In this article
A pull-down mount is the answer to the one real problem with a TV over a fireplace: height. The TV lives up high when it's off, and comes down to eye level — and forward, clear of the mantel — when you watch.
How a pull-down mount works
A wall plate carries a pair of arms with springs or gas struts. The struts are tuned to the TV's weight, so the screen feels almost weightless: you pull a handle, it glides down and out, and it stays where you stop. Most models include auto-straightening handles and adjustable stops so the TV never hits the mantel.
Before you buy: four measurements
| Measure | Why |
|---|---|
| Mantel height and depth | The TV must clear the mantel on the way down |
| Distance from mantel to ceiling | The TV must fit above when stored |
| TV weight and width | Strut range and maximum screen width (many top out around 80 in) |
| Wall material | Decides the anchors |
Our fireplace calculator helps with the stored and lowered positions; check your TV's VESA and weight in the VESA finder.
The wall matters more than with any other mount
A pull-down mount with a 65-inch TV extended forward is a big lever. It needs:
- Wood studs: two, with the lag bolts the manufacturer supplies.
- Brick or block: sleeve anchors into solid masonry — very common in Miami homes.
- Stone veneer: anchors that reach the brick or block behind; veneer alone won't hold.
- Metal chase framing: usually a backer board first.
More on masonry: brick vs stone veneer.
Setup is the real job
Hanging the mount is half the work. The other half is tuning: tension set to the TV's weight, stops set so the screen clears the mantel and the ceiling, the handle leveled. A badly tuned mount drifts down or springs up hard; a well-tuned one moves with two fingers.
Cables
The cables need slack for the full travel. We route them inside the wall to a box behind the stored position with enough loop, or along the chase in a raceway on masonry.
Miami vs Los Angeles
In Miami most fireplaces in newer homes are decorative or electric, often on concrete block walls — anchors into block, and heat is rarely an issue. In Los Angeles we see more real wood and gas fireplaces with brick or stone surrounds, older framing, and earthquake considerations — we use every anchor point the mount offers. For Dallas, see MantelMount installation in Dallas.
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.
Pull-down mount assembly and setup $99 plus TV installation by size. Bring your mount or ask us to source one for your TV.
Book it as a service: mantel mount installation.
Gear mentioned in this article
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 →
Prime-Line 9056277 Hex Lag ScrewsLag bolts for wood studs.Check price →
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