Fitting a Fireplace Below a TV

With the growing popularity of flat screen televisions, more home-owners are looking for a solution to combat the fireplace competing with the TV as the focal point in their living room. We often get asked from customers on whether this is possible and this guide is offered to give you information on this subject including a selection of popular gas fires that will be suitable.

The first point to remember is that the literature supplied with televisions normally advises that the TV is never fitted above a heat source. With this in mind, this information is a guide only as to fireplaces that we are aware customers have fitted below TV's without any issues. It is ultimately your responsibility should you decide to fit a TV above any fire and fireplace. A small number of gas fire manufacturers do offer installation advice on their products within the instructions on fitting the fire below a TV. This normally consists of minimum clearances away from the fire of at least 300mm and should be followed carefully.

The only types of fires that are worth considering fitting below a TV are models that are designed more for effect rather than a heat source. A common gas fire that falls within this category is open-fronted, hole-in-the-wall gas fireplaces. Due to their design, this type of appliance looses a lot of the heat up the chimney and is best suited to people who are looking for a ambient focal point and not relying on it to heat the room. Basically a gas burner in a steel box enclosure, models such as the open-fronted Gazco Studio gas fire (pictured) are a popular choice for installation below a TV. Gazco also offer glass-fronted versions of this model which produce a high heat output and would not be suitable as the heat is likely to cause damage to any electric appliance fitted above.

Other popular gas fires that we are aware of customers fitting below TV's are; The Verine Vertex XL, Verine Atina (not HE model) and the Crystal Fires Jewel Hole-in-the-Wall Gas Fire. All of these models are classed as 'decorative effect' only and would not normally cause any issue when mounting a TV above as long as they are fitted to manufacturers instructions and into a well performing flue.

We have been told from customers and had images sent to us of customers that have fitted televisions above high output fires and even wood burning stoves. This is something that we would not recommend and entirely the customers choice if they take that risk. Some have claimed that they have not experienced any issues and others have fitted custom made shelves above the fire in a attempt to diffuse the heat away from the TV. Others have inset the TV into the wall. These have all been fitted with the customers being aware of the implications should the TV end up with damage. Any warranty claims for damage to the TV due to heat damage from the fireplace are likely to be void.

Electric fires are also a popular choice for fitting below TV's. Most people who have purchased electric fires do so mainly for the effect rather than heat. They can be enjoyed as a ambient feature throughout the year without the need to use the heater. Most electric fire manufacturers are aware that due to current interior design trends, it is popular to fit fires below a TV and due to this, they are now producing most wall-mounted models that have the heater positioned at the bottom. This is ideal as when you do decide to use the heater, the fan blows the heat down and away from the fire so it wouldn't go anywhere near any objects fitted above. Other models blow the heat produced from the side. There are still models that have the heater positioned at the top. If you do have a electric fire of this type and often use the heater function, we would advise on using caution and not fit a TV above.