A TV and fireplace combo can be a beautiful focal point in any living room. The flickering flames provide cozy ambiance while the TV offers entertainment options. But making these two elements work together seamlessly takes some forethought and planning. Follow these 7 tips to rock your TV and fireplace combo.
Choose the Right TV Size and Mount
When combining a TV and fireplace, one of the most important considerations is choosing the right television size and mount. Here are some tips:
- Aim for a TV size that is proportional to the size of your fireplace and living room. Generally, anywhere from 50 to 65 inches works well. Anything too small will look out of place, while anything too large may be visually overwhelming.
- Look for a TV with thin bezels so it blends into the wall and fireplace better. The slimmer the edges, the less distracting the TV frame will be.
- Consider a TV mount that extends out from the wall over the mantel. This allows you to place the TV at the optimal viewing height without blocking too much of the fireplace.
- Tilting wall mounts are great for angling the TV towards the primary seating area while still keeping it high enough above the mantel.
- For a seamless, integrated look, select a recessed TV mount customized to fit your fireplace dimensions. This embeds the TV into the wall above the fireplace.
Choosing the right TV size and mount combination ensures your setup looks proportional, balanced, and visually appealing.
Position It Properly
Once you have the right TV and mount, positioning it correctly makes all the difference.
- Mount the TV at least 4-12 inches above the mantel, depending on the mantel height and depth. This prevents the heat from damaging the TV.
- Make sure the bottom third of the screen is above the mantel. You want to avoid having to look through the mantel when watching.
- Position the TV where it will be easily viewable from your main seating areas. Avoid odd angles that will strain viewing.
- Adjust the mount so the TV is tilted downwards slightly towards the primary viewing position. Usually a 10-15 degree angle is ideal.
- Place the TV off center if your seating is offset. Centering is not always optimal for viewing angles.
Taking the time to position the TV properly ensures everyone can comfortably view it without straining.
Address Glare Issues
One common challenge with above-mantel TVs is dealing with glare on the screen. Here are some ways to address glare:
- Use anti-glare screen filters or TVs with anti-glare technology. This diffuses and reduces reflections.
- Make sure interior and exterior light sources are not directly hitting the TV, like lamps or windows. Modify lighting as needed.
- Install sheer curtains on nearby windows to gently filter incoming sunlight. Completely blackout shades can look too heavy.
- Add small directional lights above the TV to cast light downward and minimize glare. Go for narrow beam angles.
- Tilt the TV mount so the angle faces away from sunlight reflections as much as possible.
- Consider matte screens over glossy if glare is severe. The picture may not be as vibrant though.
Taking simple precautions to avoid glare will allow you to enjoy the TV picture without annoying washed-out reflections.
Upgrade the Mantel
To truly integrate the TV and fireplace, upgrading your mantel can make a big difference.
- Stick with low profile, straight-edged mantel designs rather than ornate or heavy styles. This ensures the mantel doesn’t obstruct viewing.
- Paint or finish the mantel in a dark color to prevent it from blending into the TV picture. A rich espresso or charcoal stain works great.
- Remove any decorative mantel clutter than could be distracting when viewing the TV. Limit items to just a couple focal pieces.
- Install custom mantel extender shelves on each side to balance the TV in the center. Paint them to match.
- Accent with artful minimalist objects like geometric sculptures, short vase arrangements, or candle holders.
- Add small directional lights or sconces to illuminate the mantel without causing TV glare.
Upgrading to a clean, modern mantel design elevates the whole display and makes the TV feel like part of the fireplace composition.
Hide Cables Completely
One of the quickest ways to make a TV and fireplace combo look sloppy is exposed cables and wires. Take steps to hide them entirely:
- Run cables through the wall cavity and out through an outlet above the fireplace or behind the TV.
- Use flat, low-profile cables painted to match the wall so they blend in.
- Wrap cables in cable channels, wire covers, or cord covers to conceal them against the wall.
- Bundle and tie cables neatly using velcro straps behind the TV or in the wire raceway.
- Place any power bricks, plug packs, or media boxes out of sight behind the TV or in a nearby cabinet.
- Consider installing an outlet inside the fireplace cavity so power cables can be routed completely internally.
Taking the extra effort to hide every single cable delivers a clean, seamless look. The TV will appear like it’s floating on the wall above the fireplace.
Add Accent Lighting
The right lighting can make your TV and fireplace combo feel even more special. Use accent lighting to create a focal point:
- Install recessed lighting above the fireplace to cast light onto the wall and TV. Dimmable lights work great.
- Place directional sconces or picture lights on each side aimed at the TV and fireplace.
- For a soft ambient glow, add bias lighting strips behind the TV. Go for neutral white tones.
- Use smart bulbs or lighting you can control with remotes or voice assistants to easily adjust the lighting vibes.
- If you mainly watch TV at night, place floor lamps behind seating to avoid glare on the screen.
- Light the objects on the mantel using discreet lighting strips or mini spotlights.
Lighting that highlights the TV and fireplace transforms the area into a focal feature that grabs attention.
Incorporate Surround Sound
To complete the immersive TV viewing experience, incorporate surround sound:
- Place front speakers discreetly on stands or shelves on each side of the TV. Bookshelf speakers work great.
- Choose slim speakers that won’t obstruct the TV, even when your head is on a couch or recliner.
- Mount rear speakers high on the back wall or in corners to deliver surround effects.
- Hide wiring for rear speakers along baseboards or in cable tracks to connect back to the TV.
- Place a center channel speaker right above or below the TV angled towards the main viewing position.
- Add a quality subwoofer nearby for robust bass that packs a punch.
With strategic speaker placement and concealed wiring, audio can be just as impressive as the stylish visuals.
FAQ About TV and Fireplace Combos
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about combining TVs and fireplaces:
How high should I mount the TV above the fireplace?
Generally 12-18 inches above the mantel is ideal. Any lower could lead to heat damage, while any higher may strain viewing angles.
What is the best way to hide wires for a fireplace TV?
Running cables through walls or along cable channels is best. You can also use flat painted-to-match cables attached to the back wall.
Should my TV and fireplace be centered on the wall?
Not always – off-center placement can optimize viewing angles. Focus on positioning the TV for comfortable straight-on viewing from seating areas first.
How can I reduce glare on my fireplace TV?
Use anti-glare screens, position lights carefully, add window sheer curtains, tilt the TV mount, and consider matte over glossy screens.
What should I put on the mantel around the TV?
Minimal, low-profile decor that highlights the TV and fireplace without distracting or obstructing viewing works best.
How close should my couch be to a fireplace TV combo?
10-12 feet allows you to appreciate the fireplace while also having ideal TV viewing distance and immersive surround sound.
Should I get a tilt mount for a TV over the fireplace?
Yes, a 10-15 degree tilt mount angles the TV towards the seating area for better ergonomics. This prevents neck strain from odd angles.
Conclusion
With strategic planning and these tips in mind, you can create a seamless and stunning TV and fireplace combo. Positioning the TV at the optimal height for your space, addressing glare, concealing wires, upgrading your mantel, and incorporating the right lighting and audio will help you rock your integrated setup. Done right, this combination of fire and entertainment can become the stylish focal point and heart of your living room. So embrace the challenge and let your inner interior designer shine through with the ultimate cozy and tech-forward space.