25 TV Above Fireplace Ideas to Elevate Your Living Room
Designing a living room with a TV above the fireplace can create a sleek, modern, and functional focal point. However, balancing aesthetics with comfort and usability requires careful consideration. The key is to ensure the TV and fireplace both complement each other without overwhelming the room. By thoughtfully arranging furniture, lighting, and décor around this central feature, you can create a stylish and harmonious living space.
In this article, we’ll explore 25 creative ideas for placing your TV above the fireplace in a way that enhances the look of your living room while maintaining functionality. Whether you’re aiming for a contemporary, minimalist, or more traditional look, these ideas will help you achieve the perfect balance between technology and design.
1. Framed TV for a Seamless Look
Frame your TV with sleek cabinetry or custom wood panels to create a clean, built-in look. This approach blends the TV with the surrounding decor, creating a sophisticated and cohesive design.
Experts recommend choosing materials that complement the fireplace, such as wood or stone, for a seamless transition. A framed TV above the fireplace not only hides the technical aspect but also elevates the entire room’s aesthetic, making the space feel polished and curated.
2. Built-In Entertainment Unit
Design a built-in entertainment unit around the TV and fireplace, incorporating shelves or storage for a clean, organized look. This option is ideal for those who want a sleek yet functional space to hide cables, media equipment, and accessories.
Professional designers suggest using materials like dark wood, glass, or matte finishes for a contemporary feel. Adding subtle lighting above or below the shelves can create an ambient atmosphere that enhances both the TV and the fireplace.
3. Modern Minimalist Style
For a minimalist look, mount your TV above the fireplace on a simple, thin wall bracket with no additional decor. This approach keeps the focus on the TV and fireplace while maintaining a clean and uncluttered space.
Experts recommend using neutral tones for walls and furniture, with a few key statement pieces to keep the space from feeling too stark. Minimalist designs allow the TV and fireplace to stand out without overpowering the room.
4. Dual-Purpose Mantel
Incorporate a mantel that serves both as a decorative and functional space. A sleek, modern mantel can hold decorative items like candles or vases while also accommodating the TV above it.
Professional decorators suggest choosing a simple, floating mantel design to keep the space airy. Pair it with a well-chosen piece of artwork above the TV to create a cohesive and sophisticated focal point that draws the eye naturally.
5. TV and Fireplace Framing with Stone
Frame the TV and fireplace with complementary stone materials, such as marble, limestone, or slate. Stone adds texture and elegance to the room while ensuring both elements feel integrated and part of the same design scheme.
Experts recommend using a neutral stone palette that matches the rest of the room’s décor. The stone framing helps tie the TV and fireplace together, creating a balanced and professional look while maintaining an inviting, warm atmosphere.
6. Concealed TV with Automated Lift
Consider installing a motorized lift or cabinet that conceals the TV when not in use. With a simple press of a button, the TV emerges from a hidden compartment above the fireplace. This idea maximizes both form and function, allowing you to maintain a clean, stylish look when the TV is off.
Experts recommend integrating the lift with cabinetry or custom panels that match the style of the fireplace and surrounding room. This approach keeps the focus on the fireplace when the TV is hidden, ensuring your living room feels open, uncluttered, and visually balanced.
7. Framed Artwork TV
For a design that blurs the lines between technology and art, choose a frame that mimics a piece of artwork. Many modern TVs offer customizable art modes, displaying your favorite artwork or photographs when not in use.
Design professionals suggest pairing this setup with a traditional fireplace mantel, allowing the TV to double as an art display. This idea works particularly well in modern living rooms that want to incorporate technology without sacrificing the aesthetic value of the space.
8. Floating Shelf Media Console
Install a floating shelf beneath the TV for a modern and minimalist look. This shelf can hold media devices, decor, or small plants without taking up floor space. The floating shelf keeps the living room looking clean and uncluttered while offering practicality.
Experts recommend choosing a shelf made from wood or metal that complements the materials used in the fireplace area. Keeping the shelf design simple yet functional ensures that it doesn’t detract from the fireplace or TV but instead creates a stylish, integrated feature.
9. Black and White Contrast
Create a striking visual contrast by framing the TV and fireplace in black and white tones. Black cabinetry, a white fireplace surround, and a dark TV frame can create a dramatic and modern look that catches the eye.
Professional designers recommend using clean lines and geometric shapes to keep the design sleek and contemporary. This contrast enhances the room’s focal points, making the fireplace and TV stand out while maintaining a cohesive, balanced aesthetic.
10. Warm Wood Surround
For a natural, organic feel, frame the TV and fireplace with warm wood materials. This look works particularly well in rustic or mid-century modern spaces, creating a cozy, earthy vibe. Wood frames, mantels, and shelves can add texture and warmth to the living room.
Experts recommend using reclaimed wood or light oak finishes to add character and ensure the design feels welcoming. Pairing the wood with neutral furniture, woven textiles, and natural lighting creates an inviting atmosphere that feels balanced and relaxing.
11. Industrial Style with Exposed Elements
Embrace an industrial aesthetic by incorporating exposed beams, brick walls, or metal elements around the TV and fireplace. This style combines raw materials and modern technology to create an edgy yet inviting space.
Experts suggest using metal framing for the TV and fireplace surround, pairing it with a distressed wood mantel or concrete textures. The industrial look brings warmth and character to the room, while the exposed elements add an urban, modern touch. This design works well in loft-style apartments or contemporary homes looking for a bold statement piece.
12. Floor-to-Ceiling Design
For a dramatic effect, consider framing the TV and fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling surround made from materials like stone, wood, or tile. This design creates a striking focal point that draws the eye upward, making the room feel more spacious and grand.
Professional decorators recommend pairing large-format tiles or stacked stone for an elegant, uninterrupted look. Using the same material for both the fireplace and TV area ensures the design feels cohesive and harmonious, transforming the room into a visually captivating and luxurious space.
13. Recessed TV Wall
Integrate the TV into a recessed wall above the fireplace for a sleek, built-in look. This design ensures that the TV doesn’t protrude from the wall and provides a clean, modern appearance.
Experts recommend creating a shallow recess using drywall, stone, or wood paneling to match the overall room décor. The recessed TV wall can also hide cables and media equipment, resulting in a minimalist and tidy setup that complements the fireplace while maintaining a high-end, polished look.
14. Glass Fireplace Surround
For a contemporary twist, frame the fireplace with a sleek glass surround, allowing the TV to hang above it. This modern, transparent material complements the TV and fireplace while ensuring the design remains open and airy.
Design professionals suggest using tempered glass or acrylic to create a sleek and durable finish. This setup works well in modern homes with open floor plans, providing a seamless flow from one area to another while offering a high-tech, chic atmosphere.
15. Rustic Charm with Antique Accents
Incorporate rustic charm by framing the TV and fireplace with reclaimed wood, wrought iron accents, or vintage pieces. This approach blends traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, offering a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Experts suggest pairing distressed wood or antique finishes with a vintage-inspired mantel. This creates a timeless look that evokes nostalgia while still offering the benefits of a modern living room setup. Pairing with soft, warm lighting and cozy textiles completes the rustic-chic look for a room that feels both stylish and homey.
16. Statement Marble Surround
Incorporate luxurious marble as a surround for both the TV and fireplace. Marble’s natural veining and sophisticated appeal instantly elevate the room, adding a sense of timeless elegance.
Experts recommend choosing a white or light marble with subtle veins to keep the space airy and bright. Marble’s cool tones work beautifully with warm firelight, creating a balanced and visually appealing contrast. This design is perfect for those looking to add a touch of luxury while maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.
17. Built-In Cabinetry and Concealed Storage
Design custom cabinetry around the TV and fireplace to provide both visual appeal and storage. Concealed storage for media equipment, firewood, or decorative items keeps the space organized and clutter-free.
Professional decorators suggest incorporating sliding doors, hidden drawers, or pull-out shelving to maintain a streamlined, modern look. Matching the cabinetry with the fireplace surround ensures a cohesive and polished design, making this a functional and elegant solution for small or minimalist living rooms.
18. Colorful TV Frame with Statement Wall
Create a bold, dramatic look by framing the TV in a bright, colorful accent frame that contrasts with the neutral fireplace. This design adds a pop of color and personality to the room, making the TV area feel like a piece of art.
Experts recommend using deep jewel tones like emerald green, navy blue, or burnt orange for a statement-making effect. Pairing the colorful TV frame with a muted fireplace surround, like a natural stone or light wood, ensures the color doesn’t overwhelm the space while still adding visual interest and character.
19. Mid-Century Modern Styling
For a retro vibe, embrace mid-century modern styling by pairing the TV with a sleek wooden frame and a minimalist, low-profile fireplace. The key to this design is clean lines, simple shapes, and organic materials that complement both the TV and the fireplace.
Design professionals recommend using warm wood tones, such as walnut or teak, paired with neutral wall colors and vintage-inspired furnishings. This creates a nostalgic, yet contemporary, living room that feels both stylish and inviting, with the TV and fireplace working in perfect harmony.
20. Elegant Gold Accents
Incorporate gold or brass accents around the TV and fireplace to add a touch of glamour and sophistication. This design style pairs well with both modern and traditional settings, offering a luxurious yet understated look.
21. Floating TV and Fireplace Combo
Design a sleek, floating fireplace and TV combo that appears to “hover” above the floor, creating a modern, minimalist aesthetic. The floating design can be achieved by mounting the TV and fireplace on wall brackets or through custom cabinetry that allows the units to seem suspended in mid-air.
Experts recommend keeping the surrounding wall a neutral color, allowing the floating units to become the focal point of the room. This design gives the space a contemporary, airy feel while offering the practical benefit of floor space being left open for additional seating or décor.
22. Exposed Brick with Modern Touches
Frame your TV and fireplace with exposed brick to introduce rustic charm and texture into your living room. Brick is timeless, and when paired with modern, minimalist furniture, it creates a perfect blend of industrial and organic vibes.
Professional decorators suggest keeping the color palette neutral—like soft gray or white—on the rest of the walls and furniture. This ensures that the exposed brick wall remains the dominant feature, while the TV and fireplace integration feels stylish and cohesive. Paired with contemporary lighting fixtures, this setup adds both warmth and a touch of nostalgia to your modern living room.
23. Black Framed TV with White Fireplace Surround
For a bold yet sophisticated design, create a strong contrast between a black-framed TV and a white or light-colored fireplace surround. The dark TV frame highlights the technology while the bright fireplace brings a sense of openness and lightness.
Experts recommend using high-gloss finishes on the TV frame and matte finishes for the fireplace surround for added contrast. Pair this setup with minimalist décor and natural elements like wood or stone to soften the bold contrast and bring warmth to the space.
24. Rustic Stone and Wood Combination
Combine rustic stone and wood elements to frame the TV and fireplace for a nature-inspired, earthy design. This style emphasizes the beauty of natural materials and brings a rustic yet contemporary charm to the room.
Professional designers suggest using natural stone for the fireplace surround and reclaimed wood for the TV frame or cabinetry. The warm tones of the wood complement the cool, textured stone, creating a balanced and inviting space. Pairing this combination with soft textiles and neutral furniture enhances the organic modern feel.
25. TV Above a Wall-Mounted Electric Fireplace
If you’re looking for a more flexible, space-saving solution, consider mounting an electric fireplace with the TV above it. This setup works well in rooms where traditional wood-burning fireplaces aren’t feasible, but you still want to achieve the ambiance of a fire.
Final Thoughts
Designing a living room with a TV above the fireplace can be a beautiful and functional choice, but it requires careful planning to balance aesthetics and practicality. From framing the TV in custom cabinetry to incorporating unique materials like stone, wood, or metal, each idea presented offers a way to enhance your space while ensuring the TV and fireplace complement each other seamlessly.
Whether you’re looking for a modern minimalist approach, a rustic charm, or a high-tech design, these 25 ideas will help you create a stylish and functional focal point for your living room. By incorporating the right materials, textures, and lighting, you can transform your space into a cozy, inviting, and visually engaging room that caters to both relaxation and entertainment.
