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Design Dilemma
doba

Need help with TV placement over fireplace

13 years ago
We are placing a tv over the fireplace. I am concerned about viewing height. The top of the mantle is 53.5 inches. We will have a soundbar as well which will push the tv up higher. So, the question for comfortable viewing is, do we remove the mantle altogether and lower the tv? Do we keep the mantle where it is and install the tv and soundbar above it? Or, do we lower the mantle to be even with the lowest shelf and have it partially cover the arch on the brick. Please advise. I really need help with this and want it to look great. Please disregard sofa. The room is under reno. now and a large sofa will be facing the tv about 11 feet away.
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    Keep it is at is, you don't need to change anything at all, it will ruin the look of the wall unit if you remove the mantle, if you still have a problem with the height of the tv you can install a leering tv mount that you can adjust when watching tv and return back to the wall when done watching.

    Comments (17)

    • PRO
      13 years ago
      Could you move the shelf lower and place the television and soundbar above. The height isn't as big of an issue if you're further back. Here is a helpful tip for maximum degrees for comfortable viewing: http://www.thx.com/consumer/home-entertainment/home-theater/hdtv-set-up/
    • 13 years ago
      Do you mean move the mantle shelf lower? The TV is 55 inches. Also, if we do that, how do you think it would look if the mantle shelf is covering the top part of the brick arch? We would probably have to line up the shelf with the lowest shelf which is 46 inches at the top of it.

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    • 13 years ago
      I think it may spoil the arch if your shelf runs through it... Can you not get rid of shelf under tv completely?
    • 13 years ago
      HI---remove the mantel or forgo placing the TV above the fireplace. Hope this is helpful. Good Luck!
    • 13 years ago
      Okay, here is the image without the mantel. One way or another there will be a tv there, so I am looking for the best plan. Also,is this brick really dated? Should we paint it or leave well enough alone?
    • 13 years ago
      You will be sorry that you put the TV over the fireplace, you will have to look up which will be very uncomfortable. What about putting it on the blank wall with an articulating arm, pull out when watching and then fold flat when off. Put something dramatic over the fireplace, so when you look at the fireplace there is a WOW factor.
    • 13 years ago
      Unfortunately, our space doesn't allow for that. We had originally had it on the wall (see photo 1) and it was next to sliding glass doors and in an awkward position for seating. The open kitchen is on one side of the room. So I have to make the best of it with the fireplace.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      I love the idea of putting your TV over the fireplace. You do need the mantle, not only for framing it it, but to deflect heat from the firebox. You solve furniture placement and focal point all in one swoop. People think you raise your neck to look at a TV, where, in fact, you only raise your eyes. I like that you centered the long shelf centered with the side shelves. This whole layout is eye appealing. Good job!
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks for your coments on the mantle, but it is way too high for a tv. That is why we took the mantle down yesterday to see what we could do. The only way we can keep the mantle would be to have it at the same height as the shelf below it. It would run across the top of the arch and probably look bad. So, we may have to forgo the mantle and mount the TV and soundbar at the top of the arch.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks for your input.
    • 13 years ago
      You can put the TV above the mantle and view it comfortably.
      you would need to install a TV lift that lowers the Television during viewing.
      That is one option.
      Mark Ciraulo
      Hamptonhometheater.com
    • 13 years ago
      We have our TV above our fireplace and have always been happy with it. We have an open concept kitchen/living room and it is perfect when entertaining if a sports event is on and you have people in different areas all able to see the TV. You will not regret it :) I wouldn't bother with the mantle, especially if it is going to cut into the arch detail of your fireplace. Once you get your TV up you may find with the TV and soundbar the mantle may really not do anything for the space and is really unecessary. If you want it then I wouldn't worry about it being pushed up too high..
    • 13 years ago
      We also have our TV over the fireplace, and we like it. Our mantle is also 53" off the floor. DH and I like to recline a bit when watching TV, and it really is more comfortable viewing a higher TV then one sitting on a console on the floor. Our seating is 14' to the front of the chairs, and it works fine for us. I've attached a pic of our great room before we moved in. Our craftsman style isn't very popular here, but I'm only sharing so you can compare the height with yours. Fireplace heat is not a problem.
    • 13 years ago
      Thank you for your positive comments. I am curious if you used a flat mount when you mounted it above the fireplace or a tilted mount? Also, is that a 55 or 60 inch? It looks great.
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      You really need to check with the TV manufacturer specifications (in manual) ! It will be in the specifications how high above from top of fireplace to protect the TV from excess heat. If you don't see it call the TV manufacturer and ask someone in the tech department. They often call out how deep the mantle should be also for the same reason. If you don't follow the specifications the TV will NOT be warranted if something happens. Here are a few example photos of fireplace with TV above that I have designed for my clients.
    • 13 years ago
      I will have to look at the specs. I am looking forward to getting this tv up and running. :-) Thanks.
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