How to Mount a TV onto your Chimney Breast

If you are looking for a home for your TVs, one of the most popular solutions is to hang it above your fireplace, mounting it to the chimney breast and taking the place of a large decorative mirror or piece of art. Your fireplace is one of the main focal points within your living area, so placing your TV above it is a convenient and visually appealing decision, and creates a striking design statement in your room.

However, there are a few questions you should ask yourself, and some careful considerations you should make, before going ahead and mounting your TV to your chimney breast. For example, will the placement look good and complement your room? And, more importantly, is it safe?

So, if you are thinking of mounting your TV on your chimney breast, read our top tips and expert advice below for more information…

Is mounting a TV on a Chimney Breast practical?

One of the most important things to think about before mounting your TV on your chimney breast is the height of your fireplace and mantelpiece, as some mantels will simply be too high to watch your TV comfortably. A TV mounted too high on the wall will have a similar effect to sitting in the front row at the cinema and awkward viewing positions, resulting in painful neck strain, will be a common complaint within your household.

A great tip is to make sure you test the position first and this can done by hanging a piece of paper or cardboard where you imagine the TV would go. You can then sit down and assess if this is a practical and comfortable position before you start drilling holes in your chimney breast!

It’s also important to have a professional assess the integrity of your chimney breast and verify that it’s structurally sound before attempting any TV mounting, as any potential fireplace repair needs should be addressed first to ensure the safety of your household.

Is mounting a TV on a Chimney Breast safe?

One of the most common concerns when mounting a TV above your Fireplace is how safe it is, both for the television and the members of your household. The main worry is that the temperatures exuded from the chimney will be too high for the TV to withstand. However, this can be simply and easily checked by testing how hot your fireplace actually is. This mostly applies to gas or wood burning fireplaces, as electric fireplaces don’t usually emit enough heat, but it’s recommended to do a temperature check on all Fireplaces before mounting a TV.

The professional recommendation is that you should not mount a TV on your chimney breast if the temperature you measure is above 100°F, as it is no longer safe. However, anything above 90°F could cause damage to your TV so it is important to check your manufacturer’s suggestions.

Another important consideration is that wood burning fireplaces will emit soot and ash. As a result, it is vital that you undertake regular chimney cleaning in order to keep any damage to your TV to an absolute minimum.

What do I do with the wires?

Whenever you mount a TV above your fireplace it is important to consider what you will do with your cables and wires. One great idea is to recess them into the wall, which is most easily achieved if you have a modern fireplace with a drywall surround. However if you do recess them, make sure there is enough insulation between the wiring and the chimney as otherwise they may overheat.

If your fireplace is brick or stone, it is most likely that you will not be able to recess your wires and should, instead, disguise them with a wire management system. It may also be possible to chisel out a channel within the grout of your chimney breast for your wires.

What if my fireplace is brick or concrete?

Attaching a TV to a concrete or brick fireplace will involve a little more work and, usually, a little more equipment. This is because most TV mounts do not come with appropriate anchors for brick or concrete, so you will need to purchase these yourself. It is vital that you check your manufacturer’s specifications when choosing concrete screws or anchors and you should anchor into mortar, not brick, wherever possible. If you are worried about mounting your tv and simply want a second opinion seek out the advice of a local builder.

Author Bio

Here at London Chimney Sweeps we offer a professional and comprehensive chimney cleaning and repair service, and our fully qualified, highly experienced and Gas Safe registered team undertake all the work they do to the most superior standards.

So whether you would like to arrange a full inspection before mounting your TV or would like a periodic cleaning service to maintain your chimney, keep dust and soot at a minimum and ensure your TV functions flawlessly for years to come, get in touch with the specialists at London Chimney Sweeps today!