Do You Have an Amazing TV? Get It Away From The Fireplace!

We've seen it many times: those impressive living rooms, where everything seems to be in its right place, meticulously and correctly arranged, with each centimeter strategically used in favor of functionality and aesthetics, very successful layouts in which the work seems to have been done so well that everything looks in the most perfect balance and all-around looks like the work of professionals. However... Surprise! Suddenly, we find out that the TV set is fixed right above the fireplace. At first, it seems quite common to us, since many people have been doing it for a long time, but then, we begin to discover certain dysfunctions in the fact that this spot has been chosen precisely as the presumably ideal place to install the TV set.

It's true that in some living rooms, fixing the TV above the fireplace looks better than others; after all, every space is different in size, proportions, and decorative style, but this has been discouraged by most professional designers and interior decorators. The thing is: it may look very stylized in many cases and perhaps generate a very elegant visual effect, but the TV is an appliance that requires some logistics for its optimal operation, and for it to be used in the best way.

Visual focus: the first great aspect. You may have noticed and downplayed it, but the truth is that both sight and mind get tired much more quickly when you focus them on one light source in a dark environment and that light source has another one just like it or more powerful next to it. Even if you don't notice it, your eyes will seek to register both light sources when you're ready to enjoy a movie or program with the lightbulbs off: the one that emanates from your TV screen and the one that emanates from the fireplace, since you'll have your sight fixed in the same area. Besides, the brightness that emanates from your fire may affect the visual quality of what you're watching, depending on how much your TV screen reflects the brightness of the environment and how intense the flame is.

Other factors that directly affect the operation of the TV are heat and smoke emissions. Keep in mind that modern TVs are very sophisticated, but also very fragile and delicate. Any hit or damaging agent can seriously compromise their operation or even permanently damage them. Therefore, the high temperatures that can reach the walls that surround the fireplace and the emissions of smoke and ashes don't seem to be the best company for the appliance, but it's exactly what will affect it the most when placing it in that particular spot. Additionally, the fireplace wall can considerably complicate the TV installation process at that point, as these walls may be made of brick and granite, rather than the plaster or stucco coverings on which most TV supports are used to installing these devices. This may require deeper wall perforations and more unsuitable heat seepage.

As if that weren't enough, the space above the fireplace is highly uncomfortable for the head and neck. Having to permanently bend your neck to focus on the screen doesn't seem to be the most comfortable way to enjoy your TV. In summary, the general advice is clear: there are many elegant media centers, with different designs and materials from which you can choose the one that best suits your tastes and style to keep your TV away from the fireplace. If you're a Mid-Century Modern lover and have this type of furniture, a wooden media center may be the most convenient for you.

Source: Expedia