Putting a TV Above Your Mantel

So, we find our current home and love so many things about it BUT….one problem….the only realistic place to put our TV is above the fireplace mantel.  It’s something I’d say I would never want to do.  I prefer a large mirror or piece of art or a portrait above my fireplace and lots of cute accessories on the mantel.  However, you do whatcha gotta do.

I immediately thought of my best friend’s home.  I love her style and we love all the same things.  She even has a TV above her mantel.  And I love it!  ‘Ok,” I think to myself.  “If she can make it look fantastic in her living room, I’m sure I can too.’  Here’s her mantel below.  Isn’t her living room a beauty?!!  And I love her topiaries on either side of her TV (and, of course, the ginormous boxwood on the table…eye candy!).

Here are some other examples, below, that I loved.  Hopefully they give you some inspiration in case you find yourself in my shoes and wonder what to do and if you can pull it off.  (Here’s a hint….you can!)

Swooning over the mirrored cabinet and media storage cabinet on the sides of the mantel.  And it’s so light and calming.
by Alice Lane Home

Earthy, grey tones…..yes please!by Decoholig.org 

While this style is a little more traditional than I prefer, I still think it’s lovely and inviting!found on Houzz

Isn’t this just warm and cozy?!  I adore the elements of brick and wood…and then the fire in the fireplace…yes!!!
by Cathers Home

The hearth and mantel in such a stunning color!
by Julie Williams Design

I love this monochromatic look!
by Simply Inspired Design

 

And in case you wanted to somehow hide the TV when not in use….here are a couple options, also courtesy of Decorholic.  Wowza!

Lastly, how about this lovely shot from Courtney at A Thoughtful Place.  It’s simple, symmetrical, classic.

So, the moral of my story…..
Don’t say no to a home just because you don’t see a place for your television.  MAKE a place for it!  Get creative!  Do some research and then create a place for you and your loved ones to sit and relax and watch a good flick without stressing over your set-up and decor.  I’m very pleased with our gathering spot (below).  While the TV is above my mantel, my mantel still extends on either side, allowing me to add home accessories.  I feel like this room is cozy, inviting, comfortable, has lots of elements and textures and neutral colors that are soothing AND this room tells a lot about us.  Especially with our gallery wall being a part of that room.  There are many ways to bring everything together and adding elements you love, without it feeling busy or unordinary.  {{{Side Note: If you are thinking we need a larger T.V., you would be in accordance with my husband…ha!  However, a larger T.V. that close makes me so motion sick 🙁  So, it stays that size for now.  I’m so bad that I have to sit on the last row in a movie theatre.  Anyone else find themselves in this predicament?}}}

Good luck!

xoxo, Summer