I think it is doable if you try the idea for using a framed motorized art for the flat screen tv.
On the link, go to the 3rd row down, and you will see an example of the flat screen hidden in a framed art motorized screen. I think that syle would work better for you than a cabinet sticking out from the upper area of the fireplace. This way you get to choose the art you like, and can hide the tv when not in use.

Here is a link that might be useful: motorized art to hide tv

How about a lovely low cabinet on the far left-hand wall -- with a larger flat-screen TV?

This "LARGER TV" could be a possible selling point for this location -- instead of the over-the-fireplace one!! LOL!!! :)

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Here is a link that might be useful: PB -- example of low cabinet and TV

I guess I donâÂÂt see the point of having the stone above the mantel if it is going to be mostly covered by the tv and cabinet. I would instead do the stone below the mantel, and then build in a cabinet above to match the mantel so that it all worked together. Since it is a new build, you have the option of getting it done from the get go, rather than having to install something after the fact.

That said, I would not want a tv above the fireplace. I think it is generally too high, and then completely dictates your furniture placement in the room.

What Jan and Les said... :)
gorgeous stone FP!

I like both of those ideas. I really like the idea of a sideboard on the far wall with that canvas motorized art frame hanging above it!

Thanks judithva for that idea. I've never seen that before and now I MUST HAVE it, no matter where we put the TV! It is very pricey, though. Do you know if there are other sites or places that may be less expensive?

I have a stone FP and I wouldn't dream of covering it with a TV. The FP is in the corner and we put the TV on a wall next to it so we could enjoy both at the same time, especially when a fire is lit.

I also have a bad neck and it would kill it if I had to look up to watch TV. TV's should be at eye level when sitting down.

i also wouldn't put a tv on a stone fireplace.... i would recess above mantle and build wood molding niche of sorts above if a tv was going there.

jenwren,

Yes, they are pricey, but it seems that is what you have to pay to get these high tech goodies. Below is another link to a company that offers "coverups" : Art Lifts, Moving Art, and the 2 way mirror. Out of the 3 choices the Moving Art was the lowest priced (but still pricey).

Try googling Audio Visual companies in your area, since you will probably need a wiring install too for this equipment, cables etc, they may offer you a better deal if you use them for the install.

Attached is a link to the choices I mentioned above.

As far as comfort goes for ones neck when viewing a flat screen above.... I have my flat screen a fair amount higher than eye level in my tiny den (mounted on top of my fireplace), and it doesn't bother me a bit or anyone that has watched it either. I think it depends on how close you are to the tv and how high you actually mount it. You can also get an articulating arm that attaches to the tv to position the tv downward or sideways. Candice Olsen of Divine Design has shown the "moving art" over a flat screen many times on her tv show (look for some re-runs). HTH's

Here is a link that might be useful: TV

This is a dilemma we faced as well - incorporating a TV and a fp on one wall is a common and confusing design issue. If you google search (do an image search) on stone fireplaces, you'll see a lot of examples, and often they have a TV on or next to them, which can give you some good ideas.

As for us, we put the TV next to the fireplace so that you're not looking into the fireplace while you watch TV, and the TV is at a good height. We did an inset cabinet for all the gadgetry that comes with said TV - AV Tuner, DVR, DVD, Wii, etc. Not to mention the 7 speakers your DH is bound to covet as soon as he gets his toe wet buying the new TV...prepare yourself for the zillion ugly black boxes of death!

Deb

prepare yourself for the zillion ugly black boxes of death!

Argh! I know - I already told him if there are any wires to be seen **anywhere** then NO TV!! That is the rule.

That's also why I like the idea of the sideboard (console? whatever). To hide the TiVo, Wii, etc. Because with a recessed cabinet over the FP, where do you put all these accoutrements? He said there's some new technology (I forget what it is) where you can have these things in the basement and it is all remote-controlled.

The problem with the sideboard is the design "focus" or seating. I like the seating to be arranged around the FP as a focal point. But ours has two big French doors on either side of FP with no additional wall space (see photo above) so the FP and TV/console/sideboard could never be on the same wall unless the TV is above the FP.

For great sound and TINY speakers -- check out the Bose Theater systems! We bought one many many years ago -- and those tiny speakers are amazing!

As for seating -- try an L-shaped design -- with a sofa that faces the fireplace -- and a couple of comfy leather chairs (maybe with ottomans or even recliners) facing the TV area.

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Have you seen the TV lift cabinets? The TV is out of sight until you raise it. I'm pasting an example.

Here is a link that might be useful: TV lift cabinet

MY DH tried that whole "we'll have space age technology" route too. Didn't work. The DVD player must be in the room with you. The Wii must be in the room with you. The speakers (front, side, woofer, back...7 in all) must BE IN THE ROOM WITH YOU. GAH!

If you must have two sets of french doors on either side of the FP, I guess you have to put the TV on the other wall. If it's not close enough for the L-shaped configuration Jan mentions *love that* then try 2 chairs by the FP and the couch by the TV. In the end, the TV does end up being the draw, unfortunately.

Deb

If you're using real stone, tell your dh that the FP is a piece of art, which is how I see it. Our Mason's spent days building ours, it's a very intricate process.

Has the house already been built? Sounds like it's in the process of being built. If it's not too late, what about changing the doors or putting the FP in the corner of the room which will open both walls next to it. That's one of the things people never think about when building.

And if you actually use the FP, it just seems so wrong to have electonics above it.

You can also buy a smaller width cabinet for your TV to place on the floor. It doesn't have to take up a lot of room.

Also, if you like to decorate there's not much you can do with the mantel if the TV's on it.

Jenswrens- This is just me, but it bothers me to try to watch TV, with a fire burning in the same area. When the flames are really going, it's too much distraction from the TV. If you're going to have both in the same room, I wouldn't have the TV above, or next to, the fireplace. Of course, we have a big, wood burning, floor to ceiling, fireplace.

I would put the TV on another wall, in a cabinet, or with "art" in front of it, as mentioned above. Candice Olson did something like that on one of her shows...very cool!

I meant to say, I love your inspiration pictures! Very pretty :)

Jenswrens

Actually you can have ALL of the components hiden away from your fireplace/family room. Installers will put ALL the equipment (expect for speakers) in what is called a media closet elseware in your home/location, for what would best suit you. (think a linen closet, but for audio/visual equipment). So if this is something you might want, you will have to doing some planning now while you are building. This works because Infrared (IR) extenders are used to operate the audio visual equipt (DVD player, receiver, etc), you just point the IR remote to the "IR eye" at the area the installers set it up and it will control all your systems.

The link below is just something I googled for you so you could get an idea of the system.

Here is a link that might be useful: Info on Infrared Extenders (IR)

Ah ha! judithva, that must be what DH was talking about. Thanks for the link. I think this might be the answer.

We, too, have a big stone fireplace that is a focal point. There are windows on both sides, so no place for a tv there, either. We opted for a built-in cabinet on the right-hand wall. It is recessed, and I have shutters that close over it (although I haven't installed them yet--it's on my "to do" list).

The other side of that wall is the master bedroom. So having a recessed cabinet in the living room allowed me to have a similar recessed cabinet in the master bedroom. Although we were originally going to use it as a tv area on the bedroom side, I opted to make it built-in bookshelves.

A benefit to having the recessed area in the living room is having a shelf that I can display something above the tv--breakable things that I don't really want the kitties messing with. We have lighting (on it's own switch) up there, to show off whatever I'm displaying.

Below the tv is another shelf where the other electronics are. There is another set of shutters to cover up all that crap...I mean, all that very important electronic equipment. And their cords, since the plug in is located in the recessed area.

The fireplace is on the North wall. TV in the East wall. We have a couch on the South side, centered and facing the fireplace. A loveseat and recliner on the West wall, facing the tv. The recliner is kind-of diagonal. We have an open floorplan, and the kitchen is on the Southwest side. From there, I can watch the fireplace AND the tv, which is kind of nice.

I don't have it yet, but there will be a large coffee table in front of the couch.

When I said some of the components need to be in the room with you, what I meant was: you need to put the DVD in the player. You need to put the Wii game in the console. These things being in a different room (or worse, on a different floor) is impractical. Also, that sort of setup makes adding components, which my audiovisualphile husband is constantly tempted to do, more complicated. (That last point might actually be a plus. ;-))

We have the IR system for ours so we can keep cabinet doors closed, and it's been spotty at best. YMMV.

Suzie, I'd love to see a picture of your FP.

Lavender, I've never had that problem of watching TV with the fire going. Our TV is about 6' from the FP and I guess I'm used to it. Usually I'm multi-tasking, reading, watching TV, and watching the fire.

We had a big roaring fire going last night for the first time this season, and we watched a new episode of Grey's Anatomy at the same time. So relaxing! Especially laying on the sofa watching TV at eye level. lol

Seriously though, several times I went to stand by the fire, and it puts out a LOT of heat, so like I said, I can't imagine putting a TV above it, and our mantel is higher than most.

I suppose it all depends on what type of a fire is burned in the FP.

Oakleyok- I'm an oddball (LOL) but that kind of stuff seems to give me a headache. Probably wouldn't bother most people. Of course, we would have the fire burning most nights in the winter, since it's so cold here!

Oakleyok, here's a picture of the fireplace. You can barely see the recessed cabinet, on the right.
{{!gwi}}

Here's a pic of the recessed area. There are bifold shutters that cover the tv area, and another set that cover that shelf below. The bottom area will always be open because there is a cat door that goes into a closet down there. But if I didn't have that, I would have made the lower doors go all the way to the floor.
{{!gwi}}