The TV fireplace Dilemma
The Fireplace has, traditionally, been the center focal point in the living, or family room because it was always a source of heat and even entertainment. We could spend time watching flames licking around wood logs and burning embers popping and sparking. Sadly the wood burning fireplace is becoming a thing of the past.

The gas and electric, and even ethanol fueled fireplace augmented with fans and special effects have replaced wood fueled flames. People enjoy the convenience of turning it on with a flick of a switch or even a remote control.

We have yet another focal point to compete with the fireplace for viewing pleasure. The TV is growing ever larger. But it’s large size presents a challenge for many rooms.

How to incorporate the newer sized flat screens WITH the fireplace and all the newer components has been a center of activity in design so I thought I’d share a few ideas with you on how I’ve overcome some of the problems I’ve encountered and solved.
The Entertainment Wall
The Parts
First of all it’s surprising how many trades, items and components are needed to consider when you design a fireplace entertainment area.

1) Layout - the space planning
2) TV: size, weight and style
3) Accompanying components ie cable box, DVD player, receivers, stereo etc.
4) Speakers
5) Wireless Control
6) Built-in LED lighting and switches
7) Fireplace: style, venting or chimney, and model
8) Fuel source: gas or electric
9) Power source
10) Noncombustible facing material
11) Storage needed: function, cabinetry, finishes, and accessories
12) The millwork, crown, built-ins construction, species and finishes
13) Codes, manufacturer requirements AND MEASUREMENTS!

And don’t forget the most important part-the budget.

You can see in the city condo, in the photo above, an entertainment wall with all the parts listed above. There is a 6” deep shelf to protect the TV from the heat of the fireplace by recessing it back. By recessing the TV we could lower it to 12” above the heat source. This is the usual building code requirement.

Venting
The west-end has many original “B-vent” gas fireplaces that limit the styles available to replace them with. We found this one but it needed a nice trim so we used American Black granite.
Always start your project by learning about the venting, because it will dictate the location of your fireplace, what types of fireplaces you can choose from and if you can move it at all.

The Position of the TV
Most existing fireplaces plus their mantles are too high, to be comfortable, to watch above the fireplace.
Unless you have a 30” to 32” high fireplace opening (after finished floor) you’ll have to crane your neck if you place the TV above the mantle.

So we opt to either reduce the fireplace height and add mantle or recess it, as in the above photo OR put TV off to the side.
Since the furniture layout is usually best positioned to face the fireplace (accept in some 3-sided or room divider type fireplace layouts) the TV is best positioned on the FP wall.
Solve the problem with asymmetrical balance
This plan incorporated an articulating arm to mount the TV to enable it to be angled in the room. The niche to the left of the fireplace was awkward, angled and shallow. The built-in fills in the space and supplies support of the TV and the much needed storage + lighting.
Finish out the whole wall with coordinating cabinetry
If you have the space on the side of the fireplace you might want to have custom built-ins done so you can run wiring and hide it in and behind the cabinets. Extra lighting can be added to enhance the look and mood of the space. Plenty of storage can be add to a section of otherwise utilized space in your home. If crafted nicely, the TV, and the Fireplace, together, are back to their rightful place as the grand focal point of the room with many pleasing functions and pleasure.
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Custom Cabinetry page
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