Hanging a TV over a fireplace is one of the hottest home design trends, and it’s easy to see why. It creates a high-end, streamlined look by combining your fireplace and entertainment center into one main focal point. 

While adding a TV above your fireplace may look great, there are a few safety precautions you'll need to take. Below, we'll explore which fireplace styles work best in an entertainment center, along with some expert installation advice.

How to Properly Mount a TV Over Your Fireplace

If you plan on hanging or mounting a TV over your fireplace, there are three things you need to do. 

First, you'll need to install a mantel over or around your fireplace. A fireplace mantel will block some of the heat rising up from your fireplace and helps to keep your TV cooler. 

The Outdoor GreatRoom offers Supercast mantels made of non-combustible, fiber glass-reinforced concrete. They’re much more durable than an average mantel and can absorb more heat.

Second, you should recess your TV into the wall, especially if you skip the mantel. Recessing your TV will further isolate it from the heat coming from your fireplace. To be safe, take a look through your TV owner's manual to see how much clearance it needs between the TV and the wall.

Third, always follow proper clearances. Your fireplace owner’s manual should specify how far away your fireplace needs to be from combustible materials. Follow this advice for your TV, too. Make sure you hang or mount your TV at least as far away as your fireplace’s required clearances. 

Wood vs Gas vs Electric Fireplaces

Electric Fireplaces

If you want an entertainment center with a fireplace, but don't need the heat, an electric fireplace is the perfect choice. Some electric models don't produce heat at all, making them completely safe for electronics.

There's a variety of electric fireplaces on the market to match different interior design trends, from traditional-looking units to sleek, modern models. However, the electric fireplaces with the most realistic flames come from Modern Flames and Dimplex.

The Modern Flames collection uses energy-efficient LED flame technology to create cozy, glowing flames. You can even turn on the flames without the heat to add extra ambiance to your home in the warmer months.

The electric fireplaces in Dimplex's Opti-Myst Series use ultrasonic technology to produce dynamic, randomized flames. Some Opti-Myst models even crackle like a real fire with pulsating faux logs.

Both the Modern Flames collection and Dimplex Opti-Myst Series are completely safe to install below your TV. 

Wood Burning Fireplaces

A traditional wood burning fireplace is one of the better scenarios for hanging a TV over your hearth. 

Wood fireplaces expel most of the heat they produce through the chimney, rather than releasing it into your living space. For this reason, the heat won't reach your TV, making it safe to mount.

Wood Burning Inserts

On the other hand, a wood burning fireplace insert is one of the worst scenarios for hanging a TV.

These inserts produce a generous amount of heat, and most of it is likely to reach your TV and overheat it.

Direct Vent Gas Fireplaces

Direct Vent Fireplaces have glass faces that radiate an impressive amount of heat. Consider investing in a blower to help push the heat out and away from your TV.

Most Direct Vent models offer a blower as an accessory. In some cases, you can also add one as an after-market accessory. If you need help choosing a blower for your fireplace, call our technical team at 800-919-1904!

Empire and Superior both make safe Direct Vent fireplace designs to install under a TV. 

The Contemporary Boulevard Direct Vent Fireplace by Empire is one of our most popular Direct Vent fireplaces. It features a clean, modern design and large ceramic glass front for optimal viewing and maximum heat output. 

Two more popular models are the Superior DRL4543 and DRL3000. These versatile Direct Vent fireplaces feature brilliant, dancing flames, custom heating options, and a convenient battery backup.

Make sure you double-check the clearance requirements outlined in your Direct Vent fireplace installation manual. These guidelines will help you determine how far away your TV needs to be for safe installation.

Ventless Fireplaces & Vent-Free Gas Logs

Ventless fireplaces and Vent-Free gas logs circulate the air in your home and won't draw any fresh air from outside. 

All the heat they generate stays in your living room, so your TV is likely to overheat.

Please Use Caution

Please note, Woodland Direct doesn't recommend hanging your TV over a wood burning or gas fireplace, and we take no responsibility for any damage that may result from doing it. We always suggest purchasing an electric unit if you are planning to add a fireplace to your entertainment center.

Heat and electronics don’t mix well. When circuitry gets hot, it stops functioning — which is why many electronic devices (like TVs and computers) have vents. So, it goes without saying that most TV manufacturers do not recommend hanging a TV over a fireplace. In many cases, it will void the warranty. 

Before you hang or mount your TV, check your TV owner’s manual. You should also check the installation manual for your fireplace.

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