Living Room Fireplace Decor With Tv Above

Living Room Fireplace Decor With TV Above: A Comprehensive Guide

The arrangement of a television above a fireplace presents a common challenge in modern living room design. While offering a centralized entertainment hub and maximizing space, this configuration requires careful consideration of aesthetics, functionality, and safety. This article provides a comprehensive guide to decorating a living room featuring a fireplace with a television positioned above it, ensuring a harmonious and visually appealing space.

Planning and Preparation: Setting the Foundation

Before any decorative efforts begin, thorough planning is crucial. This involves assessing the existing fireplace structure and the intended television size. Consider the viewing distance from the seating area to the television, determining the optimal television size to avoid eye strain or a viewing experience that feels too cramped. The fireplace’s material, whether brick, stone, or wood, influences the surrounding decor choices. Evaluate the overall aesthetic of the living room, identifying the desired style – modern, traditional, rustic, or eclectic – to ensure the chosen decor complements the existing elements. Ensure the fireplace is up to code and professionally maintained. Inspect vents, firebox, and chimney regularly.

Consider the available wall space around the fireplace. The dimensions dictate the potential for flanking elements, such as shelving or cabinetry, which provide balance and functional storage. Evaluate the existing electrical outlets and wiring. Concealing unsightly wires is paramount for a clean and polished look. Planning for cord management, whether through recessed outlets behind the television or strategically placed cable raceways, is a critical step. Research the feasibility of mounting the television directly above the fireplace, or if an articulating mount is necessary for optimal viewing angles and to manage heat concerns.

Choosing the Right Television Mount

The selection of a television mount significantly impacts the overall aesthetic and functionality. Three primary types of mounts are available: flush mounts, tilting mounts, and articulating mounts. Flush mounts position the television closest to the wall, offering a minimalist approach and maximizing the illusion of space. Tilting mounts allow for a downward angle adjustment, beneficial for televisions mounted high above the fireplace, improving viewing comfort. Articulating mounts, offering full range of motion, provide flexibility in positioning the television, allowing it to be pulled out, swiveled, and tilted. They provide a means to adjust the viewing angle to accommodate changing seating arrangements or reduce glare.

Consider the heat emanating from the fireplace. If the television is mounted closely above a functional fireplace, the heat can potentially damage the electronic components. In such cases, a heat-resistant mount or a mantel that protrudes sufficiently to deflect heat should be used. Alternatively, consider incorporating a zero-clearance fireplace box designed to keep heat away from the wall surfaces. The chosen mount should be appropriately sized and rated for the weight of the television. Consult the manufacturer’s guidelines for both the television and the mount to ensure compatibility and proper installation. Mounting the TV professionally is recommended for safety and optimal performance.

Mantel and Hearth Decor: Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality

The mantel and hearth provide opportunities to incorporate decorative elements and balance the vertical focus of the television and fireplace. The mantel serves as a visual focal point, bridging the gap between the television and the fireplace. The style and material of the mantel should complement the fireplace and the overall living room design. A minimalist, floating mantel complements a modern setting, while a detailed, ornate mantel is suitable for traditional spaces.

Decorating the mantel requires a thoughtful approach. Consider using items of varying heights and textures to create visual interest. A combination of artwork, framed photographs, candles, plants, and decorative objects can achieve a balanced and alluring display. Avoid overcrowding the mantel, as this can make the space feel cluttered. The hearth provides an opportunity for creating visual grounding. A rug placed in front of the fireplace can add warmth and texture. Decorative firewood holders, baskets, or even a selection of decorative fire tools, if applicable, can enhance the hearth’s appeal.

Flanking Elements: Adding Balance and Storage

Symmetry often creates visual harmony in a fireplace-television arrangement. Adding flanking elements, such as built-in shelving units or cabinets on either side of the fireplace, provides balance and additional storage space. Bookshelves offer a place for displaying books, decorative objects, and family photographs. Cabinets provide concealed storage for media components, gaming consoles, and other living room necessities. The style and finish of the flanking elements should coordinate with the fireplace, television, and mantel. Consider incorporating lighting, such as recessed can lights within shelves or sconces placed on either side of the fireplace, to enhance the ambiance and illuminate the decorative elements.

Alternatively, incorporating decorative artwork or mirrors on either side of the fireplace can create a visually appealing and balanced arrangement. The size and style of the flanking elements should be proportional to the size of the fireplace and television. Avoid overly large or heavy elements that can overpower the space. Consider utilizing the space above the flanking elements for additional artwork or decorative accents. Ensure the flanking elements do not obstruct the viewing angle of the television or interfere with the fireplace's functionality.

Color Palette and Material Selection

The choice of color palette and materials significantly impacts the overall aesthetic and mood of the living room. The palette should complement the fireplace, television, and surrounding furniture. Neutral colors, such as whites, grays, and beiges, create a clean and sophisticated backdrop, allowing decorative elements to stand out. Accent colors can be introduced through artwork, textiles, and decorative accessories. Consider the color of the television screen. A dark screen surface can either blend seamlessly with dark surrounding elements or create a visual contrast against light walls.

Material selection should also be considered. The fireplace material, whether brick, stone, or wood, influences the surrounding material choices. Combine a variety of textures and materials to create visual interest, and prevent the space from feeling flat. For example, a combination of stone, wood, metal, and textiles can provide a rich and inviting aesthetic. Consider the durability and maintenance of the selected materials. If the fireplace is frequently used, choose materials that can withstand the heat and soot generated. Select low-maintenance materials to save time and effort in cleaning and upkeep.