What would you do to mount a TV above this fireplace?

Question

I want to mount my tv above this fireplace. does anyone have any ideas? Do I need a hearth with a gas fireplace? How low could I mount television? Do I need mantle? thanks.

Answer 1

I have a different view than others. I have always mounted our TVs above the fireplace.

• Contrary to other opinions, we have never found the TV to be too high. In fact it is a better height for your neck. This assumes that the TV is a suitable distance from the sofa/chairs (say about 2m).

• It also does not necessarily get that hot.

  1. Put a mantle piece to be safe. This will deflect some heat and the odd smoke if the fireplace is going to generate some smoke.
  2. You can install a heat deflector under the mantle if its timber. This is basically a flat piece of metal (we anodized it black to look nice), on little stands, hanging under the mantle. The local authorities here insist on it for a wooden mantle anyway.
  3. You can measure the temperature where the TV is going to be. Above 50°C is starting to get high for the electronics. Most stuff is rated for 55, some is rated for 75. That is for the components to stay within normal operational range.

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If however, its is going to be an open fireplace and you are going to burn wood, than the smoke is of concern. Apart from the soot getting deposited inside the TV, the smoke can be corrosive, specially if the wood is wet or green or you accidentally toss in treated timber.