Can You Put A TV Over Your Fireplace?

As a company that sells and installs wood and gas fireplaces in NJ, we are often asked this question by many of our customers. Well, we are here to tell you that, yes, you can place a TV over your fireplace. However, it depends on what type of TV you’re having installed, and what temperature it can safely withstand (most can function correctly up to 125°F) to allow it to do what it’s supposed to do—keep you entertained.

A lot of people are concerned with placing a TV over a fireplace because it generates its own heat, and will thus want the temperature around it to be a lot lower. But, lighting up a fire won’t make that much of a difference in the temperature around your TV, especially if it’s installed correctly. In fact, if you’re thinking of having this done, it’s important that you review both the fireplace and TV manufacturer’s suggested clearances.

If you have decided that you want to mount a TV over your fireplace, here are a few tips that you can consider to make sure it’s placed perfectly and will operate correctly:

1. Imagine your TV as a piece of art

Instead of a TV, some people will carefully place beautiful pieces of artwork over their fireplaces. So, since the TV will add to the look and feel of the room, you should think carefully about how it will be placed over the fireplace. For example, think about how high or low it should be, or whether it needs to be more to the left or right to complement the room.

2. Do a mock up before you start drilling

Look at your TV as a piece of artwork, and make sure you do a mock up before you start drilling holes. You can even do a test by cutting out a paper or cardboard rectangle, and placing it over the fireplace to make sure that your TV will end up being exactly where it should be.

3. Consider a tilting TV wall mount

If you don’t want to strain your neck as you watch TV over your fireplace, you might want to consider a tilting TV wall mount. You also might want to consider one if your TV is much higher than what you are used to.

What we discussed here about TVs and fireplaces is just the tip of the iceberg. If you want to learn more about having a TV installed over a fireplace or what fireplaces will work the best with which TVs, please give us a call, or come out and visit our fireplace store in NJ.