Where to Put Your TV in a Living Room with a Fireplace?

For many of us, the question isn't whether to have a TV and fireplace, but how to make them work together in the same room. While fireplaces remain a cherished architectural feature, TVs have become just as essential to our daily lives. This creates a common challenge: finding the right spot for both.

This guide helps you navigate the challenges of placing your TV in a fireplace room. You'll learn practical solutions that fit your space, viewing habits, and room layout while maintaining the charm of your fireplace. Whether you're planning a renovation or arranging a new space, you'll find options that work for your needs.

Factors to Consider Before Deciding

Your TV placement affects how you arrange all your furniture. A poorly placed TV can create awkward seating or block paths through the room. Take time to evaluate your space and needs before making any changes.

Fireplace Status

Check if your fireplace has a fixed design or if you're planning updates. A new or renovated fireplace gives you more options for TV placement.

Building Limitations

Look for fixed elements in your room like built-in shelves, windows, or decorative features. These permanent features limit where you can put your TV.

Room Dimensions

Measure your room and available wall space. A larger room offers more placement options, while smaller spaces need creative solutions.

Room Function

Think about how you use the room most often. Do you mainly watch TV, or do you need space for conversations and other activities?

Desired Look

Decide if you want the TV to be visible or hidden. Some people prefer it as a focal point, while others want it concealed when not in use.

Budget

Consider costs for any changes you'll need. This might include custom furniture, mounting hardware, or hiring professionals to hide cables.

Common TV Placement Options

When placing a TV in a room with a fireplace, you have several common layout options. Your choice will affect both viewing comfort and how well you can enjoy the room.

Option 1: Above the Fireplace

Mounting your TV above the fireplace means installing it directly on the wall space above the fireplace opening. This placement option is often the first solution that comes to mind for many homeowners.

People choose this setup because it creates a single focal point in the room and works well in spaces with limited wall space.

Pros

• Creates a unified focal point, making it easier to arrange your furniture since all seating can face one wall
• Saves space in smaller rooms where other walls might be taken up by windows or doors
• Allows for symmetrical room design, with options to add matching decor or bookshelves on both sides

Cons

• Viewing height is often too high for comfort - looking up for extended periods can cause neck strain
• Heat from wood or gas fireplaces can damage your TV's internal components over time
• Many design experts say a large black screen above a fireplace can detract from its architectural beauty

When deciding if this placement is right for you, consider how often you'll use both the TV and fireplace. If you rarely light fires but watch TV frequently, this setup might work with proper installation and heat protection measures.

Option 2: Next to the Fireplace

Placing your TV beside the fireplace means mounting it on the same wall, either directly on the wall or setting it on a media console. This setup creates a balanced arrangement that keeps both elements accessible and functional.

Pros

• You can position your TV at the optimal viewing height (eye level when seated), which reduces neck strain and improves overall comfort
• The fireplace remains a unique architectural feature and maintains its role as a prominent focal point in your room
• You get to utilize the valuable built-in storage and display space around the fireplace for decorative items, family photos, or seasonal decor

Cons

• This layout requires substantial wall width to properly accommodate both the fireplace and TV without making the space feel cramped or overcrowded
• Achieving proper visual balance can be challenging - you'll need to carefully consider how to balance elements on either side of the TV with those around the fireplace
• There's a risk of creating two competing focal points on the same wall if the arrangement isn't planned thoughtfully
• The room's furniture layout needs to work for both elements, which may limit your seating arrangement options

How to Make It Work

To create a balanced look, start with a TV console or shelving unit that matches the height and style of your fireplace. Add artwork or decorative items around the TV area to balance the visual weight of the fireplace.

For the best viewing experience, consider installing a swing-arm TV mount that lets you adjust the angle as needed. Keep the overall design cohesive by using similar colors and materials on both sides of the wall.

Option 3: On the Opposite Wall

Placing your TV on the wall opposite your fireplace is a popular choice that creates two distinct focal points in your living room.

Pros

• Setting up separate zones for TV viewing and fireplace enjoyment makes your space more functional, allowing family members to engage in different activities without interference.
• By placing furniture directly facing the TV, you can create an optimal viewing setup that meets recommended distance and height guidelines for comfortable watching.
• Using opposite walls for your main focal points can make your room feel more spacious, as the visual weight is distributed evenly across the space.
• Without TV equipment on the fireplace wall, you have freedom to showcase architectural details, artwork, or elegant mantel decorations that enhance your room's style.

Cons

• Natural light from windows near the fireplace can create distracting glare on your TV screen, while the separate focal points might make your room feel disjointed without careful planning.
• The main seating area typically faces away from the fireplace, requiring additional furniture pieces to accommodate both viewing areas and potentially crowding your space.
• Having two competing focal points forces people to choose between watching TV and enjoying the fireplace, which can disrupt the natural flow of social gatherings.

How to Make It Work

To create a cohesive space, focus on flexible furniture arrangements. Use swivel chairs or lightweight seating pieces that you can easily move to face either the TV or the fireplace. This adaptability helps your room serve multiple purposes throughout the day.

Keep your design elements consistent between both areas to maintain visual harmony. Use similar colors, patterns, and textures throughout the space. An area rug can help define your seating arrangement while connecting both sides of the room.

Make your fireplace wall attractive from all angles, as it will often be viewed from behind the seating area. Choose decor that looks good from any direction, and ensure your mantel styling complements the overall room design.

Option 4: Corner Placement

Setting your TV in a corner can be a smart solution for rooms with fireplaces. You can place it in any corner that works best with your seating arrangement, either next to or across from the fireplace.

Pros

• Corner placement makes efficient use of traditionally underutilized space, giving you more options for arranging the rest of your furniture
• Mounting the TV at eye level is easier in corners, reducing neck strain during viewing sessions
• In compact living rooms where wall space is limited, corner placement helps maximize the available space
• This setup maintains the fireplace as the room's centerpiece while creating a balanced entertainment area

Cons

• The angular positioning can make some rooms feel smaller or more segmented than when using traditional flat-wall placement
• You'll need to invest in specialized corner TV stands or specific wall mounting brackets designed for corner installation
• Corner placement might appear less intentional compared to built-in solutions or central wall mounting

How to Make It Work

Position your main seating at a 30-45 degree angle to the TV for optimal viewing. Leave clear pathways around furniture for easy movement through the room.

If you have a corner fireplace, you'll have more wall space available for TV placement. An articulating mount can help you adjust the screen angle for different seating arrangements.

Before installation, measure your corner space and consider the TV size that will work best. Leave enough room for proper ventilation around your TV and any related equipment.

This Russel Floating Corner TV Stand has a maximum weight capacity of 100 pounds and is perfect for TVs under 50 inches.

Option 5: Placing the TV In Front of the Fireplace

You can place your TV on a media console directly in front of an unused fireplace. This setup works best when you've intentionally decommissioned your fireplace or if it's no longer functional.

Pros

• You get the best viewing spot in the room, especially if the fireplace area is already the focal point
• It's a practical solution when other walls don't offer enough space
• Your TV sits at the perfect eye level on a standard-height console

Cons

• This only works with non-working fireplaces due to heat and safety concerns
• The setup can look temporary if not done well
• You'll need to cover the fireplace opening for a clean look

How to Make It Work

First, verify your fireplace is completely decommissioned. Next, focus on making the setup look purposeful. Choose a media console that fits the width of your fireplace opening and matches your room's style. You can improve your appearance by:

• Installing a decorative screen or panel to cover the fireplace opening
• Using a console with closed storage to hide cables and equipment
• Adding decor elements that tie the console to your room's design

Tips for Reducing Glare and Reflections

Dealing with screen glare and reflections is a common challenge when positioning a TV in a living room, especially one with multiple windows and a fireplace. These reflections can significantly impact your viewing experience by washing out the picture and causing eye strain.

Strategic Placement

The most effective solution starts with careful positioning. Try to mount your TV perpendicular to windows rather than directly across from them. This simple adjustment can dramatically reduce direct glare from natural light sources, especially during peak viewing hours.

Window Solutions

Installing adjustable window coverings provides essential light control. Consider cellular shades, blackout curtains, or motorized blinds that can be easily adjusted throughout the day. These solutions offer flexibility while maintaining your room's aesthetic appeal.

Screen Type Choice

When selecting a TV, consider that matte or semi-matte screens typically handle reflections better than glossy ones. While glossy screens offer superior color vibrancy, they can be problematic in bright rooms. Modern anti-reflective coatings provide some help but aren't always a complete solution.

Tilting Mounts

A tilted mount can be particularly effective in rooms with high windows or bright ceiling lights. Even a slight downward angle can redirect annoying reflections away from your viewing position.

Ambient Lighting Control

Finally, invest in dimmable lighting fixtures throughout the room. This allows you to create optimal viewing conditions while maintaining enough ambient light to prevent eye strain from excessive contrast between the screen and surrounding darkness.

How to Make Your TV Work with Your Decor

Finding the right spot for your TV is just the first step. You also need to make sure it looks good with your fireplace and overall room design. Here's how to create a setup that's both functional and visually appealing.

Balancing Visual Weight

You don't want your TV or fireplace to overwhelm the room. The key is to create balance. When you place your TV next to the fireplace, add elements on the other side to even things out. You can use:

• Built-in bookshelves
• Matching benches
• A substantial media console
• Carefully arranged artwork
• Decorative items of varying heights

Camouflaging the "Black Box"

Here are three effective ways to make your TV less noticeable:

• Paint the wall behind your TV in dark colors like charcoal gray or navy blue
• Create a gallery wall that includes your TV among artwork and photos
• Consider a Frame TV that displays art when not in use

Coordinating with Decor

Your TV setup should match your room's style. Keep these points in mind:

• Pick a media console that matches your fireplace area's style and materials
• Add plants, books, or decorative items around the TV to soften its tech feel
• Make sure your TV size fits well with your fireplace - neither should overpower the other

Remember to think about scale. A TV that's too big or small compared to your fireplace will look out of place.

Design Your Dream Fireplace & TV Area

Finding the right spot for your TV and fireplace isn't a one-size-fits-all task. What works best depends on your room's layout, your space use, and what matters most to you.

Before moving any furniture, take time to plan your layout. A simple way is to draw your room on paper and cut out furniture shapes, or use a digital room planning app. This helps you see how different arrangements will work.

The goal is simple: create a space where you can enjoy both the warmth of your fireplace and your favorite shows. With careful planning, you can design a living room that's both practical and beautiful.

Related Reading:

Can You Mount a TV Above a Fireplace?

Can You Put an Electric Fireplace in a TV Stand?