Ever wondered if you could watch the latest episode of your favorite show by the warm glow of the fireplace? It’s a nice idea, right? And of course, it’s a cozy dream that many of us share. But here’s the twist: with TVs getting bigger and fancier, it’s difficult to figure out how to place the TV above the fireplace and what to do if your TV ends up being bigger than the fireplace.
In this article, we’ll explore how to combine these two household favorites and will learn top solutions if tv is bigger than the fireplace.
Table of Contents
TV Mounting Above an Electric Fire
In recent years, it’s become pretty popular to mount TVs above fireplaces. Thanks to some amazing advancements in TV tech, today’s TVs are not only slimmer and lighter but also super easy to hang on the wall, unlike those bulky TVs from the past.
This setup is pretty cool because it accomplishes two good things at once. First, it makes your living space look nice. Plus, it’s smart with space by putting your TV and fireplace on the same wall. That means you get back some precious floor space, and that’s awesome for arranging your furniture just the way you like it.
The best part is you don’t need a TV stand or console anymore to hold your television. Thus, you can go for that clean and minimalist look in your home.
But here’s the thing – for everything to look just right, you’ve got to be careful about the sizes. I mean, you want the TV and the fireplace to balance each other out, so it looks pleasing to the eye.
Now, like many of these modern design ideas, there are a few challenges. The prominent one is dealing with the heat from the fireplace, which could mess with your TV’s performance. Plus, you’ve got to figure out how to mount everything properly to hide those pesky wires. So, it’s all about planning things out and making sure it all comes together just the way you want it – a perfect blend of function and style in your home.
Also read: BEST WALL MOUNTED ELECTRIC FIREPLACE
How to Decorate Your TV and Fireplace?
1. When TV Bigger Than Fireplace
Most modern TVs tend to appear somewhat top-heavy on the wall due to their taller profile as compared to a standard linear fireplace. If you’re contemplating the idea of placing a TV above your fireplace, opting for one with a slightly wider profile is a judicious choice. This will not only introduce equilibrium to your wall but will also create a captivating centerpiece within your room. This way you can utilize the full potential of your wall space and elevate your home’s aesthetics with a perfect fusion of entertainment and comfort.
2. When TV Is Too High
When it comes to interior design, every minute detail matters. Among these is the elevation of your mantle. Typically, a conventional wood-burning or gas fireplace stands at least 48 inches above the floor space. In this case, the thought of placing a television above the fireplace might seem alluring but from a practical point of view, there emerges a problem. It could culminate in strained necks and a less-than-optimal viewing experience, particularly in rooms of standard proportions.
Fret not! Here is a pro tip: Consider moving your television to a lateral viewing position. By doing this, you will be able to maintain your fireplace’s charm while making sure that you have a relaxing watching experience.
However, if you are open to change, you may consider switching to an electric fireplace. Since an electric fireplace doesn’t have real flames, you don’t need a big mantel for safety. You can lower the mantel to a comfortable height without compromising your style or safety.
Also read: What Color Should I Paint My Brick Fireplace
Additionally, you can opt for a linear electric fireplace that does not require a mantel at all. In such a configuration, your television’s base rises no higher than 42 inches from the floor, creating a unified and visually stunning centerpiece appropriate for any standard room.
3. When Fireplaces & TVs Seem To Go Out of Balance
Achieving proper harmony between your TV and fireplace is the key to transforming your living area into a peaceful haven.
When it comes to mounting your TV, a crucial tip is to avoid placing it directly opposite the fireplace. Doing so will disrupt the balance that introduces serenity to your home.
Now, let’s talk about size – If you opt for a more modest fireplace, shift your focus to the lower section of the wall. This move will enable you to offset the visual dominance of a larger TV, ensuring your room maintains its sense of effortless harmony and enduring style.
Simply put, it involves creating a harmonious symphony of design components that seamlessly interact, transforming your TV and fireplace into a magical focal point that mesmerizes everyone who enters your house.
Also read: How to Lime Wash Brick Fireplace
What Is Ideal TV Size For Mounting Above A Fireplace?
Selecting the ideal TV size for placement above your fireplace is an important decision that can make or break your living room’s aesthetics. It’s all about striking the right balance to create an inviting space that’s both visually pleasing and comfortable. So, here’s what you need to keep in mind:
- Avoid having a big TV overwhelming the fireplace or a small one looking lost beside it. A good rule of thumb is to keep your fireplace 6 to 8 inches wider than your TV. This way, your fireplace will be neatly framed by the wall, providing an attractive backdrop for your TV as well.
- Do not leave too much space on either side of the TV because it will make it look too small against the background. To avoid this, ensure that the false wall or enclosure for your fireplace is larger than your TV.
- A huge size gap between the TV and fireplace can ruin your living room’s overall aesthetics. The ideal TV size often falls between 55 and 65 inches. The exact distance between your seated area and the TV, though, may change this. Nevertheless, a larger TV around 55 inches could be required if the viewing distance is greater than 6 feet, 5 inches.
- To address any lingering design challenges, consider using creative decorative solutions. Introduce small to medium-sized furniture pieces like chic bookshelf or organic decorative accents at each end of the fireplace. Adding them can fill the void and improve the space’s overall appearance.
Also read: How To Save Money With Electric Baseboard Heat
Recommended Distance Between The TV And An Electric Fireplace
When it comes to setting up an electric fireplace and a TV on a wall mount, precision is key. The recommended minimum distance between them is 100 mm or 10 centimeters. This spacing allows flexibility in arranging both elements without causing distraction. It also enables you to choose a TV size that suits your room perfectly.
How High Should You Mount Your TV?
Finding the right height is essential for the best viewing experience. The appropriate height is usually 42 to 48 inches off the ground, though it can vary up to 65 inches.
Beginning at 42 inches from the floor to the TV screen offers a relaxing viewing angle. But there lies a catch: staring at a screen directly at eye level might make your eyes tired. Aiming a little higher might therefore be a smart idea.
However, you can also think about placing a full-motion wall mount above your fireplace to gain the freedom of TV adjustment. You can always adjust the TV with the help of this convenient device to get the best possible viewing angle.
But just keep in mind that it may not be the best choice for walls made of brick or stone veneer, as they might not provide the necessary stability.
As you fine-tune your TV’s viewing angle, remember that your comfort while sitting is the top priority. Experts suggest that the viewing angle should be no more than 30 degrees from your seated position, including times when you’re leaning back and relaxing.
Also read: How to Hide Tv Wires Over Brick Fireplace
What to Do If Your TV Is Larger Than the Fireplace?
Creating the perfect TV and fireplace pairing is like crafting a work of art in your living space. When it comes to deciding TV above a fireplace, there’s more to it than meets the eye. TVs are usually taller than most linear fireplaces, and this can throw off the visual balance of your wall. But fear not, there are clever solutions to tackle this challenge.
So, if your TV is bigger than your fireplace here is what can you do:
- Opt for a Dark Wall: One smart move is to paint the wall behind your TV with a rich, dark colour that blends seamlessly with the TV’s background when it’s turned off. This subtle touch helps your TV get imbibed into the overall decor.
- Expand the Trim: By widening the trim around your fireplace, you create the illusion of a larger and more impressive hearth. This clever trick visually balances out a bigger TV.
- Explore Alternative Heating: If your fireplace simply can’t accommodate your TV, consider other heating options. Installing a nearby wood stove or a different type of heater can keep you cosy without sacrificing style.
NOTE: TV dimensions are calculated diagonally from one corner to the other. You’ll be fine as long as your TV doesn’t take up too much of your wall or mantel’s width. However, if your TV is wider and occupies much of the wall space, that’s when you need to come up with a solution to make everything fit together perfectly.
Final Thoughts
When thinking of placing your TV above the fireplace, it’s crucial to consider more than just the TV’s size. Safety should be your top priority when dealing with heat and appliances. Once you’ve established a secure setup, you can begin to design your ideal fireplace area.
As a general guideline, aim to make the TV slightly smaller than the fireplace or mantel, creating a 6-8 inch difference. However, bear in mind that this may vary depending on factors such as your wall space, room size, and how you intend to use the area. So, be flexible and adjust as necessary.
As you arrange your living space, always maintain a safety-conscious approach. This way, you’ll create a welcoming and harmonious environment where your TV and fireplace coexist seamlessly, all while ensuring the well-being of everyone in your home.