Do TVs Belong Above the Fireplace? Designers Answer This Question Once and for All

There’s nothing like living in a home with a fireplace. It’s a beautiful architectural feature that’s great for colder climates, or perhaps just a decorative element if you live someplace warm. In a traditional home, you likely have a mantel perfect for hanging stockings during the holidays. On the other hand, in modern homes, the fireplace might be built into a sleek marble panel.

As you arrange the living room, you might wonder—should I install a television over the fireplace? While this look has been in style for over a decade, especially in new builds and modern farmhouse homes, many people say it has fallen out of favor. But which is it? We asked three designers what they think. The answer is (spoiler alert): both yes and no.

If You’ve Always Wanted a Television Over the Fireplace—Go for It!

Whether you’re a pro designer or simply a design enthusiast, most people will tell you—if it’s your dream to buy a television and install it over your fireplace for cozy nights on the sofa while binge-watching Netflix, you should do it. After all, it’s your home—you should love it no matter what’s trending.

Designers Who Say “Yes” to Placing Your TV Over the Fireplace

Installing a television over the fireplace also anchors the space. “In most rooms, fireplaces are the center point of the room and therefore guide the furniture plan and sofa,” says interior designer Ashley Macuga.

Better yet, many newer homes are often pre-wired and designed to accommodate a television above the fireplace seamlessly. “In the case of new construction, mounting a TV above a linear gas fireplace works well because it allows for effective planning around heat output, cable management, and positioning the television at a comfortable viewing height,” explains interior designer Regan Billingsley.

Designers Who Say “No” to Placing Your TV Over the Fireplace

However, installing a television over your fireplace isn’t always a smart idea. If you live in an older home, the space above your mantel may not be wired for a television, meaning you’ll need to hire a licensed electrician. And yes, technically, you can plug your television into an outlet on the wall, but it’s both unsafe and aesthetically displeasing. “It is essential to follow the strict guidelines of the manufacturer who made your fireplace insert,” Macuga says. “There are all sorts of critical conditions to consider about heat and non-combustible materials that can make a significant difference in the function and safety of your television.” After all, you don’t want to ruin your electronics from heat damage; or worse, accidentally burn your house down. “If you aren’t sure where to start, we call in local fireplace experts to help us understand what will ensure safety while keeping things looking great,” Macuga suggests.

Still, while it’s best to have your television professionally mounted no matter where you install it (you don’t want to risk dropping it or injuring yourself), interior designer Colleen Bennett says that if your fireplace has a mantel, you’re probably fine. “You need to make sure that you have a mantel that is able to block the fire or, if not, that the fire cannot damage the television,” she says. “I love putting TVs over the fireplace; I think they look great as long as the room is allocated and it makes sense for it to be there.” And if your fireplace is decorative or non-functional, nothing should stop you from installing your TV over it. 

Designers Who Believe Your Fireplace and Television Look Better in Two Separate Spots

There are some living rooms where installing a television over the fireplace simply doesn’t make sense because the space wasn’t designed for it. “In older homes with traditional fireplace mantels and limited options for hiding wires or controlling heat and smoke, we recommend separating the television and fireplace as focal points,” Billingsley says. “In such scenarios, flexible seating arrangements can provide the best experience for enjoying both the fire and television without compromising aesthetics or comfort.”