Yes, you can put a TV above a fireplace, but you need to leave the right amount of space between them depending on your fireplace type. Built-in electric fireboxes need at least 20 cm of space, zero-clearance gas models like Escea's DS and DF Series need at least 20 cm (200 mm), standard gas models like Real Flame need at least 30 cm (300 mm), and wood-burning fireplaces need at least 50 cm.
This guide covers 4 ways to set up a TV and fireplace in the same room, the safe distances for each fireplace type, and what heat actually does to a TV. It also covers the most common mistakes and what to check before you put anything on the wall.
4 Ways to Position Your TV and Fireplace Together
The layout you pick affects how much heat reaches the TV, how comfortable it is to watch, and how much wall space you need. These are the 4 setups most used in Australian living rooms.
1. TV Mounted Directly Above the Fireplace
This is the most popular setup in Australian homes because it uses one wall for both features and works well in smaller rooms.
It suits electric fireplaces best, since they push heat forward and down rather than up. Gas fireplaces need a mantel shelf and confirmed clearance, and wood-burning fireplaces should not be used with this layout when the fire is lit.
2. TV and Fireplace Side by Side on the Same Wall
Putting the TV next to the fireplace on the same wall removes any heat risk to the screen. This works well on longer walls in open-plan Australian homes.
It is the safest layout for gas and wood-burning fireplaces. The TV can sit at eye level without having to clear a firebox or mantel, so the viewing angle is better.
3. TV and Fireplace on Adjacent or Opposite Walls
Putting the TV and fireplace on different walls removes all heat risk and gives each one its own wall space. This works well in L-shaped or larger rooms where the seating can face both.
This is also the only real option for freestanding and suspended fireplaces, since the exposed flue makes it impossible to mount a TV directly above.
4. TV and Fireplace Built Into a Custom Media Wall
Both the TV and fireplace are built into a single joinery unit on one wall, with the fireplace sitting in its own cavity and all cabling hidden behind panels or cabinetry.
This works best with built-in electric fireboxes, which need no flue and minimal clearance. A licensed electrician must check the cable route and power point positions before the joinery is finished.
Which Layout Is Right for Your Space?
Use this table to compare all four options before you decide on a layout.
| Layout | Best Fireplace Type | Heat Risk to TV | Viewing Height | Space Required | Design Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TV above fireplace | Electric (safest); gas with clearance | Medium to high without proper clearance | Can be too high; tilt mount recommended | Low; single focal wall | Symmetrical; strong focal point |
| Side by side, same wall | All types | Negligible | Ideal; TV at eye level | Medium; needs wider wall | Balanced; each feature independent |
| Different walls | All types including freestanding | None | Ideal; TV at eye level | High; needs larger or L-shaped room | Each feature has full presence |
| Custom media wall | Electric firebox (strongly preferred) | Low if designed correctly | Controlled; TV height set by joinery design | Low; maximises one wall | Premium; seamless integrated look |
How Far Should a TV Be from a Fireplace?
Most TVs are built to work in rooms where the temperature stays below 35-40°C. If the air or wall near the screen gets hotter than 40°C on a regular basis, the parts inside the TV start to wear out faster than they should.
Use this table as a starting point, then check the installation manual for your specific fireplace model to confirm the exact figure.
| Fireplace Type | Minimum TV Clearance (bottom of TV to top of fireplace) | Mantel or Heat Shield Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electric (built-in / recessed) | 20 cm minimum | Not typically required | Heat vents forward and down on most models; flame can run without heat. Always check manufacturer spec for your specific unit. |
| Electric (wall-mounted) | 30 cm to 38 cm minimum | Recommended for models with upward-venting heat | Wall-mounted units with top-venting heat need more clearance than recessed models. |
| Gas (standard built-in, e.g. Real Flame) | 30 cm minimum (300 mm per Real Flame spec) | Yes; projecting mantel recommended | Real Flame confirms 300 mm minimum across all their gas models. Always check your specific model's installation manual. |
| Gas (freestanding) | TV should not be mounted above | N/A | Freestanding fires have a flue that obstructs TV mounting above. Position TV to the side instead. |
| Wood-burning (open fireplace) | 50 cm minimum; 60 cm or more strongly recommended | Yes; deep mantel shelf required | Open fireplaces produce the most heat and can also produce soot and embers. Most experts and fireplace installers advise against mounting a TV above an actively used wood-burning fireplace. |
| Wood-burning (slow combustion / insert) | 50 cm minimum | Yes; heat deflector or deep mantel required | Slow combustion inserts produce less radiant heat than open fires but surface and wall temperatures can still exceed 40°C directly above. Test with a thermometer before mounting. |
| Decorative only (no heat) | No minimum required | No | A fireplace that is never used poses no heat risk to a TV mounted above it. |
Will Heat from a Fireplace Damage My TV?
Yes, heat from a fireplace can damage a TV over time. Most TV brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic say the air around the screen must stay below 35-40°C, and heat damage is not covered by warranty.
The type of screen matters when it comes to how much heat it can handle.
LCD and LED TVs Above a Fireplace
LCD and LED TVs handle heat better than OLED screens. They can still be damaged by heat over time, but they hold up better than OLED in an above-fireplace setup when the right clearance is in place.
OLED TVs Above a Fireplace
OLED screens are much more sensitive to heat than LCD screens. The panel is very thin and has no heat buffer behind it, so several OLED brands specifically say not to mount their TVs above a heat-producing fireplace.
What Heat Does to a TV Over Time
Heat damage builds up slowly and does not always show right away. Over time, solder joints weaken, capacitors fail early, LCD backlights develop dark spots, and OLED panels can get burn-in or dead pixels.
A TV above a wood fire that is only used a few times a year might last years before showing any problems. The same TV above a gas fire used every day in a small room could show screen damage in as little as 18 months.
TV Above Fireplace: Works Well When...
- The fireplace is electric with forward-venting heat and meets the 20 cm minimum clearance
- A projecting mantel shelf deflects rising heat away from the screen
- The room is well ventilated with adequate ceiling height
- The TV is an LCD or LED model (not OLED)
- A thermometer test confirms wall temperature stays below 35°C
TV Above Fireplace: Avoid When...
- The fireplace is wood-burning and actively used
- The TV is an OLED panel
- There is no mantel, heat shield, or projecting shelf above the firebox
- The room has a low ceiling that traps rising heat
- The fireplace is used at high output for several hours at a time
A suspended fireplace and TV on separate walls - an ideal layout for freestanding and suspended fires where mounting above is not possible.
Common Mistakes When Mounting a TV Above a Fireplace
-
Not checking the fireplace manufacturer's clearance specification.
Every fireplace model has its own required gap between the top of the unit and the bottom of the TV. Escea's DS and DF Series need 200 mm, Real Flame models need 300 mm, and an open wood-burning fireplace should not have a TV above it at all. -
Mounting the TV too high for comfortable viewing.
The best TV height for most seated Australian adults is 100-115 cm from the floor to the centre of the screen. A fireplace and mantel push the TV higher than this, so if the centre ends up above 130 cm, a tilt mount that angles the screen downward is the fix. -
Not planning cable management before installation.
Cables running near a fireplace surround need to be rated for heat; standard plastic-insulated cable is not safe near a heat source. A licensed electrician must check the cable route and confirm it meets Australian Standards before the wall is closed up. -
Assuming the wall temperature is safe without testing it.
A masonry wall above a fireplace absorbs heat from the firebox below and can be much hotter than the air in the room. Always use an infrared thermometer to check the wall at the planned mounting point after 2 hours of fireplace use. -
Choosing a fireplace after the TV is already mounted.
If you pick a fireplace to fit under an existing TV, you may find the clearance requirements are not met at that height. Always start with the fireplace clearance spec and work the TV position up from there. -
Ignoring the warranty implications.
Samsung, LG, Sony, and Panasonic all specifically exclude heat damage from fireplace proximity in their warranty terms. If your TV fails because of heat exposure, you will need to pay for the replacement yourself.
TV Viewing Height and Mounting Position Guide
Putting a TV above a fireplace almost always means the screen ends up higher than the best viewing position. Use the numbers below to check if the height will work before you commit.
| Measurement | Recommended Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal TV centre height from floor | 100 cm to 115 cm | Eye level for most Australian adults when seated. Above 130 cm becomes uncomfortable for extended viewing. |
| Typical mantel height from floor | 110 cm to 130 cm | Varies by fireplace model and surround. The TV bottom edge will sit above this. |
| Minimum clearance above mantel to TV bottom | 18 cm to 25 cm | Depends on fireplace type and whether a heat deflector is in place. |
| Result: typical TV centre height above fireplace | 130 cm to 165 cm | Higher than ideal for most viewers. A tilt mount is strongly recommended to angle the screen downward. |
| Minimum viewing distance from screen | TV screen size (cm) / 0.55 | Example: a 140 cm (55") TV needs approximately 255 cm of viewing distance for comfortable picture quality. |
If the centre of the screen ends up above 130 cm from the floor, a tilt mount that angles the screen down by 10-15 degrees will fix the viewing angle. You do not need to move the TV lower.
Which Fireplace Type Works Best With a TV Above It?
The type of fireplace you have is the biggest factor in whether putting a TV above it is safe, possible with conditions, or not recommended at all.
Choose a built-in electric fireplace for the safest TV-above setup. Electric fireboxes push heat forward and down, need no flue, and can run the flame effect with zero heat output, so clearances are small and there is very little risk to the TV.
Choose a zero-clearance gas fireplace if you want real flames and heat with the TV above. Escea's DS and DF Series allow as little as 200 mm from the top of the firebox to the bottom of the TV, and Real Flame models need at least 300 mm, but both need a licensed gas fitter for installation and a thermometer check before the TV goes up.
Do not mount a TV above a wood-burning fireplace if you use it regularly. Wood fires produce the most heat, the hottest wall temperatures, and can send out soot and embers, so even with 50 cm of clearance and a deep mantel, the TV is likely to be damaged over time and the warranty will be void.
Do not mount a TV above a freestanding or suspended fireplace. The flue runs straight up above the unit and physically blocks the space where the TV would go, so use a different wall instead.
Top 5 Tips for Planning a TV and Fireplace Together
These are the most important things to sort out before you mount anything.
-
Start with the fireplace clearance spec, not the TV position.
Get the installation manual for your fireplace before you decide where to mount the TV. Add up the mantel height, the clearance gap, and any heat deflector space to find the lowest point where the bottom of the TV can safely sit. -
Test the wall temperature before you mount.
Run the fireplace at normal output for 2 hours, then use an infrared thermometer to check the wall at the planned TV position. If the reading is above 35°C, you need more clearance or a deeper mantel before the TV goes up. -
Plan your cable route before the wall is sealed.
Any cable running near a fireplace surround must be rated for heat; regular plastic-insulated cable is not safe in those areas. A licensed electrician must sign off on the route and confirm it meets Australian Standards before the wall is closed up. -
Use a tilt mount if the TV centre will sit above 120 cm.
A TV screen centred above 120 cm from the floor is above the comfortable viewing height for most people sitting down. A wall mount that tilts the screen down by 10-15 degrees fixes the angle without moving the TV to a lower position. -
Choose an electric firebox if you have not decided yet.
An electric built-in firebox needs no flue, no gas line, and minimal clearance, and you can run the flames with no heat at all. For any media wall where the TV goes above the fireplace, it is the simplest and lowest-risk option.
Suggested Fireplaces from Schots for TV-Above Installations
Evo 750 Electric Firebox
$1,899.00
- 75 cm wide built-in electric firebox; suited to compact media walls and smaller living areas where a narrower firebox aligns with the TV width or sits cleanly below a 55" to 65" screen
- Patented Revillusion flame technology doubles the visual depth of the firebox; ceramic Nordic logs and coals with a glowing ember bed; flame effect runs with or without heat for year-round ambience
- Up to 2kW heat output; no flue required; easy installation; minimal clearance to TV above makes it one of the most TV-compatible fireplace options available in Australia
- Available in three sizes (750, 900, 900P); optional accessories for a more defined finish; part of the Real Flame Evo range, distributed through Schots
Evo 900 Electric Firebox
$2,299.00
- 90 cm wide built-in landscape electric firebox; creates excellent visual symmetry below a 65" to 75" TV on a media wall or feature wall; the most popular size in the Evo range for living room installations
- Patented Revillusion flame technology with ceramic Nordic logs, coals, and glowing ember bed; multiple light setting options transform the ambience of the room with or without warmth
- Up to 2kW heat output; no flue required; directs heat outward rather than upward, making it well suited to TV-above configurations in Australian homes
- Recesses neatly into a standard wall cavity; optional door and surround accessories available; suitable for both new builds and renovation installations
Evo 900 Portrait Electric Firebox
$2,399.00
- Portrait-orientation 90 cm tall electric firebox; suited to narrow feature walls and media wall designs where vertical visual interest is preferred over a wide landscape format below a TV
- Offers the same Revillusion flame technology and 2kW heat output as the landscape Evo 900, but in a taller, narrower format that works well in hallways, narrow living areas, or as a column feature beside a TV
- No flue required; minimal clearance requirements; flame can run without heat, making it practical in warmer Australian climates where ambience rather than heating is the primary purpose
- Part of the Real Flame Evo range available through Schots; available with optional surround and door accessories for a more defined finished installation
Dimplex 34" Prism Wall Mounted Electric Fire
$1,299.95
- 34" (86 cm) wall-mounted electric fire with the original Dimplex Flame Effect; surface-mounted format suits rooms where recess installation is not possible or desired
- Choice of acrylic ice media bed or white pebbles; Media Accent Colours allow personalisation of the ember and flame bed to suit the room's colour palette
- Wired installation; seamless flush-to-wall mounting; suited to apartments, units, and rooms where a built-in recess is not planned as part of a renovation
- Also available as the Dimplex 50" Prism at $1,499.95 for a wider media wall format; both models are TV-compatible above when installed with the recommended minimum clearance
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you mount a TV above a gas fireplace?
Yes, as long as you follow the clearance distance in your fireplace's installation manual and use a mantel shelf to keep rising heat away from the screen. Real Flame models need at least 300 mm of space, and Escea's DS and DF Series need at least 200 mm from the top of the firebox to the bottom of the TV.
Will heat from a fireplace damage my TV?
Yes, it can. Heat above 35-40°C breaks down the parts inside the TV over time, including the circuit board, capacitors, and screen, and this type of damage is not covered by the warranty on brands like Samsung, LG, Sony, or Panasonic.
What is the minimum distance between a TV and a fireplace in Australia?
There is no single national standard in Australia, so the number you need comes from your specific fireplace model's installation manual. As a general guide: electric fireboxes need at least 20 cm, Escea zero-clearance gas models need 200 mm, standard gas models like Real Flame need 300 mm, and wood-burning fireplaces need at least 50 cm.
What is the best type of fireplace to have with a TV above it?
A built-in electric firebox is the best option because it needs no flue, pushes heat forward and down rather than up, and can run the flame effect with no heat at all. It is the most common choice for Australian media wall setups where the TV goes above the fireplace.
Does a TV above a fireplace need a mantel?
For gas and wood-burning fireplaces, yes - a mantel shelf that sticks out at least 5-8 cm from the wall and sits at least 30 cm above the firebox opening helps redirect rising heat away from the screen. For a built-in electric firebox with heat venting forward, a mantel is not needed for heat protection, though it still looks good as part of the overall design.
Browse the full Schots electric fireplace collection to see the current Evo and Dimplex range, or explore the broader Schots fireplace range including gas fireplaces, mantels, and surrounds.
Related Fireplace Guides
- Built-In vs Freestanding Electric Fireplace Guide 2026 to compare installation types before choosing a firebox for your media wall.
- Standard Fireplace Sizes & Dimensions Guide 2026 for firebox widths, recess depths, and media wall sizing guidance.
- Gas vs Electric Fireplaces Guide 2026 for a comparison of heat output, installation cost, and running costs across both types.
- Fireplace Mantel Size Guide 2026 for mantel proportions, clearance heights, and heat deflection guidance.
- Fireplace Cost Guide 2026 for average fireplace and installation prices across electric, gas, and wood-burning options.
