You’ve got a TV mounted above your fireplace, and you’re wondering how to make it look intentional rather than awkward.
The good news is that with the right styling tricks and expert techniques, you can transform this setup into a stunning focal point.
Let’s explore creative ways to blend your screen seamlessly with your fireplace while creating a space that feels cohesive and beautifully designed.
01. Choose a Smaller Screen Size
Credit: Chelius House of Design
You don’t always need the biggest TV your wall can handle, especially when it’s positioned above your fireplace.
A more modest screen size can actually create better visual balance in your room. When you opt for a smaller flat screen, you’ll avoid overwhelming your firebox and the surrounding décor.
This approach works particularly well in cozy spaces where proportion matters most.
02. Know Your Fireplace Construction
Credit: Charbonneau Interiors
Before you start drilling holes, you need to understand exactly what materials your fireplace is made from.
Different materials require specific mounting approaches, and you definitely don’t want to damage your fireplace structure. Working with someone who knows how to handle brick, stone, or tile is essential.
This expertise will save you from costly mistakes down the road.
03. Plan Your Electrical Setup
Credit: Unsplash/ Chastity Cortijo
You’ll want to think carefully about where your power outlets are located before mounting your TV.
Heat from your fireplace can pose risks to power cables if they’re too close to the flames. Consider bringing in a licensed electrician to assess your setup and ensure everything meets safety standards.
This investment protects both your electronics and your home.
04. Paint Your Firebox Dark
Credit: Mindy Gayer Design Co./ Photo by Vanessa Lentine
When you paint the inside of your firebox black, you create visual harmony that makes your TV feel less jarring.
Instead of having one lone black rectangle floating above your mantel, you’ll have coordinated dark elements. This simple trick works especially well in bedrooms where you want a cohesive, calming atmosphere.
The dark tones complement each other beautifully.
05. Use a Dark Wall Color
Credit: Kate Marker Interiors
You can help your flat screen disappear into the background by choosing a deeper wall color for your fireplace area.
Rich earth tones like olive, charcoal, or navy create a sophisticated backdrop that minimizes the TV’s visual impact. Pairing this with a Frame TV that displays artwork when not in use takes the concept even further.
Your screen becomes part of the décor rather than dominating it.
06. Install an Electric Fireplace
Credit: Forbes + Masters
If you don’t have a real chimney, an electric fireplace gives you all the ambiance without the construction hassle.
These units provide gentle warmth and visual appeal while offering more flexibility for TV placement. You’ll love how they create that cozy atmosphere you crave without requiring major renovations.
Plus, they’re much easier to work with when mounting electronics above them.
07. Control Heat Exposure Properly
Credit: Charlie Interior Design
Your TV and heat really don’t mix well, so you need to ensure your fireplace heat stays contained.
Glass doors or airtight enclosures help protect your electronics from direct heat exposure. Always check your TV manufacturer’s heat tolerance specifications and follow them carefully.
This precaution extends the life of your expensive electronics significantly.
08. Add Bold Wallpaper
Credit: Lauren Ashley Experiences
You can draw attention away from your TV by installing eye-catching wallpaper on your fireplace wall.
Colorful patterns and vibrant designs give visitors something beautiful to focus on besides the black screen. Balance the look with shelving or décor on either side of your fireplace for a well-rounded composition.
This approach transforms your TV into just one element of a larger design story.
09. Mount Near the Ceiling
Credit: Michelle Berwick Design
In spaces with lower ceilings like finished basements, positioning your TV higher up actually makes sense.
You’ll fill the vertical space more effectively while creating clear separation between your fireplace and screen. Adding a chunky wood mantel below the TV helps define each zone distinctly.
This technique works especially well when you want to maximize your wall space.
10. Create a Flush Installation
Credit: Kate Marker Interiors
For the most polished look possible, you’ll want to build a custom insert that makes your TV sit flush with the wall.
This seamless approach eliminates that awkward floating appearance many mounted TVs have. The clean lines work beautifully in modern farmhouse and contemporary spaces where minimalism is key.
Your TV becomes an integrated architectural feature rather than an afterthought.
11. Update with Board and Batten
Credit: Unsplash/ Macauly Addesso
You don’t need to replace your entire fireplace if it feels dated or outdated right now.
Installing board and batten paneling around your mantel instantly modernizes the whole area without major construction. This affordable update creates architectural interest that complements your TV beautifully.
The vertical lines add sophistication while drawing the eye upward in a flattering way.
12. Conceal All Wiring
Credit: D Burns Interiors
Nothing ruins the sleek look of a mounted TV faster than a tangle of visible cords and cables hanging down.
Taking the time to run your wiring through the wall makes an enormous difference in the final appearance. Yes, it requires extra planning and possibly professional help, but the clean result is absolutely worth it.
Your space will look intentional and professionally designed.
13. Install Smart Technology
Credit: @thecasaverde/ Instagram
If you’re ready to invest in a high-tech solution, consider a motorized panel system that hides your screen.
With just a remote control button, you can reveal or conceal your TV as needed. Alternatively, a projector system lets you eliminate the visible screen entirely when you’re not actively watching something.
These solutions are perfect for design purists who want flexibility.
14. Keep Surroundings Minimal
Credit: Charbonneau Interiors
Since your TV and fireplace naturally become the room’s focal point, you’ll want to keep the surrounding area clean and uncluttered.
This isn’t the spot for displaying every family photo or your entire collection of decorative objects. A minimalist approach lets both elements shine without competing for attention.
Less really is more when it comes to this particular design challenge.
15. Design a Recessed Space
Credit: Gray Space Interior Design
When you’re building or renovating from scratch, creating an alcove or recessed wall for your TV is incredibly smart.
This built-in look feels much more sophisticated than a standard wall mount while adding an extra safety buffer. If you’re working with an existing space, floating shelves or cabinetry can create similar depth and visual interest.
The layered look adds texture and dimension to your room.
16. Brighten with Colorful Accents
Credit: Brexton Cole Interiors
You can offset the darkness of your TV and fireplace combo by bringing in vibrant accessories throughout the room.
Colorful artwork, cheerful throw pillows, and whimsical décor pieces add energy and personality to the space. These pops of color prevent your room from feeling too heavy or dominated by dark elements.
The contrast creates a more inviting and balanced atmosphere overall.
17. Match Screen to Fireplace Width
Credit: Jessica Nelson Design/Carina Skrobecki Photography
Choosing a TV that’s nearly as wide as your fireplace creates a custom, tailored appearance that looks intentional.
This proportional approach works especially well with Frame TVs in modern living rooms. The balanced sizing makes both elements feel like they were designed to go together from the start.
Your eye reads the composition as harmonious rather than haphazard.
18. Use a Low-Profile Mantel
Credit: Unsplash/ Dulcineia Dias
If you’re concerned about neck strain from looking up at your TV, a contemporary fireplace with a lower mantel solves the problem.
This design approach is increasingly common in new construction where builders plan for TV placement from the beginning. The lower positioning puts your screen closer to natural eye level for comfortable viewing.
You’ll appreciate this ergonomic consideration during long movie marathons.
19. Hide Behind Cabinet Doors
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Let’s be honest—most TVs aren’t winning any design awards, and they can detract from your carefully curated aesthetic.
Installing your screen behind cabinet doors gives you the best of both worlds: easy viewing when you want it and a clean look when you don’t. Folding doors let you watch Netflix comfortably while keeping your TV completely hidden when guests arrive.
This solution is perfect for formal living spaces.
20. Embrace Black and White Contrast
Credit: Brophy Interiors
You can make your TV feel intentional by building a bold black-and-white color scheme around it.
Color-blocking with clean lines on your white fireplace and built-ins creates contemporary sophistication. The stark contrast makes your black screen look like a deliberate design choice rather than a necessary evil.
This modern approach works beautifully in minimalist and transitional spaces.
21. Create Outdoor Entertainment
Credit: Design byMarie Flanigan Interiors/ Photo by Julie Soefer
Your outdoor living space deserves the same thoughtful design as your interior rooms, including TV placement.
Mounting a screen above an outdoor fireplace creates the ultimate entertaining zone for game days and movie nights. Wall-mounted speakers help balance the visual weight while providing excellent sound quality.
Your patio becomes an extension of your indoor living area.
22. Feature Patterned Tile
Credit: Brophy Interiors
A slightly recessed niche surrounded by gorgeous patterned tile gives your TV wall serious designer credentials.
This approach works wonderfully in TV rooms and home bars where you want a polished, upscale feel. The decorative tile becomes the star while your screen nestles comfortably within the design.
The dimensional interest makes the whole wall feel like custom millwork.
23. Highlight Original Architecture
Credit: Unsplash/ Charles Deluvio
If you’re lucky enough to have original brick or stone features, you’ve already got a head start on creating character.
These natural materials provide inherent warmth and texture that complement modern electronics beautifully. You can always paint or stain brick and stone to better match your current style preferences.
Taking advantage of existing architectural details saves money while adding authentic charm.
24. Paint a Neutral Backdrop
Credit: Gray Space Interior Design
You’ll want to choose a neutral, bright paint color that makes your fireplace the true star of the show.
Colors like crisp white, warm beige, or soft gray work with almost any fireplace material and style. These light neutrals reflect light beautifully while ensuring your TV doesn’t become the dominant visual element.
The subtle backdrop lets your fireplace architecture shine through.
25. Try Asymmetrical Placement
Credit: Forbes + Masters
Who says your TV has to be perfectly centered above your fireplace in a traditional arrangement?
In smaller or uniquely shaped rooms, placing your screen off to one side or at an angle can actually work better. This unconventional approach often creates better viewing angles while making the most of your available space.
Don’t be afraid to break the rules when symmetry doesn’t serve you.
26. Go Deep Navy Blue
Credit: Brexton Cole Interiors
Painting your fireplace wall in rich navy or midnight blue creates a dramatic backdrop that camouflages your TV beautifully.
These deep, sophisticated colors make black screens practically disappear when they’re turned off. The moody tone adds depth and elegance to open-plan spaces where you want cohesion.
Dark blues work especially well in contemporary and transitional design styles.
27. Style Your Mantel with Art
Credit: Erin Williamson Design
When you have a generous mantel, you can create visual balance by arranging artwork on either side of your TV.
This layered approach gives you something beautiful to look at even when the screen is dark and inactive. In spacious midcentury modern living rooms, this technique adds warmth and personality.
The curated display makes your TV feel like part of a larger gallery wall.
28. Add Shiplap Texture
Credit: Becca Interiors
Mounting your TV on a shiplap accent wall creates instant architectural interest above your fireplace.
The horizontal lines add texture and dimension while giving your screen a more intentional backdrop. This approach works beautifully in traditional, farmhouse, and coastal design styles.
The wood texture warms up the space and makes technology feel more organic.
29. Incorporate Living Plants
Credit: @thehouseonhillsidelane/ Instagram
You can soften the hard edges of your TV and fireplace by bringing in lush greenery and living plants.
Plants add natural color, texture, and life to the space while helping your fireplace remain the primary focus. Placing greenery strategically around your mantel and built-ins creates a more organic, inviting atmosphere.
The living elements balance out all the technology and hard surfaces beautifully.
30. Invest in Proper Mounting
Credit: Morse Design
This is absolutely not the time to cut corners or guess where your wall studs are located.
You need a high-quality mounting system that’s rated for your TV’s specific weight and size. Using a stud finder is essential if you’re not experienced with mounting heavy items safely.
Proper installation protects your expensive electronics and prevents dangerous accidents down the road.
31. Design a Corner Feature
Credit: Design byMary Patton Design/ Photo by Molly Culver
A corner fireplace offers unique opportunities for creating a multifunctional outdoor entertainment zone.
Mounting your TV above a corner fireplace works especially well when you’re also incorporating outdoor cooking areas and conversation spaces. The angled placement often provides better viewing angles from multiple seating areas.
This layout maximizes your patio’s functionality while looking incredibly sophisticated.
32. Combine Modern and Rustic
Credit: Michelle Berwick Design
You can create stunning contrast by hanging your sleek modern TV on a rustic reclaimed wood accent wall.
The mix of old and new adds incredible depth and character to contemporary living rooms. The weathered wood texture provides warmth that balances the cool technology beautifully.
This high-low approach feels collected and intentional rather than overly designed.
33. Adjust for Comfortable Viewing
Credit: Gray Space Interior Design
You absolutely must consider viewing angles and height when positioning your TV above a fireplace.
Ideally, screens should sit at eye level, but that’s often impossible with standard fireplaces. Look for adjustable mounting systems that let you tilt the screen downward for more ergonomic viewing.
If your fireplace is extremely tall, you might be better off mounting your TV on a different wall entirely for comfort.
Final Thoughts
Styling a TV above your fireplace doesn’t have to be the design challenge you’ve been dreading.
With these expert tips and creative approaches, you can transform this common setup into a beautiful focal point that enhances your entire room. The key is balancing proportion, managing heat properly, and using color and texture strategically.
Take your time planning the details, and you’ll create a space that’s both functional and absolutely stunning.
