Important Considerations:

Make sure not to mount the TV too high or it could cause neck strain.
Use a tilting or drop-down wall mount so you can lower the TV when watching movies.
Make sure the fireplace has a mantle or heat deflector so the heat won't damage the internal mechanics of the TV.

2. Create a side by side dual focal point wall
If your ceiling height doesn't allow for a wall mounted TV above the fireplace consider mounting the TV right next to the fireplace on the same wall or on a low media console next to the fireplace.

How to style this dual wall:
To avoid this layout feeling lopsided, you want to balance the fireplace side with the TV side. If your fireplace is made of brick or stone, try adding some floating shelves on the opposite side to carry some decor on or hang some art in appropriate sizes. Place a tall plant (ex. Fiddle Leaf Fig) on the TV side as a roomy filler.

3. The Perpendicular (L shaped layout)
In long (or narrow) small living rooms, placing the TV on the wall that is perpendicular (at a right angle) to the fireplace is a great option.

How to set up seating:

Using an L shaped sectional or a sofa + accent chair combo:

Main sofa faces the TV

This creates a nice conversational nook around the fireplace while still being able to enjoy some game nights and TV marathons.

4. Place the TV diagonally in a Corner

Corners are often wasted space in a small room, however mounting your TV (or buying a corner TV mount) on the corner of a room right next to the wall of the fireplace can make all the difference.

How it helped my friend's small living room:

Angles help break up the rectangular boxiness of a small room. By angling the TV towards the center of the room you can also place your couch straight across the diagonal space of the room. This allows you to see both the fireplace and the TV.

5. Float your furniture to make a bigger space

Avoid placing all your furniture pushed all the way into the corners of the room (this is an interior design no-no) and instead try to "float" your furniture a few inches away from the wall.

Seating tips for small rooms:

Raised legs: Try using sofas and armchairs with visible legs (wooden or metal) that create an illusion that more space is being used underneath the furniture.

Swivel chairs: Try having two swivel accent chairs so that your guests can easily swivel around to watch TV or swivel back to watch the fireplace.

Nesting coffee tables: Instead of using one bulky heavy coffee table try a glass coffee table or nesting tables that can be tucked away when not in use.

If your living room lacks ceiling fixtures, check out our guide on [How to Light a Dark Room with No Overhead Lighting]

6. Hide the TV

With two large room features in a small room (fireplace + TV) the black TV screen can be overwhelming.
Ideas for hiding the TV when it's off:

Frame TVs: Some brands of TV (Samsung) have a "Frame" setting that cycles through different classic art pieces to display on the TV when it's not in use.

Accent walls: Paint the wall behind your TV and fireplace a darker shade (navy blue, charcoal grey, dark forest green) so that the black TV blends into the dark room.

Sliding barn doors: Have some decorative wooden paneling or sliding art frames that can slide over to cover the TV when it's not in use.

7. Keep decor minimal and appropriately scaled

Avoid large bulky furniture or tons of knick knacks around the fireplace in a small room (this will overwhelm the eye).

Color palettes: Stick to light neutral colors (whites, creams, light greys, warm beige tones) to keep natural light bouncing around the room.

Minimal fireplace styling: Try keeping your fireplace at 2-3 curated items (a few small vases, a picture frame, a candle) to avoid clutter.

Area rugs: Use a thin and light colored area rug to anchor your seating arrangement without swallowing the room whole.


Safety tips for living rooms with fireplaces and TVs

Before you run out and invest in a huge flatscreen TV and a stone facing fireplace, here are some important considerations that could potentially save your life.

Wiring clearance: Make sure all wiring is tucked into wall raceways or inside the wall to avoid heat exposure and tripping hazards.

Heat considerations: If the fireplace is a wood burning or gas fireplace, light it and place a thermometer on the wall where you plan on putting the TV. The temperature should not exceed over 90 degrees Farenheit.

Anchoring furniture: In small spaces people tend to be closer to the walls so make sure all heavy furniture and electronics are anchored into the wall studs.

FAQs

Q1: Is it bad to have a TV above a fireplace?

Not necessarily, but it does need to be done correctly. If the fireplace mantel height is too high it can cause neck strain.This is easily avoided with a drop down or full motion wall mount TV mount. Make sure that your fireplace is insulated so that the heat won't damage the electronics of the TV.

Q2: How far should a sofa be from the fireplace and TV?

As a general rule, make sure the sofa is at least 3-4ft away from the fireplace for safety reasons. In a small room, the ideal viewing distance for a 55" TV is about 5.5 - 7ft away.

Q3: What size area rug is best for a small living room with a TV and fireplace?

A 5x8 or 6x9 area rug is perfect for small living rooms. Make sure that at least the front legs of your sofa and accent chairs is on top of the rug.


Final Thoughts

Arranging a small room with both a fireplace and TV doesn't have to be so stressful. Try any of these layout options and make a stylish and inviting living room that your family will love.


Take a few minutes this weekend to measure your room, plan your main focal point wall, and try out one of these small living room layout ideas!