a passing fad

We are designing a number of homes with flat screen TV's over the fireplace! We like to "recess" them so the screen is "flush" with the fireplace facing material. The trick is "viewing distance" TV screen size and height off the floor. The goal is to be far enough away from screen so you don't strain your neck looking "up" at the screen. Best to do a "mock up" with tape and practice viewing the TV prior to installing! Regarding "black hole" effect, if you can recess the TV you can build cabinet doors that close over the screen. You might post a photo of the fireplace and seating for more input. Enjoy...

As per the post above, "passing fad", as long as we watch TV and want to enjoy a fireplace at the same time, we will struggle to solve this problem! The fireplace used to be the "hearth" now the TV is commanding attention! Go figure!

Hi jcorn1, nice to talk to you again. I think they are much too high when over fireplace. They should be at eye level when you're sitting down. If the tv in question is in some kind of a man cave/bar area where people are standing or sitting on bar stools , then it would be ok over fireplace. Or in a bedroom, when you are in bed it could work that high. But even then, I'd rather it somewhere else, like you, I don't like the black hole when it's off. Unless it can be put in a flat screen tv cabinet on wall. Hope your hubby won't be too disappointed in my answer :)

Also consider heat. I owned a house with a gas fireplace which generated quite a bit of heat (which was the idea). I don't think a TV over it would have been advisable. Personally, I don't like the look at all.

I built my own. I am not a fan of the standard built in over a fireplace and mantel. They get to high up and you viewing enjoyment is terrible.

I hate the look of a TV over a fireplace.

Find a way to cover or mask the TV.

We do many tv over fireplace installs. The new thing is our awesome motorized artwork that hides the tv when it is not in use. Feel free to check out our profile.

Hi Matt

I love the look of your tv-over-fireplace setup. Could you let me know the manufacturer and model of the linear fireplace that you used?

Thanks

Andy

In almost all cases, the TV is too high when it's mounted over the FP. Both really can't "attractively" occupy the same wall.

I don't advise it unless there is no other wall space for it to hang or sit on a console. I prefer not to cover it with anything either.

Hate this so much. Bad position for viewing, takes away from beauty and serenity of fireplace. Unless there is really no other option, would advise against.

yeah I don't like it either.

Paint the fireplace a darker color so the tv blends better, alleviating the black hole effect, and get a tv mount that tilts out and down for better viewing angle. They're pricier than standard mounts but worth it to have less neck strain. Ours is similar to this and we have no issues.

check out this company to eliminate the black hole effect.

frame my tv

Here is our TV in disguise.

I don't turn it on during the day and wanted it covered when not in use. I designed a pair of sliding panels and had two craftsmen that were working on our kitchen build and install. Copper sheeting is used several location inside, so I repeated it here. The top of the mantel is 5 feet from the floor. Our great room is large so it's fine for viewing.

I also had them make a door from a vintage shutter for the TV equipment niche to the right of the FP.

I do not like the look of a television over the fireplace, and would always try to find another option in the room. I think it takes away from the ambiance of the fireplace, which should be a soothing, peaceful place. Furthermore, heat rises, and I have heard of the electronics being compromised in some televisions due to the increased temperature over time.

Oh my! A kindred spirit and another chance to rant about the big butt ugly brain sucking blight... I will stop now....

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/new-strategies-for-hiding-the-tv-stsetivw-vs~19306319

• http://www.remodelista.com/posts/11-elegant-solutions-for-hiding-a-flat-screen-tv/

• Google image "ways to hide tv over fireplace"

Hate the look, hate the way my neck hurts when I watch a tv over a fireplace.

Old post from 2013. OP hasn't been back since. But people are still ranting about it.

Matt Christenson, I was so ready to say I hate TV's over the fireplace - but you nailed it. Once again we learn here on this marvelous Houzz website that one can make a plan to accommodate everything tastefully!

We have been hanging TVs over fireplaces for years! The one in this photo actually has framed motorized art over it to conceal it when its not being watched. Our client even picked out the photo they wanted on the canvas. Check out some of our other TV over fireplace installs here https://www.koledigital.com/custom-audio-video/tvs-over-fireplaces

I do not think it is very practical solution. Looks bad (that is why people who can effort hide it behind the mirror or painting), not easy to watch if it is too high, the focal point of the room is confusing (TV or FP?), hard to incorporate speakers to meet the good sound solution and aesthetic of the room, ...

TV over fireplace isn't my thing, but @Matt Christensen: nicely done.

Hello J Corn,

Have you considered hiding a TV in a decorative frame over fireplace like one shown in the attached photo.

Learn more in this video:

Our customers has been using this decor solution for years and they are well pleased with the result. See more at Frame My TV.com