SFGate

mcbride2304 Very little difference between the 2

lefty47 HI - Your OK with either as long as the TV is not wider than the mantel. If you had an over mantel built , it could be one that hides the TV . Lots of ideas on Houzz for that .

kmhbt I thought the same thing after I posted the pics :). In reality it's about 3-3 1/2" on each side bigger. I've just gotten such great guidance here in the past so I thought I'd see what the consensus was.

kmhbt I will definitely search for an "over mantel": I'm not sure what that is but it sounds like an ideas worth exploring. I was thinking at some point of adding trim pieces to the sides and if I did, the smaller TV may allow more room for trim. Of course my husband is of the mind that the bigger the TV the better ;)

victorianbungalowranch I am probably in the minority, but I think the existing TV is a better size and if anything is a bit too big--it would look more in proportion if it isn't wider than the tile surround for the fireplace, and better if it is a bit narrower.

3 1/2 inches bigger around may not seem like a lot, but it is a big black box and is visually very heavy over your fireplace. The overmantel could help tie it in a bit, but it would still contrast with the black, emphasizing its size.

Bigger TVs also require a longer viewing distance, especially up so high.

calikym Bigger one for sure.

kmhbt Thank you everyone. I know it seems minor, but I really do appreciate the input.

kmhbt My next question would be, if I frame around it (like the "Project In Tiburon"), what paint color would I use? I love the greenish gray they chose but with my granite around the fireplace being beige I don't think it would look right.

candyweaver For looks and proportion, do not have your tv wider than the tile or granite around the fireplace opening.

kmhbt Hmmm...well the current one is the same size as the tile (maybe just slightly over).

kmhbt Is there anything I can do to make it look right?

andrew778 Bigger is always better in regards to tv's. You will never regret moving up.

sderico Have you considered painting that wall a darker color so the TV doesn't overwhelm the space?