My husband & I are shopping for a flat screen TV with the intention of mounting it above our fireplace. I've seen a few examples on the HGTV website so I know it can be done, my concern is how do we protect the TV from the heat of the fireplace...or is it recommended to not use the fireplace while using the TV?

i don't know the answer to the heat quest...the tv manuf would have that answer, but in my house - the tv above the fireplace is too high and would be too uncomfortable to watch....

quote:

Originally posted by out on a limb:
but in my house - the tv above the fireplace is too high and would be too uncomfortable to watch....

That is the case in many, many houses which is why TV's are now coming down from that lofty perch and being placed back on credenzas. A room would have to be enormous for a TV above the fireplace not to cause neck problems.

Not if you used a sofa with built-in recliner. That should make the TV much easier to see. Has anyone seen the new mirror TV that looks just like a mirror until you activate the remote for the TV? Then it becomes a TV screen. That has to be the coolest invention I have ever seen!

Before you install any tv above your fireplace, check the warranty to see if it VOIDS for tv's placed above fireplaces.

Thanks for all your input...the warranty comment is especially helpful. I'll take your advise on that for sure. Regarding neck pain, our space is furnished to accomodate the TV being higher than normal. We may need a home theater specialist to help us with the technical aspects.

If it is a plasma TV do not mount it on the fireplace because they will not last as long. That came from a fireplace stores advice. You can mount a a LCD flat panel but it would be best if there is a mantel blocking the heat to the TV. so if it is mounted above the mantel you should be okay.

We have mounted our flat screen TV above the fireplace (which does have a mantle) and no problems with heat issue. My problem is how to conceal wires & cable box. I've considered having someone build a "box" with doors but that is very costly. Anyone have any cheaper ideas?? My husband mounted a flat screen TV cabinet over the TV (back is open). When not watching, we just close the doors & it looks like a built in. FYI - hanging TV over fireplace does not void our warranty.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: dawnaliz,

quote:

Originally posted by pipkin:
Before you install any tv above your fireplace, check the warranty to see if it VOIDS for tv's placed above fireplaces.

Yep. My flat screen TV even came with a separate piece of paper in the box, specifically mentioning that mounting it above a working fireplace would definitely VOID THE WARRANTY.

quote:

Originally posted by KathiT:
Regarding neck pain, our space is furnished to accomodate the TV being higher than normal.

For comfort, the center of the screen should at eye level, when sitting.

I would assume that your space is furnished with only very tall bar stools?

We recently visited friends who replaced wood burning fireplace w/ gas(don't know if that makes a difference) and did mount flat TV above mantel.I didn't like it. Wires were visible from the side of the screen. I think it was a plasma.For my taste I don't like the screen that high and it seems to elevate to a level that is too important. It was the first thing I saw when going into the room. But they seemed to like it.

WE recently bought two plasmas or the living room and family room. We mounted both on the wall and the larger of the two is mounted above the fireplace in the family room. I was initially concerned about the heat from the fireplace but after reading the manual and speaking to the manufacturer they advised to place a thermometer above the fireplace and if it didnt get above 90 deg it was fine. My fireplace is woodburning without a blower so it really doesnt get too hot.


One other bit of advise is this. Shop online for the tv wall mount. I bougght the first mount at hh gregg for 250.00. I then found a similar one online with shipping for 100.00. Also since it is above the fireplace i suggest a tilt mount.

Oh and to hide the wires we bought a kit from the store that hides the wires. You mount it to the wall and it comes in different legnths so you can reconfigure it. You can then paint it to match your wall.