FIREPLACE & TV ON THE SAME WALL ??

[Karen Margrave]

Have any of you installed a gas fireplace and had a tv on the same wall above it? I see it done on Houzz, and in magazines all the time, however; how practical is it? Is the TV too high?  Is there too much heat off the fireplace for the TV? (I understand we have to take extra precautions etc. insulating for wiring, etc.) 

It's just for looks, we are in southern California after all!  I'm thinking of one of the linear fireplaces since we're building modern style. Your opinions and experiences are appreciated.

@J Scott @Will Barnard @John Blackman@Jon Klaus @Lynn Currie 

Others, please chime in with your thoughts and suggestions! 

[Account Closed]

@Jon Holdman 

Is the option of knocking down a layer or two of brick possible to bring the TV down a bit? I would do that, then create a wood cover painting the same color as the wall to cover the tv up when not in use.

[Account Closed]

I've always felt like I'm the only woman who isn't on board with this trend. I really don't like how high the TV has to be. I also tend to be old-school, and I love to have some meaningful, conversation-sparking piece of art over the fireplace. Or a mirror to make the room look larger and reflect light. Just my $0.02!

[Karen Margrave]

@Jon Holdman  Looks like it works just fine, and you're set up for lots of comfortable tv watching with your Colorado winters! Though nice touch throwing in @Brandon Turner book!  

Like all our projects, it's a spec house, meaning we have no clue who will be moving in there, and have to try to cover all the bases. I always tell the kids "better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it" so we try to prepare for most peoples needs. 

@Account Closed Fung Shui is definitely something you have to consider here in so cal. Can't interrupt the flow of good energy, or lose it out the doors. On the last house we built we were even asked to put some different items in to the foundation, and were happy to accommodate.  

[Brandon Turner]

@Jon Holdman you get a vote for that!  

[John Blackman]

You could always put a remote controlled drop down screen above the fireplace, recessed of course, and mount a projector arm and casing on the other side of the room.  I used to have an apartment where I did this over a wall of windows and it was amazing.  

When you want to watch TV, the screen comes down, the projector goes on, boom you have a super TV room.  When you're done, the screen rolls up, projector is off, there is no TV in the room at all!  The beautiful fireplace is left behind.

[Beau Walsh]

I put a electric fireplace in my unit (was a wood burning).  I'm living in it for a few months till I sell. I mounted the fireplace about a foot off the ground so I didn't have the tv too high. So far it's not a strain on my neck.  

[Mary lou L.]

I never really liked the height of the tv either. Also we have lots of stuff like the dvr, ps3, roku, ect that Id rather stash in a tv stand under the tv.

[Account Closed]

@Beau Walsh, now that looks nice! Because the fireplace is non-traditional and is much lower, I think it works. Nice place, by the way! Love the style.