Jasmine Cunningham
This overview will show you the best way to safely place a TV above your fireplace and how to make it look great at the same time. Some of the design implementations, including advertised model combinations, do not reflect the safety requirements for the protection of homeowners and their property. However, as a common standard, older LCD and Plasma TVs have a higher heat resistance of around 120 degrees Fahrenheit before damage occurs.
Simply put, if the television gets too warm, it can not only destroy the device, it can also release toxic fumes, catch on fire, or explode. If mantels or fireplace hoods are not the look you want or you feel that they will impair the enjoyment of the television, another option for the displacement of heat is to have a recessed installation for your device, also called an alcove. However, one thing to note is while it is possible to create an alcove above an existing hearth, it is most straightforward and practical to construct such a feature when installing the fireplace itself.
If mantels or fireplace hoods are not the look you want or you feel that they will impair the enjoyment of the television, another option for the displacement of heat is to have a recessed installation for your device, also called an alcove. Once you understand the importance of adequately dispersing the heat from your fireplace, you will be ready to consider the next step: aesthetics.
To achieve your vision, consider contracted help to address heating and electrical concerns while making significant aesthetic and structural changes to your home.
The planning phase of what works with clearances as well as what will be visually striking in your home may take a considerable length of time, but it will be well worth it when you have the display of your dreams. As with any other project in your home, contracted help may be required to address heating and electrical concerns safely. As the name implies, this is a sunken compartment where your TV or electronic device will be mounted, giving an overall more modern look to your hearth.
The chosen angle placement will extend the furthest point of the device slightly, affecting the mantel size required for your installation. Along with other factors, including sizing, clearances, and television coverage, this will help determine the ideal choices for your installation.
To reduce risk and to double-check your plans, consider contacting a qualified installer or contractor to make sure everything is safe and up to local code. Below you will find a guide on how to make your dream aesthetic a reality as well as covering the requirements needed for each.
They also give an excellent focal point to the room, enhancing the appearance of your hearth appliance. However, since most fireplace shelves are made of woods and therefore highly flammable, it is crucial to follow these clearances.
Because of the requirements, you will want to make sure that the wall you've selected for your fireplace and television will be able to accommodate all the space needed. If it seems like a mantel will impede the viewing and enjoyment of your electronic device, consider adjusting other factors in your design to accommodate for this.
It is exceedingly straightforward to customize the look of your hearth area by selecting the mantel that best suits you and the electronic device going above the fireplace.
With the use of tubing or conduit to properly enclose your cables, an alcove could also hide those pesky wires from your television or electronic device.
Utilizing a mantel or hood in these circumstances might make the mounting point of the television too high for enjoyment. The majority of the heat produced by the fireplace will rise and project in front of the opening instead of back towards the TV.
You can have faux stone surrounding the nook to give it a rustic appearance or have the alcove fit perfectly around your screen for the ultimate modern look! This type of installation can create two competing focal points for your room versus stacking them into one. This will demonstrate the compromises possibly required and give a better visual indicator of what your room will look like once the build is completed.
Additionally, take the time to cut out and tape cardboard templates of your fireplace and television or electrical device to where you desire them, again making sure to factor in all required clearances. If you find the electronic too high for enjoyment, you can adapt as clearances enable or modify the plans to fit your home better. Take the time to cut out and tape cardboard templates of your fireplace and television or electrical device to where you desire them, again making sure to factor in all required clearances.
An additional contractor task involves the use of a trackway, carrying the cables that extend from your television and wall. There are multiple methods for combining cabinetry and an alcove design to reduce the appearance of television cabling and wiring. Cabinetry deftly hides electrical equipment through various shelving configurations using conduits to route wiring to a safe location.
However, depending on how the venting is routed, the framing is built, and other factors, a homeowner may be restricted to using an alternative design: having the A/V equipment within a separate compartment in the alcove. Whether you go with a mantel, recessed installation or side-by-side configuration, you now have a visually pleasing focal point for your living area that is sure to get guests talking! Whether you go with a mantel, recessed installation or side-by-side configuration, you now have a visually pleasing focal point for your living area that is sure to get guests talking!
While the popularity of an above fireplace mounted television has risen over the years, there is still much to consider before having it implemented in your home. It might not always be simple but, with this article and the technical know-how from our NFI certified technicians at eFireplaceStore, your fireplace is sure to stand out from the crowd and, even better, be safe while doing so.
