We are just in the planning stage of building a new house and I am having that old problem of where to put the flat screen tv in our family/living room. My husband and I watch a lot of tv and as such, it is important that it be in the correct position for easy watching but also that it doesn't "encroach" on the design. I know many people have been putting them above the fireplace, but my concern is that it might be too high for easy viewing. Plus, I always thought it would be nice to have a beautiful mirror or artwork above the fireplace and wonder if a tv up there might just not fit my tastes. Does anyone have any new ideas? Our family room will probably be medium/large in size (maybe roughly 20' x 20' or so - no design yet) and we definitely want a fireplace. My design style is "transitional" - I hope the bones of the room/house will be classic and timeless but not too stuffy. Warm, inviting, comfortable but not too precious. And since we are not locked into a particular room size or design yet, in theory we have a clean slate and can plan whatever we want in order to accommodate the tv. (We live in a rural area and we don't get the opportunity to see many newer homes though, to see what is being done these days). Thanks.
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Hi building, there are couple ways to organize this situation, either have the TV above the fireplace, or have them side by side. Another option is to have the TV perpendicular to the fireplace so you'll have 2 focal points in the room. Notice the 1st pic has a relatively low fireplace opening, hence a more natural view angle from the sofa.
Hello building,
Have you read Sally Armstrong's blog post on where to hang her TV? You may find it useful:
http://houseandhome.com/blogs/house-home-daily/hanging-tvs
Good luck!
Gwen McAuley (gmcauley at hhmedia.com)
You are right about the tv being too high up if you put it above your fire place. It depends on the where your existing mantel is. Can you do built ins beside the fireplace? Put the tv behind doors within the built ins.
Here are some images.
Put on a swivel and pull out when needed.
this is more what I had in mind. I have seen this set up but instead of doors, it was a flat panel that had apicture hung on it and it slid on a track to the right or left (would cover up some of the books/bookshelves) when you wanted to watch tv. Could do the same thing but with 2 smaller doors and they would slid to the right and left when open.
Similar to the one above.
Tv off to one side.
this one looks like you have roll up wall hanging in front of it.
this has a sliding picture in front of it
Hidden with bifold door
the is always the mirror turns tv option
And the pop up version out of furniture.
Hope this helps give some inspiration and ideas.