Where to put the mantle and TV

Question

I'm in the process of painting my fireplace and am wondering what height I should put the mantle and TV.  Is there a specific formula?  The fire box is 22' high and 27' wide.

Michelle Harbee · Answer

Not sure if there is a standard calculation but I think the TV looks great where it's currently at and I would add the mantle close to where the grey paint stops, maybe about 6 inches above it.

Janet Pizaro · Answer

I am not so sure you need to add a mantle with the TV where it is . This may be creating more of a project then you need.

Sherrie Slaboda · Answer

I'm definitely not a designer/expert but I would think first about the color scheme before doing anything.

S. Roy · Answer

The t.v. needs to be at whatever height is comfortable for watching. I think with that small fireplace, I would make a nice big wood frame around the television instead of a mantle.

Michelle Harbee · Answer

I would definitely install a mantle. Personally, my style is more rustic/farmhouse/industrial so I can imagine a really thick, chunky floating shelf would be beautiful.

Country Design Home · Answer

Standard mantle height is 50-60 inches from the hearth, but that varies wildly with your design choices. I would install the mantle first, then decide if the TV is too high above it for your liking.

Sarah Johnson · Answer

I agree with height comfortable for watching, about 4.5 ft from the floor, don't place the mantle taller than u are, u want to be able to reach it with ease for cleaning and etc. Kind of like use your self as the measuring tool or the guide.

Johnchip · Answer

standing on the hearth, elbow height. (for a 6' man)

LD · Answer

Here is a link regarding installing tv's above a fireplace. In regard to the mantle the standard is 50-60 from the hearth, but you may want to check with your local county code. http://www.remodeling.hw.net/business/design/tips-for-installing-a-television-over-a-fireplace_o

Ellen · Answer

I don't understand putting a TV above a fireplace, especially if you wear progressive lens eye glasses. You'd have to sit in one stiff position the whole time you're watching anything to see it clearly while looking up. It seems most uncomfortable. I also wouldn't make a TV a centerpiece in a room but that's a decor preference, I guess.

Karen · Answer

I am no expert on codes or mantles. I am fine with the tv placement. I would caution putting the mantle too far up. If you decorate the mantle you don't want anything blocking the tv.

Sarah A. Victory · Answer

Looks like you could put the mantle directly above the gray painted area as you already have your TV situated--no need in making more work. Best of luck!

Creative Interiors By Connie · Answer

Make sure the position of the TV is for comfort viewing, not straining the neck. The bottom of the mantel should be 10=12 inches above the fireplace opening. With the height of the fireplace, you need to have a substancial mantel with a chunky corbel on either side underneath so it looks in proportion. Your fireplace opening is low because there is no hearth so you may want to hang the mantel a little higher. Since your bookcase is right beside it, I would paint the mantel and corbels white also. Let me know what you decide to do.

Jcraw · Answer

The experts say the average mantel height is about 54'.   But the variant depends on your room and style and purpose.  Since your brick is so plain, is it going to be an 'L' mantle, with a flat surface against the brick, or just a shelf-type mantel. If your tv is comfy, decide too if you plan to accessorize the mantle.  Sounds simplistic, but you'd want room for neat somethings that don't block the tv.   I can't tell how tall the ceiling is. I have 12 foot ceilings which allow for a bit more flexibility than 8 foot. And don't forget the male fascination for ever larger tv's for Super Bowl.

Where to put the mantle and TV

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Where to put the mantle and TV

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