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Discussion Forum

fireplace tv height

sawtater | Posted in General Discussion on February 20, 2008 07:58am

Here’s a fireplace & shelfs I recently finished.As usual, I think the tv is too high for comfortable viewing, but thats where the H.O. wanted it. Anyone have similar piccs to compare tv placement?

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  1. JMadson | Feb 20, 2008 08:05am | #1

    Sawtater - jpeg files are already as compressed as they can be. Zipping it doesn't really make it much smaller.

    Here's a resized version for the dial-uppers.

     

     
  2. DougU | Feb 20, 2008 02:44pm | #2

    We do a lot of flat screens over the mantle stuff and I'm sorta tiring of the whole concept.

    I don't think that I would have one in my house because they seam to high for normal viewing. And I don't have a GREAT ROOM like some of the houses that I work in so putting a big flat screen up over an oversized mantle in a room 25' X 30' doesn't make a lot of sense to me!

    OTOH in some settings where its a large room(like I mentioned in the above paragraph) that is used for entertaining then maybe its not such a bad idea, think large Super Bowl party, or something of that nature.

    I think the whole idea is faddish and that's why we see so many TVs above the mantles.

    Doug

    1. User avater
      ToolFreakBlue | Feb 20, 2008 05:13pm | #4

      I don't see the logic is placing a $1,000 to $3,000 piece of electronic equipment above a source of heat like that. Electronics aside the screen can't enjoy it either.
      TFB (Bill)

      1. User avater
        JDRHI | Feb 21, 2008 04:05am | #13

        Got one better for ya.

        Large, flat screen (on a stand), atop an enclosed radiator, in front of a window.

        Told the HO I hoped he paid extra for the extended warranty, cause he wasn't gettin' 90 days out of it with that set up.

        Beware the bikini clad female.

        She may be interpreted as offensive.

         

         

    2. User avater
      CapnMac | Feb 21, 2008 02:29am | #6

      whole idea is faddish and that's why we see so many TVs above the mantles

      Actually, I think it's from too many of the big national builders haveing drafters (or sales weasels) and not designers turning out drawings.  So, fireplaces get made the "focus" of non-formal living spaces. 

      So, people move in, and where do you put the furniture?  Towards the 'focus.'  Wher do you put the tv, then?  Either next to the f/p or over the fool thing.

      Would have thought the best, A-number-one, primary reason to not put the tv over the mantle would have been obvious this last holiday season.  Gonna hang stockings under the tv with care?  Do you get to watch tv through the christmas village set up on the mantle?

      I have a middling easy fix for these planbook plans; move the fireplace to the unsued formal living room afflicted upon such plans (it can then be re-purposed as an ad hoc Away room).  Take the "empty" space in the family/great/entertainment room and just leave it alone.  The people who move in can cluttter it up however suits them best (instead of just like the model home by the sales center <sigh>).

      I have strong opinions on this; others' differ.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

      1. peteshlagor | Feb 21, 2008 02:57am | #7

        But EVERY room needs at least one TV.  Sometimes, 3 or more.

         

        1. User avater
          CapnMac | Feb 21, 2008 09:28am | #16

          But EVERY room needs at least one TV

          <g>

          Set a 28" on the hearth in front of the f/p, put the power under a w/p plate in one brick; then cable under another.  That way, it can all move when a fire is wanted.Occupational hazard of my occupation not being around (sorry Bubba)

  3. peteshlagor | Feb 20, 2008 04:53pm | #3

    What's the deal with the fingerjointed stained trim around the TV?

     

     

    1. Kivi | Feb 20, 2008 06:08pm | #5

      yea... that is an... unusual choice.

    2. sawtater | Feb 21, 2008 03:39am | #10

      The trim was going to be painted until the H.O. saw a tv show that featured similar finger jointed trim.She said she liked the contrast.I tried to argue but lost.

  4. User avater
    Matt | Feb 21, 2008 03:07am | #8

    I'm pretty much with Doug.  I think it would suck being that high, but I've done a number of 'em like that - whatever people want to spend their money on...  And yes I think it's a fad.

    One time that it might make sense is in a smaller house where the family room really isn't big enough for couch, coffee table, chair, end table, fireplace and the big TV.

    1. peteshlagor | Feb 21, 2008 03:33am | #9

      A higher mounted TV makes a difference for those watching while laying on the couch.

      Or in a bedroom.  Up high on top of a dresser is a nice spot.

       

    2. Treetalk | Feb 21, 2008 03:41am | #11

      Im sorry i think that whole new fad of making the TV way up there like a great work of art is STUPID and a P.I.T.Neck! Mite be good for chiropracters or people in a neck brace. Forget about laying on a couch and watching .. i know for me at least as the evening wears on my head is nodding downward not skyward .

  5. User avater
    JDRHI | Feb 21, 2008 04:01am | #12

    I don't think there's anything worse one can do to a fireplace than a TV on top.

    Ranks up there with a sofa on the front porch.

    Beware the bikini clad female.

    She may be interpreted as offensive.

     

     


    1. DougU | Feb 21, 2008 04:31am | #14

      I don't think there's anything worse one can do to a fireplace than a TV on top.

      Plus where you gonna put the velvet Elvis!

      Gotta go drag the couch off the front porch.

      Doug

      1. User avater
        JDRHI | Feb 21, 2008 05:31am | #15

        Poker playing dogs in this house!

        Beware the bikini clad female.

        She may be interpreted as offensive.

         

         

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