How to Choose the Right Fire Size for Electric Media Wall Based on TV Size

Quick answers

• A balanced look is when the fireplace opening is the same width or a little wider than the TV. Many homeowners prefer the fireplace to be wider by about 4 to 12 inches overall.

• A practical rule: leave about 8 to 12 inches of vertical air gap between the top of the fireplace opening and the bottom of the TV when the fireplace has a front heater. Source for the 8 inch minimum and real world pairings: Touchstone. 

• Mount the TV so your eye line hits roughly the center of the picture, and do not tilt your neck upward more than about 15 degrees for comfortable viewing. Source: THX viewing recommendations. 

• For seating distance, a cinema-like view happens when the screen fills about a 40 degree field of view, which for most rooms is approximately TV diagonal equal to seating distance in inches multiplied by 0.835. Source: THX

• Many linear electric fireplaces allow zero clearance to the sides and top of the framing cavity and specify a front clearance for combustibles. Example: SimpliFire Scion lists zero inches to sides, top, and back, and 36 inches front clearance to combustibles. Always read your model’s manual. 

• Typical heat output is 1,500 watts on 120 volts, about 5,118 BTU per hour. Some models can be hardwired at 240 volts for up to 2,500 watts, about 8,530 BTU per hour. Example spec: Dimplex

Should your electric fireplace be the same size as your TV

Short answer: it does not have to match exactly, and in a lot of media wall designs the fireplace looks best when it is slightly wider than the TV. That extra width makes the fireplace read as the architectural anchor, while the TV feels visually lighter and floats above. If you prefer minimalist symmetry, you can match widths one to one. For tighter walls, a modestly narrower fireplace can still look intentional if you center it and maintain equal side reveals.

From an installer’s standpoint, there are also practical reasons not to match the sizes perfectly:

• Most TV sizes are sold by diagonal, not width. A “65 inch” TV is typically about 57 inches wide in real life. Using an exact match based only on diagonals leads to misalignments after installation. Touchstone’s pairing guide uses typical left to right TV widths for this reason. 

• Linear electric fireplaces are sold by actual overall width. That makes it easier to hit a specific architectural dimension with cabinets, drywall, stone, or millwork. Example families include 50, 60, 72, 84, 100 inch models.

• Framing and finish thickness can shift the visible opening by a half inch to more than an inch. Giving yourself a few inches of “design slack” prevents a perfect-on-paper match from looking off in the real room.

Pro design tip: When in doubt, size the fireplace a touch wider than the TV. It pulls the composition down and helps the screen feel at the right height.

TV and fireplace size pairings for media walls

Below is a clear starting point that balances proportion and buildability. It assumes a standard 16:9 TV. Widths are approximate and refer to the visible TV area including typical bezel.

Recommended pairings

How to use the table:

• Balanced look: fireplace equals or slightly exceeds the TV width by about 0 to 12 inches overall.

• Bold look: fireplace becomes the visual anchor. Going 12 to 24 inches wider than the TV adds drama and helps fill tall or wide feature walls.

If you want a manufacturer’s real world reference, Touchstone lists pairings such as a 65 inch TV with a 60 or 72 inch fireplace, and an 85 inch TV with a 72 inch fireplace as common combos. Source: Touchstone

How big should the fireplace be compared with the TV

For modern linear fireplaces, a simple proportion works well:

• Design rule of thumb: fireplace width equals 1.0 to 1.3 times the TV width.

• Smaller rooms and low ceilings: aim closer to 1.0 to 1.1 times.

• Large great rooms and tall ceilings: stretch to 1.2 to 1.3 times.

Why it works: the eye reads horizontal mass first. A fireplace that is the same width or a bit wider than the screen grounds the wall and keeps the TV from feeling too dominant.

How far should the electric fireplace be from the TV

Two distances matter: the vertical gap between the fireplace opening and the bottom of the TV, and the viewing height of the TV itself.

1. Vertical gap between fire and TV

• A common manufacturer recommendation for front-heater electric fireplaces is about 8 inches minimum between the heater outlet and the bottom of the TV. This keeps warm air from washing straight into the panel and gives space for wiring and a soundbar. Source: Touchstone guidance. 

• Many electric fireplaces are tested and listed with zero clearance to framing on the sides and top, but they still specify front clearance to combustibles. For example, the SimpliFire Scion manual lists zero inches to sides, top, and back, and a front clearance of 36 inches to combustibles. That front zone is about furniture and drapery in the room, not the TV above, but it illustrates how electric fireplaces manage heat differently than wood or gas. Always check your exact model’s manual. Source: SimpliFire manual. 

2. Viewing height and neck comfort

• For comfort, mount the TV so your eye line hits near the center of the screen and you are not looking upward by more than about 15 degrees. If your mantel or fire pushes the TV too high, use a tilting mount to bring the picture back into your natural sight line. Source: THX viewing recommendations. 

Pro build tip: If the heater outlet is near the top of the fireplace face, consider a shallow mantel shelf or a minimal steel heat ledge between the fireplace and TV to deflect airflow. Even a 2 to 4 inch deflector helps keep warm air from rising directly into the TV bezel.

What fireplace size works best under a TV

Think of the space under the TV as a horizontal “plinth” that should visually support the screen. The sweet spot is usually:

• Fireplace opening width: same as the TV or wider by 4 to 12 inches.

• Bottom of fireplace above finished floor: about 10 to 16 inches is common in living rooms. Touchstone suggests mounting roughly 12 inches above the floor for protection in high traffic areas. Source: Touchstone

• Space for speakers: if you plan a soundbar, leave a clean 3 to 6 inch gap either between the TV and soundbar or between the soundbar and the fireplace to avoid visual crowding and to keep infrared receivers clear.

How to pick the right TV size for the wall you already have

If your media wall framing is set and you are choosing the TV, use viewing distance and field of view to size the screen.

Step 1. Measure viewing distance

Measure from the primary seat to the wall in inches.

Step 2. Choose an experience level

• Cinematic feel: target about a 40 degree field of view. A fast estimate is TV diagonal equal to distance times 0.835. Example: seat at 9 feet is 108 inches. 108 x 0.835 = about 90 inches.

• Balanced everyday use: a 30 degree field of view lands closer to distance times about 0.62 for 16:9 content.

• Minimum neck strain: keep the TV center near eye height and avoid mounting so high that you look up more than about 15 degrees.

Source for 40 degree and height guidance: THX. For 30 degree industry practice, see SMPTE discussions on viewing angles and picture heights. 

Step 3. Convert diagonal to width to match the fireplace

Most TVs are 16:9. For a 16:9 screen:

• Width equals diagonal times approximately 0.872.

• Height equals diagonal times approximately 0.49.

Use these to check that the TV will sit nicely over your planned fireplace width. Reference for the 16:9 width and height factors: screen size calculator examples. 

Viewing distance to screen size quick table

The table below uses the THX cinematic estimate for a 40 degree field of view: TV diagonal equals distance in inches times 0.835. Round to the nearest common TV size.

Source for the 40 degree calculation: THX

What type of electric fireplace belongs in a media wall

Pick a model that installs cleanly in stud framing, manages heat safely around electronics, and matches the look you want.

1) Built-in linear, recessed

• Why pros like it: smooth, flush look with drywall, tile, stone, or paneling. Many models are designed for 2x6 framing and can fit 2x4 walls with an optional trim kit.

• Heat and power: most are 120 volt, 1,500 watt heaters. Premium units can hardwire at 240 volts to deliver more heat.

• Spec example: Dimplex IgniteXL lists 120 volts at 1,500 watts for about 5,118 BTU and 240 volts at 2,500 watts for about 8,530 BTU. It fully recesses in 2x6 walls and in 2x4 with an optional trim. Dimplex

2) Three-sided or two-sided linear

• Why choose this: adds depth and drama on room dividers or returns. You will need a wider chase and a clean plan for side glass reveals.

3) Wall-mounted, surface

• When it is smart: condos or rentals where you do not want to open walls. You still need to observe heater clearance below a TV and plan cable concealment.

4) Inserts and log sets

• Use case: retrofits into an old masonry fireplace when you want a media wall elsewhere and a safe, maintenance-free “fire” in the original opening.

Heat safety and clearances

Electric fireplaces are not wood or gas. There is no open flame, no flue gas, and no chimney. Many models have zero clearance to sides and top within a framing cavity, and a front clearance zone to prevent drapes, cords, and soft goods from sitting in front of the heater. Always read your exact model’s manual for clearances, and remember the front clearance addresses the room environment, not the TV immediately above. Example: SimpliFire Scion manual, zero clearance to sides/top/back, 36 inches front clearance to combustibles. 

Worked examples you can copy

Example A: 65 inch TV, small living room, 10 foot seating

• Seating 10 feet equals 120 inches. THX cinematic diagonal is 120 x 0.835, about 100 inches. That is too big for the room budget, so you choose a 65 inch TV for comfort and cost.

• A 65 inch TV is about 57 inches wide. A clean pairing is a 60 or 72 inch linear fireplace for a balanced to bold look. Source for typical TV width and pairings: Touchstone. 

• Leave 8 to 12 inches between the top of the fire and the bottom of the TV. If your heater outlet is near the top of the fireplace, include a minimal mantel ledge to deflect air. Source: Touchstone

Example B: 75 inch TV, large great room, 13 foot seating

• Seating 13 feet equals 156 inches. THX cinematic diagonal is 156 x 0.835, about 130 inches. You settle on a 75 inch TV for cost, then scale the fireplace as the anchor.

• A 75 inch TV is roughly 66 inches wide. Choose an 84 to 100 inch fireplace for a bold proportion that fills a tall wall.

Example C: Bedroom media wall with a 55 inch TV

• A 55 inch TV is about 48 inches wide. For a cozy feel, pick a 50 to 60 inch fireplace. Keep the fire opening 10 to 14 inches above the floor in this space so the flame reads while you are reclined. For households with kids or pets, following the 12 inch off the floor tip is practical. Source: Touchstone. 

Build and safety checklist

• Confirm stud depth and opening size for your fireplace. Many premium units recess in 2x6 studs, and some include trim kits for 2x4 walls. Example: IgniteXL includes a trim kit for 2x4 installs. 

• Provide dedicated electric per the manual. Most units require a 15 amp 120 volt circuit. Some can be hardwired at 240 volts for higher output.

• Observe front clearance to combustibles and the vertical gap to the TV. Use a mantel or heat ledge when the heater exhaust is near the top of the face. Example manual clearances: SimpliFire Scion shows zero inches to sides and top, and 36 inches front to combustibles. 

• Keep viewing ergonomics in mind. Eye line near screen center. Limit upward gaze to about 15 degrees for comfort. 

• Confirm heat expectations. Typical output at 120 volts is about 5,118 BTU per hour. Hardwired 240 volt models can reach about 8,530 BTU per hour. Example: Dimplex IgniteXL. 

FAQ

Q1：Should the fireplace be the same width as my TV
A：No. It can match exactly, but in most rooms the fireplace looks best when it is the same width or wider. Slightly wider, by about 4 to 12 inches overall, frames the TV and makes the wall feel finished.

Q2：Is it safe to put a TV over an electric fireplace
A：Yes, if you follow the fireplace manual and basic spacing. Many electric models are designed for electronics above because the heat is controlled and directed forward. Use an 8 to 12 inch vertical gap for front-heater designs and respect the front clearance to combustibles that the manual specifies. Example of how manuals treat clearances: SimpliFire Scion. 

Q3：How high should I mount the TV
A：Aim so your eye line hits near the center of the screen while seated and so you are not looking up more than about 15 degrees. If the fire pushes the TV up, use a tilting mount to bring the picture back down. 

Q4：How do I size the TV to my seating distance
A：For a cinematic feel, multiply the seating distance in inches by about 0.835 to get the TV diagonal. For a less intense, everyday feel, a smaller screen based on roughly 30 degrees can be more comfortable for casual viewing. 

Q5：Will an electric fireplace heat my whole open plan room
A：Electric fireplaces are best as zone heaters. Standard 120 volt models draw about 1,500 watts, roughly 5,118 BTU per hour. Some 240 volt models can deliver about 8,530 BTU per hour. Expect meaningful warmth in a nearby seating zone, not full replacement for central heat. 

Q6：Do I need a mantel between the fireplace and TV
A：It is not mandatory for many electric models, but a shallow mantel or metal heat ledge helps deflect warm air away from the TV if the heater outlet is near the top of the fireplace face. It can also hide an LED light strip or conceal a soundbar.

Q7：What about a soundbar
A：Plan a clean 3 to 6 inch gap either under the TV or above the fireplace opening. Use a mount with a dedicated soundbar bracket or a cleat behind the finish so cables disappear.

Q8：What if I have only 2x4 studs
A：Choose a unit that offers a trim kit or shallow chassis. For instance, the IgniteXL family can fully recess in 2x6 and fit 2x4 with an optional trim kit. 

Q9：How do I convert TV diagonal to width to match my fireplace
A：For 16:9 TVs, width is approximately diagonal times 0.872. Height is diagonal times about 0.49. That makes it easy to sketch proportions before you buy. 

Simple sizing formulas you can keep

• Fireplace width target
  Fireplace width equals 1.0 to 1.3 times TV width.
  If you want a minimalist look, aim for 1.0 to 1.1.
  If you want the fire to be the dominant anchor, aim for 1.2 to 1.3.

• TV width from diagonal for 16:9
  Width in inches equals diagonal times 0.872. Height equals diagonal times 0.49. Omni Calculator

• Cinematic TV size from seating distance
  TV diagonal equals seating distance in inches times 0.835. THX

What pros look at on install day

• Stud layout: verify your stud bay widths match the fireplace rough opening and any side returns. Pull a laser, mark center, and transfer to the floor.

• Electrical rough-in: run the dedicated circuit to the chase with the correct whip location. If the unit can be hardwired at 240 volts and you plan to use that mode, plan the breaker and wire gauge now.

• Service cavity: leave a vertical wiring chase with a removable low-profile access panel for HDMI and future upgrades.

• Vent path for warm air: although electric units do not require venting, do not trap the heater outlet behind a deep TV recess. Use a flat plane or a small deflector shelf so air rolls out into the room.

• Finish build-up: add a test strip of your finish material to confirm final reveals around the glass. Tile and stone thickness can shift reveals enough to notice.

Final

Match the size to the room experience you want. If you are chasing a cinema feel, lean into a larger TV and size the fireplace a touch wider to ground the wall. If you are after balance and calm, let the fireplace and TV share the width, and get the viewing height and the 8 to 12 inch air gap right. Check the manual for your exact model, and you will have a media wall that looks right on day one and still feels right years later.