TV versus the Fireplace - The "Where to place them" Conundrum

You purchase a TV, and the moment you leave the retailer, it's value atrophies. This is no different than your computer, or I-whatever, gadget, etc., but however quick their value decreases, they have become a prime focal point in great room spaces!

Fireplaces these days have increasingly have had to "figure it out", how to showcase their presence along side "the TV".

Traditionally, a television was placed wherever there was spare space on a wall or in a cabinet storage opening. The fireplace was always the king of focal points. Today, this deliberate arrangement, or lack thereof can be a tricky solution to develop when helping a client during a renovation.

Home floor plans are also changing. We are moving away from traditional floor plans. Not so often are builders showcasing a separate a more formal space for the dining room, instead home offices are being planned and of course the infamous great room: kitchen - living / family room combination. In general, with great rooms there is less wall space for fireplaces and televisions to be placed.

So, with the above stated... And if you have a client who wants their flame + comfort experience, where the H-E, double hockey sticks do we plan the T.V?

Great rooms are often multi-purpose type spaces - it's used for several functions, which further complicates the "competition" between the T.V and the fireplace. Which should you prioritize? Do you plan them both to on the same wall? Top / bottom? Side by side? Other?

There are several solutions, which often depend on the users of the space, the size of the walls, the orientation of the room (and a TV!!) and whether the space in question is formal or casual in nature?



The following are 5 tips that can help provide functional + visual balance between the fireplace and T.V. :