A fireplace is warm and inviting, and it feels like the perfect spot to mount a television. There’s something alluring about having a roaring fire, sitting on a comfy couch, holding a bourbon, and watching a good movie.
Lightweight tv are no longer outrageously expensive and that gives people more options on the size of the tv and where to hang it. Most people think that hanging a tv over the fireplace is a good idea for several reasons – and they do make sense. Mounting a tv above the fireplace gives the room a visual focus and frees up valuable space on the floor. It also allows you to position furniture in one direction, not needing to decide if it’s better to look at the fireplace or the tv. When one is above the other, everything can be in the same direction.
That’s likely where the benefits end. There are actually more reasons to not mount your tv above a fireplace then there are to hang it there. Before deciding where you place your tv, consider the following:
CONSIDER THE ANGLE OF THE TV
The height of the tv when it’s above a fireplace is much higher than would normally be considered comfortable. Depending on the size of the tv, it should really be at eye level. That might be different for each person, but generally it’s about 42-inches from the floor. It all depends on how tall a person is when they are sitting on the couch or chair. Particularly if you’re binge watching a show that has multiple seasons you can end up with a lot of neck pain.
USE A FIREPLACE TV STAND
A fireplace tv stand is built to provide warmth, ambiance, and safely mount a tv. There’s no worry about it being too high or taking up space, because the cabinet can be used for storage. Versions from Arizona based RealCozy are available in several sizes and styles, so it fits the overall design of a home. Each piece comes assembled out of the box so there’s no need to build or put anything together. The sustainably made fireplace tv stand is able to heat an area of 1,000 feet without soot or mess.
KEEP THE SPACE WIRE FREE
Wires are a major consideration when hanging a tv. It can be dangerous to have wires hanging near a flame and with a fireplace it can be nearly impossible to drill holes. People will need to consider what can be done behind the wall, which can be an even bigger challenge if you rent your space.
YOUR TV WILL HAVE A BETTER PICTURE IF NOT ABOVE A FIREPLACE
Most tv’s will not give viewers a good picture if they are not watched straight on. As little as a few degrees below the center and the picture will be off. There are different ways to fix this problem with various mounting solutions, but it’s best not to put a tv above the fireplace at all.
Ultimately, it’s nice to consider having a fireplace that’s focused on relaxation and conversation. While there are ways to mount a tv above a fireplace, using a fireplace tv stand is a better alternative for safety, comfort, and style.
