, light the fireplace and touch the mantel after the fire has been going strong for 30 minutes or so. If you can’t comfortably touch your mantel, it’s too hot to support a TV - and it might mean your mantel is too low for safety.

Finally, make sure that the TV mounting kit is more than adequate for the weight of your TV. Don’t max out the load bearing capacity of the mount, especially if you are using a full range of motion mount. Many people use additional mounting straps to secure their TV to the wall - a “just in case” measure that can add peace of mind.

The Viewing Experience

One of the least considered aspects of mounting a TV above the fireplace is that you’ll be looking UP at the TV when you’re seated (people often stand when they’re determining where to hang artwork, for example). A TV mounted too high will become very comfortable to watch after a few minutes, leading to neck strain, dizziness, eye strain, or headaches. The ideal height for a TV is at or near eye level, within your normal forward-facing line of sight. 

There are a few things you can do to improve the viewing experience:

• Place the seating area further from the TV/fireplace. This is a less cozy approach since you’ll miss out on some of the warmth, but it works well in large rooms.

• Hang the TV as low to the fireplace as possible, keeping in mind minimum clearances

• Use a full range of motion mounting system that puts your TV down to comfortable eye level using extending/swiveling arms. It’s a great solution BUT you’ll still need to consider the heat radiating up from the fireplace, as well as the additional load of supporting the mounting system and the TV.

If you have your heart set on installing a TV over a new fireplace or insert, just let us know. Our team will make sure to guide you in choosing the right fireplace and how to prevent heat damage to the TV mount or the TV itself. We recommend consulting a qualified contractor for safely mounting a TV to the wall to prevent damage to the wall or the chimney.

Which of these options is the best for you? We’d love to hear your thoughts!