When you’re looking to mount a TV in your living room, you need a large blank wall area, and sometimes this can only be found above the fireplace. This spot has a few other advantages too. It’s often centred in the room, so a large TV will look balanced there, and we tend to want to face towards the fireplace anyway to get access to as much of its warmth as possible.
This solution does have its cons too, such as the heat from the fire possibly affecting the TV, the issue of a hollow wall having to hold up a heavy device, and the height of the mantel being too high for the TV.
So, how do you install a TV above a fireplace? We’ve put together a step-by-step guide to run you through what you need to consider.
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Before installing a TV above a fireplace, ensure the area above your fireplace stays cool enough for the TV, confirm your wall can support the mount (brick or stud) and consider viewing comfort.
When installing the TV mount, measure and mark the TV’s position centrally above the fireplace, drill into studs or brick, and use strong fixings to safely mount the TV.
For a neat finish, hide or manage cables with wire covers or professional in-wall installation, keeping the setup tidy and balanced with your mantel décor.
Can you hang a TV above a fireplace?
Before you start drilling holes in the wall, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to mount a TV above your fireplace.
Temperature and potential for heat damage
TVs are not designed to stand up to high heat, so you’ll need to make sure yours is far enough away from any heat sources, such as a fireplace, so it’s not exposed to heat damage. If your fireplace has a mantel or surround, this helps to stop heat from rising up the wall, directing it into your room. You shouldn’t rest your TV on the mantel though as it’s unlikely to be strong or deep enough to safely hold such a large appliance.
It’s a good idea to take the temperature of the space above your fireplace using a thermal detector and then check your TV’s technical specifications to see the maximum temperature it’s designed to operate at. Many manufacturers recommend a distance of around 12 inches between the TV and the fireplace however, you should always check before you begin installing your TV above your fireplace.
If the heat above your fireplace exceeds this, you may want to consider installing a mantel or reconsider hanging your TV in that spot.
If you have a wood-burning fireplace, there’s also the issue of smoke rising and getting into your TV’s electronics. This is another instance in which a mantel should be installed. In the long term, heat and vibrations from the fireplace can also loosen screws and fittings, so it’s a good idea to regularly check the stability of your TV.
Viewing angle
The height of your TV isn’t only important due to heat exposure, it’s also important for your comfort. If you’ve ever had to sit in the front row at the cinema, you’ll know that looking up for hours can leave you with a pretty sore neck. The same thing will happen if you hang your TV too high.
The ideal height of your TV should be so your eyeline meets the centre of the screen. Most fireplaces will be taller than your seated eyeline, which means your TV will need to be mounted higher than recommended. This is where tiltable wall mounts can be a game-changer. These let you adjust your TV’s angle for more comfortable viewing after you’ve installed it. Some will just let you tilt it up and down, but others can give you even wider movement, with drop-down mounts letting you bring the TV downwards, over the fireplace, and closer to your eyeline.
Wall materials
The two most common wall types you might find above your fireplace are brick and stud. If you’re installing a TV into a stud wall, you’ll need to use a stud detector to find the sturdiest points. Drilling into the studs is essential to making sure the TV is stable and securely mounted.
For brick walls, make sure to drill into the brick, not the mortar. You’ll also need to use a specialist masonry drill bit.
Hiding wires
If you’re lucky enough to have a plug socket already installed behind the TV, simply plug everything into that. This is unlikely above a fireplace though, but there are two other ways to hide your TV’s wires.
The simplest way is to use a wire cover that goes over any cables, keeping them tidy and out of sight. You just screw this to the wall and paint it to match its surroundings, and your wires will be disguised. For more tips for keeping your wires tucked away, check out our cable organisation guide.
The other way to hide wires is by running them behind the wall, however this is a much more involved process that requires holes to be cut into the wall and some electrical work to be done, so it’s best to hire a professional. This will also ensure that your installation follows UK electrical safety compliance.
Aesthetics
You’ll want to make sure the space looks balanced, keeping the TV centred and at a good distance from the ceiling and the mantel. If you’re planning to still display objects and valuables on your mantelpiece, you’ll need to leave enough space for this below the TV.
Another plus of using the space above the fireplace is that it can free up room elsewhere for storage, perfect if you’ve got a smaller living room. And you can set the TV to display artwork when you’re not watching it, which looks great above a fireplace.
Before you do anything, you’ll want to work out where you want your TV to sit on the wall. It should be central to the fireplace and a few inches from the top of the mantel or fireplace itself. You also need to make sure it’s at a good viewing height.
Now you can start measuring and marking:
Find the vertical centre of your wall space.
Find the centre of your TV mount and place it at your desired height in the centre of the wall. Use a spirit level to make sure it’s straight.
Mark your drill points through the holes in the mount. If you’re mounting your TV onto a brick wall, these marks should be on the brick, not the mortar. If you’re drilling into a stud wall, you’ll want these drill marks to be in the studs. Use a stud detector to find these points.
Step 2: drill your holes
For brick, use a masonry drill bit. For studs, use a multipurpose drill bit.
Make sure to use fixings and wall plugs that will hold the weight of your TV. These may be included with your TV mount.
Step 3: secure the mount and TV to the wall
Line your mount up with the holes and secure it to the wall with appropriate screws. Then, follow your product’s instructions to secure the TV to the mount.
Step 4: hide wires
If there are any wires that you’d like hidden, either call in an electrician who can hide them behind the wall, or you can install some wire covers yourself.
As long as you take into consideration the potential hurdles involved with installing a TV above a fireplace, this can be a practical solution. Just make sure your TV is installed securely, far enough away from the heat of your fireplace and at a height that provides a comfortable view. If any wiring is needed behind the wall, it’s important to get help from a qualified electrician who can make sure it’s all done safely.
Is your new TV part of a larger decorating project? Why not check out some wall panelling inspiration to make an impact in your living space?
FAQs
How do I stop my TV from overheating above a fireplace?
Installing a mantel above your fireplace can help to block heat from rising up to the TV, directing it into the room. You can also get a stove fan to help with this process.
