I'm new here, so I'm wondering if it's ok to jump in on someone else's question, as my question fits in with the same idea. I simply want to know if there's a standard appropriate height for a mantel? I saw a stone mantel I love that I'd like to purchase for our new home, but the height is only 48". My current mantel is 52" high, so I was wondering if 48" is acceptable. Our ceilings will be 9'. My house is filled with European antiques so there will be a French mirror over the mantel and it is decidedly not contemporary... ;-)

It's actually not okay to jump into someone else's dilemma, but since it's a simple answer, I'll let it slip by this time. The answer is that 48" is too low for a mantel. The one you like can probably be made in a bigger size so be sure to ask.

Thanks!

Isn't there a minimum clearance that the mantle needs to be above the top of the firebox based on the projection of the mantle from the face of the fireplace. I think it has to do with rising heat so that the closer the mantle is the less it can project out and vise versa.

Yes you are right about those clearances!! Be sure to check with a local fireplace professional. I am an Interior Designer as well as a trained fireplace professional. If you are woodburning you need a minimum of 12 inches or more above the opening (depending on your fireplace) before you can have anything combustible-maybe more. If you are vent free you might need more and tv's are not recommended over vent free. If you are thinking of going efficient with direct vent you will need to have them check the owners manual for mantel projections/clearances. Unfortunately you cannot just pick a mantel/tv height based only on looks or proportion.

Hello, this looks like a conversation that could help me! I just scored a great find at a thrift shop.....a complete fireplace surround and mantel, stripped and ready to be painted and for a great price. I measured my space and knew the opening and width would work with the piece. I also checked on average mantel heights to be in the 55"H range, which this was. Now that it is home, my husband says it is too high for our (unfortunately low) 7'2" ceiling height? There is 34" from mantel shelf to ceiling. What do you think? See photos....I don't know why they are coming in sideways...Thank you! Julie

I thought so too. Thanks for your input.

I was considering putting the tv above the fireplace, it seems the popular thing to do. But the majority of what I read warns against it for 3 main reasons: 1) heat in chimney wall can damage tv electrical components (even when tv is off), 2) smoke and/or soot causes a film on and is bad for the tv screen 3) pain in the neck (tv will be above eye level). I have a wood-burning fireplace and am wondering if putting a gas insert with bottom venting would elminate issues #1 and #2. Anyone know for SURE? Thank you in advance!

Personally, I'm not a fan of TV above fireplace. Mostly for the uncomfortable height. Approximately eye level is really nice. I also feel that the combination means fire and TV are competing for attention!

Hello if I could interject a question that is not exactly related, I would love some feedback. Our our ceiling height is 86" and I just bought a used, fireplace surround and mantel piece that is 54.5"h. We think it may be too tall for our ceiling height, but not sure. We can have a carpenter cut out some of the height near the upper part of the piece to make it shorter, but not sure if it's necessary or worth it. Pic shows as is...

It would look better if you could cut 3.5" from the top section.

thanks so much for your opinion-I was headed that way, but needed a push!

Hello!

I would like to know how high to place my mantel.

We have a house we are building that is on a ravine with a Heritage Woods (really big, old trees), just steps from the beach. We have gone with a "timber frame" look, with 100 year old hand hewn beams. Our gas fireplace has a stone covered chimney (square cut), that has an opening of 37"wide by 33"high. It is set on a hearth (I don't know how high that is). The wall at that point is only 10' high, although it is in a room with a cathedral ceiling. We have an interesting light (very large and comes out of center beam, centered to the fireplace). I was not planning to put a big piece of art as I expect this light to be the main story. I would put something smaller to the left and right on the mantel...Which brings me to my question...how high should the mantel be? It, also, will be a very old piece of wood. And, should we keep it simple, or find big corbels to go under it?

Thanks so, so much.

L

I'd love some advise as well. We just redid our fp/mantel/tv but my husband thinks the tv is too high (approx 10') We are considering lowering the tv/sound bar but would you keep the mantle or not? would it be too low? our look is transitional. Help

I'm not sure if the picture is coming thru or not?

I see no photo of your FP/TV, but I will say that 10' is definitely TOO high for the TV! However, you are using someone else's dilemma on which to ask your questions, which is not considered to be the right thing to do. I suggest you pose your own design dilemma.

hi....need suggestion on latest FP designs...i am very much fascinated to use false FP in my living area,even though i literally dont require one,as i live in tropical region..Thnx in advance.

the wall is absolutely plain..with 9' ht.

So awesome to read this post...wonder if anyone would have some advice for us on the same subject? 18' high ceiling. Fireplace box is 1' off the ground and is 42" wide by 23" high. Husband bought a 75" tv that is 66.5 wide x 38 high. paper represents size of tv. I am so unsure of myself here on what to do with this wall. It had these crazy pillars that stuck out and took up 2.5 foot of the room (sort of looked cave like). Was thinking of a traditional mantel with granite surround and wood legs / riser / mantel or wonder if I could wainscoat the wall wider than the tv all the way up and skip the mantel...hoping someone with a good eye has an idea. Thanks a lot...great post. Hope I'm doing this ok...never posted here before. Previous mantel was 61" off the ground (can see the marks on the wall above the switch plate. Putting hardwood floors in and thinking of roller blinds on bottom windows.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/fireplace-wall-makeover-advice-dsvw-vd~3908043  Carolyn, thank you! Here is url to "my dilemma" -- I'll post there.

This is a great thread with some great advise!

I too have a dilemma and would much appreciate any guidance:

[https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ideas-for-fireplace-wall-with-tv-dsvw-vd~3909064[(https://www.houzz.com/discussions/ideas-for-fireplace-wall-with-tv-dsvw-vd~3909064)

Just like computer monitors are ergonomically correct being at eye level, I feel the same with TVs, which consequently out rules TVs over the fireplace for me. We have a built in in our family room which we designed for virtually straight on viewing from a chair or couch. Very comfortable and makes sense!

@wardfam - Thanks for the feedback. I agree... there is a separate family room where can better accommodate seated TV viewing. This space is not ideal for that, more for entertaining and though seating exists in front, also meat to accommodate standing room and island bench seating some 20' away.

I want to lower the mantel to place a tv above , I need to know how low I can drop it from the opening and still be safe using fireplace

Thank you dmsestrich@gmail.com

@dmsestrich: few thing i learned in the process. If mantle is non combustable (I.e. stone) then you can put it any distance from the top of the fire box. If not, then has to be a min distance specified by the details of your specific model (mine was like ~22"). Also need to make sure that there are non combustable materials inside the fireplace area above the box... again to the spec of your specific model ours was ~21".

attached photo is what we wound up with (stone mantle ~12" above, using steel brackets, and TV ~20" above). TV is well protected from heat. The sound bar may have to be moved off the mantle or insulated underneath with a mat as after prolonged use of the fireplace even the top of the mantle gets warm. Only becomes a problem if you run the fireplace > ~8 hrs on high.

Overall, tv is higher than desired for a home theater, but don't have to strain and provides nice viewing throughout the entire great room and kitchen. Went w/ 65" tv as didn't want to overpower the space and center of the TV is about ~67" off ground i believe.

I also would like to know your suggestions on mantel height for our project. We are installing a live edge mantel on the current brick fireplace. We are going to have the brick covered in Sage ledger panels. Height of the fireplace is 9' and width is 69". The mantel will span the width of the fireplace.

The Fireplace store also says a mantle is necessary to deflect the heat from the TV.

I have a fireplace mantel question. I am building a 42 inch wide by 30 inch tall fireplace with about a 4 inch low profile (4 inch) hearth. I want to have a surround stone mantel. What would be the best overall height. I have vaulted ceilings in the room. jds

@Anthony JM - can you tell me what brand and model your fireplace is? Are you still happy with the design and placement?

White Mountain Hearth - Empire 60. Still love it. Only thing I would do differently is to triple check the clearances ahead of time. If TV is staying above it, may lower it all a little.

From hearth to mantal 5feet