Ask Joshua: Optimal Design Tips for Mounting Your TV Above the Fireplace Without Overwhelming Your Living Space

Hello Joshua,

My husband and I recently moved into our new townhouse from a larger house as part of downsizing our lifestyle. We were very excited about our new home but didn't think through the furniture layout for our living room. Our living room turned out to be smaller than we initially realized, and now we're debating where to place our TV.

The challenge is that the wall above the fireplace is the only viable option since it already has a built-in electrical outlet. On one side of the living room, there is a wall, but it has windows on the opposite side. We are hesitant to place the TV on that wall due to reflections, which would make watching TV during the daytime less enjoyable. The fireplace wall is the only option without windows on the opposite side.

I'm not thrilled about the idea of putting the TV above the fireplace, as I think it doesn't look good. I don't want the TV to overpower the fireplace, a design choice I've seen many people make and dislike. Perhaps this is the trade-off for downsizing our lifestyle – maybe we downsized a bit too much?

The question is, how can we make our fireplace look aesthetically pleasing with the TV mounted above it without dominating the overall look? Additionally, what TV size would you recommend? I've attached photos for your reference.

Thank you!

Lori - Eugene, Oregon

Samsung Frame TV is mounted above the fireplace. Living room designed by Joshua Jones of JJones Design Co.

Hi Lori,

Thank you for reaching out for design advice regarding your TV situation. I took a moment to review the photos you sent, and I understand the challenges you're facing. Fortunately, I have some solutions for you.

Have you considered the Samsung Frame TV? I talk about this TV a lot, but if you’re not familiar, It functions like artwork when not in use, seamlessly blending into various design styles without dominating the overall look with a typical plain black screen. I wrote a blog about it here. The TV comes with different frame colors and finish options, allowing you to customize its appearance to complement your living room perfectly.

Another suggestion is to consider painting the fireplace wall and mantle in different colors. This can enhance the overall aesthetics, especially when paired with a Frame TV. I've included an example of my past design work above, where I collaborated with an e-design client to create a stylish fireplace with a dark paint color, coupled with a Frame TV for their living room.

Regarding TV size, here is a sizing guide I've developed. Since the TV will be mounted above the fireplace, its width should not exceed the mantle's width, or it might throw off the balance and not look visually appealing. This may lead you to reconsider your mantel width as well, which is always an option. For your fireplace, I recommend the TV width to be a few inches shorter than the mantle edges, ensuring a well-balanced look for your living room.

If you need further design assistance for your living room, I'd be more than glad to help. You can explore our virtual interior design & decorating services here.

Warmly,

Joshua

Have interior design related questions? You can ask Joshua here.