Can You Put a TV Above a Fireplace or Wood Burner?
Yes, sometimes. The better question is whether you should.
Updated September 2026 · 7 min read
A TV above a fireplace can look tidy because the fireplace is already the focal point of the room. It can also be too high, too hot, awkward to cable and uncomfortable to watch. Both things can be true.
Before anyone drills into the chimney breast, check four things: heat, height, structure and cable route.
Heat Comes First
TVs do not like heat. A decorative electric fire is usually easier to deal with than a wood burner or gas fire, but assumptions are risky. The wall temperature should be checked with the fire running as it normally would.
A mantle can deflect heat, but it is not magic. If the wall above the fireplace gets hot to the touch, the TV is in the wrong place.
Viewing Height Matters
The most common problem is neck strain. A TV mounted for symmetry can end up far above eye level. That may be acceptable for occasional viewing, but it is poor for a main cinema screen.
A pull-down bracket can help, but it adds weight, cost and complexity. It also needs a wall strong enough to handle the leverage.
Chimney Breasts Are Not All the Same
Some chimney breasts are solid masonry. Some have voids, liners, old flues, dot-and-dab plasterboard or previous fireplace work hidden inside. Fixings must suit the wall, the TV size and the bracket type.
This is why a proper TV wall mounting assessment matters. The bracket is only as good as the wall it is fixed to.
Cable Hiding
Power, HDMI, aerial, network and speaker cables need a route. Running an extension lead inside a wall is not the answer. Depending on the room, the neat solution may be chased cables, an alcove route, a media cabinet, surface trunking or a proper media wall.
Plan cables before the TV goes up. Retrofitting them afterwards is how tidy jobs become expensive.
The Honest Answer
Mount a TV above a fireplace only when the heat is safe, the height is comfortable, the wall is suitable and the cable route is planned. If any of those fail, choose a different wall. A TV you enjoy watching beats a TV that only looks good when switched off.
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Book Free SurveyFrequently Asked Questions
Can you put a TV above a fireplace?
Sometimes, but only if heat, viewing height, wall structure and cable routes are suitable. Many fireplace TV installs look good in photos but are uncomfortable or risky in real rooms.
Can heat damage a TV above a fireplace?
Yes. Excess heat can shorten the life of a TV and may void warranty. The area should be temperature checked with the fire running before installation.
Is a TV above a wood burner safe?
It can be safe only where clearances, heat output, mantle design and wall temperature are suitable. Wood burners often make this harder than decorative electric fires.
How do you hide cables for a TV above a fireplace?
Cable hiding depends on the wall. Options include chased cables, trunking, cupboards, alcoves, media walls or rerouting through adjacent spaces. Power should be installed safely, not run through a wall on an extension lead.