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TV Over Fireplace How To: The Best Electric Fireplace Size For Your TV

TV Over Fireplace How To: The Best Electric Fireplace Size For Your TV

"What's the best TV size for over the fireplace placement?" Which electric fireplace looks best with a 65-inch TV? These are frequently asked questions we hear at Touchstone Home Products. Our Touchstone® team loves to help customers find the best flat screen TV / electric fireplace combination for their dream accent walls. We consulted with our team, interior designers and builders to share these recommendations with you.

Pictured at top, 60-inch wide Touchstone Sideline Elite® 60 Smart Electric Fireplace, photo credit: @heisnerhaven

How Much Space Is Needed Between the TV and Touchstone® Electric Fireplace?

We recommend a minimum space of 8 inches between the fireplace and TV. This is ample distance between the TV's electronic components and the warm air blowing from the electric fireplace's built-in heater. If you choose a heat-less Touchstone Outdoor Electric Fireplace, you can place the fireplace and TV as close as desired.

We also recommend mounting the Touchstone® Electric Fireplace 12 inches above the floor. This protects the glass front from high traffic areas.

Recommended distance between Touchstone electric fireplace with heater and TV is 8 inches

What Is the Best Electric Fireplace Size For My TV?

First, there are no right or wrong answers. Some people like perfectly proportioned TV and fireplace positioning, while others like some contrast. There are many factors to take into account such as the width of the fireplace accent wall, the ceiling height, built-in surrounds, mantels and more.

Some shoppers may want to find the best fireplace to match an existing TV. Others may be moving into a home with a Touchstone electric fireplace already installed and want to know the best TV size to match. 

Touchstone Sideline Elite Smart Electric Fireplace in bedroom by @sipdinedesign
42-inch wide Touchstone Sideline Elite 42 Smart Electric Fireplace, photo credit @sipdinedesign

Know Your Numbers - What Is the Width of the TV?

Did you know a 65-inch TV is NOT 65 inches wide? When matching up a TV with a fireplace, it is important to know how TVs are sized. TV manufacturers measure TVs diagonally from the top left corner of the screen to the bottom right corner of the screen. This diagonal TV screen measurement does not include the frame around the television.

When determining which TV size will complement your Touchstone Electric Fireplace, it is important to use the television's left to right width including the frame. Most 65-inch televisions are about 57 inches wide. If you want a symmetrical look, choose the Touchstone Fury 57 inch Smart Electric Fireplace. Touchstone 50-inch electric fireplaces also pair nicely with a 65-inch TV. The 50-inch wide fireplaces fit underneath with about 3.5 inches on ether side.

Touchstone Electric Fireplace widths compared to TV width

Popular TV Sizes, Paired with Touchstone® Electric Fireplaces

Here is a guide for those looking for a fireplace / TV combination of the same width or smaller. Keep in mind, all Touchstone Electric Fireplaces pair well with any TV size. The proportions are personal choice. This table can help you figure out the compatible fireplaces for a smaller TV / bigger fireplace combination also. 

Helpful Tip: Touchstone electric fireplace product names correspond with the fireplace's width, i.e. the Sideline 50 is approximately 50 inches wide. This helps you easily identify the desired size. You can also filter by size (and features) on the fireplace collection pages.

The measurements here are approximate averages from best selling TV brands.

TV SIZE - DIAGONAL WIDTH TV SIZE - AVERAGE LEFT TO RIGHT WIDTHS TOUCHSTONE® ELECTRIC FIREPLACE SIZE
85 INCH TV Approx. 74-75 inches Sideline 72, Sideline Elite 72, Sideline Infinity 72
75 INCH TV Approx. 65-66 inches Sideline Fury 65, Sideline 60, Sideline Elite 60, Sideline Steel 60, Sideline Deluxe 60, Sideline Infinity 60
70 INCH TV Approx. 61-62 inches Sideline 60, Sideline Elite 60, Sideline Steel 60, Sideline Deluxe 60, Sideline Infinity 60
65 INCH TV Approx. 57 inches Sideline Fury 57, Sideline 50, Sideline Elite 50, Sideline Infinity 50, Sideline Steel 50, Chesmont 50, Sideline Deluxe 50
55 INCH TV Approx. 48 inches Sideline 45, Sideline Elite 42, Sideline Fury 46, Forte, Sideline 40, Sideline 50, Sideline Elite 50, Sideline Infinity 50, Sideline Steel 50, Chesmont 50, Sideline Deluxe 50
50 INCH TV Approx. 44 inches Sideline 45, Sideline Elite 42, Sideline Fury 46, Forte, Sideline 40
43 INCH TV Approx. 38 inches Sideline 36, Sideline 28
32 INCH TV Approx. 28-29 inches Sideline 28
THEATRE TV 75+ inches Sideline 84, Sideline Elite 84, Sideline 100, Sideline Elite 100
Touchstone Sideline Infinity Smart Electric Fireplace in white fireplace accent wall with TV mounted above

60-inch wide Touchstone Sideline Infinity® 60 3-Sided Smart Electric Fireplace

Bigger TV, Smaller TV? It's Up to You

The true beauty of a Touchstone Electric Fireplace is its versatility to enhance any space. The fireplace blends seamlessly with any style, so you can create a fireplace accent wall that reflects your personality and preferences.

Browse the Touchstone Electric Fireplace photo gallery to see how fellow customers pair their fireplaces with TVs.


Why Choose an Electric Fireplace for a TV Accent Wall

When planning a new fireplace installation with a TV mounted above, there are numerous advantages to using an electric fireplace instead of a wood or gas fireplace.

1. No Stray Embers or Uncontrolled Heat

A TV mounted above a wood burning fireplace is at risk for stray embers and extreme heat. With a Touchstone electric fireplace, there are no combustible sparks, and you are in full control of the heat output. An all-season benefit, Touchstone electric fireplaces have dual controls for the heater and flame display, so you can enjoy relaxing flames without heat when desired.

2. Comfortable Eye-Level TV Viewing

A TV needs to be mounted high above a gas or wood fireplace to protect it from heat and live flames. With this required distance, watching TV can be a real pain in the neck. A Touchstone electric fireplace can be safely mounted only 8 inches under the TV, at a much more comfortable viewing height.

3. Easy Operation and Connectivity

Amazon Alexa® and Google Home® can't carry kindle or tend to a wood burning fireplace, but these smart home devices can control a Touchstone Smart Electric Fireplace. You can truly relax in front of the fireplace with remote control, mobile app and voice commands.

Learn more about the benefits of electric fireplaces.

More Resources

Compare Touchstone® Electric Fireplaces

Touchstone® Product Catalogs

Electric Fireplaces: A Safe Alternative to Gas Fireplaces