Is a TV over the mantel a decorating faux pas or a practical design strategy?

See why one expert is all for it.

Whether you should mount a TV above yourfireplace mantelis an age-old debate for designers.

Living room with rug, fireplace, and coffee table

Credit: David A Land

On one hand, a large screen can distract from the design aesthetic you’ve worked to create.

Vyanca Soto is the owner and principal designer atMarket Studio Interiorsin Fullerton, California.

Should You Hang a TV Above Your Mantel?

But beyond looks, Soto says ergonomics can also play a role.

Here she gives ideas and alternatives for hanging a TV above a mantel.

The ideal setup involves recessing this box into the wall for a seamless, integrated look.

Thoughtful execution is key to ensuring the design remains both elegant and practical, she says.

She says this can be the perfect place to incorporate a TV, whether its integrated or concealed.