Pros and cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Uses the room's natural focal point | Usually higher than ideal viewing height |
| Frees up other walls for furniture | Heat and soot exposure from wood-burning fireplaces |
| Looks built-in and intentional | Brick or stone requires masonry drilling |
Step 1: Check the heat
Run the fireplace for 30 minutes or more, then measure the wall temperature where the TV will go with an infrared thermometer. Compare it with your TV manual's maximum operating temperature. If it is too warm, a deeper mantel or a heat deflector can help, or choose another wall.
Step 2: Choose the right mount
- Pull-down mantel mount: lowers the TV to eye level when watching and raises it when not. This is the best comfort.
- Tilting mount: angles the screen down toward your seating. It's simpler and lower cost.
See our TV mount types guide for more.
Step 3: Know what's behind the wall
Fireplace walls may be brick, stone, drywall over framing, or drywall over masonry. Never drill into the chimney flue. Masonry needs a hammer drill and anchors rated for the load, drilled into solid brick or stone rather than mortar joints.
Step 4: Plan the wiring
Running cables through a masonry chimney breast is often impossible. Options include running wires up through framing beside the chimney, a painted raceway, or placing the media components in a nearby cabinet with only the necessary cables to the TV. See how to hide TV wires.
Frequently asked questions
Is it safe to mount a TV above a fireplace?
It can be, if the wall above the fireplace stays within your TV manufacturer's operating temperature range. A deep mantel helps deflect heat. Check the temperature while the fireplace runs before mounting.
Will heat from a fireplace damage my TV?
Excessive heat and soot can shorten a TV's life, and some manufacturers do not cover heat damage. Measure the wall temperature with the fireplace running, and consider a mantel or heat deflector.
What is the best mount for above a fireplace?
A pull-down mantel mount is best for comfort because it lowers the TV to eye level. A tilting mount angled down is a simpler, lower-cost option.