For years now, many homeowners have mounted their televisions over their fireplaces. It certainly looks great, creates a beautiful focal point in a room, and saves floor space, but are there any drawbacks?
The professionals at The Fireplace Store in Toronto think it might be wise to think twice about where you choose to place your TV. There can be many downsides to hanging it right above a gas or traditional wood-burning fireplace, including serious issues that can develop that will cost you a lot of money over time.
They shared the top four reasons you might want to consider placing your television elsewhere.
1. Mounting your TV over a fireplace is no longer trendy
Just because there is room in many modern homes to mount a TV over your fireplace doesn’t make it the ideal spot. In fact, many design experts are against this very placement.
While it may work in theory, the reality is that when it isn’t in use you end up with a large, rectangular, black box that does not add any visual appeal to the room. One way to combat this is to buy a TV that displays works of art and doubles as an art piece itself, which can help you maintain the beautiful fireplace vignette you’ve created. The issue is that multipurpose screens are costly and harder to find; only a few of the big brands make them and the models available are limited. If you’re lucky enough to locate one, The Serif and The Frame from Samsung probably have the most to offer. You can change the screen to any artwork you like.
Watching TV when the fireplace is operating can also be distracting. Both the screen and the flickering flames are compelling to look at and they’re stacked one atop the other, so you have to divide your attention between what you’re currently watching and the fire. As a result, you’re less likely to find either one as immersive and relaxing as you normally would.
2. There are higher chances of soot and heat damaging your TV
Neither smoke nor heat goes well with electronics, but they are unavoidable when using a fireplace. Having your TV close to direct heat shortens its lifespan and increases the likelihood of it breaking down and malfunctioning. A good TV is an investment and when you mount it above a fireplace, you risk lessening its value and reducing its longevity.
A traditional wood-burning fireplace is no safer; the damage just doesn’t happen as quickly. Over time, soot will begin to accumulate and cover the TV screen, forming a film, something you’re not likely to notice until it is too late.
Just because you can’t see any soot or smoke when your fireplace is on doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Wood-burning fireplaces emit small amounts of particulates that become destructive when combined with the heat from the TV set.
It’s this potential damage from heat and smoke that is the main reason most experts discourage homeowners from having a combined fireplace/TV wall. Electronic devices aren’t cheap and they require a specific temperature range to function optimally. When they are exposed to higher temperatures than intended, sensitive internal components may degrade sooner. If conductive materials degrade, it could interfere with the circuitry, rendering your TV useless.
3. The viewing height can create physical discomfort
When your TV is mounted above the fireplace, it does not provide the best viewing experience. For some of us, straining to consistently watch images well above our natural eye level increases the chance of developing discomfort and a sore neck. While many people may not be bothered by it, for others craning your neck for long periods can lead to stiffness and headaches.
If the fireplace is low or you recline the seat you watch TV in, you may not find that the angle is a noticeable problem. The best solution is to have the fireplace and the TV at a distance, which reduces strain and related complications, but requires a larger space than many may have.
Ergonomics experts agree that sitting in an unnatural position can have long-lasting effects. When you lift your head for an extended time, your neck muscles may be affected. They recommend keeping your TV at a lower angle, which allows you to watch from a more natural viewpoint; your muscles will be more relaxed and you’ll be less prone to injury.
4. Many LCD and LED TVs were not designed to be viewed from this angle, resulting in off-axis picturization
Many TVs on the market, whether LCD or LED, were not designed to be placed this high up and therefore are not providing the best viewing angle when displayed this way.
LCD screens include tiny windows that open and shut, allowing seepage of the back light to form an image. This design minimizes the viewing angle, so moving left, right, or up creates a distorted view because this light is not visible. It’s why pictures look worse on LCD monitors, because you are not viewing them directly, as intended.
For the best viewing experience, the TV should be set at a direct viewing angle.
There are other ways you can address the problem, such as investing in mounting brackets that allow you to tilt the screen. It may cost more than simply mounting the TV on a flat wall, but it improves the quality of what you are watching. The other option is to purchase an OLED TV—ideally one of the top brands—as it lets you view from a wider variety of angles.
If you’re still determined to put a TV over your fireplace, follow these tips:
1. Don’t buy a TV that is too large
Avoid buying a TV that is larger than your fireplace. The fireplace should be the bigger element of the two to keep the look proportional.
2. Make sure the wall has the right temperature
Before mounting your TV, turn the fireplace on and place a thermometer on the wall to test the level of heat. To reduce the chance of damage, you want to ensure it meets the recommendations set by the TV’s manufacturer.
3. Test the viewing angle before completing a permanent installation
While the best-case scenario is to have the screen set at eye level, test your comfort with your TV placed over the mantle. Make sure you can tolerate the viewing angle for long periods.
4. Consider the different mounting methods possible
Invest in a mounting system that will allow you to change the incline. To ensure safety and reduce the likelihood of strain, it must suit the TV’s screen size, weight, and wall size, whatever option you choose.
If you have drywall, for instance, you’ll first have to identify the location of the wall studs to attach the mounting system securely. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions or you may risk nulling the warranty.
5. Prioritize the positioning of your cables and power outlets
Figure out how you will manage your cables and power outlets ahead of time. Consult an electrician, who can install electrical outlets closer or help you determine how to hide the components using the bridge system. The other option, not so ideal, is to paint the cables and wires the same colour as the walls in an attempt to make them look less conspicuous.
Call 647-694-4312 to book an appointment with one of the experts at The Fireplace Store and visit the showroom in person at 535 Millway Avenue, Unit 2, in Concord.
Follow them on Houzz and Instagram @zoroastfireplace.
