If you’re like many homeowners, you may have considered mounting your projector screen over the fireplace. After all, it’s a big, blank wall that’s just waiting to be used. But before you take the plunge and try to hang your projector screen above the fireplace, there are a few things you should know.
This blog post will discuss everything you need to know about projector screens over fireplaces. We will cover what type of projector screens work best, how to install them, and what to consider before installing the screen over a fireplace.
Can You Put a Projector Screen Above a Fireplace?
Yes, you can place a projector screen above a fireplace. But you should be careful lest you crease or expose it to heat or smoke damage. Just follow these simple steps: Choose the right screen for your fireplace; mount the screen securely; hang and position your projector, and enjoy your movies.
Although TVs aren’t the best to mount over the fireplace, a projector screen is often an ideal fix. It may also seem straightforward, but let’s dive into each of the above steps.
Choosing the right screen
Make sure to pick a screen that’s designed for ceiling mounting. You’ll also want to ensure that the screen is big enough for your projector. The general rule of thumb is that the screen should be about one and a half times the width of your projector’s image.
Example: Elite Screens Manual B Projector Screen
Mounting the screen
You’ll want to make sure that the screen is mounted securely. The best way to do this is to use heavy-duty brackets to secure the screen to the ceiling joists. Alternatively, you can use L-brackets, which you can attach to the studs on your wall.
If you’re unsure how to do this, you can always hire a professional.
Hanging and positioning your projector
To get the perfect image, you’ll need to hang your projector from the ceiling and position it to point it at the center of the screen. You can use a projector mount to do this. Once you’ve done that, all you need to do is adjust the focus and zoom until the image is clear.
Better yet, if your projector has the horizontal lens shift range and keystone correction, you do not have to place it centered on the screen.
And that’s it! Now you can enjoy your projector screen without worrying about moving furniture around. Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the show.
Things to consider when installing a projector over the fireplace
Now that you know how to install a projector screen over the fireplace, you should keep a few things in mind. These will go a long way in ensuring you have a great experience with your projector screen.
Material of the screen:
The material of the projector screen is critical to consider because some materials are more fire resistant than others. If you’re mounting the projector screen over the fireplace, you’ll want to ensure that it’s made of fire-resistant material.
Fabric projector screens are most affected by smoke from wood burning in the fireplace. Over time, a matte white projector screen can develop a yellowish tint from the smoke. While heat is not much of an issue for fabric screens, it can cause sagging over time, especially if the screen is used with the fireplace on.
PVC projector screens are more heat sensitive than fabric screens. The heat from the fireplace can cause the PVC material to warp and yellow. However, PVC projector screens are more resistant to smoke than fabric screens, and you can wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth.
Most projector screens are made of PVC that’s about 0.3mm thick. Given the temperature of a typical fireplace, the screen is bound to receive a considerable beating.
As a result, it’s important to consider the fireplace design, which is the next thing.
Design of the fireplace
If you have a gas fireplace, you’re in luck. These fireplaces generate very little heat so the projector screen will be safe. You can also control the flame, so you don’t have to worry about the projector screen getting too hot.
A direct vent gas insert will also work, but you’ll want to make sure that the projector screen is at least 12 inches away from the insert. This will protect the projector screen from the heat. For an open flame, you should consider installing a glass door in front of the fireplace to protect the projector screen when the fireplace is in use.
However, you’ll need to take extra precautions if you have a wood-burning fireplace. Wood-burning fireplaces generate a lot of heat and smoke. The smoke could damage the projector screen, and the radiant heat could potentially warp the screen.
To avoid this, you should always have the fireplace off whenever using the projector screen.
Conclusion
Projector screens are a great way to enjoy your favorite movies and TV shows. But if you’re going to install one over the fireplace, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First, make sure to pick a screen that’s designed for ceiling mounting. You’ll also want to ensure that the screen is big enough for your projector.
And finally, keep in mind the type of fireplace you have. Gas fireplaces are the safest, but wood-burning fireplaces can be dangerous.
With some planning, you can enjoy your projector screen for years to come.
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