Going through the hundreds and thousands of interior design inspirations each month, we have observed that the trend of placing the flat screen television above the fireplace is catching on like wildfire indeed! Pretty much every homeowner now wants their brand new LED placed ever so beautifully above the dreamy, modern fireplace. So, why is this design trend gaining popularity at such a rapid rate? While there are plenty of reasons, the major factor is the form of the sleek, modern TV.

by ibrahim radwan

With television sets now becoming ultra-light, super sleek and far more energy-efficient, designers are more comfortable placing them above the fireplace mantel. While we previously decorated the festive fireplace mantel with ornaments and photographs, it seems like modern minimalism has changed that trend. (Barring the holiday season, of course.)

But placing the TV above the fireplace is a choice that involves careful consideration. Read on to discover both sides of the story while you admire the images that follow:

by Cathers Home

by Julie Williams Design

by Revival Arts Architectural Photography

by Jae Chang

by Andrea Braund Home Staging & Design

by Ziger/Snead Architects

Weighing the Pros and Cons

Let us start off by discussing the functionality of the idea before we take a look at aesthetics. Placing the TV above the fireplace does have its share of problems. Experts at installing home theater systems insist that if you are going for this look, it is best to give the TV niche doors of its own. An even better approach is to wall-mount it or put it on a stand that will give you the flexibility of angling it downward. This is a very important part of placing the television above a fireplace.

by Arthur Rutenberg Homes

by AMW Design Studio

The angle ensures that you do not experience throbbing  neck pain every 5 minutes you watch the TV that high up on the wall. It also gives the best possible picture quality, as most flat-screen TVs are best viewed from a certain angle. Also, consider a narrow, rectangular fireplace that allows you to place the TV a lot lower. The heat radiation from the fireplace, the distance between the two and the wiring required for the TV need to be factored in before you make the final call.

by Ryan Group Architects

by Jenna Pizzigati-Coppola

by The Cross Design

by Windham Studio

What Better Place than the Bedroom!

The further up the wall you place the TV, the more distance you need between the wall and the seating. So even while the idea is a great space-saver, it might not always be the best way to display your television in a really small room. But, if you have an unusually narrow and small bedroom, then the TV above the fireplace seems like a wonderful idea. The bedroom is one place where this approach leads to a wonderful, picture-perfect setting. By placing both the fireplace and the TV on the same wall, you are creating an instant focal point. Since you will be viewing the TV from your bed, the stress factor on your neck is also not an issue here.

by Annette English

The trick is to blend the TV into the rest of the accent wall and to ensure that both the fireplace and the TV have a few common, connecting design elements. Check the mounting equipment, wire management, power supply, angles and aesthetics before you make the final decision. A couple of bookshelves or some amazing wall art helps add to the charm of the fireplace and TV combo.

by Cathers Home

by Crisp Architects

by David Marquardt Architectural Photography

Taking the Magic Outdoors

If you have a lavish home with ample space and you can enjoy separate spots for both the TV and the fireplace, then that might be the better option. While the current trend is seeing many opt for the sleek fireplace and the television above it, this is a design idea best used while crafting a comfy patio that plays host to summer parties, friends and family. Since you are trying to create a beautiful pergola or a stunning gazebo next to the pool with probably just a single focal point, the TV-fireplace combo is indeed the ideal option. Since most outdoor spaces are anchored around the cozy fireplace, this also makes perfect sense.

by Room Service Home Technologies

by Design Focus

Photography by Danny Piassick

Do review the fireplace and the chimney venting system before making the final call. You can alter the design of the mantel to change the heat flow so as to keep your TV more protected. At the end of the day, putting a fireplace above the TV is a personal choice–do not be forced into it just because the wiring is already in place!

by Magni Inc

by Rice Residential Design

by Spinnaker Development

by Kikuchi + Kankel Design Group

by Lakeville Homes

by Dyna Contracting / Aaron Leitz Fine Photography