In this article
A TV over the fireplace is the most requested — and most argued-about — installation we do. It can be great. It has two problems to solve, and neither is the one people usually worry about first (the wall).
Problem one: heat
Hot air rises straight up the face of the wall. Most TVs list a maximum operating temperature around 95–104°F. Soot also rises with it on wood-burning fireplaces.
The hand test: run the fireplace for 20–30 minutes at its usual setting, then hold your hand flat on the wall where the TV will go. If you can keep it there comfortably, the TV will be fine. If it's hot, you need one of these:
- A mantel at least 5–6 inches deep, which pushes hot air out from the wall
- A heat deflector (a short shelf-like shield) mounted between fireplace and TV
- More height — which then worsens problem two
Gas fireplaces with glass fronts and most electric fireplaces run cool enough. See TV above an electric fireplace.
Problem two: neck angle
Above a mantel the screen center often ends up at 60–70 inches — too high for a sofa. Three fixes:
| Fix | How it helps | Cost with us |
|---|---|---|
| Keep the TV as low as the heat allows | Bottom edge 4–12 in above mantel | — |
| Tilting mount | Screen faces down toward your eyes | $49 |
| Pull-down mantel mount | TV comes down to eye level to watch | Assembly $99 |
Our fireplace TV calculator takes mantel height, depth and fireplace type and gives the lowest safe position. More on the neck question in TV height by room.
The wall above the fireplace
- Brick: drill into the brick face, not the mortar; sleeve anchors. Brick vs stone veneer.
- Natural stone and veneer: find out how thick it is. Thin veneer over block needs longer anchors into the block.
- Drywall over a wood chase: find the studs — chase framing is often irregular.
- Drywall over a metal chase or firebox: check clearances in the fireplace manual before drilling.
Cables
On a chase, an in-wall kit is often possible (cables run inside the chase framing, never near the flue). On brick and stone, a paintable raceway along the side of the chimney or cables routed down behind the mantel look cleanest. The wire concealment planner helps pick the method.
Pull-down mounts
The best solution for tall mantels: the TV stays up high when off and comes down to eye level to watch. They need a strong wall and careful setup. See pull-down TV mounts.
Rather have a pro do it?
Exact price in about a minute — TV size, wall type and cables included. Same-day in most areas, 3-year warranty on every install.
Brick and stone cost the same as drywall with us. Installation $119 up to 60 inches, $129 up to 85 inches.
Gear mentioned in this article
IGOHEALS 4 Inch Adjustable Fireplace Hood, 28-48 InchMantel heat deflector: sends rising heat into the room.Check price →
PERLESMITH Tilting TV Wall Mount for 23–60 inch TVs up to 115 lbsTilting bracket: angles the screen down when it hangs high.Check price →
MantelMount- MM340 Above Fireplace Pull Down TV Mount- Televisions 44" to…Pull-down mount: brings a high TV down to eye level when you watch.Check price →
Hillman Sleeve Anchors, 3/8in x 3in, 50 Pack, ZincSleeve anchors for brick, block and concrete.Check price →
As an Amazon Associate, TV Mount Q earns from qualifying purchases. We never show a price here: Amazon prices change daily, so the button takes you to the current one.
