The Pros and Cons of Having a Television Above Your Fireplace

The Pros and Cons of Having a Television Above Your Fireplace

With televisions now slimmer and sleeker than ever before, people have found new and exciting ways to incorporate them into their room designs. One of the most common of these is mounting the television on the wall above a fireplace.

While this might seem like a great idea and the finished look may complement your home’s overall aesthetic perfectly, there are some things to consider before going through with it. This blog from Fireplace Superstore outlines some of the pros and cons of placing your TV above the fireplace to help you make the best decision.

The pros

Optimal visibility

The most obvious benefit of hanging your television over the fireplace is that it is extremely visible. Most fireplace mantelpieces are central within the room and stand at a raised height, which means your TV will be visible from a variety of locations and from a range of angles.

A fireplace or television is also often the focal point of a living room, so seating is often configured around one of them. By putting them in the same place, you get the best of both worlds – no more arguments about where the sofas should be positioned.

Saves floor space

Mounting your TV on a wall makes extra space that would otherwise have been filled by a TV stand or entertainment unit. Freeing up this floor space can allow you to prioritise other important features – for example, it might give you enough room for a large family dining table, which you may have had to sacrifice otherwise. It can also help those with limited space make the most of their rooms and feel less cramped.

Aesthetically pleasing

There’s no denying that having a television above the fireplaces is sleek, contemporary, and very pleasing to the eye. Many newer homes have sockets behind or near fireplaces, so it’s a convenient option and can make unattractive wires and extension leads a thing of the past.

On top of that, your TV may be able to display beautiful landscapes, works of art or family photos when not in use – this makes it another way to incorporate creativity and beauty into your home.

The cons

Potential heat damage

By placing your TV over the fireplace, you run the risk of heat damage to your expensive television. Over time, the temperature-sensitive components of electronics such as televisions will degrade if exposed to regular or constant heat exposure, meaning they won’t work as well or may even stop working completely. Smoke particles can also cause cooling problems if they settle on certain components.

Neck and eye problems

Watching your TV at such a high and awkward angle for extended periods of time can cause pain in the neck. Being unable to see the television properly or at the optimal angle could also cause eye strain. These can lead to painful headaches, aches and pains, and fatigue, as well as long-term vision and posture problems.

If you do decide to hang your television above the fireplace, Fireplace Superstore is well-equipped to help you make sure it is done beautifully and safely. We can provide everything you need to make sure both your TV and fireplace stay in pristine condition whilst staying true to your design preferences. Contact us today to find out more about how we can help you.