How high should a fireplace mantel be? (2024)

How high should a fireplace mantel be?

The standard height of a fireplace mantel is 52-56 inches from the ground. This standard is for an average ceiling height of 9 feet.

What is the standard height for a fireplace mantel?

Again, “proper” height is relatively subjective to your fireplace, but average or standard fireplace mantel height construction is around 54” above the hearth's floor. Your fireplace may fit this dimension or it might be on the shorter or taller end of the spectrum when it comes to mantel height above fireplace.

How high should a mantle be with 8 ceilings?

If you have an 8' ceiling height, then a 42” to 43” mantle is low enough to allow you to place a piece of art or a mirror above the fireplace. If you have high ceilings, you will need to consider a taller mantle, in the 48” to 54” range, so that the fireplace will not look too short in the space.

How high should a TV be above a gas fireplace?

Another popular question people have when they purchase a TV mount is how high should a TV be mount above their fireplace? The rule of thumb is, if your mantel is less than four feet from the floor, you should mount your TV about 12 inches above it. This rule applies to a fireplace without a mantel as well.

How much weight can a fireplace mantel hold?

How much weight will a mantel shelf hold? The general rule for floating shelves or floating mantels is that it can hold 50 lbs for every stud it's attached to. For example, if you hang our 36” mantel onto two studs, it should safely hold 100 lbs.

How high is too high for TV over fireplace?

In general, the answer is 60-68 inches above the ground; however, this number will vary depending on the height of the homeowner. If you have to lift or strain your neck at all, it's too high.

How thick should a floating mantel be?

A depth of 7 inches is ideal for most mantels, as it allows plenty of room to accommodate decorative objects. Keep in mind that the top and the sides of the mantel should be the same depth. First, use a measuring tape and pencil to measure and mark the mantel top to size.

How do you measure the height of a mantel?

Total Height: Measure the height of the wood fireplace mantel from the top of the hearth or the floor to the bottom of the mantel shelf. Total Width: Measure the entire width of the fireplace surround from end to end. If you do not have a fireplace surround, measure the total width of the facing.

How far above a mantle should a mirror be hung?

Above the mantel: Position it at least 4-5 inches above the top of the mantel. "But depending on the thickness of the frame, you may want to go higher so you don't get a dark shadow cast on your decor," notes Downs.

Should mantel be wider than TV?

The general rule of thumb is to ensure that your fireplace is wider than your TV. In our experience, the fireplace should be a little wider (6-8 inches) than the TV. This allows the wall to frame the TV, while offering sleek lines for the edges of the fireplace.

Should TV be on wall or above fireplace?

In most cases, you should not install electronics above wood-burning stoves or gas fireplaces and inserts because they produce massive amounts of heat. That heat could severely damage your tv or other electronic devices.

How high should a 65 inch TV be mounted above a fireplace?

How far above the fireplace should the TV be? Ideally, a TV is hung so the center is between 60 and 68 inches above the ground. Depending on the size of your fireplace and whether you have a mantel, a TV should be hung between 4 and 12 inches above the fireplace.

How should I position my TV when I have a fireplace?

1. To the Side. If wall space allows, positioning your TV to the side of your fireplace will visually lengthen the size of the room. It will also give the fireplace some breathing room and create negative space (which is great for reducing the distraction of TV and will enhance the fires ambience and impact).

What's the code for the fireplace mantel?

The National Fire Code dictates that any combustible material (e.g., wood mantel or similar trim) must be at least six inches from the firebox opening. An additional inch of clearance is needed for every 1/8 inch the combustible material or trim protrudes.

How much overhang should a fireplace mantel have?

Typically, a mantel shelf overhang should extend at least three inches past the fireplace surround. The mantel is usually placed 12 inches above the firebox opening while allowing at least three feet from the mantel shelf to the ceiling.

How are most fireplace mantels attached?

Most will have you drill bolts or brackets into the studs to attach a backboard, then the mantel façade, along with the legs, lintel and mantel shelf. If you're customizing the job, don't forget to install a backboard with wood glue and a drill or a hammer to help secure the mantel against the wall.

Is it bad to put a TV on a fireplace mantle too high?

Placing your TV so high, and above a heat source, can not only seriously decrease its picture quality, but it can also shorten the life of your TV, as well as leading to possible physical pain. Even if you don't use your fireplace, this placement is about as bad as you can get.

Will TV get too hot over fireplace?

Extreme heat such as the kind that your fireplace is capable of generating can also damage your TV. The heat levels generated by today's fireplaces can reach anywhere from 500°F all the way up to 1100°F. One of the main reasons that heat from a fireplace can cause damage to your TV is because it rises.

How far should a TV be over a fireplace for viewing?

42-inch screens should be positioned at least 5 ½ feet away from the viewers' seating. 50-inch screens are best viewed from 6 feet away. 60-inch screens would be best installed at a distance of 7 ½ feet from the room's seating.

How big should a beam mantel be?

Some homeowners want the mantel to span the full wall, while others like it just larger than the firebox. Our recommendation is to choose a fireplace mantel that is 12 inches longer than the fireplace box.

Why do fireplaces have mantles?

It was originally developed in the medieval period for functional purposes, to serve as a hood that would prevent smoke from entering the room, diverting it back into the chimney. Since then it has generally become a decorative component, sometimes performing a function similar to a shelf.

How far should a fireplace be from the floor?

Most traditional wood fireplaces are square in shape and are at floor level to allow for easy firewood addition. Consider raising a wood fireplace 6 to 12 inches off the floor for a better visual effect. In bedrooms, you can raise the fireplace 24 to 36 inches off the floor.

What is the average width of a mantel?

As a general rule of thumb, the mantel should at least be three inches wider on both sides of the fireplace. The average mantel width in most homes is six to twelve inches. With these dimensions, you can effectively deflect the heat coming from the firebox.

What is a return depth of a mantel?

The return dimension "G" is calculated by adding a minimum of 1/4 inch to the thickness of the facing material protrusion. If you are building the fireplace mantel over 3/4 inch thick marble, you should specify a return depth of at least G=1 inch.

Where should you not put a mirror?