Is it possible to hang a TV above an electric fireplace?

For some reason, hanging TVs over the fireplace has become very popular. If this does not concern you personally, then there will probably be someone you know who did just that. Who came up with the idea of doing this and why they thought it was such a cool idea are mysteries that will haunt me until the end of my days. However, nothing can be done. If scientists came up with a time machine that would allow me to prevent something from happening in the past, then I, dear reader, would try to convince you not to follow this idea.

Please do not mistakenly perceive my dislike of televisions above fireplaces as an attempt to hurt the feelings of those of you who placed the TV panel exactly that way. It is quite possible that you simply had no choice. What if you really like it? Well, that's good! In the end, if you're looking for someone to blame, it's those who designed your home. They made the fireplace the centerpiece of your living room and filled the rest of the walls with windows. Then they ran the cables to the exact spot above the fireplace, as if to suggest “install the TV here.” How annoying...

Let's take our time. Is hanging a TV above the fireplace really such a bad idea? It's not always the same. If it can be avoided, then it should be avoided, and below I will tell you why. If there is no way out, then I will give you some tips that will help you get the most out of your viewing experience.

Is it possible to hang a TV above the fireplace?

The fireplace, like the TV, took a central place in the interior design of the living room of the apartment.

But placing it on one plane, the question always arises: is it possible to do this?

If you take into account all the installation nuances, you can know the possible installation difficulties and ways to solve them:

Experts and firefighters are against such placement also because of combustion products

Correct distance

If the TV is located too high above the fire, it becomes uncomfortable to watch (the load on the cervical vertebrae increases, since you have to raise your chin very high).

TV on the fireplace - a contradictory combination of two bright accents

It is correct when the panel screen is fixed on the wall at a distance of one and a half meters from the floor and the same distance from the sofa (this indicator is used for plasma with a screen diagonal of 42″).

Wiring

Electrical wiring, which can spoil the overall appearance of the room (cables hanging from the plasma on the mantelpiece are very difficult to hide).

The wiring will be hidden by wall panels or a decorative plasterboard box lined with brick-like tiles. Such designs will not only help hide unnecessary wires, but will also combine them into a single composition.

It is undesirable to place electrical appliances and sockets on the wall behind which the chimney passes - they can get very hot

Main advantages

the interior acquires a style, presentable, aristocratic appearance;
hearth is an additional source of heat (especially noticeable in the off-season, when the main source of heat is still turned off); You can install an electric fireplace.
the fire and panel make the room cozy and warm. In such a room it is pleasant to spend time with the whole family or in a cheerful company of friends.

High-quality videos with a burning fireplace and the sounds of cracking logs will help create an atmosphere of warmth and comfort

Built-in electric fireplace: features, installation locations

Typically, a fireplace is a set that consists of an electric hearth and a design portal. All portals, with rare exceptions, are made of MDF. On the outside, they can be covered with a special film that adds color and shine, or lined with artificial stone. However, the structure is entirely made from compressed fine fraction. To ensure that the installation of a fireplace in a wooden portal is completely safe, the device is well insulated electrically and protected from the possibility of heating to critical temperatures.

This means that the fireplace hearth can be safely built into furniture or into a wall niche. Many manufacturers even offer special models designed specifically for such installation. For example, these are electric fireplaces such as:

Sirius 30 Black/Brass LED FX and Musical FRA-0004 Black from InterFlame;
Vega, Burbank and Redway, developed by Dimplex;
Space and Designe 885CG from the famous Royal Flame brand;
EFP/W - 1200URLS black, white, red and orange, made by top Electrolux specialists;
Lincoln and Andromeda from the world famous Real-Flame brand.

Basic principles of installation

When installing a TV and a fireplace in the same room, remember a few rules:

do not place the fireplace near the outer wall of the house (do not heat the street);
fix the plasma at a sufficient distance from the fire (little secret: a wide mantelpiece will protect the TV from fire);
if the room is small, give preference to a gas or electric fireplace;
the room where they will be located must be well ventilated;
the place of fire and plasma must be the same size, otherwise the overall composition will not look entirely successful;
if the design of the fireplace and the room as a whole is made in light colors, surround the dark panel with paintings so that the screen on the wall does not look like a dark spot;
upholstered furniture around the fireplace and plasma is placed symmetrically (ideal when the sofa is complemented by two soft armchairs);
there is no need to brightly decorate the hearth so that it does not stand out against the background of the panel (these two elements should be in harmony with each other).

In most electric fireplaces, warm air circulates at an angle downward and forward, and the panel will definitely not suffer from overheating

If you want to spend the evening in silence and pay attention to your thoughts, turn on the fireplace

Experts recommend placing the TV panel in a niche or at a certain angle for comfortable viewing.
A fireplace and plasma panel correctly integrated into the interior of the room create a unique relaxing atmosphere, bringing a feeling of warmth and comfort into the house.

Any person wants to relax after a hard day at work, covered with a soft blanket with a cup of tea, near the fireplace. Or just read an interesting book, do some handicraft, watch your favorite TV series or show. But the question of whether it can be placed over a stone hearth worries many.

Location methods

How to properly place a fireplace and a TV in the same room so that they do not disturb the harmony of style.

Let's consider several options:

On opposite walls

If the area of the room allows, a good solution is to hang the panel on the wall opposite the fire.

Thus, the issue of proper zoning of the premises is resolved. Additionally, the area around the plasma panel is furnished with soft sofas and armchairs.

Safe location of the plasma panel from the fireplace

On adjacent walls

For those whose room area does not allow the plasma and the hearth to be placed on opposite walls, a solution to the problem will be to place these two elements on adjacent walls.

Interior with fireplace in the corner

On one wall

A fireplace and a plasma panel placed on the same surface along a vertical line helps solve the problem of lack of free space and the desire to simultaneously use plasma and fire in the hearth.

You can appreciate all the benefits of using it on one wall by following certain recommendations:

Turn on the plasma and light the fireplace only individually. Otherwise, the glare of the fire will interfere with viewing. The heat generated by the flame of a fire can have an extremely negative effect on the operation of the plasma panel of the TV.
The optimal option for placing the fireplace symmetrically with the plasma. It is good when these two elements are mounted on a small ledge in the wall. Then the space acquires a certain organization, harmoniously fitting into the overall design of the room.

Option to place the panel and fireplace on the same wall

The overall stylistic purpose of the room affects the placement of the TV and fireplace

Is it possible to hang a TV above the fireplace?

First, let's look at the negative aspects of this issue:

Negative impact on human health, namely on the cervical spine. In most cases, the height of the stove is 100 cm and in order to watch TV, you need to hold your head very high. In this position, the neck simply becomes numb.
Overheating is very harmful for any electrical appliance, so if the device is wood-burning, this is an additional source of heat.
The fireplace is a kind of hearth of the house and a place of relaxation, and TV is an irritating factor for a person.
A modern TV set-top box does not fit in with the design of a fireplace, and it doesn’t matter what style the stove is decorated in, after all, it is an object of the last century.
Inability to hide wiring.

Reference! Despite the negative factors, there is a majority of people who believe that it is possible and even necessary to hang a TV above the stove.

Firstly, in addition to wood-burning ones, there are also electric ones, which do not emit heat and thus do not harm equipment.

Secondly, psychologists advise not to turn on two devices at the same time, since headaches and general malaise often occur due to distracted attention.

Fire and water: an aquarium on an electric fireplace

Contrasts always look advantageous. And the combination of such opposites as water and flame simply cannot leave you indifferent! Therefore, many users of electric fireplaces have a question about it is possible to install an aquarium on top of the device.

It is important to remember that such fireplace sets are electrical devices. And contact with water is strictly contraindicated simply because their scope of application does not include installation in places where the humidity level is high. The outbreaks of conventional models simply do not have the degree of isolation that would guarantee safety. And the aquarium can become depressurized for reasons beyond the user’s control. And although the chance of this is small, it still exists. Therefore, placing an aquarium on a regular electric fireplace is strictly prohibited!

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There are companies that produce special models designed for such use. They are reliably protected from moisture getting inside, so their use will not pose a danger to surrounding people.

Requirements for TV and design

Still, if you decide to hang it over the fireplace, then you should not neglect the basic safety rules:

The “blue screen” is installed at a height of 140-180 cm above the flooring with a distance to upholstered furniture of 170-190 cm. This is an average indicator for devices with an average diagonal value of 42 cm; the higher it is, the farther it should be from the sofa.
It is important to place the TV in a niche specially created from plasterboard, where all the wiring and wires will be hidden. It will also protect it from overheating.
When using a conventional fireplace, it would be a good idea to hang a thermometer near the electronic device and turn it off when the temperature reaches 45 degrees. A wide mantelpiece above the fireplace can also help prevent overheating.
Two interior items must compositionally complement each other and be located at approximately the same distance. You can take advantage of a good idea - hide the screen in an interior frame.

Mastering space the Taoist way: Feng Shui and fireplace

The East Asian practice of organizing space has become firmly established in the lives of many people, helping to choose the best place for the arrangement of various objects. Feng Shui is based on five elements, among which fire symbolizes the peak of energy and uncontrollability. No one can decree this element, which means there should be no obstacles for fire. Based on this, we can conclude that it is best to install the fireplace in a room where air flows are not blocked, moving freely throughout the room.

If we talk about the cardinal directions, then the ideal choice would be a dining area facing south - this will significantly enhance the positive effect of the fire element. A good option would be an eastern or western room, where the hearth can be illuminated by sunlight.

The worst location for such a device would be the central zone of the room, where the fire element will create an imbalance, which can affect health. This makes it necessary to install a fireplace next to a wall, and an internal one at that - this way the energy will be preserved inside the house. Deterioration in well-being is also possible when placing an electric fireplace in the room for sleeping, so it is better to abandon the fireplace in the bedroom.

What other rules are there for placing a TV above the fireplace?

Still, when installing a stove under a TV, you need to opt for electric, bio-, or false fireplaces. Bio is used if the temperature in the burners is low, and in the electric air circulation occurs downward and forward, making the operation of the TV safe. The advantage of these devices is that in most cases they have compatible designs.

Important! It must be remembered that the simultaneous use of two interior items is impossible, since the reflection from the fire will be reflected on the screen. In this case, installing the wall perpendicularly will help solve the problem.

Modern television equipment is attached to the wall using a bracket that only changes viewing angles, which is very inconvenient. In this case, it is better to use a dynamic bracket that can extend the device to different positions.

Viewing angle affects picture quality

There is no controversy here. Every year I review more than 30 TVs. The viewing angle of an LED/LCD TV remains a major issue, even with high-end models.

Essentially, an LCD screen is made of many small windows that open and close. This principle of operation allows the TV backlight to pass through the windows, creating an image. The problem is that these “windows” have a very limited viewing angle. If you look at the screen from the left, right or bottom, you will only see a portion of the light being transmitted. As a result, the picture turns out faded and desaturated. It’s unlikely that you wanted to get this when you bought a new TV with your hard-earned money.

But there is good news for you: there are several ways to partially solve the problem. First, you can buy a tilt bracket with a higher angle to get a more direct image towards you. There are even motorized brackets on the market that lower the TV lower to eye level (but make sure there is no fire burning in the fireplace at this point). Either option will improve saturation and contrast.

The second way is to buy an OLED TV, the viewing angle of which is practically unlimited, and such a TV will provide an excellent picture no matter how high you hang it. There are many reasons why OLED is winning the battle with LED TV. If an OLED TV is not your choice, then pay attention to LED TVs with an LCD display using IPS technology.

Arguments against

If you are planning to create a real fireplace with wood and a chimney, you need to remember that this is quite dangerous for electronics, since high temperatures have a detrimental effect on them. Some, out of concern for safety, hang the screen high, but this is inconvenient, since your neck will hurt if you watch it for a long time.

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Another nuance is the presence of two black holes in the room. It causes discomfort and you don’t want to be in such a room

When both devices work simultaneously, attention will be scattered, it will not be possible to achieve harmony, because one device is for relaxation, the other, on the contrary, for excitement

Living room design in the style of modern classics

A wooden beam will help protect the TV from heating up

Advantages of video fireplaces

A video fireplace creates home comfort in conditions where it is not possible to install a real fireplace. For example, you do not have the financial means or it is impossible to do this for fire safety reasons. This is an excellent solution for owners of luxury hotels and inns who cannot install a fireplace with a live fire in each room for technical reasons.
Plasma fireplace hd does not require constant monitoring and maintenance. You just need to install a special program or launch a disk, and then calmly enjoy the blazing flame.
Financial savings. No need to stock up on firewood and coal. A video fireplace will significantly save your money.
There is no need to allocate a separate place for the fireplace. The video fireplace is installed on a TV, which, if desired, can be moved from place to place, from room to room. Today you can enjoy the fire in the living room, and tomorrow - in the bedroom or on the balcony.

Variations of virtual models:

Plasma fireplace HD

Plasma fireplace hd. The fireplace is a video recording in good Full HD quality. The video is recorded on a disc that can be installed on a TV or plasma panel. The recording can be viewed in a loop or in separate episodes. The video is high definition, so it looks like you're watching a real fire.
3D screensaver for your computer. If you do not have a plasma or TV at your disposal, the video fireplace can be installed on a computer. A good quality 3D screensaver will do just fine. It will please the eye and relax you after a hard day at work. There are also variations for smartphones. You can enjoy the fire not only at home, but also on the road.
Christmas video fireplace. This version of the virtual screensaver is very relevant on the eve of the New Year holidays. You can enjoy not only the crackling of firewood and the play of flames, but also the beautiful spruce, festive tinsel, New Year's toys, and cards. This screensaver will give you an unforgettable experience.
Rustic video fireplace. This option is suitable for those who dream of tranquility and unity with nature. Next to the fireplace there is a fluffy carpet on which a cat sleeps, there is a bucket of coal, and a bundle of firewood. From a distance you can see a basket with grandmother's handicrafts. Looking at such a picture, you are mentally transported to childhood. Instantly it becomes warm and cozy.
Animated 3D video. The three-dimensional image will create the effect of complete presence. You will get the impression that real flames are flickering in front of your face, which makes you feel not only cozy, but also a little hot. The effect will be complemented by the slight crackling of firewood. The sound is so clear that at some point you might want to get up and add some wood. By the way, the sound can be adjusted as desired.

Most modern TVs can be connected to the Internet, so there is no need to buy a disc.

Plasma fireplace hd is a video recording where pictures with bright fire are not just flashed. While watching, you will also enjoy the pleasant crackling of firewood. This relaxes you even more and frees you from all thoughts and worries.

How to choose

To ensure that your purchase brings you only pleasure, you should choose the right fireplace. Be sure to consider all technical specifications of the product. First of all, you should think about where the device will be located. The shape of the required electric fireplace, its dimensions, and power will depend on this.

Also consider whether you will use it to heat the room. If you need a fireplace as a means of decoration, then you should not spend extra money on additional functions. If you want to use the device as a heater, then you should determine in advance the required power, the presence of backlighting, brightness level and other important parameters. Be sure to check the capabilities of your electrical wiring to see if it is designed for additional loads. This will allow you to determine the power of the fireplace in heating mode.

Interior selection

You need to choose a fireplace to match the style of the living room of your house or apartment. Classic wood-burning fireplaces are suitable only for cottages and country houses. In city apartments, artificial fireplaces are installed, most often electric. And regardless of its type, the interior of the living room and the fireplace itself can be decorated in any style:

Classics require finishing with natural materials. These include wood, stone, cotton fabrics, leather, fur, wool and linen products. Various hand-made designer accessories are widely used; multi-level ceilings, large windows, massive mirrors, paintings. A lighting solution is thought out, it is possible to divide it into different zones, thanks to the placement of a large number of floor lamps, lamps, chandeliers, even candles. Soft, calm shades of color are selected. often the presence of carved patterns and stucco. The decoration of the fireplace is dominated by natural stone and marble.
Provence. It is typical for him to give the fireplace a leading place. This is the style of village life, its solidity and uniqueness. The basis is the use of furniture made of wood, natural finishing materials (stone, brick, wood, fabrics), and neutral colors. The Provence style is characterized by naturalism, simple geometry in outline. Everything should be solid, massive, but varied and not heavy. This also applies to the decoration of the fireplace, which should be the center of the composition, standing out with its brightness and color.
English. Creates an aura of aristocracy, solidity, and comfort. Distinctive features are wide openings with massive doors, luxurious chandeliers with candle-shaped bulbs, the presence of stucco molding, and a large amount of textiles (plaids, curtains, carpets). In decoration, preference is given to natural materials, rich shades of color from golden beige to dark green and terracotta. The fireplace helps create the atmosphere. The English fireplace is decorated with natural stone, a pair of soft massive armchairs and a small table are placed next to it. A forged fireplace set and a mantelpiece, lined with original items, including figurines, an antique clock, an ashtray, and a smoking pipe give a chic look.
Modern. Each piece of furniture performs a specific function. The fireplace is artificial, built into the wall, not attracting much attention. Preference is given to a variety of false fireplaces with clear geometry.
High tech. The fireplace can be of the most bizarre shape. Modern materials are used for decoration: fireproof glass, steel, plastic.

Thanks to the variety of modern models, the fireplace can be matched to any interior style. The modern living room does not accept wooden models, because... they have a touch of antiquity.

A wooden fireplace will fit well into a living room where there is parquet, laminate flooring, and suitable furniture. To give the room some zest, the wall with the fireplace is decorated with shades of color that contrast with the main background, and finishing materials of a different texture are chosen.

A mantelpiece with pleasant or memorable things for the owners can become a separate decoration. These can be figurines, flowers, vases, photographs in beautiful frames, books.

In many houses and apartments, the main room for spending time together is the living room.

However, an equally important element of any interior is the TV. After all, the family often spends their free time watching it. Many people think: “A living room with a fireplace and a TV - is this real?” Of course, if you properly organize a recreation area in the room. Recommendations and advice from experts will help in this difficult matter.

Before installing a fireplace in your home, you need to clearly understand the basic rules:

Biofireplace combustion temperature

The biofuel flame reaches a temperature of about 600°. When one liter is burned, up to 5 kW of heat is released, so the surrounding air in the room with a working bio-fireplace heats up. Metal parts of the device (body, fuel tank, damper) can heat up to 90°, so flammable objects should not be placed nearby.

The degree of increase in air temperature above the biofireplace depends on its modification, the structural features of the house and external weather conditions. On average, heating a room of 10 m² with ceilings 2.5 m high will require thermal energy of 1 kW. That is, even a small device can heat a room of 20 m², but larger rooms will require more power. However, such devices are only additional sources of heating for the following reasons:

one tank refill will provide about 5 hours of operation in standard models, that is, to ensure effective heating, expensive powerful fireplaces will be required;
high cost of biofuel:
the property of device parts not to accumulate heat due to rapid cooling after switching off.

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Excessive noise during operation

Only moving parts of the fireplace can hum. The heater has a fan heater, the reason lies in its impeller. Due to dust, the electric motor bearing becomes clogged.

Original wooden portal with built-in electrical hearth

The impeller can also make noise, rotating from rising currents of warm air and creating a flame effect. As a result of the fact that the backlight lamp has a high temperature, the needle bracket on which the impeller rotates begins to melt. The plane of rotation of the impeller changes and the latter catches on adjacent parts. The needle position must be restored and the lamp replaced with a less powerful one.

There is another answer to the question why the fireplace is humming. The ultrasonic generator on models in which the image is formed using steam vibrates during operation (or rather, the transformer included in its device vibrates). The transformer is mounted on a housing to which vibrations are transmitted. You should place rubber inserts under the transformer mount and then the hum will disappear.

Bright living room with the main accent

Expert advice

When placing a TV above the fireplace, you need to follow some rules:

The TV panel must be placed in a niche or at a certain angle, otherwise viewing will be inconvenient. The firebox should not be bulky, otherwise everything will affect the operation of the device. Do not use bright elements in the design of the fireplace; they will distract attention from the TV screen. You should not place upholstered furniture next to the fireplace; the distance between the TV and the sofa must be certain (no closer than two and a half meters) in order to watch TV shows.

Beauty and comfort are the main qualities, but safety and health should not be forgotten either.