The debate around mounting a TV above a fireplace is one that often sparks strong opinions among homeowners and design enthusiasts alike. When I first shared my plans on Instagram, I was genuinely surprised by the volume of people who advised against it! While it’s true that this placement isn’t universally ideal for every home, in many situations, it proves to be the most practical and aesthetically pleasing solution. Our home, for instance, serves as a prime example of where this setup simply makes the most sense.
Our living room boasts an open-concept design, flowing seamlessly into the entryway on one side, the dining room on another, and featuring an entire wall of expansive glass sliders on the third. This layout leaves us with limited wall space. The only suitable wall for a television is our fireplace wall. Here, our options were either to mount the TV directly above the fireplace or place it on one of the built-in bookcases that flank it. To give you a better idea, this is exactly what that wall looked like when we first moved in:
Initially, we experimented by placing the TV on the right-hand bookcase. However, the viewing angle was far from ideal, leading to uncomfortable neck craning. It was clear this wasn’t a sustainable solution. That’s when the “mount-the-TV-above-the-fireplace” project officially began, a plan that also involved a significant fireplace makeover, including lowering the mantel height for optimal viewing. Today, I’m excited to share the complete details of our fireplace renovation, along with everything you need to know if you’re considering mounting your TV above your fireplace! (Please note: this post includes affiliate links; a full disclosure statement is available here)
Achieving the Perfect Viewing Height: How High to Mount Your TV Above a Fireplace
When it comes to mounting a television above a fireplace, the general rule of thumb is: the lower, the better. Your primary goal should be to achieve a comfortable viewing experience without causing neck strain. A highly recommended target height is to ensure the center of your TV remains under 70 inches from the floor. Exceeding this height often means you’ll be constantly craning your neck, which can quickly make TV watching an uncomfortable chore.
But what if your existing fireplace mantel is so high that mounting a TV with its center well over 70 inches is unavoidable? In such cases, you might want to explore alternative TV locations in your home. However, if the fireplace wall is truly your only viable option, a significant solution could be to remodel your fireplace surround specifically to lower the mantel height. Our original mantel, for example, was an imposing 68 inches high. This meant that if we had mounted our TV directly above it, the center of the screen would have been close to a staggering 90 inches – an almost guaranteed recipe for neck pain! After undertaking a comprehensive renovation that included installing a new fireplace insert and redesigning the surround, our new mantel now sits at a much more manageable 47 inches. Consequently, the center of our television is positioned at approximately 69 inches. We spend a lot of time lounging on our sectional with our feet propped up on the coffee table, and we’ve found this height to be incredibly comfortable for extended TV viewing, with absolutely no issues of neck strain.
The visual impact of this change in mantel height is quite dramatic. You can clearly see the significant difference between our previous towering mantel and the sleek, lower design of our new one here:
If you’re content with your current fireplace insert and its stone or tile surround, a simpler project might involve merely replacing the mantel itself. This can be a relatively straightforward task for a skilled carpenter. However, we opted for a complete remodel because we desired a brand-new gas insert featuring a more contemporary, clean-lined face, which also eliminated the need for a hearth. As part of our hardwood floor refinishing project, we extended the hardwood flooring right up to the fireplace, further enhancing its modern appeal. Plus, I was eager to bid farewell to the outdated brown marble surround. We ultimately selected {this gas insert} and replaced the brown marble with a stunning white Thassos marble, which we were fortunate to find as a remnant at a local stone fabricator:
Selecting the Ideal Television Size for Your Fireplace Mantel
Achieving a cohesive and aesthetically pleasing look when mounting a TV above your fireplace largely depends on choosing the correct size. The television should be appropriately proportioned to your mantel. A helpful guideline is to select a TV that measures between two-thirds (⅔) to seven-eighths (⅞) of your mantel’s total width. This ratio ensures the TV doesn’t look too small and lost, nor too oversized and overwhelming for the space.
If you’re considering a Frame TV, such as {this popular model}, remember to account for the frame size, especially if you plan to choose a chunkier bezel. The TV plus its frame should still adhere to the “less than ⅞ of your mantel width” rule. It’s crucial to remember that television sizes are advertised based on their diagonal measurement. Therefore, a “55-inch TV” will actually have a width that is several inches less than 55 inches when measured horizontally.
In our case, our mantel has a width of 69 inches. Applying the ⅔ to ⅞ rule, this suggested an ideal TV width between 46 and 60 inches. We narrowed our choices down to the 55-inch model, which measures 48.7 inches wide by 27.9 inches high, and the 65-inch model, measuring 57.4 inches wide by 32.8 inches high. Both fell within this optimal size range. Can you guess which size I favored and which my husband, Jeff, was set on? Yes, he was quite passionate about the 65-inch TV, and since he’s usually so laid-back about most other design decisions in our home, I nervously conceded. But not before I created detailed mock-ups of both sizes to visualize how they would look in the space – a technique I find incredibly helpful for making design decisions:
Surprisingly, after seeing my mock-ups, I actually agreed that the 65-inch TV appeared better proportioned for our expansive living room, especially given our tall ceilings where it effectively filled more vertical space. The installation professionals who mounted our TV also confirmed that the 65-inch size is the most frequently installed TV above a fireplace, closely followed by the 55-inch.
Another important factor to consider when determining your TV size is your viewing distance from the fireplace. If your primary seating area is very close to the fireplace, you might want to lean towards a slightly smaller TV to prevent it from feeling overwhelming. Conversely, if your seating is positioned further away, a larger TV will likely provide a more immersive and enjoyable viewing experience.
Optimal Placement: How High Above Your Fireplace Should Your TV Be Mounted?
When it comes to hanging your TV directly above the fireplace, you can apply similar aesthetic principles used for hanging artwork or pictures over furniture. The goal is to create a visually balanced arrangement without leaving too much empty space or crowding the elements. The professionals who installed our television generally recommend a distance of 6 to 8 inches above the fireplace mantel. Personally, I prefer a slightly tighter gap of 5 to 6 inches above the mantel; ours is currently hung at just under 6 inches. Therefore, I would confidently suggest that positioning your TV between 5 to 8 inches above the mantel is an excellent target height. Always ensure this placement is compatible with the recommended clearances outlined in both your TV owner’s manual and your fireplace manual to ensure safety and prevent potential damage.
Safeguarding Your Investment: Protecting Your TV From Fireplace Heat
One of the most critical aspects of mounting a TV above a fireplace is ensuring its protection from excessive heat, which can severely damage electronics. A well-designed fireplace mantel serves as an excellent heat deflector, redirecting the upward flow of heat away from the television. For this reason, it is strongly advised not to mount a TV above a fireplace without a mantel. Furthermore, don’t compromise on the depth of your mantel; sticking to the standard 6 to 12-inch depth is wise. Our mantel, for example, is 8 inches deep, providing ample protection.
If you’re upgrading to a new gas fireplace insert, as we did, consider selecting one equipped with a blower. A blower actively helps to direct the heat outwards into the room rather than allowing it to rise directly upwards towards your TV. While mounting a TV above most gas and electric fireplaces (with a mantel in place) is generally feasible, it’s absolutely essential to thoroughly review the recommended clearances in both your TV owner’s manual and your fireplace manual. Be aware that in some instances, mounting a TV above a fireplace could potentially void your TV’s warranty. Wood-burning fireplaces typically generate significantly higher heat, and there’s the added concern of smoke and soot. Consequently, some experts advise against mounting a TV above a wood-burning fireplace, while others deem it acceptable provided a robust mantel is present to effectively deflect the intense heat.
If you remain uncertain about the heat levels above your fireplace, a simple test can provide peace of mind. Tape a thermometer to the wall above your mantel, precisely where your TV would be positioned. Then, start a fire and allow it to burn for at least an hour. Note the maximum temperature the thermometer reaches. Compare this reading to the maximum safe operating temperature specified in your TV’s owner’s manual (for most televisions, this is typically around 104 degrees Fahrenheit or 40 degrees Celsius). This quick test can help you make an informed decision about the safety of your TV placement.
The Ultimate Choice: Which TV is Best for Above a Fireplace?
From my personal experience and extensive research, I wholeheartedly believe that {the Samsung Frame TV} is hands-down the absolute best television option for mounting above a fireplace. Its unique design allows it to hang exceptionally thin and flush against the wall, seamlessly mimicking a piece of framed art when not in use. This aesthetic integration is unparalleled.
The Frame TV offers a fantastic level of customization. You can purchase simple, slender “frames” (which Samsung calls bezels) that come as four magnetic pieces. These easily snap onto the edges of the TV, allowing you to change its look to match your decor. There’s a variety of color options available. We chose {this teak bezel}. While the name “teak” might suggest wood, it’s important to note these bezels are actually made of plastic. In person, our teak bezel is notably darker than it appears on Samsung’s website, which worked perfectly for our desired aesthetic:
For those seeking a more elaborate or ornate look, you can also find a wider selection of thicker, decorative frames from specialized shops like {this vendor}, offering even greater design flexibility.
One of the Samsung Frame TV’s most innovative features is its “One Connect Box.” This external box houses all the television’s “guts” – the processing unit, ports, and the electrical cord – and connects to the TV itself via a single, incredibly thin, translucent cable. This design eliminates the clutter of multiple wires directly behind the screen, contributing to its art-like appearance. In our installation, the professionals expertly snaked this thin cord from behind the TV, down the wall, and into the cabinet located to the right of our fireplace. Since our cabinet didn’t originally have an electrical outlet, I had an electrician install one in anticipation of the TV installation. Here’s what it now looks like inside our cabinet, with the slim cord from the TV entering from the left and the black One Connect Box neatly plugged into the newly installed outlet at the back:
This image shows our fireplace wall prepped for the TV installation, just before mounting the Frame TV. You can see the mounting brackets and, in the middle, the white recessed box through which the single cord was routed:
If your fireplace isn’t flanked by bookcases like ours, and if it’s not on an exterior wall, you might have the option to house the One Connect Box behind the fireplace itself, depending on the layout of the adjacent room. My sister, for example, also has a Frame TV. Since her bedroom closet backs onto her fireplace, they were able to run the cord into her closet, where the box is discreetly plugged in. Another clever solution, if you have access to a power source, is to build a larger recessed box directly behind your Frame TV to conceal the One Connect Box entirely within the wall.
While many Frame TV owners opt for a DIY installation, Jeff and I decided that paying for professional installation was absolutely worth every penny due to its somewhat intricate nature. The installers were exceptional; they added the recessed white box to our fireplace wall, meticulously snaked the single cord from the TV into our cabinet, installed the mounting brackets, and expertly hung our television. (If you’re in our local area, we highly recommend Carolina Smart Solutions – their service was outstanding). While you can often purchase the TV directly from installers, we found a better deal buying it on our own when it was on sale.
The Samsung Frame TV is widely available on platforms like Amazon {here} or Best Buy {here}. A key tip: never pay full price! These TVs frequently go on sale, often hundreds of dollars off, especially during holiday weekends. Samsung typically releases a new version of the Frame TV every one to two years, so you can often save money by choosing an older model. However, the 2022 Frame TV model introduced significant upgrades, most notably a matte screen that beautifully emulates a true art canvas and dramatically reduces glare from nearby windows. For this reason, I strongly recommend opting for the 2022 model, or the most recent iteration once it becomes available.
Curating Your Display: Frame TV Art Options
The Samsung Frame TV comes pre-loaded with a small, complimentary selection of art to get you started. Samsung also offers an art subscription service, currently priced at around $7 per month or $80 per year. This subscription grants you access to their extensive library of art, allowing you to change your display as often as you wish. Alternatively, you can purchase individual pieces of art from Samsung, though these can be quite expensive.
Given the significant investment in the television itself, I wasn’t keen on spending a fortune on digital art. Instead, I discovered a treasure trove of affordable and beautiful art options on Etsy, with most pieces costing $5 or less! For example, I purchased my elegant blue heron TV art for under $2 {here}. I highly recommend exploring other fantastic Frame TV art selections from vendors like Harris Lane Prints {here}, Willow Home {here}, Alluring View {here}, and 96th Avenue {here}. The ability to switch out seasonal art is particularly delightful; for instance, we showcased {this beautiful snowy deer art} during the winter holidays, adding a festive touch to our living space:
The Stunning “After”: Our Fireplace Renovation Revealed
You’ve seen the “before” glimpses of our fireplace, showcasing its original state…
And you’ve caught a few “in progress” shots along the way. Now, are you ready for the grand reveal? Here’s a look at our transformed fireplace and living space today:
Another “before” perspective:
And its stunning “after” transformation (all sources are linked beneath the photo for your convenience):
Sources: Rug | Rattan chair | Tripod lamp | Block print pillow (similar) | Sectional | Acrylic coffee table (similar) | Coffee table tray | Bookcase wallpaper | Cabinet pulls | Oak shelves | Bookcase (left): Large faux coral – staghorn (similar) | Woven owl | White bubble planter | Fern art | Star pod | White candlesticks | White square frame | Burlwood frame | Elephant bookend | Bust planter | Round basket | Scalloped rattan frame | Bookcase (right): Large handled vase (medium size) | Cane wrapped vase | Brass pig bookend | Fluted white bowl | Faux succulents | Wood knot | White ginger jar (similar) | Stacked boxes | Small coral (similar) | Landscape art | Blue planter – no longer available
And for one final, closer comparison, here’s what our fireplace used to look like:
Versus its current, transformed state:
As you can observe, I opted for an exceptionally simple and clean design for our fireplace mantel. I provided our carpenter with a basic sketch of my vision, and he created a sample piece based on my initial drawings. After reviewing the sample, I refined some of the measurements, and once everything was perfect, I gave him the green light to proceed with the build. For those interested in replicating a similar design, here are the detailed measurements for each component:
Beyond redesigning the fireplace itself, I also made several significant updates to the surrounding elements. I replaced the original cabinet pulls with {these elegant 6.3-inch pulls in a golden champagne finish}, which I had previously used in our kitchen remodel for a cohesive look. The bookcases flanking the fireplace also underwent a transformation: we removed the fluting from the bookcase arches, added {this beautiful wallpaper} to their back panels, and replaced the old, shallow white shelves with {custom-sized oak shelves} in a “Nature” finish. These new shelves offer adjustable height, providing greater flexibility for display. Following these structural changes, I meticulously styled my shelves, applying my ten tried-and-true decorating formulas, which I share in detail in my post on how to decorate a bookshelf – I highly recommend checking it out for inspiration!
So, after living with our TV mounted above the fireplace for over a year now, what are my thoughts? We absolutely love it! We’ve experienced no issues whatsoever with the viewing angle and never feel as though we’re craning our necks to watch television. In fact, we *were* constantly craning our necks when the TV was in its original cramped corner location on our bookcase. It’s been incredibly enjoyable this winter to snuggle up on the couch, with a roaring fire in the fireplace, and catch up on our favorite shows. My sister followed suit, installing her TV above her fireplace shortly after we completed ours, and she’s equally thrilled with the outcome. Therefore, if you’re considering this option, don’t let the naysayers deter you – it might just work out beautifully for your family, just as it did for ours.
Phew… that was quite a comprehensive overview! I believe I’ve addressed all the questions you all sent my way on Instagram while this project was underway. However, please don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything I might have missed! Also, I’ve recently added a plethora of new favorite finds to my Shop page, so be sure to explore it {here}!
XO,
