A modern living room with neutral-colored furniture, white walls, a tall floor plant, a linear gas fireplace, and a flatscreen TV.

Can I Hang a TV Over My Fireplace?

Here's what you need to know to safely hang a TV over your fireplace
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By: Garrett Jamieson, NFI Certified Master Hearth Professional

Last Updated: June 12, 2025

Mounting a flat-screen TV above a fireplace may seem like the ultimate space-saving, design-savvy idea — especially in a stylish living room where the fireplace acts as a natural focal point. But before you grab your stud finder and tv wall mount, it’s important to ask:

Can you really hang a TV over your fireplace, and should you? 

Let’s break down the practical, ergonomic, and safety factors every homeowner should consider, such as which fireplace styles work best in an entertainment center, along with some expert installation advice. 

In This Article 

A modern living room with a linear fireplace installed below a flatscreen TV.

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.  

Install a Mantel 

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

If you’re mounting a larger model like a 65-inch TV or 75-inch OLED or LCD screen, a sturdy mantel becomes even more essential. 

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

Recess Your TV Into the Wall  

If you're not using a mantel, consider recessing your TV into the wall above the fireplace. This lowers the exposure to heat and offers a cleaner, built-in aesthetic — perfect for a modern home theater setup. 

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. 

Follow Manufacturer Clearance Requirements  

Always check the clearance specifications in both your fireplace and TV installation manuals.  

These guidelines tell you how far the TV must be from the heat source to avoid heat damage and voiding your warranty. 

Choosing the Right Fireplace for Your Entertainment Center 

Not all fireplaces are created equal when it comes to mounting electronics above them. Here’s how different fireplace styles impact your TV installation: 

Electric Fireplaces: The Safest Choice  

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.  

A contemporary living room with a Dimplex Opti-Myst electric fireplace installed under a TV.

Wood Burning Fireplaces & Inserts: Use Caution  

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. 

On the other hand, a wood burning fireplace insert is one of the worst scenarios for hanging a TV. These sealed systems radiate excess heat into the room, increasing the risk of heat damage to your TV, HDMI ports, and other components. 

Gas Fireplaces: Direct Vent Models are Best  

Direct Vent fireplaces have glass faces that radiate an impressive amount of heat. 

Most Direct Vent gas fireplaces offer a blower fan as an accessory to help push the heat out and away from your TV. In some cases, you can also add one as an after-market accessory. 

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 DRT2000 and DRT3000. 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 fireplace installation manual. These guidelines will help you determine how far away your TV needs to be for safe installation. 

Ventless fireplaces and Vent-Free gas logs aren’t as safe underneath a TV. All the heat they create stays inside your living room, so your TV could easily overheat. 

A contemporary living space with a Direct Vent linear gas fireplace installed in a custom entertainment center underneath a flat-screen TV.

Ergonomics and Viewing Comfort: Don't Strain Your Neck 

One of the biggest downsides of mounting a TV above the fireplace is poor viewing angle. When your screen is too high, you'll suffer from neck strain, especially during long periods of binge-watching or gaming. 

To maintain comfortable viewing: 

  • The center of the screen should ideally be at eye level when seated. 
  • Use a full-motion or swivel mount to tilt the screen down. 
  • Brands like MantelMount offer adjustable mounts that lower the screen to an ideal viewing height when in use. 

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. 

Design Advice for Integrating Your Fireplace and TV 

Combining a fireplace and TV can elevate your living room design when done correctly. Here’s how: 

  • Mount the TV so it becomes part of the room’s focal point. 
  • Blend your fireplace mantel with your décor — choose stone, wood, or brick fireplace surrounds. 
  • Hide wires behind the wall or use a certified electrician for clean, safe routing. 
  • For DIY enthusiasts, make sure you’re anchoring into studs, not just drywall, when installing your TV wall mount. 

Final Thoughts: Should You Mount a TV Over a Fireplace? 

While it’s possible to mount a TV above a fireplace, it’s not always the best idea — especially if your fireplace produces a lot of heat. Excess heat can cause permanent damage to delicate electronics, ruin picture quality, and void your TV’s warranty. 

If your heart is set on combining a fireplace and a flat-screen, opt for an electric fireplace or a low-heat, Direct Vent gas model with proper clearances and accessories. 

When in doubt, consult your fireplace and TV manuals, work with a licensed electrician or contractor, and prioritize both safety and ergonomics. 

TL;DR: Quick Tips for Mounting a Fireplace TV 

✅ Use an electric fireplace for less heat and maximum safety. 

🔥 Avoid Ventless fireplaces and wood inserts near your new TV. 

🧱 Always mount into studs—never just drywall. 

📏 Follow clearance requirements for both the fireplace and TV mount. 

💺 To watch TV comfortably, use a swivel mount that allows you to adjust the viewing angle. 

⚠️ Heat and electronics don’t mix — don’t risk heat damage to your Samsung, Sony, or OLED screen. 

FAQs

Yes, with the right tools. You’ll need masonry drill bits, anchors, and a mount rated for brick or stone. Be sure the wall structure behind the brick can support the TV’s weight. 

Only if the drywall is backed by wood studs or solid framing. Drywall alone cannot support a TV’s weight. Always mount into studs or a reinforced bracket. 

Use a stud finder to detect wood or metal framing behind the drywall or above the mantel. Studs are necessary to securely mount the bracket, especially with heavier TVs. 

Use a cable management kit or in-wall rated conduit to keep things tidy and safe. If you're drilling into a wall with a fireplace, take care to avoid chimney flues or gas lines. For complex installs, consider hiring a professional. 

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Photo of Garrett Jamieson Garrett Jamieson has been a Technical Sales Representative at Woodland Direct for over a decade. As an NFI-Certified Master Hearth Professional, he's well versed in fire products and safety standards. He strives to help clients understand product features and best installation practices, so they can find products that fit their home and lifestyle. Outside of work, Garrett spends most of his time outside, riding bikes, bowling, camping, grilling, chopping wood, and tackling DIY projects with his family. Call him or one of our experts in fire at 800.919.1904.