Mounting a TV over a fireplace: safe or risky?
Thinking about mounting your TV above the fireplace? You’re not alone. It’s one of the most popular — and most debated — spots in the home for a flat-screen.
At Express Mounting, we hear this question all the time from Atlanta homeowners:
“Is it actually safe to mount a TV over my fireplace?”
The short answer: It can be — but it depends on your fireplace, your wall type, your mount, and how often you use the fireplace. Done right, it’s sleek and stylish. Done wrong, it can damage your TV, your wall, or both.
This guide breaks down the pros and cons, safety tips, and expert recommendations for mounting a TV over a fireplace — especially in homes throughout metro Atlanta.
Why mounting a TV over the fireplace is so popular
Let’s be honest — it looks amazing. The fireplace is often the focal point of the room, and mounting your TV above it keeps everything clean, symmetrical, and modern. It saves floor space, eliminates bulky TV stands, and centralizes your living area into one beautiful, cozy entertainment zone.
Top benefits:
- ✅ Sleek, modern aesthetic
- ✅ Great use of vertical wall space
- ✅ Ideal for open-concept living rooms
- ✅ Eliminates clutter and cable mess
- ✅ Makes the TV a natural part of the design
For homeowners with limited space or a minimal design preference, mounting a TV above the fireplace seems like a no-brainer. But…
The risks of mounting a TV above a fireplace
While it can be visually appealing, there are some important technical and safety considerations. Here are the most common concerns we evaluate in the field:
🔥 1. Heat damage
TVs are sensitive electronic devices that do not respond well to heat. Placing your television above a heat source — especially one that’s used often — can shorten its lifespan or even cause long-term internal damage.
If the wall above your fireplace gets warm to the touch after a fire, it’s too hot for a TV.
What to do:
- Test the temperature with a digital thermometer during fireplace use
- Install a mantel or heat shield to deflect rising heat
- Avoid mounting directly above wood-burning fireplaces unless they’re rarely used
🧱 2. Wall material & mounting difficulty
Fireplace walls are often made from stone, brick, or cement — materials that are more difficult to drill into than drywall. You’ll need specialized tools like masonry drill bits and heavy-duty anchors, and depending on the structure, you may have to use lag bolts, toggle bolts, or even a mounting plate.
Risk: If not done correctly, the TV may be unstable — or the wall may crack under pressure.
What we do at Express Mounting:
- Use hammer drills and concrete anchors rated for your TV’s weight
- Inspect the wall surface before installation
- Reinforce with backplates or mounting hardware designed for masonry
📏 3. Neck strain and poor viewing angles
Most fireplaces are between 40” and 60” off the ground, which means the center of your TV may sit well above optimal eye level. This can lead to neck discomfort during long viewing sessions, especially if your sofa is close to the fireplace.
Solution:
- Use a tilting or full-motion mount that lets you angle the screen downward
- Sit further back from the wall to improve viewing alignment
- Consider lowering the fireplace hearth (during a remodel) for future-proofing
How to tell if it’s safe to mount your TV over a fireplace
Here’s the quick safety checklist we use during in-home consultations:
| Consideration | Safe or Risky? |
|---|---|
| Wall stays cool during/after use | ✅ Safe |
| Wall gets warm or hot after use | ❌ Risky |
| Fireplace is electric or gas | ✅ Safer than wood-burning |
| Fireplace wall is brick/stone | ⚠️ Safe with pro tools |
| No studs above the mantel | ❌ Needs reinforcement |
| Mounting height above 60” | ⚠️ Use a tilting mount |
If you answered ❌ or ⚠️ to two or more of these — don’t DIY it. Call a pro.
Tips for safe TV mounting over a fireplace
If you’re committed to the fireplace mount, here’s how to make it safer and smarter:
- 🔧 Use a professional-grade mount rated for both your TV size and wall material
- 🧯 Avoid using the fireplace regularly (or choose an electric model)
- 🛡️ Add a mantel or heat deflector to reduce rising heat
- 🪨 Hire a pro for masonry drilling and secure anchoring
- 🔌 Install an in-wall outlet and cable management system behind the mount
- 📐 Make sure the mount allows tilt adjustment for comfort
What Express Mounting recommends for Atlanta homes
Every home is unique — especially in Atlanta, where you’ll find everything from historic homes in Grant Park to new builds in Alpharetta. We’ve installed TVs above fireplaces in brick bungalows, Midtown lofts, Buckhead townhomes, and everything in between.
Here’s our professional advice:
- ✅ If you rarely use your fireplace and the wall stays cool: Go for it.
- ✅ If you’re using an electric or ventless gas fireplace: You’re in the clear.
- ❌ If the wall heats up or you use a wood-burning fireplace regularly: Mount somewhere else.
- ⚠️ If you’re unsure: Let us assess it first — we’ll never risk your safety or your screen.
Why Atlanta homeowners trust Express Mounting
We’re more than a mounting service — we’re your installation partners. When we visit your home, we assess the wall type, mount strength, wire access, stud placement, and heat safety — and we don’t cut corners.
✅ Professional masonry mounting
✅ Full-motion and tilt mounts available
✅ Hidden cable routing — even on brick and stone
✅ Clean and secure installs, backed by insurance and experience
Ready to mount your TV over the fireplace?
We’ll help you do it right — or tell you honestly if it’s not worth the risk. If your wall is ready, we’ll bring the tools, brackets, and know-how to make it perfect.
👉 Visit ExpressMounting.com to request your quote or book fireplace TV mounting in Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas.
We make mounting safe, stylish, and stress-free.
Bonus tip: need a power outlet above your fireplace?
We’ve got you covered. Ask about our power bridge kits, recessed outlets, and cord-hiding solutions that make your setup look like it came with the house.
📍 Express Mounting – Serving Atlanta, GA with expert TV installations, including over fireplaces, brick, stone, and concrete walls.