Electric Fireplace Under a TV: 5 Things to Know Before You Install

You can install an electric fireplace directly below a TV. The deciding factor is heat, not flames.

Electric fireplaces produce their visual flame effect using LED or LCD technology, which generates no meaningful heat on its own. The heat comes from a separate electric heating element, and every quality model lets you turn that heater off while keeping the flames running. Modern Flames calls this flame only mode.

With the heater off, you can mount a TV as close to the fireplace as the framing allows. With the heater on, you need 8 to 12 inches of clearance between the top of the unit and the bottom of the TV. The exact number depends on the model and how it vents heat.

Five things to get right before you start.

1. Why Is Heat the Real Risk, Not the Flames?

The flame effect in an electric fireplace is a light show. LED models use colored lights reflected off a rotating mirror or refractive panel. LCD models display high resolution flame video on a built in screen. Neither method produces heat.

The heat comes from a fan forced electric heater built into the unit. The Modern Flames Spectrum Slimline, for example, is rated at 5,000 BTU with two settings (1,465W on high, 750W on low). That warm air rises. If your TV sits directly in its path with no gap, the electronics overheat.

You solve this by either leaving enough vertical space for the warm air to dissipate or by turning the heater off and running the fireplace in flame only mode. Both approaches protect your TV, and the second one is why electric fireplaces are fundamentally different from gas or wood units when it comes to TV placement.

2. What Is Flame Only Mode and Which Models Have It?

Flame only mode lets you run the visual fire effect without activating the heating element. The unit draws 15 to 100 watts, comparable to a standard LED light fixture, and the surface stays cool to the touch.

This feature is standard on every Modern Flames model, including the Spectrum Slimline (LED) and the Orion V2 Slim (LCD virtual). It is not universal across all brands and price points. Budget electric fireplaces under $500 sometimes lack an independent flame only switch, which forces you to run the heater whenever you want the visual effect.

If you plan to run an electric fireplace below a TV as your primary use case, confirm that the model has a dedicated flame only mode before you buy. Check the spec sheet or call the dealer.

3. How Much Clearance Do You Need Between the Fireplace and the TV?

It depends on whether the heater is running.

With heater off (flame only mode): Follow the manufacturer's minimum framing clearance for the enclosure itself. On most recessed electric fireplaces, this is 1 to 3 inches above the unit. The TV can sit just above that threshold.

With heater on: Manufacturers specify 8 to 12 inches of vertical clearance between the top of the fireplace and any electronics or heat sensitive materials above it. Check the installation manual for the exact number. Building inspectors use that document during approval. NFPA 211 provides broad fireplace clearance guidelines, but the manufacturer's listing always takes precedence for UL rated appliances.

Vent direction matters. Some electric fireplaces vent heat from the top of the unit, pushing warm air directly upward toward the TV. Others vent from the front or bottom. A front vent or bottom vent model is the better choice for under TV installations because the warm air moves away from the screen, not toward it. The Modern Flames Spectrum Slimline uses front facing heat venting, which keeps the top surface cooler.

4. What Size Electric Fireplace Fits Under Your TV?

The fireplace should be at least as wide as the TV for a proportional look. Going wider creates an accent wall effect that works well in living rooms and primary bedrooms.

TV Size	TV Width (approx.)	Min. Fireplace Width	Recommended Models
55"	48"	50"	Spectrum Slimline 50", Orion V2 Slim 52"
65"	57"	60"	Spectrum Slimline 60", Orion V2 Slim 60"
75"	66"	74"	Spectrum Slimline 74", Orion V2 Slim 76"
85"+	75"+	100"	Spectrum Slimline 100", Orion V2 Slim 100"

TV widths are panel edge to edge, without the stand. Fireplace widths are the visible flame area, not the total unit width including trim surround. Check the product spec sheet to confirm the framed opening dimensions before you cut the wall.

5. Which Models Fit Your Wall Depth?

Recessed electric fireplaces sit inside the wall cavity. The depth of your wall framing limits what will fit.

2x4 framed walls (3.5 inch cavity): The Modern Flames Spectrum Slimline is designed for this depth. It uses Hybrid-FX LED flame technology, produces up to 5,000 BTU, and includes a variable thermostat (68 to 88 degrees F). Available in 50, 60, 74, and 100 inch sizes. Prices start at $1,599.

2x6 framed walls (5.5 inch cavity): The Modern Flames Orion V2 Slim fits this depth. It uses HELIOVISION LCD technology for a higher resolution virtual flame image, includes a built in sound system with crackling fire audio, and is app controlled via the Modern Flames+ app. Available in 52, 60, 76, and 100 inch sizes. Prices start at $4,479.

Not sure about your wall depth? Remove an outlet cover on the wall where you plan to install. The electrical box sits flush with the framing. Measure from the front edge of the box to the wall surface. About 3.5 inches means 2x4 framing. About 5.5 inches means 2x6.

Complete media wall option: Modern Flames also makes the Allwood Media Wall System, a prebuilt entertainment wall designed for the Spectrum Slimline 60 inch. It includes a fireplace cutout, TV mounting area, and optional side shelving in three finishes (Coastal Sand, Driftwood Gray, Weathered Walnut). Starting at $3,000.

Modern Flames Models for Under TV Installation

Feature	Spectrum Slimline	Orion V2 Slim
Wall Depth	2x4 (3.5")	2x6 (5.5")
Flame Technology	LED (Hybrid-FX)	LCD Virtual (HELIOVISION)
Flame Only Mode	Yes	Yes
Heat Output	5,000 BTU	5,000 BTU
Heat Venting	Front	Front
Sound System	No	Yes (crackling fire audio + Bluetooth)
App Control	No	Yes (Modern Flames+)
Sizes Available	50", 60", 74", 100"	52", 60", 76", 100"
Price Range	$1,599 to $2,889	$4,479 to $7,799

Browse all Modern Flames electric fireplaces at Resorts Depot →

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an electric fireplace damage a TV?

Only if the heater is running and the TV is too close. The flame effect itself produces no heat. In flame only mode, the unit produces zero heat and the TV is completely safe. With the heater running, maintain the clearance specified in the installation manual, which is 8 to 12 inches for most models.

Do electric fireplaces get hot on top?

It depends on the vent design. Top venting models push warm air upward, and the top surface gets warm. Front venting and bottom venting models keep the top surface cooler. For installations below a TV, a front vent model like the Spectrum Slimline is the better option.

What is the best electric fireplace to put under a TV?

A recessed model with flame only mode, front heat venting, and a slim profile that fits your wall depth. The Modern Flames Spectrum Slimline is built for 2x4 walls and checks every box at $1,599 to $2,889. The Orion V2 Slim is the upgrade for 2x6 walls, with LCD virtual flames and app control, starting at $4,479.

Is it safe to mount a TV above an electric fireplace?

Yes. Electric fireplaces are UL listed and tested for residential installation near electronics. Follow the clearance requirements in the installation manual. Flame only mode runs the visual effect without any heat output, so nothing reaches the TV.

How much does it cost to run an electric fireplace in flame only mode?

The unit draws between 15 and 100 watts depending on the model and flame brightness. At the national average electricity rate (about $0.18 per kWh), that works out to roughly $0.003 to $0.018 per hour. Running it 8 hours a day costs between $0.70 and $4.30 per month.