What to know before mounting your TV above a fireplace?
- Tape a thermometer to the wall in the approximate center of where your flat-screen TV might hang.
- Then start the fireplace and let it run for several hours.
- Check the thermometer.
What to consider when hanging a TV over a fireplace?
- Understand why the construction of the facing around and above is a factor to consider
- Use only the right sized anchors/fasteners
- Be aware of the risks involved before drilling into your fireplace surround
- Be familiar with all internal fireplace/chimney system components
- Know the difference between glue and mortar
Is mounting a TV above a fireplace a good idea?
Mounting a TV above a fireplace seems like the most logical spot ... 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.
How high to Mount TV over fireplace?
The general rule of thumb is that if your fireplace mantle is less than four feet tall, the product should ideally be 12 inches above it. In the case it is more than four feet tall, your TV should ideally be 6 inches above it or the same height. Make sure to center it at the fireplace so it’s the focal point of the room.
Why can't I use a TV mount with a gas insert?
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.
How is a fireplace surround held in place?
Whether you have a masonry or a prefabricated system, your fireplace surround/facing is likely held in place by mortar on your chimney/wall.
What is a fireplace facing?
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.
Why do we use brick and mortar instead of TV mounts?
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.
How much does a TV weigh?
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.
Why do we sit on the TV above the mantle?
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!
Can a projector be used above a fireplace?
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.
What fireplaces can be installed under a TV?
Empire and Superior both make safe direct vent fireplace options to install under a TV. The Boulevard Linear Gas Fireplace by Empire is our most popular direct vent fireplace. It features a sleek design, matte black finish, and large ceramic glass front for optimal viewing and maximum heat output. The DRL4543 and DRL3000 by Superior are also hugely popular for their beautiful dancing flames, customizable heating controls, and convenient battery backup. Since direct vent fireplaces produce quite a bit of heat, you'll need to check the clearance requirements in the installation manual to determine your TV will be mounted a safe distance above the fireplace.
What is a fireplace mantel?
A fireplace mantel will block some of the heat rising up from your fireplace and help to keep your TV cooler. The Outdoor GreatRoom offers Supercast mantels that are made of non-combustible fiberglass-reinforced concrete. They’re much more durable than an average mantel and can absorb more heat than usual.
What is the difference between Dimplex and Modern Flames?
The Modern Flames Fullview Series uses energy-efficient LED flame technology to create a glowing fire with or without heat, while the Dimplex Opti-Myst Series uses ultrasonic technology to create a highly convincing flame effect. Some Opti-Myst models even crackle like a real fire with pulsating faux logs. Both series are completely safe and will look great below your TV. Woodland Direct offers fireplaces in each series—see the links below.
Can a TV be mounted above a fireplace?
Since direct vent fireplaces produce quite a bit of heat, you'll need to check the clearance requirements in the installation manual to determine your TV will be mounted a safe distance above the fireplace. The Majestic Jade Fireplace is another example of a direct vent fireplace that allows a TV to be hung above.
Is it safe to hang a TV with an electric fireplace?
This type of fireplace is the best scenario for hanging a TV because many electric fireplaces produce no heat at all. This makes them completely safe for the electronics in your TV.
Can you hang a TV over a wood burning fireplace?
Please note that Woodland Direct does not recommend hanging a TV over your wood-burning or gas fireplace, and we take no responsibility for any damage that may result from doing it.
Can you use a blower on a direct vent fireplace?
A fair amount of heat comes off the glass face of a direct vent fireplace, so you should consider investing in a blower to push the heat out and away from your TV. A blower is often offered as an accessory with a direct vent fireplace. In some cases, you can also add one as an after-market accessory.
Why Would You Want to Have Your TV Over Your Fireplace?
Before we get into whether it is safe to have your TV above your fire, let’s consider why you would want to in the first place, so we can think up any alternative solutions.
What happens if you put a TV higher than the fire?
If you try and position it lower, the TV might be getting too close to the fire, risking heat damage. If you put it higher, you will need to sit further back to be comfortable – which may only be possible if your room is the size of a cinema!
How to hide TV wires?
Consider the work that will be involved in concealing the wiring of the TV. You need to think about how far away the nearest power outlet and aerial is, and how an extension cord will be run to this point. Some drilling into the wall will be required to keep the wires concealed – or, some strategically place ornaments can help disguise them.
How to make a TV lower?
One possible solution to this is to choose a widescreen effect fire. These are wider than they are tall – a letterbox shape. This might allow you to position the TV slightly lower.
How hot can a TV be?
Most TVs can operate in temperatures of up to 37°C, though as they produce their own heat whilst working too, it should be a few degrees less than this. It’s always best to check with your particular TV’s requirements first. If your fireplace has a thick fire surround, this might be able to help.
Which is better: an electric or a widescreen fireplace?
An electric fire might be best, as you can always turn the heat off and still enjoy the flames. Widescreen shaped fireplaces are better suited, as they leave you more wall space to position your TV. A fire surround or shelf placed between your fire and the TV can help stop the heat from damaging it.
Can you put a TV mount on a fireplace?
You can even find TV mounts that pull out, so you can still get that cosy feel around your fireplace when you want to watch your television.
How to hang a large TV?
Think creatively when figuring out a spot for a large screen TV. 1 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. 2 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.
What is the best angle to watch a TV?
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.
How hot should a TV be?
Then start the fireplace and let it run for several hours. 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.
How much heat does an electric fireplace produce?
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.
How much heat does a gas fireplace generate?
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.
Does a fireplace blower deflect heat?
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).
How much space does a fireplace mantel need?
There May Not be Enough Room For the TV. Fireplace mantels range from 50 to 60 inches tall. Sixty inches is 5 feet tall. Considering that most ceilings are 7-1/2 to 8 feet tall, this leaves barely 2-1/2 to 3 feet of vertical space for the TV—and that's if you don't mind the TV touching the mantel and the ceiling.
What is recessed niche TV?
Houses and apartments are often built with recessed niches intended for TV placement . These niches also have an electrical outlet, Ethernet cable, and cable TV jack. In our increasingly wireless world, your WiFi TV may be free of the limitations of cable TV jacks and Ethernet cables. Still, many people tend to prefer the reliability and faster speeds of the Ethernet connection. If your home has a recessed niche above the fireplace with all of the connections you desire, there is no reason why you cannot place a TV there.
How many BTUs does a wood fire put out?
Wood fires can put out as much as 60,000 BTUs (British Thermal Units) and can reach temperatures high enough to ignite creosote in the flue and start chimney fires. Since heat rises, any heat not vented up the chimney cascades over the front of the mantel and upward. If the heat doesn't affect the TV, the smoke might.
Is a gas fireplace cooler than a gas fireplace?
Over time, home fireplaces have increasingly become cooler. Intensely hot wood fires are becoming a thing of the past, as more communities enact air-quality restrictions and fewer wood fireplaces are being built. Natural gas fireplaces with inserts, particularly ventless gas fireplaces, are considerably cooler. At the low end of the temperature scale are gel fireplaces, which put out less heat than both wood and natural gas fireplaces.
Can you tilt a fireplace screen downward?
If you like viewing your screen as close as possible, the angle imposed by the fireplace will detract from your viewing experience. While a full motion articulating wall mount can help to angle the screen downward, you are still forced to tip your head back to see the screen.
Can I put a TV in a niche above the fireplace?
In our increasingly wireless world, your WiFi TV may be free of the limitations of cable TV jacks and Ethernet cables. Still, many people tend to prefer the reliability and faster speeds of the Ethernet connection. If your home has a recessed niche above the fireplace with all of the connections you desire, there is no reason why you cannot place a TV there.
Can you run electrical wires in a fireplace?
Brick, natural stone, manufactured veneer stone, and similar solid masonry fireplaces afford no below-surface room to run wires. As a result, the wires would need to be run on top of the surface. By most electrical codes, NM electrical cable cannot be surface-mounted. The only code-compliant alternative would be to run wires through surface-level conduit, hardly an attractive feature for any fireplace.
Why do you put a TV over a fireplace?
Increased Space in the Room: One of the top benefits of mounting a TV over a fireplace is that it saves space in the room because it eliminates the need for a TV stand or entertainment center. Just like mounting your television in a corner, this spot helps the room to feel larger and spacious, which is desirable for many people, ...
Can a wood fireplace make a film?
If it is a wood fireplace, smoke can also create a film over the surface of the TV screen, so it will need to be cleaned more frequently4. On the other hand, if you have your fireplace and wall backsplash is made from brick, there are ways to successfully position your TV.
Is it safe to put a fire in a TV?
Safety Concerns. As mentioned above, having flame or heat exposure for your TV can be a safety concern. To mitigate this potential issue, it is important to consult a professional to make sure that there is an adequate distance and heat break between the fireplace and the television.
Why put a TV above a fireplace?
The greatest advantage of mounting a TV set above a fireplace is that you can definitely save space. This is helpful, especially if you’re living in smaller spaces.
Can a TV strain your neck?
For a perfect viewing experience, your TV should at the eye level of a viewer. But if you place the TV above the fireplaces, there is a chance that this is not possible, as you have to mount it further up than the accurate height. The higher your TV is, the more chances of straining your neck.
Can a fireplace reduce the lifespan of a TV?
Many televisions work well while placing them in a lower temperature setting. Since the fireplace produces lots of heat, many people reason that this kind of arrangement could largely reduce the lifespan of TV sets, making the contrivance very expensive in the longer run.
Can you hide wires on a TV over a fireplace?
By placing the TV over a fireplace, you can simply hide all the wires without ruining the entire look. This might probably one of the important reasons why many people much prefer this kind of arrangement. You can say that the on-floor dresser or TV stations can also give control to hide the wires at the back of the TV, but they’re still visible.
Can I mount a TV over a fireplace?
And if there is a fireplace in your home, I’m sure you want your TV hangs over a fireplace because it looks awesome.
