WHAT TO CONSIDER BEFORE INSTALLING A TV OVER A FIREPLACE

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Originally Posted On: https://www.mediacontrolled.com/what-to-consider-before-installing-a-tv-over-a-fireplace/

Modern TVs are designed to be flat-screen and lightweight, making them ideal for placing in a variety of locations in your living room. If you have a fireplace and the right room layout, mounting your TV above the fireplace is a great way to not only catch up on your favorite shows but bask in the warmth of your fire as well. For those who decide to go with that avenue, there are a few things you should consider before attempting the project.

If you decided to hang your tv over a fireplace, follow our tips and tricks when getting the job done. The last thing you want is to potentially damage your wall or TV. Read on for our top tips to consider.

Look at how high the TV will be once you mount it above your fireplace. Ideally, you want the TV to be at eye level of all the sated viewers. Unless your mantel is very low, that typically won’t happen if you’re mounting it above a fireplace.

To test the viewing angle, tape a paper template that’s the size of your TV where you want it to go. Sit on your couch or in a chair and stare at the outline for a little while. If you start to have neck strain, you might want to mount the TV somewhere else.

You can also purchase TV wall mounts that allow you to tilt your TV to better improve the viewing angle. If you’re satisfied with the height of your TV above your fireplace, then we’re ready to move on to the next tip.

If you want to burn a fire while you watch TV, it’s important that where you’re mounting the TV doesn’t go beyond the unit’s recommended temperatures. You’ll find that information located on the TV’s technical specifications.

Too high of heat can adversely affect your unit’s lifespan. It could also result in your warranty being voided.

To evaluate the surface temperature, tape a thermometer on the proposed TV location. You can also put the thermometer on the fireplace face. Make sure you have a fire blazing when you conduct this experiment.

If the temperature is too high, then you might want to find another location for your TV. If you decide to hang it there regardless, make sure you don’t have a fire going at the same time you watch TV.

There are a variety of ways to hang a wall-mounted TV. You need to ensure that you’re using a method that’s designed to suit how heavy and big your TV is. You want to guarantee that your TV will stay safely secured to your wall.

If you’re working with drywall, you’ll need to secure the wall-mount system to a stud. Check the location of the studs before you start the project. Follow all the instructions from the manufacturer before you start so you don’t damage your wall or TV.

Some mantels are wide enough for the TV to sit on. If that’s the case for you, look at placing your unit on a stand.

One of the best ways to ensure that the TV is mounted properly is by hiring a professional home theater installation company. They have the tools and expertise to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.

Some people may not want to look at a large black screen when they’re not watching TV. You can explore setting the TV behind accordion-style doors or in a wall recess.

If you want a high-tech solution, you can install a mechanized panel that will fall and rise to expose and hide the TV. All you have to do is touch a button and your TV is hidden when it’s not in use.

With this option, you can choose frames, panels, and doors that match the materials you already have in your living room. This will create a cohesive design look. You can also explore artwork that will roll up when you want to watch TV.

Additionally, to help hide electronics and cords, you can have built-in bookcases installed on either side of your fireplace. It’ll also help distract attention from your TV screen.

You can’t mount a TV over the fireplace if you don’t have a power source. You’ll also need to evaluate how you’ll manage cable systems, electrical wires, and sound equipment. If there isn’t a power source close to where you want to mount the TV, you may need to call in an electrician or professional home theater experts.

You can look into bridge systems or cable channels that’ll run along your wall and cover your cords. Those can also be painted to match your current wall color so they blend in better. Since the TV will be the focal point of your room, you want to hide as much of the clutter as possible so it’s seamless integration.

In addition to ensuring your TV is mounted at the right angle, you’ll also want to be sure every person has a good view of the TV. If you have a couch and multiple chairs, place them in the correct position when evaluating the viewing angle. Just because the couch that’s front and center in front of the TV has a good angle doesn’t mean the chairs off to the side will as well.

If your couch is the primary seating location for your household’s members, then the other seating locations aren’t as important as that one. It’s still good to consider the viewing pleasure of each person, no matter where they sit.

Mounting a TV over a fireplace is a great way to enjoy the beauty of your fireplace while watching a show or a movie. Don’t try to mount your TV in just a few hours. Take the time to ensure it’s the right decision and safe for your TV.

Call Media Controlled Professional Installers for more information on our home theater installation services.