September 15, 2025

Can You Safely Put a TV Above a Log Burner?

Thinking of popping your TV above the log burner? Short answer: you can, but it’s risky. Heat, warranties, and even décor disasters lurk above the flames. Stick around—we’ll cover safe distances, heat shields, pro tips, and clever alternatives so your movie nights don’t end in smoke.

Can I Put a TV Above My Log Burner? The Definitive Answer

The idea looks brilliant on paper. A roaring fire below, your favourite Netflix series above—it’s the kind of design that makes Pinterest boards buzz. No cluttered TV stands, no wasted wall space, just one sleek focal point.

But here’s the catch: what looks stylish in photos doesn’t always work in real life. Mounting a TV above a log burner comes with more heat and soot than your electronics are built to handle. That doesn’t mean it’s impossible, but you’ll need to think carefully before going ahead.

The Short Answer: Why It’s Generally Not Recommended

The simplest answer? Most experts say no.

Log burners pump out an incredible amount of heat, far more than a TV is designed to tolerate. Even a well-built flat screen can start to struggle when exposed to constant warmth. Over time, the heat stresses internal parts, warps plastics, and may eventually cause a complete breakdown.

And here’s another problem: your warranty won’t save you. Manufacturers are very clear—damage caused by environmental factors like heat or soot isn’t covered. If your TV gives up after a winter of sitting above the stove, you’ll be footing the bill.

So while it might look the part, it’s a gamble most people regret.

The Dangers: Heat and Soot Damage

Imagine leaving your laptop in the sun for hours. It might power on, but slowly the battery suffers, the screen fades, and the whole system starts to feel sluggish. A TV above a log burner experiences the same kind of slow roasting.

There are two main dangers to be aware of:

Heat: Log burners push out radiant heat that rises directly upwards. Once it reaches around 70°C near the casing, the internal electronics are already under stress. Push closer to 90°C and you’re flirting with a catastrophic failure.
Soot and Smoke: Even the cleanest burners produce fine particles. These particles drift upwards and find their way into vents, clogging fans and coating circuit boards. It’s a bit like letting cigarette smoke seep into your computer—messy, stubborn, and damaging over time.

The result? Shortened TV lifespan, patchy picture quality, and potentially expensive repairs.

The Right Way to Protect Your TV

Now, let’s be honest. Some homeowners will still want the “TV over fire” look, risks or not. If that’s you, protection is absolutely essential. Think of it as building a safety bubble for your screen.

The Importance of Minimum Clearance

Distance is your first line of defence. Industry guidance usually recommends at least 36 to 48 inches (that’s roughly 3 to 4 feet) between the top of your stove and the bottom of your television.

This buffer zone helps reduce direct heat exposure, but it’s not a perfect shield. The right clearance depends on several factors:

How powerful your stove is
Whether your room is well ventilated
The type of wall or chimney breast
Any specific guidelines from your TV manufacturer

A quick test is to hold your hand at the height where your TV would sit. If it feels uncomfortably hot, then it’s too much for electronics. Simple as that.

The Role of a Mantelpiece or Heat Shield

If clearance alone isn’t enough, a mantelpiece or heat shield can make a big difference.

A mantelpiece acts like a shelf that diverts heat away before it rises to the TV. Solid wood, stone, or marble are common choices, though always ensure they’re safe for use above a burner.
A heat shield is more technical—a specially designed barrier that reflects or absorbs heat. These can be discreetly fitted above the stove, often made from aluminium, ceramic panels, or custom metalwork.

Neither option makes the area completely safe, but they do buy your TV some extra time. Think of them as an umbrella in a drizzle—not perfect, but better than nothing.

Better Placement Ideas for a Log Burner Room

Sometimes the best solution is simply… don’t do it. There are smarter, safer, and often better-looking ways to position your TV without risking it above the fire.

Here are a few tried-and-tested alternatives:

Adjacent Wall: Mount the TV on a side wall where heat won’t reach. This still keeps the fire in your eyeline without the two competing for the same wall.
Opposite Wall: The classic option. You enjoy the log burner’s glow while facing your screen straight on. Cosy and simple.
Corner Setup: Using a swivel mount in the corner can free up wall space while still giving you flexible viewing angles.
Dedicated TV Unit: A stylish media unit placed away from the heat zone can balance the room and keep everything at a safe distance.

Interior designers often suggest treating the stove as the “mood lighting” and the TV as the “main event”. By separating the two, you avoid awkward neck strain from looking up all evening, while keeping both the fire and your shows enjoyable.

Maintenance and Safety Checks

If you do go ahead with a TV above your log burner, maintenance is key. It’s not a “set it and forget it” situation—you’ll need regular checks to keep things safe.

Monthly: Check the temperature near your TV mount. If it feels hot to touch, move the TV.
Quarterly: Inspect the mounting bracket and any protective shields. Make sure nothing has loosened or warped.
Annually: Get a professional in to assess both your stove and your installation. It’s worth the peace of mind.

And don’t forget cleaning. Dust, soot, and ash collect faster in these spaces, so wipe your TV and surrounding surfaces often with a soft microfibre cloth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Plenty of people dive into this project without proper planning. Avoid these common slip-ups:

Mounting the TV too close with no clearance
Skipping a mantelpiece or heat shield
Choosing the wrong type of mounting bracket
Ignoring ventilation in the room
Assuming insurance or warranty will cover heat damage (it won’t)

The biggest mistake, though, is underestimating the sheer amount of heat a log burner produces. What feels like a cosy glow to you is often the death knell for sensitive electronics.

Conclusion

So, can you put a TV above a log burner? Technically yes—but generally no.

It’s a design choice that looks stunning in glossy magazines but comes with very real risks. Heat and soot can quickly shorten the life of your TV, and most warranties won’t cover the damage.

If you’re determined, then proper clearance, a mantelpiece, or a heat shield are non-negotiable. But often the smartest move is to place your TV elsewhere in the room, giving both your log burner and your electronics their own moment to shine.

In the end, a log burner should make your home feel warm, safe, and stylish. Don’t let it become the reason you’re shopping for a replacement TV before winter’s even over.

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