Pro Tips to Make Your TV Over Fireplace Work

Mounting a TV over your fireplace is a great way to add a focal point to your home. But how do you do an over fireplace TV mount? Are there specific rules you have to follow for a TV above fireplaces? Can you mount a TV on a brick fireplace? What are the things to consider when mounting TV above a fireplace? What will you need? This overview will show you the best way to safely place a TV above your fireplace and how to make it look great.

Televisions near or above fireplaces consistently appear at major hearth and design trade shows, though many in the hearth industry dislike these installations due to the sensitivity of these appliances. Many people attempt to replicate these shows' designs in their homes. However, these installations are only sometimes accurately explained or demonstrated during these home shows. Some design implementations, including advertised model combinations, do not reflect the safety requirements for protecting homeowners and their property.

The Importance of Caution

Many don't consider the effects of high-temperature air on electronics when mounting a television or other electronic device above a fireplace. However, caution is key. The high-temperature air is just as damaging to the electronic components as water or humidity. Improper installation and improper planning can lead to damage, combustion, and even bodily harm. You must be cautious and adhere strictly to guidelines and clearances to keep the television usable and safe.

Many don't consider the effects of high-temperature air on electronics when mounting a television or other electronic device above a fireplace.

Your fireplace manual will have its specific clearances listed for combustible materials and electronics, but the manual or warranty information from your television is also essential. However, as a common standard, older LCD and Plasma TVs have a higher heat resistance of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit before damage occurs. Newer LED and OLED models can start to experience degradation at as low as 90 degrees, with more severe damage occurring above 110 degrees.

Why is this important? If the television gets too warm, it can destroy the device, release toxic fumes, catch on fire, or explode. All of this can be easily avoided by erring on the side of caution.

Dispersing The Heat

The first step in ensuring your installation is safe is to adhere to written clearances carefully, or the safe distance between combustible materials, which includes furniture, mantels, and facing materials for your finished fireplace. How to disperse the heat must be considered before the design and implementation of your installation.

The first step in ensuring your installation is safe is carefully adhering to written clearances or the safe distance between combustible materials.

If you need more clarification about the importance of dispersing the heat, consider this: modern thermal imaging confirms only minimal heat dispersion around a fireplace. A television that sits right above it will be very susceptible to most of this heat. Referring to your television manufacturer warranties can provide additional insight into any rights to void your warranty contract with an inappropriately planned above-fireplace install. Thankfully, there are a few options to protect yourself and your property.

A mantel can act as a shield, deflecting heat out and away from the device. Heat rises and can damage your electronics above the fireplace if nothing dampens the effect. These can also work with the aesthetic of your home to provide an improved look.

If you are looking for an alternative for heat reduction, there are also fireplace hoods. These can be less aesthetically pleasing but are very helpful in insulating and deflecting the heat created by your fireplace. They can even prolong the life of a decorative mantel if you choose to use both.

Suppose mantels or fireplace hoods are different from the look you want, or you feel that they will impair the enjoyment of the television. In that case, another option for heat displacement is to have a recessed installation for your device, also called an alcove. The heat rises away from your electronics, creating a less hazardous setup. Some even consider this the safest option. However, one thing to note is while it is possible to create an alcove above an existing hearth, it is most straightforward and practical to construct such a feature when installing the fireplace itself.

Suppose mantels or fireplace hoods are different from the look you want, or you feel that they will impair the enjoyment of the television. In that case, another option for heat displacement is to have a recessed installation for your device, also called an alcove.

Once you understand the importance of adequately dispersing the heat from your fireplace, you will be ready to consider the next step: aesthetics.

Aesthetics and You

While safety is a high priority in your installation, aesthetics are also vital. Joining the two will make your final design comfortable as well as practical. To achieve your vision, consider contracted help to address heating and electrical concerns while making significant aesthetic and structural changes to your home.

Satisfaction with the final product also requires comfort and harmonious style. It will not make much sense to have a television above a fireplace if no one is going to watch and enjoy it. The planning phase of what works with clearances, as well as what will be visually striking in your home, may take a considerable length of time, but it will be well worth it when you have the display of your dreams. Decisions must be made when making a significant aesthetic and structural change to your home. As with any other project in your home, you may need contracted help to address heating and electrical concerns safely. Much of this will depend on the design of the television area.

Two forms of the above-fireplace installation are exceedingly popular. The recessed alcove would be the first. As the name implies, this is a sunken compartment where your TV or electronic device will be mounted, giving your hearth a more modern look; The second is a mantel shelf. Or, if you're feeling a little creative, you can combine the two into a singular attraction!

Another consideration comes in the form of the projection of the television after the placement of mounting brackets. The chosen angle placement will extend the furthest point of the device slightly, affecting the mantel size required for your installation. It can also change the dimensions of the nook needed for your television. Along with other factors, including sizing, clearances, and television coverage, this will help determine the ideal choices for your installation. To reduce risk and double-check your plans, consider contacting a qualified installer or contractor to ensure everything is safe and up to local code.

If you're feeling a little lost, don't worry. Below is a guide on making your dream aesthetic a reality and covering each requirement.

Mantels — Traditional But Stylish

The traditional look of a wooden mantel can play a prominent role in establishing a barrier between the heat produced by your fireplace and the sensitive electrical components of your television. They also give an excellent focal point to the room, enhancing the appearance of your hearth appliance. They are beautiful and practical and come in various materials, styles, and configurations. Some even have drawers for extra storage!

Most fireplace manuals will have specific requirements for installing a mantel above them. Others will merely consider this a combustible material and include the guidelines there. However, since most fireplace shelves are made of wood and, therefore, highly flammable, it is crucial to follow these clearances. Because of the requirements, you will want to ensure that the wall you've selected for your fireplace and television can accommodate all the space needed. If a mantel impedes viewing and enjoyment of your electronic device, consider adjusting other design factors to accommodate this.

There are a variety of mantles available. Some have drawers; others aren't wood at all. There are even some that adjust lengths! It is exceedingly straightforward to customize the look of your hearth area by selecting the mantel that best suits you and the electronic device above the fireplace.

Alcoves — Custom and Modern

Another trendy way to have a TV above your fireplace is by recessing it back into an alcove. An alcove is a sleeker way to accommodate electronics above the fireplace, preferable for those looking for a clean, modern look. You may also make your nook whatever dimensions you please to accommodate more than a television, should clearances allow. Some may even consider creating a way to camouflage their device when not in use by adding track or folding doors. Using tubing or conduit to properly enclose your cables, an alcove could hide those pesky wires from your television or electronic device.

Another trendy way to have a TV above your fireplace is by recessing it back into an alcove.. 

Even with an alcove, you must consult your fireplace manual for clearances. These can be very similar or even identical to the ones for mantels, but they can also be different. Regarding differences, alcove requirements may be stricter than those for mantels. However, this is due to the much more involved process of constructing the alcove around the fireplace.

For example, linear fireplaces are usually mounted several feet from the floor. Utilizing a mantel or hood in these circumstances might make the mounting point of the television too high for enjoyment. In that case, an alcove installation would be ideal. But, it is important to reiterate: pay careful attention to what your fireplace calls for. Incorrect installation can void your fireplace, television, or both warranties. You will also want to review the television clearances, if applicable, in your manual.

Without the protective barrier of a mantel, you might wonder why heat is not as prominent an issue with a recessed mounting. No need to worry! Most of the fireplace's heat will rise and project in front of the opening instead of back towards the TV, allowing your electronic device not to absorb the brunt of the warmth, though you will want to monitor it during prolonged use.

Similarly to the variety of mantels available, you can customize how your alcove looks. It can be whatever size you need without getting a custom option. You can have faux stone surrounding the nook to give it a rustic appearance or have the alcove fit perfectly around your screen for the ultimate modern look!

...Or Something Else?

After reviewing all this information, are you considering something else entirely? Both can seem overwhelming when you examine the data for them. But what other option is there? Another option for a stylish television fireplace installation would be a side-by-side arrangement.

This type of installation can create two competing focal points for your room versus stacking them into one. But, on the other hand, with this type of installation, you can avoid some of the hassles. Above the fireplace, clearances will no longer have to be a deciding factor in your design. Instead, you can utilize other design choices that previously seemed impossible to incorporate into your decor.

Another option could be a pull down TV mount over your fireplace. If you're handy, keep clearances and everything else in mind; this could be a custom option.

Time To Install

Now that you've decided what you want and the best way to obtain your ideal living area, it is almost time for installation! Before that process begins, we suggest marking off the spot for your mantel or alcove before committing to it. This mark will demonstrate the compromises required and give a better visual indicator of your room's appearance. To do so, we suggest using painter's tape or an equivalent. Be sure to verify you are adhering to the mandatory clearances in your manuals!

Additionally, take the time to cut out and tape cardboard templates of your fireplace and television or electrical device to where you desire them, again making sure to factor in all required clearances. Doing so will give you a better idea of the installation scale and allow for any desired or required changes. If you find the electronic too high for enjoyment, you can adapt as clearances enable or modify the plans to fit your home better.

Take the time to cut out and tape cardboard templates of your fireplace and television or electrical device to where you desire them, again making sure to factor in all required clearances.

It will be time to begin once you've made all the significant adjustments to accommodate your plans. It will be up to you whether you implement the use of a contractor or complete the project yourself. For the less handy homeowner, finding a contractor who listens and works with you will be important. They will be the best resource to ensure your installation Is functional, safe, and appealing once completed..

The Alcove

In the case of an alcove, some manufacturers will suggest or even require steel studs to ensure against heat damage. Some contractors may also implement steel framing for additional heat resistance. While that does take longer and more effort, many advise it to be worth it in the long run. As previously mentioned, dispersing the heat and reducing possible damage from heat is very important.

An additional contractor task involves using a trackway and carrying the cables that extend from your television and wall. This organizational step emerged as an alternative to former methods of storing audio-visual wires and connections. It is possible to retain some order and neatness using shelves and cabinetry. There are multiple methods for combining cabinetry and an alcove design to reduce the appearance of television cabling and wiring. Cabinetry deftly hides electrical equipment through various shelving configurations using conduits to route wiring to a safe location. Conduits are a non-flexible, non-corrugated material that can be accompanied by specialized fittings and connectors, according to their purpose. One material you can use for this purpose is Schedule 40 PVC, as shown below.

Notably, only some applications will allow the installation of this track system. It would be best if you considered a few things. These include enclosure size, following clearances, and angles for the conduit system in the alcove. However, depending on the routing of the venting, the building of the framing, and other factors, a homeowner may be restricted to using an alternative design: having the A/V equipment within a separate compartment in the alcove. In that case, a popular alternative is a makeshift drawer or shelf to hide things from view.

The Mantel

Now that you've chosen your mantel and decided where it should go based on aesthetics and clearances, you can install it. The average homeowner will be able to mount most mantels purchased from eFireplaceStore. Mantel installation is less labor-intensive than the creation of a nook. However, it will require the same forethought and insight as an alcove.

While it will depend on the mantel selected, most mantel shelves are hung with a lintel to bear the weight. Once the mantel is attached to the lintel following the instructions provided in the manual, you will need to review that same manual for television guidelines. Fireplace shelves can have special rules for using an electronic device in conjunction with them. Their guidelines should be considered, though this will depend on the manufacturer. On some mantels, you can place the device directly on the shelf; others will have specific clearances on having the television a certain distance above the shelf.

Stand Out From The Crowd

Once you have placed your television in its place, it's time to enjoy it! Whether you go with a mantel, recessed installation, or side-by-side configuration, you now have a visually pleasing focal point for your living area that will surely get guests talking!

Whether you go with a mantel, recessed installation, or side-by-side configuration, you now have a visually pleasing focal point for your living area that will surely get guests talking!

While the popularity of an above fireplace-mounted television has risen, there is still much to consider before implementing it in your home. It might not be very easy, but with this article and the technical know-how from our NFI-certified technicians at eFireplaceStore, your fireplace will stand out from the crowd and, even better, be safe while doing so.