Built to Share: Our Work, Wisdom & Repairs
We’ve laid a lot of stone. Now we’re laying down what we’ve learned — straight from the job site.
If you’re wondering about TV over fireplace pros and cons, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get on fireplace projects.
“Should we put the TV above the fireplace?”
Short answer: you can.
Better answer: most of the time, you probably shouldn’t.
From a design standpoint, placing a TV above the fireplace is usually considered a compromise.
It works for symmetry. It creates a single focal point. But it forces two competing features into one space.
Fireplaces are meant to be warm, textured, and architectural.
TVs are large black rectangles.
When you combine them, one of them always loses.
Most fireplaces sit too high for proper TV viewing.
That means:
This might not matter for occasional use. But if this is your main TV, it will.
Even modern fireplaces push heat upward.
That heat goes directly toward the TV and can:
A mantle helps redirect heat, but it is not a perfect solution.
There are situations where putting a TV above the fireplace makes sense:
In these cases, it becomes more of a design decision than a functional one.
This is one of the best compromises.
The TV sits above the fireplace but can be lowered to eye level when in use.
If planned early, the fireplace mantle height can be adjusted (or removed completely) to improve viewing position.
This is the option most designers prefer.
Keep the fireplace as the focal point.
Place the TV at proper viewing height on a nearby wall.
It usually results in a better layout and a more comfortable space.
Your fireplace is not just functional. It is a feature.
Stone fireplaces add depth, warmth, and structure to the room. Whether you are doing a full stone surround or a feature wall, the design should support how the space is actually used.
We help homeowners plan:
Because once the stone is installed, everything else follows.
Tv over fireplace has pros and cons.
If your goal is a clean, simple look and occasional use, a TV over the fireplace can work.
If your goal is comfort and everyday living, there are better options.
The best projects are the ones where design and function are considered together from the start.
Designer’s Tip: If you must place the TV above your fireplace, opt for a “Frame” TV that can be made to look like artwork when it is not in use!
If you are building or renovating, this is one of those decisions that is much easier to get right before anything is installed.
We can help you design a fireplace that looks right and functions properly, so you are not stuck working around it later.
