Our readers keep the lights on and the coffee maker working hard! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Mounting a TV above a fireplace creates an instant focal point, but it almost always puts the screen too high for comfortable viewing. The standard fix—a tilting mount—only helps so much when you’re craning your neck from the sofa. A dedicated mount solves this with vertical travel, letting you lower the screen to eye level when watching and tuck it back up when not in use.
I’m Mohammad Maruf — the founder and writer behind Gardening Beyond. My approach to this guide is grounded in weeks of analyzing spec sheets, cross-referencing owner feedback across hundreds of verified purchases, and comparing mechanical design details that separate a smooth-operating mount from a frustrating one.
Whether you have a deep stone mantel or a sleek zero-clearance hearth, choosing the right above fireplace tv mount comes down to understanding vertical travel range, weight handling, and the type of articulation that fits your room layout.
How To Choose The Best Above Fireplace TV Mount
An above-fireplace mount must solve two problems at once: keeping the TV safe from heat while lowering it to a watchable height. Prioritize these specs before anything else.
Vertical Travel Range
This is the single most important spec for fireplace mounting. The mount needs enough drop to bring the center of your screen to eye level from a seated position. Look for at least 20 inches of vertical travel. Models with 23 to 26 inches handle deep mantels and extra-tall fireplace surrounds much better than short-travel alternatives.
Weight Capacity and VESA Pattern
Check your TV’s weight and VESA pattern (the spacing of the mounting holes on the back). Many premium mounts cap out at 115 pounds and support VESA up to 600x600mm. Mid-range options often handle 66 to 77 pounds, which covers most 55- to 70-inch TVs. If your screen is heavier or larger, you must stay within the mount’s certified limits or risk mechanical failure.
Mantel Clearance and Soundbar Compatibility
Measure your mantel depth. Some mounts extend the TV 7 to 8 inches from the wall when fully raised, which may not clear a deep mantel. Look for mounts with adjustable stops or a forward-extension feature that pulls the TV past the mantel before lowering it. A dedicated soundbar bracket on the mount keeps audio equipment off the mantel and aligned with the screen.
Quick Comparison
On smaller screens, swipe sideways to see the full table.
| Model | Category | Best For | Key Spec | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MantelMount MM700 | Premium | Pull-down with deep mantels | 26″ vertical travel | Amazon |
| VIVO Motorized MOUNT-E-M070R-W | Motorized | Hands-free electric lowering | 23″ height range, 101° pull angle | Amazon |
| VIVO Counterbalance VW03G | Pneumatic | Budget-friendly height adjustment | 12.5″ height range, 66 lb capacity | Amazon |
| ECHOGEAR MaxMotion | Full Motion | Wide swivel for corner layouts | 22″ extension, 130° swivel | Amazon |
| monTEK Ultra Slim | Slim Profile | Low-profile when TV is stored up | 1.1″ from wall, 16.5″ extension | Amazon |
| USX Mount Full Motion | Budget Full Motion | Entry-level articulating mount | 16.5″ extension, 132 lb capacity | Amazon |
| AMERLIFE Floating TV Stand | Fireplace Unit | All-in-one stand with heater | 80″ W x 14.7″ H, 200 lb capacity | Amazon |
In‑Depth Reviews
1. MantelMount MM700 Premier Fireplace TV Mount
The MantelMount MM700 is the gold standard for heavy TVs above deep mantels. Its 26-inch vertical travel range clears most fireplace surrounds, and the dual gas-piston system makes lowering a 115-pound TV feel nearly effortless. The 3mm steel frame and UL listing give confidence for long-term use, and the integrated soundbar bracket keeps your audio setup perfectly aligned with the screen.
Installation requires patience—the mount weighs 38 pounds and demands precise measurements for the wall plate. The included paintable wall covers hide the hardware, but the mount itself extends about 6 inches from the wall when raised, which is noticeable in tight rooms. The heat sensor handles are a thoughtful safety touch, automatically slowing the descent if the TV is too warm.
Owners consistently report flawless operation years after installation. The auto-straightening mechanism centers the TV each time you raise it, so you never have to manually square it up. For anyone with a TV between 50 and 90 inches and a mantel deeper than 10 inches, this is the mount that solves the height problem permanently.
What works
- True 26-inch vertical travel handles deep mantels
- Gas-piston assist makes lowering smooth and safe for heavy TVs
- UL listing and heavy-duty 3mm steel construction
What doesn’t
- Heavy and time-consuming to install solo
- TV sits 6+ inches from wall when fully raised
2. VIVO Motorized TV Wall Mount MOUNT-E-M070R-W
This motorized mount from VIVO brings effortless automation to the above-fireplace setup. With the included remote control, you can lower the TV up to 23 inches and pull it forward at a 101-degree angle—all with a button press. The motor runs quietly and smoothly, and the programmable memory lets you set two favorite drop heights for different seating positions.
Weight capacity is 77 pounds, so it’s best suited for 55- to 70-inch LED and OLED TVs. The mount needs to be attached to double studs or concrete for stability, and the instructions for measuring mantel clearance could be clearer—several owners found it easier to lower the mount fully before marking wall holes. The white finish blends well with brighter fireplaces, and the 3-year warranty covers the motor system.
The trade-off is that the TV sits about 7 inches from the wall when raised, which feels farther out than a manual pull-down mount. The manual swivel is limited to about 20 degrees, so this isn’t the best choice for wide-angle viewing. But for hands-free convenience and clean, motorized operation, this mount delivers a premium experience without the premium price of competitors.
What works
- Quiet motor with remote control for effortless height changes
- 23-inch travel clears most mantels
- Programmable memory for two preset positions
What doesn’t
- Manual swivel range is limited to roughly 20 degrees
- TV protrudes noticeably from wall when raised
3. VIVO Counterbalance Mount MOUNT-VW03G
The VIVO Counterbalance mount uses a pneumatic spring to offset the weight of your TV, allowing smooth height adjustment with minimal effort. It’s designed for screens 40 to 70 inches and up to 66 pounds. The spring tension is adjustable via a screw, so you can dial in the perfect balance for your specific TV weight. At 12.5 inches of vertical travel, it won’t clear the tallest mantels, but it handles moderate fireplace surrounds well.
This mount uses a single-stud wall plate, which simplifies installation and is ideal for retrofitting into existing setups. The articulation includes a 90-degree swivel in both directions, making it easy to angle the TV towards a kitchen island or adjacent seating area. Owners note that the counterbalance mechanism works best for TVs over 17 pounds—lighter screens won’t trigger the spring properly.
The main drawbacks are minor over time: the TV sits slightly off-center when fully retracted, and the tilt mechanism can drift after weeks of adjustment. A quick turn of the tension screw usually resets it. For the price, this is the most affordable way to get on-demand height adjustment for a mid-sized TV above a shallow fireplace.
What works
- Pneumatic counterbalance gives smooth height changes
- 90-degree swivel for flexible room layouts
- Budget-friendly entry into height-adjustable mounting
What doesn’t
- 12.5-inch travel may not clear deep mantels
- Tension adjustment can drift after repeated use
4. ECHOGEAR MaxMotion TV Wall Mount
The ECHOGEAR MaxMotion is a brute-force full-motion mount built for large TVs up to 90 inches and 125 pounds. It extends 22 inches from the wall and swivels 130 degrees, giving you the flexibility to watch from practically any seat in the room. The heavy-duty steel frame feels rock-solid, and the included drilling template cuts installation time down to about 30 minutes for an experienced DIYer.
When used above a fireplace, the 22-inch extension can pull the TV past a deep mantel for straight-on viewing. The 15-degree tilt helps reduce glare from overhead lights or flames. The mount retracts to just 2.4 inches from the wall, which looks clean when the TV is not in use. ECHOGEAR’s Minnesota-based customer support team is responsive and helpful, adding peace of mind.
The trade-off is that this mount has no vertical travel. You must mount it at the right height from the start, and you’ll be tilting the screen down rather than lowering it. For wide, multi-seat rooms where the TV can live at a fixed height, this mount’s articulation and smooth movement are outstanding. For strict fireplace setups needing drop-down functionality, it’s better suited as a secondary viewing mount.
What works
- Massive 22-inch extension and 130-degree swivel
- Supports heavy TVs up to 125 pounds
- Simple installation with included template
What doesn’t
- No vertical travel for direct above-fireplace height correction
- Retains a 2.4-inch gap from wall even when fully pushed back
5. monTEK Ultra Slim TV Wall Mount
The monTEK Ultra Slim is engineered for homeowners who want the TV to sit as flush as possible when stored above the fireplace. At just 1.1 inches from the wall, it creates a nearly picture-frame look that pairs well with modern interiors. Despite the thin profile, it extends 16.5 inches and swivels 60 degrees, giving good flexibility for a low-profile mount. The 10-year warranty is a strong vote of confidence in its build quality.
Installation is straightforward thanks to pre-labeled hardware and a clear instruction manual. The mount holds TVs from 43 to 90 inches up to 132 pounds, making it one of the most versatile slim mounts on the market. The +3/-12-degree tilt works well for reducing glare, and the post-installation leveling knob keeps your screen perfectly horizontal.
Where this mount falls short for fireplace use is its lack of vertical drop. If your mantel is tall, you’ll still be looking up at the screen unless you mount it lower on the wall—which defeats the purpose of placing it above the fireplace. This is an excellent choice for a shallow-hearth setup where the TV can sit fixed at a reasonable height and you prioritize a clean, low-clearance look.
What works
- Incredibly slim 1.1-inch profile when retracted
- 10-year warranty with heavy-duty steel construction
- Easy installation with pre-labeled hardware
What doesn’t
- No vertical height adjustment for tall fireplaces
- 60-degree swivel is narrower than competing full-motion mounts
6. USX Mount Full Motion TV Wall Mount
The USX Mount Full Motion bracket delivers a surprising amount of capability for the price. It holds TVs from 42 to 90 inches and up to 132 pounds. The dual articulating arms extend 16.5 inches and swivel 45 degrees, and the +/-15-degree tilt is generous enough to aim the screen down from a high fireplace mounting. The 2.4-inch retracted depth keeps things tidy when the TV is not in use.
Installation is made easier by the included bubble level and pre-labeled hardware bags. The mount’s 6-arm design distributes weight evenly, reducing wobble during adjustment. Owners frequently praise the responsive US-based customer service for promptly replacing any missing or damaged parts, though a few note that hardware quality could be better at the budget-friendly price point.
The biggest limitation for fireplace use is again the lack of vertical travel. You’ll need to mount it precisely so that the tilt angle is enough for comfortable viewing. The swivel range is also narrower than premium competitors. For homeowners with a modest mantle and a straightforward wall layout, this mount offers solid articulation and capacity without breaking the budget.
What works
- High 132-pound capacity for large TVs
- Easy installation with bubble level and pre-labeled bags
- Responsive customer service from US-based support
What doesn’t
- No vertical height adjustment for tall mantels
- 45-degree swivel feels limited compared to pricier models
7. AMERLIFE Floating Fireplace TV Stand
The AMERLIFE Floating Fireplace TV Stand is a different approach altogether: instead of a bracket attached to the wall, it’s a full media console with an integrated 40-inch electric fireplace. The unit mounts to the wall and holds TVs up to 90 inches and 200 pounds on its top surface. The mirrored finish and adjustable LED lighting create a dramatic look that works well in modern living rooms.
The electric fireplace includes a touchscreen control panel and remote, allowing you to adjust flame color, intensity, and thermostat settings. The stand has storage compartments for media components, but owners note the cabinets are shallow and lack ventilation for electronics. Installation requires mounting a 1×4 board to the wall first, and the pre-drilled holes don’t always align perfectly with studs.
This is not a height-adjustable mount—the TV sits on top of the stand at a fixed height. If your fireplace is low or you plan to sit farther back, it can work. But for a high, traditional fireplace, this stand will still leave the TV above eye level. It’s best suited for rooms where you want a combined heater, sound system, and TV console in one wall-mounted package with a sleek profile.
What works
- Integrated electric fireplace with adjustable flame colors
- High 200-pound capacity for large TVs
- Wall-mounted design frees up floor space
What doesn’t
- No height adjustment – TV sits at a fixed elevated position
- Shallow cabinets lack ventilation for heat-producing electronics
Hardware & Specs Guide
Vertical Travel vs. Tilting
For fireplace mounts, vertical travel is the only spec that truly solves the height problem. Tilting alone reduces glare and improves viewing angle slightly, but a screen mounted 50+ inches off the floor still requires neck strain. Look for mounts with at least 20 inches of vertical drop. Pneumatic and motorized systems offer the smoothest adjustment, while manual pull-down mounts require more effort but are generally more durable.
Weight Margins and Safety
Always leave a 20% safety margin above your TV’s weight. If your TV weighs 80 pounds, choose a mount rated for at least 96 pounds. This accounts for the leverage created when the mount is fully extended. For motorized mounts, exceeding the rated weight can strain the motor and reduce lifespan. The mount’s VESA pattern must match your TV’s mounting holes exactly. If the pattern is unusual, an adapter plate may be required.
FAQ
Can I install an above fireplace TV mount into brick or stone?
What is the minimum distance between the TV and the fireplace opening?
Will a motorized mount work with a soundbar attached to the TV?
Final Thoughts: The Verdict
For most gardeners, the above fireplace tv mount winner is the MantelMount MM700 because it combines a full 26 inches of vertical travel with soundbar integration and heavy-duty construction that handles TVs up to 115 pounds. If you want motorized convenience without manual effort, grab the VIVO Motorized Mount. And for a tight budget with moderate mantel depth, nothing beats the VIVO Counterbalance Mount for its pneumatic height adjustment.