Mounting your new TV over your fireplace is the worst idea. I am well aware that it could make sense and that it’s the simplest choice in many spaces. Given that TVs and fireplaces are often the center of attention in a space, many interior designers even claim that it’s the ideal spot. But in spite of all that, it’s a horrible idea.
In addition to significantly lowering image quality, positioning your TV so high—above a heat source—can also limit its lifespan and maybe cause physical discomfort. Since it’s often much too high to be comfortable to view, this location is as terrible as it gets, even if you don’t use your fireplace.
Do you know how you’ll provide power and signal (wireless or HDMI) to the TV if you’re still thinking about it after that preamble? How are you attaching it to the stone or brick? These are also issues, but they are easier to resolve. However, it would be best to simply prevent these possible problems by not mounting the TV above the fireplace. This is the reason.
See also: Can You Mount a TV on Your Deck? Not Very Quick
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1. Viewing angle: It is too high to set a TV over a fireplace.
Have you ever sat in a movie theater’s front row? Most people don’t like it, but some do. You know that aching neck you get from looking at the screen all day? Every time you watch television, picture that. Staring up at anything for extended periods of time is unpleasant for most individuals. Even worse, it can eventually cause neck issues.
A Google autocomplete result that appears immediately after “TV over fireplace…” is, predictably, “too high.” This problem is not uncommon.
A big television set above a fireplace in a little living room.
From those chairs, just think of how far back your head would have to tilt to view this TV.
Getty Images/Mint Pictures
Yes, in certain rooms this won’t be an issue. You may be lounging to watch TV, the fireplace may be low, and you may be so far away that you are only simply glancing “up” at it. However, you should think twice if you have ever had neck or back problems, such as those brought on by a job-related incident, since this might exacerbate the damage.
The majority of us would much prefer glance at a TV at a modest downward angle. This is a much more natural stance (much like what OSHA recommends for monitors). Watching TV should ideally allow you to maintain a neutral or relaxed neck posture, which may vary based on your couch or sitting arrangement, among other factors.
2. You will have an off-axis TV.
A television hung over a worn brick fireplace.
It’s usually not a good idea to mount a TV above a fireplace.
Geoff Morrison and Chris Heinonen
LCDs make up the majority of TVs available today. No matter the marketing label, it’s an LCD, albeit there are some higher-end devices from LG, Sony, and Samsung that are OLED.
The majority of LCDs seem noticeably worse when not in direct view. An image might seem much different from what it would appear to be exactly on-axis if it is even a few degrees off its midline, as you would see while sitting on a couch and gazing up at the TV.
Fixing this is not too difficult, but you will need certain tools. With some wall-mounting brackets, you may turn the TV so that it faces the sitting area directly. Look for mounts that at least allow the screen to be rotated if you insist on placing your TV high on the wall. The cheapest option, flat-mounting the TV on the wall, will make it seem much worse than it would if you weren’t looking at it from an angle.
Expert TV Advice
Compared to conventional LCD TVs, an OLED TV such as the LG C2 device seems far better when seen from an off-angle. Although an OLED TV is pricey, it can be worthwhile if your space requires off-angle sitting and you want the best possible visual quality.
Details: $849 at Walmart 3. TV damage from heat and smoke
Heat is the worst thing that can happen to an electrical device. (Okay, so it could be worse to kick it or get wet, but you get the idea.) Raising the TV’s working temperature might decrease its otherwise lengthy and dependable lifespan.
Even worse, the fire’s soot might enter the TV’s internal components and cause harm. The TV will probably break sooner than it would have otherwise, but it will still be over the warranty period since the damage will develop gradually over time rather than all at once.
A TV over a fireplace in a chic, well-lit living area with plenty of windows.
At least when it comes to watching TV, there isn’t a best seat in this home.
For some, this won’t be a problem. This won’t be an issue if you are unable to utilize your fireplace. Even if a gas fireplace doesn’t contain soot, your TV will still become heated if the wall above it feels warm to the touch. When mounting a television over a functional fireplace, many individuals say they “haven’t had a problem.” However, “yet” is the appropriate addendum to that phrase.
4. In what location should it be mounted?
It might be difficult to combat the natural arrangement of many rooms, which places the fireplace as the main feature. It’s worthwhile. Purchase a TV mount that allows you to change the TV’s position and pitch, at the very least. This enables you to lower its total height so you’re not staring up at it and slant it downward toward your seated area. These are the minimal minimum if you don’t want to modify your space, although they do add fees.