TVs, like most tech appliances, have been getting slimmer and lighter along the years. As a result, people have been able to find new spots and ways to mount it around their living spaces.
It turns out that placing it over the fireplace has been one of the most popular mounting options for homeowners, turning it into the focal point of the living room.
If we consider the aesthetical aspect, this is a great idea, as a TV perfectly fits that empty wall-area and gives life to the ambiance but as most things in life, it also brings up some factors and details that must be properly addressed.
So, if you are thinking of hanging your television on that empty stretch and want to avoid future headaches, keep reading this article and we will dispel myths and give you the best tips on this matter.
Optimal Visibility is Key
There is a lot of controversy when it comes to the best type of TV to be mounted over a fireplace. Some people say you should get model X, some say you should go for model Y. Well, we have good news for you: there are plenty of good models and mounting systems on the market today that will provide you with optimal visibility.
LED TVS
LED TVs are by far the go-to option for most people these days and there is nothing wrong with mounting this type of television over your fireplace, however one aspect must be considered: their viewing angle can be extremely limited.
There is no use in buying an expensive display if you won’t be able to fully appreciate it in all its beauty! Although there is a wide selection of wall mounting types these days, the best solution when it comes to placing a LED TV over a fireplace is to go for the full motion mount – its multiple pivot points let you tilt, extend, and even rotate your TV.
Not only does it provide optimal visibility allowing you to have a good view from any angle in the room, but it also gives you the freedom of placing your furniture as you please.
OLED TVS
OLED TVs consist of an evolution of the traditional LED models: their high-fidelity, ultra-thin, and flexible screens adjust the luminosity of each pixel individually, providing an extraordinary picture quality and perfect black levels.
But their biggest benefit, when compared to LED TVs, lies on their viewing angles: they are wide, meaning that they can be perfectly viewed from anywhere without compromising the experience. That makes OLED TVs perfect for fireplace mounting.
Not only do these TVs reproduce images with greater brightness, higher contrast, and more vivid colors, but they are also healthier than LED TVs – OLED TVs produce less blue light and are more energy-efficient, consuming less power for the same level of brightness.
PULL-DOWN MOUNT
Another great solution for TVs that are intended to be placed above the fireplace is the use of adjustable pull-down mounts especially designed for this kind of setup. It might be an expensive investment, but it is most certainly worthwhile.
The process is simple and easy: all you have to do is grab their soft handle, pull the TV down and out and that’s it: you are all set to comfortably watch your favorite show from nearly every possible angle in the living room.
Obviously, while your TV is placed in a down position, you must avoid operating your fireplace as the heat may cause serious damage to your valuable electronic device.
Health always comes first
Putting your TV above the fireplace may cause your viewing angle to go above eye level, which requires you to bend/crane your neck. Consequently, that may end up causing numerous health problems such as pain, stiffness, and muscular imbalances usually around the neck area (due to the bad posture), headaches and even eye strain.
So how can you avoid having these health issues and an uncomfortable session in front of a TV mounted above a fireplace? As we’ve just mentioned, you can go for full motion or pull-down mounts that will allow you to tilt your TV (not your neck) and bring it down to eye level, providing a comfortable viewing experience.
However, if your budget is too tight to invest on such expensive mounting systems, you can always make up for the angle problem by putting your couch at a distance that will prevent you from craning your neck. This is usually a simple, cost-effective, and efficient solution.
One last important tip: pay attention to screen size. Although there are many formulas online that promise to calculate the “right screen size” for your living room, chances are you will be tempted to purchase the largest screen available. Don’t get fooled by the persuasive words of a good salesperson though. Common sense never fails here: always consider your living room space, your own comfort level and be reasonable. I’m sure you won’t go wrong.
Manage TV wires and cables wisely and safely
We have already established that when a TV is positioned over a fireplace it becomes the center of attention – it just stands out in the room. With that in mind, it is highly recommended to hide as much electronic clutter as possible in order to make this prominent area aesthetically pleasant and to nicely integrate the TV into your home décor.
At first, you may think you have limited options to conceal your TV’s wires and cables around the fireplace wall, but nowadays there are plenty of methods and techniques available to help you get a clean and tidy look.
Even homes with no attic or crawl space above the room can make use of in-wall wire concealment (using bridge systems, for instance) when it comes to placing a TV above a fireplace. By the way, this in-wall cord concealment method is also a great option for homes with an electric fireplace.
You can even get cable channels running along the wall to cover some cords or have a power outlet installed behind the TV, outside the wall. This last option is recommended for fireplaces with chimney, as it’s very important not to drill holes into chimneys that are currently in use. Safety first.
Conclusion
We have given you here some valuable tips on how to mount a TV above a fireplace, but we all know that this can be a tricky job to do on your own as it requires the right tools, lots of expertise and patience. Therefore, if you want to have absolute peace of mind, Quick TV Mounting experts can get all the TV mounting work done for you 100% efficiently and safely. Our highly skilled professionals are ready to perform a top-quality service that will fully meet all your needs. Please do not hesitate to contact us for any further information you might need. We will be pleased to assist you!
