Many homeowners have struggled with the idea of mounting the TV above the fireplace. It seems like a good solution if you simply don’t have a better spot for placing the television screen. However, it also appears like a bad idea considering the heat of the fireplace. This article attempts to finally settle this dilemma once and for all. We’ll take a look at the most important aspects to consider before deciding to mount your TV above the fireplace. As it turns out, there are other reasons besides heat that should be factored in before going ahead with this idea.
1. Potential Heat Damage
First things first, you need to figure out whether your particular type of fireplace may produce temperatures high enough to be damaging to your TV. It seems pretty intuitive that heat is bad for an electronic device but the more important question is whether that fireplace heat can actually reach the TV. The mantle of the fireplace might be able to deflect some amount of rising heat but you can only know for sure by using a thermometer.
If you’re concerned about the TV’s lifespan and want to avoid heat damage, the best solution is to check the surface temperature of the wall or the face of the fireplace. Do this when you have a strong fire going and then check the recommended maximum temperatures supported by the TV in the technical specifications sheet. If the temperature results obtained by your thermometer are too high for your TV, the risk of damage is too large to still consider mounting the device above the fireplace.
Considering that not all fireplaces are designed to produce heat, it’s likely that you can safely install a TV above without worries. This is usually the case for certain types of electric fireplaces that are not for heating but only used to improve the ambiance of the room. Even if you’re pretty sure that your fireplace doesn’t produce a considerable amount of heat, it’s still recommended to test the temperature with a thermometer to be absolutely sure.
2. Uncomfortable TV Watching Experience
If you don’t like sitting in the first row when you’re in a movie theater, chances are high that you won’t enjoy looking at a TV mounted above the fireplace. The awkward positioning offers the perfect recipe for creating a sore neck. Some people might not be as affected by this problem but most TV-watchers will find it an uncomfortable experience. In certain cases, you might think it’s fine at first and only later develop neck pain.
TVs mounted above the fireplaces are usually placed too high for an optimal viewing experience. However, that’s not always the case. This could be a non-issue for large rooms where you can comfortably sit at a distance. Just keep in mind that a more natural position is when you watch TV with your neck in a relaxed state by looking at the device slightly down. If you’ve ever had to deal with neck soreness in the past, this kind of decision can amplify the problem.
3. Improper Viewing Angle
The placement of the TV is important because it affects the viewing angle. This, in turn, makes a considerable difference when it comes to the perceived image quality. Any angle that’s larger than 30 degrees from horizontal will alter the picture quality. Unless you’re watching TV directly in the front at eye level, it’s safe to say that you won’t be able to take full advantage of the image performance of the LCD screen.
A proper viewing angle is essential to enjoy an optimal TV-watching experience, exactly as the manufacturer intended. While this can become a problem for anyone who plans to mount the TV above the fireplace, there are some solutions to consider. Instead of mounting the TV flat on the wall, it’s recommended to opt for a swiveling mount accessory that lets you adjust the angle. You can use one of these swivel articulating TV mounts.
4. Not a Great Aesthetic Choice
Even if the heat from the fireplace isn’t a problem or the viewing experience is reasonably comfortable, you also need to take into account the appearance of a TV that’s mounted above the fireplace. Many people would argue that it’s not a particularly desirable choice in terms of room aesthetics. There isn’t usually a lot of vertical space available to fit the TV properly. Big screens can look awkward installed in this place, especially if they touch the mantel and the ceiling.
Another aspect to consider is the distracting effect of the fireplace. The dancing flames coupled with the ambient light could affect the cinematic experience of watching TV. Even if you don’t use the TV to create a home theater experience in your own home, it’s still a problem that takes away from your everyday viewing pleasure.
5. Difficult Mounting and Cable Management
Mounting the TV above the fireplace can be quite challenging for some homeowners. You need to consider the proper methods used for powering up the device and manage all the necessary cables. It’s important to opt for a strong mounting system that’s appropriate for the dimensions of the TV used. The lack of a power source close to the fireplace area can be a major obstacle to overcome if you’re determined to place the TV in this spot.
Considering the height of a TV mounted above the fireplace, you need to pay close attention to cable management solutions. Otherwise, you could end up with lots of unsightly wires in plain view. We recommend using some special accessories designed for the purpose of concealing TV cables and creating a more aesthetically-pleasing look. TVs positioned above the fireplace tend to stand out so it’s a good idea to integrate them into the wall as effectively as possible.
6. Making the Most Out of a TV Mounted Above the Fireplace
As we’ve seen so far, it’s generally a bad idea to mount the TV above the fireplace. The disadvantages seem to outnumber the advantages for most homeowners. However, some people might still decide to go for it regardless. If you’re really determined to make the most out of a TV mounted above the fireplace, consider the following tips:
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Install a reliable mantel
It’s strongly recommended to install a reliable mantel on your fireplace if it lacks one. It can act as a good barrier against rising heat to protect the television above.
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Get an OLED TV
OLED TVs are expensive but they’re excellent investments if you want to get rid of improper viewing angle issues. An OLED screen is also superior to regular LCD technology in terms of image quality.
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Sit further back
This isn’t always possible but if you have a large room, it’s recommended to sit further away to protect your neck from any potential soreness experienced when looking at a TV above the fireplace. Alternatively, try to watch the screen from a reclined position to prevent any neck discomfort.
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Avoid using the fireplace and the TV simultaneously
Not using the TV and the fireplace at the same time represents a pretty straightforward solution but is very effective to make this setup work. The flicker of the flames can contribute to eye strain when looking at a TV screen in a dark room.
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