Mounting a TV above a fireplace
The wall above the fireplace is the focal point of a lot of living rooms, which makes it a natural spot for the TV. It can work very well — but only after you've answered three questions honestly.
1. Does the wall get too hot?
Electronics don't like heat. Many TV manuals list a maximum operating temperature somewhere around 95–104 °F. Run the fireplace for half an hour, then put your hand flat on the wall where the TV would go. If it's uncomfortable to keep it there, it's too hot for a TV.
Things that help:
- A mantel deflects rising heat away from the wall.
- Gas inserts and electric fireplaces usually run cooler at the wall than open wood fires.
- More height above the mantel means cooler air — but that fights with the next question.
2. Will it be too high?
The usual mantel puts the bottom of a TV 55–65 inches up — far above the 42-inch center we recommend for comfortable viewing (see the height guide). Ways to reduce neck strain:
- Mount as low as mantel clearance allows.
- Use a tilt bracket angled down 10–15°.
- Consider a pull-down mantel mount that brings the TV to eye level when you're watching.
- Sit further back: the further away you are, the smaller the upward angle.
3. What's behind the surround?
- Framed chase with drywall: studs to anchor into, and often room to hide wires inside.
- Brick or stone: masonry anchors and a cord cover or side-route for wires.
- Stone veneer over framing: anchor through to the framing with longer hardware.
Hiding wires in a chimney chase
If the area above the mantel is framed, an in-wall power kit can run inside the chase, away from the flue. Never run cables against the flue itself, and never push a standard power cord through the wall — see hiding TV wires.
Our take
If the wall stays cool and you'll angle the screen down, over the fireplace is a good spot. If the wall gets hot, a nearby wall with a full-motion arm is the better choice — and we'll tell you so before drilling.