SFGate

kandy smith I am having the VERY SAME dilemma! and will be curious to know the reply!
I am considering having a table/console next to the fireplace with the tv above
I have a 12 ft long wall to use.
Although my fireplace is not recessed into the wall so that is different than your plan.
Thanks for posting that question :)

westave I should have explained that the west wall bump out is for the TV. I have attached a photo from Houzz that I thought would work. I have also attached a photo from Houzz (where else?) for what I envision for the fireplace on the north wall.

simonemillsallen I have TV above fireplace and it's a "pain in the neck" litarally to enjoy it at that level. If I had it to do over, I would redesign the fireplace to be a more modern, rectangular, lower one - I suggest you find a fireplace designer to get one that is less high - eye-level comfort is very important. Mine looks great above the fireplace as was the model home but it gets uncomfortable after a while when watching TV. I hope you are successful in your hopes.

Amber I like the idea of 2 focal points on seperate walls. As great as a fireplace is in this day and age the big flat screen is king and in my house on for hours and the fireplace not so much. I'd be tempted to add two smaller chairs to your floor plan one on each side of the fireplace or each side of the tv. If they are kept small you could move them for intimate fireplace cozy seating or larger family gatherings.

Amber 2nd thought I once had a house where the fireplace wasn't the focal point of the family room but the entry. It was the first thing you saw when you walked into the home down a long wide hall it seperated the family living space and the kitchen. You have such a nook and with gas fireplaces not needing traditional chimneys you could put it in that nook, have it for ambiance in the dining area. I hate TV's squashed next to fireplaces or craning my neck on TV's placed to high above them.

Mandy Brown As I undrestand, you want the TV at eye level and placing it above the FP will not let you do that. Having a TV and Fireplace in one room always pse some problems.
How big of TV are you installing?
It's possible to switch the placement of TV and FP.
Let me know if that works for you.

westave I should have explained that the bump out on the south wall between the family room and kitchen is going to be a window seat. I am enclosing a window seat idea.

The TV we have is a 52 inch but I want to leave room if we ever upgrade to a bigger one.


Thanks for all the input so far.

Mandy Brown Having two focal points in a room is not a bad thing. If the TV is the main focal point, you may want to place the TV where it can be viewed from many parts of the room including the kitchen. In your plan, the fireplace is a secondary focal point and adds to the ambience of the space. You have to decide which gets used more the TV or the Fireplace.

Patricia Based on the furniture lay out on your plans and the size of the tv, I think you have the perfect set up for having the tv and fireplace on different walls and enjoying both. Having them on opposite walls would really pose a problem but your plans are just right.

kimberlyfawn Excellent way to have both! Put a see through FP at eye level or traditional level between the Dining and Living room. The bonus is that the FP in the middle allows it to warm both places as opposed to heating an outside wall. Then put sofas facing each other w/ FP on 1 end & TV at the other or if the space is large enough then have 2 seating areas.

Kelly Miller I think having two walls of focal points is awesome ! tv above fireplaces are not right . You can't watch the tv and the fire at the same time anways.

Soulier Design Studio Hi There

I have my tv above my fireplace and I love it. I personally do not like two main focal points. The height of the mantel really dictates whether your tv will work there or not. I have a lower contemporary mantel. Typically, if a client requests a tv above the fireplace I suggest a linear type which is a more contemporary rectangular model but doesn't have the height of the more traditional fireplace therefore allowing you to place the tv lower and at the proper viewing height. Alternatively, if you have already have your mind set on a higher type mantel, you could opt to put your tv in a cabinet on the same wall that has pocket doors and can be concealed when not in use. I have attached a few photos for your review.

bdaniels my 2 cents - any time you can share focal points and do double duty the result is simpler, cleaner and better. I know this is also harder in the design stage.
That being said - if I understand your layout and the tv is in the nook adjacent to the fireplace - I like. you will need the 2 couch or couch and double chair furniture layout but it works.
Personally I would swap the fireplace and the tv nook. the fireplace would then be first seen when entering the room and looking right. The tv would be more discrete. This would also clean up the bump out a little = cheaper. and add a nice nook for linens in your bath :D

mara mccune We had a similar dilemma but we put way more emphasis on FP over TV. We don't watch a lot of TV and are so excited to have a fireplace as the focal point. We built a TV cabinet adjacent to the fireplace that will be on an arm that swings out almost in front of the fireplace when it's in use. Otherwise, it's tucked into the wall cabinet and out of place when it's not on.

bikegal2000 Sounds like you have some great options and suggestions. If this helps, you sound like me when it comes to major design decisions. I really worry that I'm getting everything just right, then lo and behold something pops up that I hadn't even really thought about. Ha! I've tried to start training myself to consider my options, get feedback from others on my ideas, make my best decision at the time, then let it go and enjoy watching it come together. Good luck, and post some photos as you start building.

J Willi Tweetter has the right idea on several levels. 1) The viewing height is critical, so place it as low over the fireplace as possible 2) She has used a dak surround to mask some of the "black hole" of the fireplace 3) furniture placement is so much easier when both focal points are in the same location.

By the way tweetter, what did you use for the black background? Looks super.

westave Thanks so much for the quick responses. I really appreciate all your comments and time.

Mary Shrewsbury We are currently building and had the same dilemma. we decided to put our TV over the fireplace because we have barreled ceiling in the foyer which you can see from the living room. Basically we didn't want to many focuses.

simonemillsallen Oh tweetter how I wish I had seen those lovely fireplaces when building our home! My husband is a TV freak and my neck would be so much happier; those designs are exactly the type I recommended in my initial comment. Can I tear down the traditional type and install a contemporary one?

stefio We just broke ground last week. The TV is very big with my family and I want a fireplace. The TV is above the fireplace but the fireplace is a liner one so the TV wont be so high, I think around 4'. The kitchen, eating and family room are one big room so having the TV a bit higher will work for us. We have our TV like that now and it is really nice to watch in a large room. I think it largely depends on your ceiling height and the size of the TV screen. Good Luck...

westave Tweetter...your design is great. I thought you would need a mantel to protect the TV from the heat rising from the fireplace. Is your TV an LCD or plasma? I was told you have to use a plasma over a fireplace. Our is a pretty new 52 inch LCD.

Thanks in advance
t

stefio you do need to protect it but it does not need much (a metal plate is all it takes-that you don't really even see) ...also depends on what kind of fireplace you install.

V Richards The fireplace - it does not have to be one with a high mantle-piece!
Make it your preferred "low" for comfy-cosy TV viewing (76cms /2ft 6ins?)
Is it a wood fireplace? Save time, labour bringing in the wood from outdoors. Ample built-in under-mantle storage both sides of the fireplace depth being dictated by the length of the wooden logs for burning. The stacked wood becomes "art", and may see you through winter without having step outside.
The "mantle" is wall to wall. Windows sit on top of this mantle-piece.

Not a wood fireplace? Same idea, but closed cabinets either side of fireplace - some glass to display treasured items! Just keep it clean and simple.

Make the view/visual interest from windows (whether it be garden
specimen planting, outdoor wall-art, sculptures, water feature) an important part of your living room space to give the room added dimension, sense of space. This will "defuse" the focal point being the big TV screen!

V Richards Just another bit of food for thought . .
Closing off the current master bedroom doorway . .

Make this space a Cloak-room, with the new door facing the entry hall.

Create new double doors to your bedroom on the right hand side of the entry - at present a long stretch of wall . .

The bedroom doors to be centralised with the bed position. The doors, when open, allow you and visitors to view beyond the bedroom - ensuring the first impression of your new home is open, light-filled, spacious, airy!

ljmacneil Westave, I love your L shaped layout with two focal points. My vote would also be to have the fireplace in the bump out place in the west wall so that it's what you see from the kitchen/dr, and the tv is a little more "hidden" on the north side of room. That said, we are in the same dilemma right now, and had to settle for tv above fp for best furniture placement. We are trying to plan the fireplace surround and mantel now to keep the tv as low as possible.

Jason Ball Interiors, LLC While I've recommended to clients to put a TV above a fireplace, I actually think it's nicer when they are separate. This allows you to focus on one or the other at the appropriate time. Having both together also seems to create a huge black hole in that part of the room. If you're going to put the two together, maybe figure out how to hide the TV (behind a cabinet, painting or some other camouflage technique).

lorreann Can you have two separate "seating areas"-like a couple reading chairs around the fireplace and the couch facing the TV? That way you not only have two focal points but also two separate seating areas?

kfarhat I agree with ljmacneil. Having the fireplace on the west wall would create a great focal point for the whole living/dining/kitchen area especially if you use an interesting floor to ceiling treatment around it. The bump out would not even be necessary. The TV can then go on the north wall on a low credenza so it is at eye level and not so imposing. I think keeping the TV on a low piece of furniture as opposed to hanging it on the wall minimizes its presence in the room. Most TVs have a swivel stand so you would be able to tilt the TV toward the kitchen area if you need to.

Soulier Design Studio To answer some of your questions about my post. Simplemind-I used stainless steel tiles with charcoal grout for the background. I like to add a little glam/sparkle to all rooms that I design. You are correct- I wanted to have the tv blend in with the background instead of jumping out and also keep the sleek, contemporary feel I was after. Westhave-I have a LCD tv and there is a mantel but only 12 inches deep so the tv is recessed. This is a gas fireplace. Simimonemillsallen-you can certainly tear down the old one and put in one of these linear models if your budget and space will allow. They are still quite costly unfortunately. Luckily our design allows us to relax, watcht tv comfortably and have a roaring fire all at the same time. Our livingroom is not large so I designed a multi-purpose space. Glad you liked it!! Thank you

sherylfaith sherylfaith says:
I would put the TV where it gets the least glare. The tones of the furniture should not be light. (See above, the white sofa) You should use medium to darker tones so the TV blends into the room. Only rule..if you walk in your front door and see the TV, then move it to a different wall.

J Willi Tweetter, a wonderful idea but I would have never guessed SS tiles because the background appears black, how do you get black out of SS tiles, please explain? Maybe a close-up photo would help this old guy understand.

terrikwv We had the same problem in our current house and loveour solution so much, that we are doing it again in our new house. As you can see by the attached pic (please excuse the mess and the sick kid, this was a random pic I happened to have) The fireplace is in the middle and the TV is wall anchored in the bookcase on the left. When we have company and are not using the TV, we can tuck it back into the bookcase because it is on a movable arm. Then when we are watching it, we can pull it out and angle it anyway we want. It's the best of both worlds, plus, we can enjoy the fireplace and watch TV at the same time. :)

Ella Johnson I have a similar setup in that I could mount the TV above the fireplace for the ultimate wow factor. However, something very simple changed my mind. What to do with the cable box, BRD play, game console, etc, etc? We decided to place the TV on a different wall that would allow for a TV stand to hid all that electronic junk. Another option, since you're still in the building stage, is to have your contractor build in recessed shelving for all that stuff. You're locked into that location but at least it takes up less space. Good luck!

Connie Freiberg I have a tv on one wall and the firplace on the other and do not like it. It's been a challenge to get the furniture in the room in anything other than an L shape which does neither focal point justice. I am doing a new fireplace in the bedroom with a flat screen above it but with the ability to hide the tv beihind artwork when I don't want to see it. I think that may work for someone who is not an avid tv watcher

Soulier Design Studio Simplemind-These tiles were not the shiny stainless that you normally think of, but black stainless some that were matte and some more shiny. That is what gives it that sparkle effect. I immediately fell in love with them and knew they would be perfect. I will send you a closeup when I am back home this evening to give you a better idea. mcdowell95 - if you take a look at my picture further up you will not see any of that hardware with the exception of the dvd player on the right hand side. That is no longer there either, all of that is hidden in the cabinetry. We have a complete surround sound system as well a 7:1 system which has all the wires hidden. It is like being in a theatre.

Soulier Design Studio Sherylfaith-regarding the comment about the white sofa- In contemporary design there is often contrast between light and dark. Visual weight is something that you must take into consideration when planning a room. If you look at all the features of this room, dark cabinetry, dark tv, dark floors, if the couch was also dark, the room would like a cave. Also, in this day of technology large tv's are now the norm. It really is all about personal style and the decorating style. I personally don't have a problem with having my tv showing and like the look. My decor is more relaxed. In a more formal setting, definately the tv would be best consealed.

ckpecoraro Our home is in the drywall phase (finally) and we chose to NOT put the TV over the FP. It's an unnatural height when seated (at least our Gas FP and mantle design) and that space would be much too busy once completed. The bottom of the TV should be the line drawn from your eyes where you will be seated to the wall where viewing. Anything much higher leads to strain and fatigue. Good luck!

stefio For cables and such. We have designed our IT room to be behind our fireplace/tv set up so all cables feed right into the wall. My husband is the techie so we will have some kind of remote that controls all of the DVD, games and such...just an idea

Soulier Design Studio Stefio - love that idea. That is definately the most ideal scenario!!

Soorikian Architecture I would switch the fireplace location to the niche that you have for the TV and then put the TV where the fireplace is currently shown on a low media console. You will gain space in the master bathroom and have a beautiful fireplace focal point for the large kitchen/dining/family room, and the TV will no longer be the main focal when you enter the space. I think it would be beautiful to see the window seat ahead and then entering the space to see a nice kitchen to the left and a cozy fireplace and seating area to the right.

mgriffin westave- we just built a new house last yr. houzz is a great resource but i have another one i think you will also love.

The forums at Gardenweb (ths.gardenweb.com) are full of others going through the same process and helps for ideas as well as issues with contractors and other miscell bumps along the way.

oh and if it helps we put our tv over the fireplace. our family room is 18x16 and there isn't any neck strain to view it which is another thing to consider. there is a ratio of distance:tv height tv i found somewhere online.

westave Thanks to everyone....I am seriously considering moving the TV and fireplace but I thought everyone would like to see some renderings from my software of what the space would look like

westave Looks like Houzz does not take ".bmp" files so I have tried another way of providing them. As you can see....I don't know how to build ceiling in the software yet.

Simply Home, llc I wouldn't put the tv over the fireplace. There's no reason to take away from the focal point of the fireplace. You want the tv to be at or slightly above eye level. I always make every effort to "hide" the wires and connectors of the tv and any other electronic equipment.

westave I have taken the time to relocate the fireplace on west wall/TV on north. Please vote for the one you like best.

janjarboe Yes. I think it looks better with them on separate walls. And you'll enjoy being able to see the tv from the kitchen. Great job!

Soorikian Architecture I really like the sky in the living room!!!

Molly Eckert I definatly like the FP on the back wall, but consider putting your TV on a swivel wall mount so you can see it from the kitchen/dining area if you wanted to. Or push flat against the wall. I would be heartbroken if I couldn't see mine from the kitchen!!
Great plans!

Kelly Miller I do have to say I have my tv on one wall and my fireplace on another. I would give anything to have my fireplace be the first thing you see when you enter my room instead of my big black box ! So my vote is make the fireplace your main focal point .

summerrose My preference is the fireplace as the main focal point and the tv on the other. Thanks for flipping the two on the plans, much easier to visualize. Great plans! Congrats!

Patricia I like being able to see the tv from the kitchen. I am from Texas and rarely use my fireplace. IF you are up north then I could see the importance of the fireplace being the main focal point from the kitchen. Overall I like your original plans.

Sheila Schmitz So many great ideas. Meckert's suggestion seems the perfection combination!

ellenw Bad pic but here's our set-up.

J Willi Another really good alternative is a TV lift mecanism. You can get the depth down to about 8" now and build it in a new or existing cabinet. The cost is around $1500-$2000 for the mechanism with remote.

Karen Ho Fatt Excellent rendering job Westave. Maybe you are building next door to me in Canada?

The fireplace where you have it in the sketch looks great. Although you have 2 focal points, choosing one as the major focal point is the way to go as it appears you have a large space.

By dressing up the fireplace wall with art, textured brick, color, you can make it really stand out and so make the other wall the minor focal point. When one turns to the right from the corridor I would think that the fireplace would be the better choice as far as it being a more attractive feature.

Also you can move the fireplace up to any height you want as well, like a 'picture' on the wall. If you have a gas fireplace, you wil not need a hearth either.

Also most importantly, are you having a fancy dvd ,sattelite and sound system that accompanies your TV setup? I have completed 2 renovations recently where we built in a shelf unit about 24" deep for the dvd's stereo etc. Depth to allow for equipment and airspace to allow for cooling as all that equipment gives off heat. The unit was placed beside the Tv but recessed into the wall so that it appeared to be part of the wall (flush with the wall). You could recess such a unit into your closet area if you have the space, so that you can keep all your living room space.

If you are considering recessing your TV- allow about 7" (if you do not have an ultra thin Tv ) which accomodates the thickness of the Tv support as well as te Tv.

Hope that helps some!

jennyhop How about a modern wood burning stove in the corner? Cozier, more efficient, more ambient, less suburban.

terrikwv I really like the second one better. And putting the TV on a swivel is a great idea.

westave Khoftatt...Thanks for the great comments. I live in British Columbia and fortunate to winter in southern California (Snowbird) for the winter months. It was a great time to be down south as the weather has been brutal up north.

Meadow I would definitely go with the sleek rectangular fireplace and hang the tv over it. It provides a stunning focal point, and neither one really takes away from the other. Its very modern, but can be transitional as well... overall a very classic look.

stingley I vote for the fireplace in the bump-out and the TV in some built-in cabinets that relate to your kitchen along the wall. To me the larger TVs look like large black holes and looking to the back from the kitchen or dinning area that would be what you would see.

12steps4remodel As an engineer, I would be interested to hear from those who have mounted their TV over the fireplace, how long they have had it that way and if they've noticed a short lifespan of the electronics. I've spent years designing ways to keep electronics cool--heat and electronics are not good friends.

J Willi tweetter, I haven't seen the close-up of your black stainless FP surround...yet!
I did see a Solistone relief mosaic 1"X1" that might work nicely, but they are hard to find. Which product did you use?

Soulier Design Studio Hi Simplemind

I am sorry. I don't have a name for the tiles. But I can find out from my supplier. I can't seem to find my close up at the moment. I will take another picture for you and send this weekend and hopefully have the name as well.

gigi4799 I like the idea of tv on an adjacent wall to the fireplace. But what can you suggest for seating arrangement that can serve both purposes?

bepsf I too vote for the fireplace at the end of the room and the TV on the inside wall. For seating, I would not place a sofa in the center of the room w it's back to the dining table - instead I'd suggest a sofa against the exterior windows facing a pair of armchairs on either side of the TV w a large cocktail table in the center and a few poufs scattered around.

Also: Please consider reconfiguring your master bathroom w the WC as far away from the entrance as possible - perhaps even in it's own enclosed space at the far end of the bathroom, and place the shower in the space where the toilet is now. Believe me: You do not want to look at the toilet from your bed, and the first evening your husband has an upset stomach, you'll wish the toilet were far, far away from the entrance to the bathroom.

nm457 What if you had the tv at a sitting eye level, and the fireplace above?

harveybronx I just purchased a terrific flat-panel TV mount that let's you store the TV above, say, a fireplace; then, you can pull it down in front of the fireplace to watch it, and push it back up when done. It's counterbalanced and adjustable to support a TV weighing from 25# to 110#. Available only online at: www.dynamicmounting.com. Oddly, this type of mount is not manufactured by any of the major TV mount makers. It's a small, family operation, and the product, called the "Down and Out" is designed by a talented young engineer. IT took me many hours of searching to find this product.

kandy smith What a GREAT idea!!!!

KJB FIREPLACES The placement all depends on the look that you are going for. You have the perfect room for having two focal points. Personally I would switch the placement of the tv and fireplace... I would make the fireplace the main focal point between the windows and facing toward the kitchen, This also allows you to raise the fireplace to a higher level to be able to see if from the kitchen. If you place the fireplace and tv on the same wall with only one focal point, the fireplace will need to be flush to the floor. From our experience whenever the tv is above the fireplace and the fireplace gets raised it never looks right. The tv is too high and can feel ackward to watch. Good luck! Either way can look great as long as you watch the details

kellylavelle I sell real estate in Cleveland, Ohio and I can tell you in our area most women realtors or women buyers do not like the TV above the fireplace. It's more of a guy thing! I feel if the fireplace is low enough to the ground and the TV above it is mounted at a "normal" level that can look very nice. If it's a large fireplace and the TV is mounted too high it can feel like it's movie theatre seating looking "up" at the TV. Also, then your TV becomes this huge focal point and the other nice features in the room get overlooked. That's just my professional and personal opinion. Good luck with your choices!

harveybronx NEW TV MOUNT LET'S YOU PULL DOWN TV FOR VIEWING, AND PUSH BACK UP WHEN NOT WATCHING TV. I posted this info 8 months ago, but I suspect people don't read previous comments. It's available online from www.dynamicmounting.com for approximately $500. I installed it. It's fabulous. See my previous comment a few comments above this one.

J Willi When you have a small, I mean SMALL, then you don't have a lot of choices. However, this is my solution and it works quite well.
A couple of points:
1) always place the screen on a dark backdrop to minimize the "black hole" effect.
2) place the screen as low as possible for viewing comfort.

TVCoverups I invented a solution that me be of help to you all. The concept is simple, you hide your television behind a panel with your existing or custom art. When you want to watch television you simply lift the art up with a few fingers or press a button on a remote for the automated version.

TVCoverups are priced at less than half of competing solutions.

Check out my Houzz page for more installation photos or TVCoverups.com for more info!

Media Decor There are many solutions to this issue.

alwaysdesigning I am not a TV fanatic, but I do love my fireplace. I prefer to have a spot to enjoy the fireplace and not have the TV in my direct view if I so desire, so TV and fireplace are not together in our new house.

harveybronx About 7 months ago I purchased a terrific flat-panel TV mount that let's you store the TV above, say, a fireplace; then, you can pull it down in front of the fireplace (it moves vertically 30") to watch it, and push it back up when done. It's counterbalanced and adjustable to support a TV weighing from 25# to 110#. Available only online at: www.dynamicmounting.com, and it only costs about $500 or so. Oddly, this type of mount is not manufactured by any of the major TV mount makers. Dynamic Mounting is a small, family operation, and the product, called the "Down and Out" is designed by a talented young engineer. It took me many hours of searching to find this product, and it works great.

judycalland I did it and regret it every night when I sit to watch TV. A real pain in the neck that I'm now seeking treatment for. I wouldn't mount a TV any higher than 4 ft off the ground and I don't know any fireplace thats low enough unless it is a modern structure. Suggestion, mount on a cabinet that allows you to move it up or down but never permanently over the fireplace.

All About Home Electronics.com 1) Do an elevation drawing of the fireplace
2) Keep the fireplace low. Avoid a raised hearth. The FP looks like gas only?
3) Decide on the Fireplace surround finish before framing begins
4) Consider where you plan to locate all the electronics, wiring, equipment cooling, remote controls etc before you finalize plans
5) After framing and during rough-in of all TV and entertainment provisions keep a close eye on what's taking place or not taking place. If you don't it often becomes and after thought and isn't finished as well as it should be.
6) Run conduit between electronics and back of TV to include future wire pulling cables. Find out what the finish plates will look like in advance and what heights you want them mounted
7) Consider furring out the wall (2x4 furr out) and then building in room for an articulating TV mount
8) Consider a small room design change to relocate the fireplace so its better viewable from kitchen. Even a Master Suite bathroom slight re-design to lend space where you need it for the FP and TV

Your question is an incredibly smart one ! There's a fireplace immediately left of this entertainment center. http://allabouthomeelectronics.com/entertainment-cabinet/custom-builtin.html

harveybronx I will just repeat my comment for the third time, since it seems people just don't read the many solutions offered. I strongly believe, however, that mine is the only solution that addresses the central issue. For this solution you don't need a low fireplace, and you can have your raised hearth, which certainly saves the surrounding floor or carpet:

About 7 months ago I purchased a terrific flat-panel TV mount that let's you store the TV ABOVE, say, a fireplace; then, you can PULL IT DOWN in front of the fireplace (it moves vertically 30") to watch it, and push it back up when done. It's counterbalanced and adjustable to support a TV weighing from 25# to 110#. It's very easy to move. Available only online at: www.dynamicmounting.com, and it only costs about $500 or so. Oddly, this type of mount is not manufactured by any of the major TV mount makers. Dynamic Mounting is a small, family operation, and the product, called the "Down and Out" was designed by a talented, young, aerospace engineer. It took me many hours of searching to find this product, and it works great. On the dynamicmounting.com website you can see pictures and a video of how it works. And works it does, exactly as shown.

Joseph I. Mycyk Architects, Inc. Personally, I have never liked TVs above fireplaces. Just because they are both rectangular, doesn't mean they are compatible in there purposes.

A fireplace has value for creating atmosphere, calming or stimulating our senses. The crackling sound and smell of burning firewood, the mezmorising dance of the flames, glow of magical. It should stand on it's own only enhanced by artwork, and a comfortable seating area.

Place your TV in the recess on the other wall. You'll be able to mount it at a correct comfortable height for viewing and you won't be distracted by it when the fireplace is working it's magic.

All About Home Electronics.com http://AllAboutHomeElectronics.com A work in progress photo of TV over fireplace built into wall recess with: raised hearth, gas FP, surround sound built into mantel, and then TV atop mounted using a tilt wall mount. All electronics installed in adjacent cabinets behind glass door for remote control signal to pass through glass.

lmseavers I had my tv above the fireplace and it shortened the life of the tv. The heat rising from the fireplace cooked the tv and after several years it didn't work properly.

All About Home Electronics.com We've placed thermostats atop a mantel to measure the heat. In cases we found the heat to be negligible. It depends on the entire design, type of FP etc.

basiab Westave - what an amazing 3D rendering! Can I ask what program you used?

ALPINE CONSTRUCTION well i did this for a customer they loved it

D Webster Hi Westave, what type of software are you using for your floorplan's

TVCoverups Two Focal points in a room is awkward. A TV over the Fireplace solves this dilemma. When viewing distance is close, making it a strain to look up, some of our customers have chosen to use the "down and out mount" available through dynamicmounting.com . we just make our installation box deep enough to accommodate the additional depth required.

All About Home Electronics.com Two Focal points designed / installed incorrectly is awkward. We've done numerous jobs like this, including the owner's home, with two focal points and it looks very good but more important, its comfortable to watch television.

harveybronx I'd like to respond to the comment just before this (from "All About home Electronics.com" ) by explaining further the operation of the "Down and Out Mount" referred to as the solution to the TV-above-the-fireplace problem mentioned in the comment just above that one (from "TVCoverups").

I purchased and installed the "Down and Out Mount" that let's you store the TV ABOVE, say, a fireplace; then, you can PULL IT DOWN in front of the fireplace (it moves vertically 30") to watch it, and push it back up when done. It's counterbalanced and adjustable to support a TV weighing from 25# to 110#. It's very easy to move. Available only online at: www.dynamicmounting.com, and it only costs about $500 or so. Oddly, this type of mount is not manufactured by any of the major TV mount makers. Dynamic Mounting is a small, family operation, and the product, called the "Down and Out" was designed by a talented, young, aerospace engineer. It took me many hours of searching to find this product. It works great and is built like a piece of mechanical aerospace equipment. On the dynamicmounting.com website you can see pictures and a video of how it works. And works it does, exactly as shown.

All About Home Electronics.com Flat panel TV over Fireplace with builtin speakers

TVCoverups Looks great if you are watching TV, but in this state, while entertaining, or.... would be nice to have the option of seeing a piece of art as the central focal point of the room. You do beautiful work, giving your client options, would only enhance what you have already done.

harveybronx There's lots of software available that produce all kinds of artwork on a TV screen. Here's one of many that sells a DVD for $20: http://www.vat19.com/dvds/ambart.cfm From their website:
"With the Ambient Art DVD, you can turn your TV into an Impressionist Art Gallery.. We've collected 346 paintings from 11 Impressionist Masters (from Van Gogh to Renoir) to create a virtual anthology of one of the world's most popular art movements." I know nothing about this website and am not recommending it and not un-recommending it. I don't know if it's legitimate and know nothing more about it than what their website says.

Custom Home Planning Center Since the house isn't built there are two structural solutions that solve the concern.
1. Frame out a section of the floor in front of the hearth to accept a pop up screen system.
2. add a turn table large enough to add the furniture and guests which can be rotated either manually or by electronically controlled. I'd do the 1st, but the 2nd would be more fun. In my next house I solved the question by having a 90" screen which when not in use is covered by a sliding wall panel using pocket door hardware that has a photo mural on it. The fire place rock fire water stack sits just outside the main view into the courtyard. The seating is two "L" shaped sofas. You choose the view you want
to look at by where you sit.

alvisohome I think you really have to ask yourself what your lifestyle is. How do you watch TV? Are you the sort of people who watch TV all the time and want to be able to see the TV while you are in the kitchen? Or are you the sort of people who sit down in the living room and watch a movie and don't do something else at the same time?

I like the fireplace as the focal point at the end of the room with the TV on the other wall -- but if that isn't going to work for you because you really watch the TV all the time from everywhere and only occasionally use the fireplace, then flip it around.

Or, maybe you get a small under the cabinet TV for the kitchen so you can watch the game while raiding the fridge, or the cook can watch something else while everyone else is watching whatever.

All depends on your lifestyle.

ginmtb Here is what I did: http://mikesremodelpage.blogspot.com/2008/12/family-room-fireplace-neary-complete.html - I installed a motorized lift to lower the TV to ideal viewing height. It is hidden when not in use. Only downside is you can't use both the TV and fireplace at the same time. We don't really use the fireplace anyhow. Here is the final finish - http://mikesremodelpage.blogspot.com/2009/01/fireplace-complete.html

gldwss I have a family room with a TV over fireplace and it is compromise situation at best. Mr room dimensions are about the same as yours and we tried to keep the traditional fireplace we have as low as possible but it is still not the best. If you can go with a modern low profile fireplace that is your best solution. If you are happy with the furniture facing in with the back to the window then a TV on the opposite wall is good. Another idea might be the TV easel they sell at restoration hardware.

http://www.gearculture.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/restoration-hardware-tv-easel.jpg

(if the link does not work just go to the restoration hardware site ) It is pretty nice and can be kept in the corner of the room and brough forward from time to time when needed.

Sunday I am building a small 1750 square foot house and the LV is 12X12, I elected to forgo the fireplace and I did not want to crane my neck to look at the TV. And I do watch a lot of TV. I am happy with decision. I a bought a 68 inch long console to "fill up the wall space" and will mount the TV over this console which is 30 inches high. Also I am on a limited budget . But I am happy with my decision.

harveybronx I'm befuddled. It seems that people leave questions and comments without reading all the other questions and comments on this webpage. Rather, they seem to just respond to the original question posed almost 2 years ago, without referencing all the potential solutions and useful discussion that has transpired since.

There are several solutions to the fireplace vs. TV issue described above. The solution I found, that I've installed, is probably the lowest-cost solution, the "Down and Out Mount," that I described, above, 9 weeks ago.

Custom Home Planning Center I've asked some of the questioners if they have research past answers & discussions, before asking about their specific problem. This avoids having to repeat the same advice over again, so we tend to get some back readers who do more or less added discussion in older discussions instead of going back and asking their question in a new discussion.

smldesigns You have way too many answers for me to read at this late hour, but it looks like you have room to have the TV on either wall and I would suggest it not be over the fireplace. Because you have room for two sofas you can have a focal point on each of the two walls. The question that I see is which of the two should it be. What do you want to look at when you are dining - the tv or the fireplace. Another consideration is the light reflection for tv viewing. Hope this helps. Also there is a formula to determine what size tv you have based on the distance from which you view it and the height of the sofa with you sitting on it should probably determine the height on the wall.

ginmtb Well harveybronx I'm assuming that they figured out what they wanted to do a long time ago since the post is nearly 2 years old. Some people read all the comments but want to post other options for others who may have the same issue. Do you work for that lift company? :)

harveybronx Yes, the original question is 2 years old; however, there are 16 postings during the past 2 months. I am not affiliated with the "Down and Out Mount" company and have no connection with it, whatsoever. It took a lot of research to find them. I purchased the product and installed it. Their product is terrific, and is the only reasonable product of which I'm aware that solves the problem of mounting a TV above a fireplace and being able to pull it down in front of the fireplace for viewing. I find that amazing. AND, my first posting discussing this device was 15 months ago, and repeated twice since (now three times) yet virtually every subsequent question posed with the fireplace/TV problem is as if this device doesn't exist. [www.dynamicmounting.com]

westave Attached are 2 pictures (not the best quality) of how we resolved my original question from this post. We ended up deciding to put the TV on the west wall and the fireplace on the north wall of the great room. We are happy with our decision. I hope this helps anyone struggling with this decision.The floor plan is shown on my original posting.

Custom Home Planning Center Thanks for sharing.

marciaa79 My daughter just purchased a house and her 46" TV is over the fireplace and we all love it. Seems easier to enjoy the fireplace & TV at the same time. Our fireplace is right beside the TV and we rarely use it - seem to forget about it, as weird as that sounds. We're building a home this spring and are definitely going with the TV over fireplace. Our kitchen & living room will be one big room so it only makes sense. Plus, I love the look. :)

cayclare Moving into a new place...south view ..all windows, open concept for kitchen at north, dining room/living room all one large rectangle . We were tempted to put tv over fireplace, but after reading comments, think we will try opposite wall. We think that furniture placement might be easier. Loved the idea of heavier furniture facing windows, and lighter chairs closer to tv, to be moved for conversation around fireplace. Thanks all, for your ideas.

All About Home Electronics.com http://allabouthomeelectronics.com/how-to/hang-a-tv-on-a-wall.html
We've published this article to help hang a TV on a wall or decide to hang above a Fireplace

harveybronx I purchased and installed the "Down and Out Mount" that let's you store the TV ABOVE, say, a fireplace; then, you can PULL IT DOWN in front of the fireplace (it moves vertically 30") to watch it, and push it back up when done. It's counterbalanced and adjustable to support a TV weighing from 25# to 110#. It's very easy to move. Available only online at: www.dynamicmounting.com, and it only costs about $500-$600 or so. Oddly, this type of mount is not manufactured by any of the major TV mount makers. Dynamic Mounting is a small, family operation, and the product, called the "Down and Out" was designed by a talented, young, aerospace engineer. It took me many hours of searching to find this product. It works great and is built like a piece of mechanical aerospace equipment. On the dynamicmounting.com website you can see pictures and a video of how it works. And works it does, exactly as shown.

kvautour Since he posted his question almost 2 years ago I'm sure Westave has figured things out by now and has completed his house but I couldn't resist joining the conversation. A TV could be mounted above a fireplace and 2 focal point will work in a room but it depends on the room size. The comfort in viewing a TV mounted high on a wall will depend on how far the seating is placed from the TV. If the centre of the TV is 5 feet off the floor then your sofa/chairs arranged for viewing it should be an appropriate distance away so that your head rests in a comfortable position while watching it. Our very large TV is located about 5' off the floor in an armoire and it's quite comfortable to view but we do so from about 12 feet away. Being 5' off the floor it could easily be above a normal fireplace. In our case the fireplace is on another wall and we enjoy having both focal points. In fact we have a very beautiful staircase that sits on another wall of the living room and a very large piece of art work on the fourth wall so we actually have 4 focal points in the same room. But it's a big living room - 25' x 16' so it works. And I don't like wall mounted TVs in living rooms; they are ugly black holes in all types of decor. Hide them in any way that you can!

harveybronx It's really beyond me this discussion of watching a TV mounted high on a wall when there is a ready solution to the problem that responders univerally seem to want to ignore. And that is the "Down and Out Mount" that Idescribed two comments ago. The original question was posed two years ago but the comments are not now responding to the original questionner, but to all the others who have a similar problem. The question will be valid forever, and the solution I described will certainly be available, hopefully, for a long time to anyone willing to learn about it.

Attached are photos of my TV in the up and down positions using the Down and Out Mount. [I have not finished dressing and hiding the cables coming out of the wall near the floor to the right of the fireplace.]

Transforming Rooms There are photos and interior design tips on where to hang a flat screen on this blog & on this web site

http://www.transformingrooms.blogspot.com

http://www.transformingrooms.com

Here are some examples of the photos (just type your area of interest such as "flat screen" or "fireplace ideas" in the SEARCH box upper left corner

tracykc Whoever said the TV needs to be at eye level? Go to a movie, not eye level. And TV over the fireplace? Sure, why not. Designers like to keep things pretty, me too, but not when it forces beauty over function. Let's face it, we all watch TV and like most people, that's what My family does most in our living/family room. Why else would you all sit in a room together? Other than a party, this is where my family watches TV, movies, enjoys each other's company. Also, the new mounting equipment for flat TV's allows you to tilt it downward, angled, etc. enjoy your home, make it for real actual living, you're probably going to be there for many years to come! Have fun!

tracykc Whoever said the TV needs to be at eye level? Go to a movie, not eye level. And TV over the fireplace? Sure, why not. Designers like to keep things pretty, me too, but not when it forces beauty over function. Let's face it, we all watch TV and like most people, that's what My family does most in our living/family room. Why else would you all sit in a room together? Other than a party, this is where my family watches TV, movies, enjoys each other's company. Also, the new mounting equipment for flat TV's allows you to tilt it downward, angled, etc. enjoy your home, make it for real actual living, you're probably going to be there for many years to come! Have fun!

ginmtb I actually try to sit farther back in the theaters so it more eye level. From a pure ergonomics standpoint, the eye naturally looks slightly downward. So from a long term comfort perspective, it is better to have the TV slightly below eye level. I tried both, wasn't a fan of it over the fireplace despite about a 10' viewing distance. While it did not seem like the front row in the theater, it wasn't the most comfortable for watching a 2+ hour movie. For a 30 min show it was okay. But I agree, do what works best for your setup and aesthetic - not one single idea is perfect for everyone.

bacpa123 The problem with the down and out mount, is what to do if you want to watch tv while enjoying the fire. It is only a practical solution if you are not going to use the fireplace.

harveybronx bacpa123 should have added three words at her or his comment immediately above: "while watching TV." The problem here may be that some of us live in the Southern and others in the Northern parts of the country where a fireplace would likely get more use, especially for heating. If its purpose is to entrance with its fascinating beauty, then I find it difficult to concentrate on watching a fire in a fireplace while watching TV. I also never found it enticing to light up my fireplace while my A/C is running. Many people have a fireplace purely as a decorative element and never light it up.

So, I agree that for those who use a fireplace frequently for heating while watching TV, the Down and Out Mount would not always be useful. We stopped using our fireplace ten years ago to stop polluting the atmosphere, although living in S. Calif. made that much easier to do.

In any case, the Down and Out Mount is useful even if not mounted above a fireplace and rather inexpensively provides the option to lower the TV for viewing if one desires to do so.

kvautour To those of you proposing the Down and Out Mount: Get off your marketing platform - a TV mounted in any way on the wall without being hidden is just plain ugly in a living room. Works in a media room but not elsewhere. You can do what you like but if you are considering selling your house in the future, you will definitely be limiting your market.

ginmtb A lot of people actually like the look over the fireplace. The good thing is if you wire it for over the fireplace people have the option. They don't have to use it but if they wanted to use it sure makes their life easier and more appealing. I prefer stealth hence my installations that hide both the TV in the family room and my projection screen in the living room. I did mount the TV on the wall in the guest room so I guess I'm out of luck there. I seriously doubt though that the TV placement is going to make or break the sale of one's home. I think kitchen and baths are more important as are location and floor plan.

dezign4u2 I see you have several responses. I haven't read any of them so I don't know what the consensus is. However, we just built a large home and since the "tv over the fireplace" look is something that I have never preferred, we didn't put a tv over any of our fireplaces. Fireplaces, mantels, etc are intended to be beautiful focal points. With that said, a television is not a beautiful focal point ( though some men might argue that fact). The trend will be gone as soon as more people realize this. I love to design home interiors and unless space is extremely limited, I would never recommend placing a tv above a fireplace. Not just for style purposes alone, but also for convenience. It is NOT a convenient location like some people may think. Just my opinion, but I would find a place for the tv. Mounted on a swing arm on the wall or in a beautiful piece of furniture ( be creative)...whatever your style. Good luck!

harveybronx It appears that most people have not read any of the responses before making their definitive statements. I thought the purpose of this board is to provide ideas to others, which can only happen if people read the responses before making their own comments in response to the original question posed two years ago. A lot can happen in two years. in any case, don't expect consensus here because people have different issues they're trying to solve, have different inviolate beliefs, and bring different valuable information along with possible misconceptions, too. There is no one size fits all solution here.

ventoux Think of your fireplace as the tv. Put the real one in a separate room. No better place to solve the world problems then in front of a fire.

lynmur There are good reasons to have both the fireplace and the TV set lower. Reason for the fireplace: heat rises so put it lower. Reason for the TV lower, as stated by others - it's so much easier to see, and annoying to have to look higher to see it. Personally, I think TVs look better when they are hidden, or can blend into the background - a dark background for a dark TV.

That being said, is there any reason why the builder can't set up your room so you can have at least two different options? You might want to change your room around a little now and then. One other thought - don't put the TV where the light from the window will reflect in it.