There is a lot to consider when you’re deciding on the layout of a room. If you have an electric fireplace and a TV, you have to think about the spacing between the two. Exactly how much space does there need to be? We’ve done the research to find you the answer.
You should mount your TV eight to ten inches above an electric fireplace. Giving your television and fireplace enough space between each other is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safer when it comes to their mechanics.
As we begin, we will cover all things electric fireplaces and discuss how to put a TV over one. Whether you are redecorating or planning a remodel, we’ve got you covered. With that said, let’s dive right into this topic!
We sometimes include affiliate links and curated AI content to highlight top design styles.
Can A TV Go Above An Electric Fireplace?
When it comes to a TV going over an electric fireplace, we think this is completely fine. Generally, you shouldn’t run into any problems if you give enough space between the two.
Like we mentioned, eight to ten inches is the recommended amount of space to leave between a TV and electric fireplace, although we would say closer to 12 inches will be the safest choice. That said, this depends on how hot your electric fireplace gets and its overall design.
Is It Safe To Put A Television Above A Fireplace?
Generally, we would say it is safe to mount your TV above a fireplace. Depending on whether your fireplace is electric or wood-burning, this will determine how much space you need to leave between the two.
Between these options, putting a TV above an electric fireplace is safer than a wood-burning because there is less of a chance it will melt your television.
How Much Clearance Does An Electric Fireplace Need?
Clearance-wise, the front of an electric fireplace needs at least three feet of space away from combustible materials. These include curtains, furniture, bedding, paper, and anything potentially flammable.
Although electric fireplaces won’t produce as much heat as wood-burning, they can still be very dangerous if you don’t give them enough space. That said, the top and sides of an electric fireplace only require around two feet of clearance, so you are OK to put furniture somewhat near them.
Does An Electric Fireplace Have Real Flames?
Flame-wise, an electric fireplace will not produce any real fire. Even though your fireplace might look like it has real flames, this is an illusion usually created by LED lights.
One of the many reasons people opt for electric fireplaces is that they look real without the smell and fire hazard of a wood-burning option.
Should An Electric Fireplace Be Bigger Than The TV?
Regarding how big your electric fireplace should be, we would say keep it around the same length as your TV or slightly longer. For sizing, an electric fireplace doesn’t necessarily need to be bigger than a TV but shouldn’t be much smaller either.
For example, if your TV is 60 inches, try choosing an electric fireplace 65 to 70 inches long.
Can I Put An Electric Fireplace Into My Entertainment Center?
This should be okay for those who want to put their electric fireplace into their entertainment center as long as it has good venting. Generally, electric fireplaces don’t get super hot, meaning they are safe to go into a cabinet/entertainment center.
That said, if your entertainment center is a synthetic wood or plastic material, we wouldn’t recommend placing an electric fireplace inside of it if you plan to use it for heating.
Do Electric Fireplaces Need To Be Vented?
When it comes to venting, electric fireplaces don’t require a chimney or direct vent. Typically, as long as you give your fireplace a few feet of clearance, it will not cause any heat-related damage to your home.
Like we covered above, an electric fireplace will need venting if you put it in a cabinet or entertainment center, but in general, it will not need it.
How Hot Do Electric Fireplaces Get?
Heat-wise, an electric fireplace will produce around 4000 BTUs of heat when on. BTUs are essentially the unit of measurement that determines how much energy is needed to heat or cool a space.
When it comes to temperature, an electric fireplace should be able to heat a space up by 13.5 degrees Fahrenheit within four hours. So although your electric fireplace won’t replace your heater, it is a great added heat source for colder seasons.
Can An Electric Fireplace Damage My TV?
Most times, we don’t think you need to worry about an electric fireplace damaging your television. Electric fireplaces generally blow heat out of their front or sides, which won’t harm your TV.
That said, not all models are the same, so giving your TV and fireplace a foot or so of space between each other will decrease the chances of damage happening.
Can I Leave My Electric Fireplace On All Night?
For anyone wanting to keep their electric fireplace on through the night, we wouldn’t recommend this. Although it won’t produce real flames, an electric fireplace can overheat and potentially cause damage to your home.
Like any electric appliance, we don’t recommend leaving your fireplace turned on while you aren’t awake/at home.
Do Electric Fireplaces Use A Lot Of Energy?
Despite being electric, your fireplace shouldn’t use more energy than a typical space heater will. Generally, an electric fireplace operates on a standard household outlet and uses 120 volts to heat your room.
An electric fireplace will use between 750 and 1500 watts to operate. Although these numbers look intimidating, an electric fireplace won’t usually cost more than three cents per hour to use.
How Long Do Electric Fireplaces Last?
Typically, an electric fireplace will last you ten to 20 years, depending on how often you use it. Although every appliance has a different lifespan, you shouldn’t need to replace your fireplace more than every ten years.
With that said, many manufacturers offer one to ten-year warranties on their electric fireplaces, so that is something to look out for.
Will A TV Look Good Over An Electric Fireplace?
We think it is an excellent idea for those still deciding on mounting their TV over an electric fireplace. In recent years, many home buyers and designers have switched to electric fireplaces and continue incorporating them into their living room’s design.
Of course, this depends on what look you want for your home, but having your TV above the fireplace is always a good design choice.
Are Electric Fireplaces Expensive?
When it comes to price, electric fireplaces are a relatively inexpensive heating option. That said, compared to a gas or wood-burning fireplace, an electric option will only cost a fraction of the price and are pretty easy to install.
Depending on what type of electric fireplace you get, its price tag can range from $200 to well over $1,000. In general, you shouldn’t have to spend more than a few hundred dollars on a good-quality electric fireplace, but it all comes down to what features you want yours to have.
PuraFlame Klaus Electric Fireplace
This electric fireplace has a glass door, and the screen is wood, resin, and glass material is vent-free and heats around 400 square feet of space.
Follow this link to check it out on Amazon.
To Wrap Things Up
Whether you have an electric fireplace or want to get one, leaving enough space between it and your TV is essential. You should leave between eight and 12 inches of space between your fireplace and television, from what we found.
When it comes to clearance, try to leave around three feet of space in front of your electric fireplace and avoid placing combustible items near it. For venting, we found this is not usually necessary for electric fireplaces unless you plan to put it into your entertainment center or cabinet. Regardless, make sure to leave about a foot of space between your TV and electric fireplace, and remember to turn it off while you aren’t home or awake.
Want more fireplace inspo? Check out these super helpful related posts below:
What Color Should My Fireplace Mantel Be? [3 Design Options]
11 Living Room Layouts With A Corner Fireplace To Inspire You
Should A Fireplace Mantel Be Wider Than The Fireplace?