The fireplace in a modern interior, as in ancient times, is an important element. And although its main functions in the form of a heating device and a fireplace for cooking have faded into the background, its decorative qualities have begun to serve a special function. Today, a fireplace has become an almost obligatory element of the living room of country houses and cottages, just like a TV in the living room. And that is why among professional designers the theme of a living room with a fireplace and a TV has become especially relevant.
Is it possible to hang a TV above the fireplace?
If you adhere to certain rules and methods of placement, you will be able to create not only a beautiful, but also a safe design that will concentrate all the attention.
Table of pros and cons
Let's consider the most popular opinions of designers about the relevance of such a solution.
| Behind | Against |
| This combination allows you to form a single compositional center and create an accent wall. | Not all fireplace models are suitable for placing a TV above them. This combination does not entirely meet safety rules, since due to the warm air emanating from the fireplace, the television equipment gets very hot and this has a bad effect on its service life. |
| This combination significantly saves space, which is especially important for small rooms. | The glare of the fire can draw attention to itself and distract from watching TV. |
| With this arrangement, more walls in the room are freed up. | A TV panel placed too high causes inconvenience and discomfort when viewing. |
| The neck is stiff. TV is often watched either from the bed or from the sofa, and by placing the TV above the fireplace we shift the viewing angle and this significantly affects the viewing experience. This decision is both unhealthy and simply inconvenient. | |
| For some models, the viewing angle significantly affects image quality. |
Types of fireplaces
There are several varieties:
- Electric fireplace. It is a regular electric heater made in the form of a fireplace. This model imitates a living flame and heats the room.
- Biofireplace. This type does not imply the installation of a chimney. It runs on special biofuel that does not emit harmful substances or odors.
- Wood-burning. A real hearth that requires wood burning. A wood-burning fireplace produces natural heat and requires a separate storage area for logs.
- False fireplace. A decorative false fireplace is a design solution that is perfect for decorating any interior.
Various models of fireplaces allow you to choose the most suitable option, both for decorating a country cottage, a wooden house, and for a city apartment. They undoubtedly become the most beautiful and memorable element of decor, giving the room more coziness and at the same time impressiveness.
The photo shows a small living room with a plasma TV placed above a white false fireplace.
Fire and water: an aquarium on an electric fireplace
Contrasts always look advantageous. And the combination of such opposites as water and flame simply cannot leave you indifferent! Therefore, many users of electric fireplaces have a question about it is possible to install an aquarium on top of the device.
It is important to remember that such fireplace sets are electrical devices. And contact with water is strictly contraindicated simply because their scope of application does not include installation in places where the humidity level is high. The outbreaks of conventional models simply do not have the degree of isolation that would guarantee safety. And the aquarium can become depressurized for reasons beyond the user’s control. And although the chance of this is small, it still exists. Therefore, placing an aquarium on a regular electric fireplace is strictly prohibited!
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There are companies that produce special models designed for such use. They are reliably protected from moisture getting inside, so their use will not pose a danger to surrounding people.
How to arrange the TV and fireplace?
The most popular types of accommodation.
In a plasterboard niche
A built-in fireplace and TV are often located in a specially designed plasterboard niche. When placing the TV screen in a separate recess, you can also protect it from heating and the effects of heat flow emanating from the hearth.
Corner
This corner design allows you to save space as much as possible and rationally use the usable area, which will be especially useful in the design of small rooms.
On one wall
Options for placement on one wall:
- Horizontal fireplace under the TV. This arrangement allows you to save as much usable space as possible and leave other walls in the room free for decoration with various design elements.
- Offset location. To prevent this arrangement from looking asymmetrical and to prevent the wall from appearing empty, it is very important to properly think through the composition, design, size and shape of the devices.
A well-thought-out arrangement of the TV with a fireplace below, taking into account the size of the room and the overall interior design, will allow you to create a truly harmonious composition.
On opposite walls
This placement is not the most successful, since the flames reflected in the television screen may interfere with viewing. However, this will be considered a personal choice.
On adjacent walls
This option is the most successful. A TV installed opposite the sofa and a fireplace located on the side form two functional zones that do not distract from each other.
Built into furniture
A TV and fireplace, built into a cabinet, shelving unit, wall, or into a furniture structure with shelves on the sides, will become an interesting accent and a functional and practical element of decor that does not overload the overall appearance of the room.
The photo shows a light-colored living room with a TV and a wood-burning fireplace flanked by white cabinets.
Hidden
If the TV does not match the interior and does not match the fireplace, the TV panel can be hidden in a special niche with sliding doors or using other camouflage systems that can not only hide the plasma, but also become an excellent wall decoration.
Viewing angle affects picture quality
There is no controversy here. Every year I review more than 30 TVs. The viewing angle of an LED/LCD TV remains a major issue, even with high-end models.
Essentially, an LCD screen is made of many small windows that open and close. This principle of operation allows the TV backlight to pass through the windows, creating an image. The problem is that these “windows” have a very limited viewing angle. If you look at the screen from the left, right or bottom, you will only see a portion of the light being transmitted. As a result, the picture turns out faded and desaturated. It’s unlikely that you wanted to get this when you bought a new TV with your hard-earned money.
But there is good news for you: there are several ways to partially solve the problem. First, you can buy a tilt bracket with a higher angle to get a more direct image towards you. There are even motorized brackets on the market that lower the TV lower to eye level (but make sure there is no fire burning in the fireplace at this point). Either option will improve saturation and contrast.
The second way is to buy an OLED TV, the viewing angle of which is practically unlimited, and such a TV will provide an excellent picture no matter how high you hang it. There are many reasons why OLED is winning the battle with LED TV
If an OLED TV is not your choice, then pay attention to LED TVs with an LCD display using IPS technology
Ideas in different styles
Design ideas for popular style solutions.
Provence
Original, unique and at the same time elegant and multifaceted Provencal design requires a special approach to decoration. Flat elegant TVs above a raised fireplace, bio-fireplace or wood-burning hearth, with a fireplace area in light colors, decorated with natural and environmentally friendly materials, will become the main component of the French style.
Modern
A flat-screen TV and an electric fireplace with a strict and laconic design will perfectly complement a rational and highly functional modern interior.
The photo shows a TV above an electric fireplace in the interior of a modern-style kitchen.
Classical
For an elegant classic, a strictly shaped TV or TV model framed with a baguette, molding or stucco, placed above a U-shaped hearth, lined with wood, marble or granite, would be appropriate.
Loft
A modern TV and fireplace will be an unusual solution for a loft, which will allow you to go beyond the usual and look at design in a completely new way.
The photo shows a loft-style living room with a modern TV above a fireplace located on a brick wall.
Installation Features
If, after weighing all the pros and cons, you have come to the conclusion that a TV placed above the fireplace is suitable for you, then for comfortable and, most importantly, safe operation, you should adhere to the following installation tips:
- Install the TV in a niche. The prepared niche for installing the TV should protect it from warm air from the fireplace.
- To hide the wiring from prying eyes, you should connect the socket, as well as the antenna cable and other wires to the very place where the TV is installed inside the niche.
- It is advisable to give preference to fireplace inserts made of materials such as cast iron or steel, and always equipped with protective glass.
- The outer box must be made of heat-resistant materials and equipped with high-quality thermal insulation. This will help avoid heating outside and, as a result, the risk of overheating of the equipment.
- As additional protection from heat, you can place a stone or wooden shelf/beam between the TV and the fireplace.
- The ventilation holes should be on the opposite side of the TV to prevent hot air escaping from hitting the device.
- Choose a firebox and TV of approximately equal sizes so that they look harmonious and no element draws attention.
Recommendations for placement from professionals
Some practical tips:
- It is advisable to place the television screen at a height of 150 to 170 cm above the floor plane. This indicator is the most optimal for modern plasmas with a diameter of up to 42 inches.
- In order to protect the TV from heat and overheating, you can hang it in a special niche made of wall panels and plasterboard or install a wide mantelpiece.
- If the fireplace is not large, then the best option would be to place the TV panel at a convenient height on the side of the fireplace.
Useful tips for designers.
It is important to consider the style of the fireplace. It is desirable that the fireplace located next to the TV be made in a modern style and have laconic shapes. Simplicity of design and lack of frills will harmonize perfectly with the modern design of the TV. If the fireplace has a classic style, then you can try to frame the TV screen with a beautiful decorative frame or completely hide it behind a removable mirror.
It is recommended that the width of the TV be smaller or approximately the same size as the fireplace.
It is necessary to take into account that the fireplace and TV are the center of attraction of everyone's attention, therefore, during relaxation in front of the burning fireplace flame, it is advisable to turn off the TV device so that it does not attract attention.
