You might be planning to install a fireplace TV stand at home. TV stands with a fireplace are trendy, versatile, and stylish and make the room cozy. But would it be safe to use one in the long term?
While some say yes, others say no. We say it depends. This question has no clear answer. A TV stand with a fireplace can be safe and risky, depending on what kind of fireplace it is, the amount of heat it generates, and the room’s layout.
In short, many people agree that electric fireplace TV stands are relatively safe. This is because the electric fireplace doesn’t generate as much heat as a gas or wood-burning fireplace. However, there’s more to know before you make the final decision.
Read on!
Does the Fireplace Generate Excess Heat?
One of the main purposes of a fireplace is to generate heat, so yes. It does produce more heat when used constantly for hours. However, the heat generated by fireplaces doesn’t always make the TV stand hot.
Fireplace TV stands are made to withstand the heat generated by the fireplaces installed in them. The material will sustain heat and prevent the stand from getting too hot to touch or transferring it to the TV.
Yet, heat spreads around the area and will reach the TV. If the fireplace generates more than 100°F heat, it can affect the components in the TV and cause damage. Storing DVDs and media consoles in such stands can affect them too. Safety concerns are valid and should be taken into account.
A fireplace TV stand can be safe if you take the necessary precautions. Before we learn the safety measures, let’s look at the risk of using a hot fireplace TV stand to mount the television.
Risk Involved in TV Stands with Fireplace
Damaged Components
The space around the fireplace is warmer than the rest of the room. This heat can gradually affect the internal components of the television (especially if you own an old plasma TV) and damage them over time. The lifespan of the TV and media devices will decrease if they are constantly exposed to higher temperatures.
Nullified Warranty
Most manufacturers don’t replace parts damaged by heat. So even if the TV is still under warranty, it may not be applicable if the unit is affected because of its proximity to the fireplace. The warranty may be nullified.
Maintenance Effort
Electric fireplaces are easy to clean, but gas and wood-burning fireplaces require more maintenance. The ash from burnt wood has to be removed regularly.
The air vents should be kept clean to prevent overheating a gas fireplace. The cable box and tempered glass cabinet doors in the TV stand also need cleaning.
Viewing Angle
Traditional fireplaces tend to be big. Placing a flat-screen TV above them will change the viewing angle and cause neck strain. The TV will be higher than the eye level. This also affects the images on the screen as the LCD TV is designed for a straight view.
Safety Tips to Follow When Using Fireplace TV Stands
Use Electric Fireplace
An electric fireplace unit produces little or no heat, depending on the model you choose. Using an electric fireplace TV stand is a safe option as it doesn’t produce enough heat to damage the TV’s components.
Many electric fireplace TV stands generate 3000BTU (British Thermal Units) to 4000BTU of heat and come with adjustable heat settings. The timer function will automatically shut off the heat when the room temperature touches a certain point. They can warm a room up to 400 square feet.
The best electric fireplace TV stand is the one with remote control, cable management, projecting led lights for realistic flames, comes with adjustable shelves, and has enough storage space for the DVD player and video game consoles.
Install a Mantel
A mantel is an effective method to prevent the heat output from the fireplace to affect the TV above it.
That said, the mantel should have a depth of 10 inches or more. It should withstand the heat produced by the fireplace and prevent it from reaching the TV. This method is cost-effective when you already have a fireplace and want to keep the TV safe.
Wall Mount the TV
Wall-mounting TV results in a gap between the unit and the fireplace TV stand. This allows the heat to dissipate instead of directly hitting the TV.
But you should be sure that heat doesn’t travel through the wall. This can happen with old fireplaces. Newer models are relatively better designed. The fireplace TV stand will work as a decorative unit while the TV will be safe on the wall.
Gap Between TV and TV Stand
Don’t place the TV directly on the fireplace TV stand. Ensure that there is at least six inches’ gap between the top of the TV stand and the TV’s bottom.
At the same time, you need to see that the TV is not installed above your eye level. Watching TV will hurt your neck if the screen is too high. Buy a fireplace TV stand after measuring the TV size and adding six inches to it.
Ventilation and Cross Breeze
Ventilation brings fresh air into the room and maintains the temperature. It prevents overheating of the fireplace, which can damage the TV on the stand. A corner fireplace TV stand can be a risky choice unless there is enough airflow around the unit.
Don’t Block Airflow
Double-check this for gas fireplace TV stands. The airflow is designed to maintain the optimum temperature of the fireplace TV stand.
Improper installation can block the airflow and cause hot air buildup in the confined space. The cables and TV will be affected over time (even if the fireplace has an auto-shut-off feature).
Infrared Fireplace TV Stands
An infrared heater uses a quartz heating element to generate heat. The infrared light passes through the quartz to heat up the air in the room without releasing smoke or consuming excess electricity.
In addition to being easy to install, it is also easy to maintain and is energy-efficient. It is also safe to use and doesn’t harm the TV stand or the television. This model provides supplemental heat and creates a cozy atmosphere in the living room.
Flame-Only Fireplace TV Stands
Another method to ensure the safety of the fireplace TV stand is by investing in a flame-only model. Some fireplace TV stands don’t generate heat and have no heating power.
The flame effects are caused by LED lights (built-in lighting), which can be changed to different colors. It can look like a real fire in the fireplace without producing heat.
Conclusion
TV stand fireplaces are safe enough if you opt for electric fireplaces and take the necessary precautions to allow airflow and ventilation. Use a room temperature thermometer to measure the heat in the room and keep it to less than 100°F.
With proper planning and care, you can use fireplace TV stands with electric inserts to install television above the fireplace and create a beautiful ambiance in the room.
FAQs
1.What is the maximum weight a fireplace TV stand can hold?
There is no standard weight a fireplace TV stand can hold. However, many models are designed to carry up to 200 lbs of weight. Check the product specifications to confirm.
2.Can my TV handle 100°F heat generated by the fireplace?
Many TVs cannot handle more than 100°F heat. The screen and the components can be damaged. It is not recommended to place a TV near high-heat sources.
3.What is the best TV size to install over the fireplace?
The average TV size to install over a fireplace stand would be 55 to 65 inches. To create a viewing angle between 15 and 30 degrees, the TV should be placed 6 feet and 5 inches away from the seating arrangement.
The TV’s size will vary based on the size of the fireplace and the room’s layout. A small room needs a small TV stand to make it the focal point of the entertainment center.
