(BPT) - If you have a living room or family room with limited wall space, you may be challenged to find the best place for your TV. Fortunately, mounting a TV above a fireplace is not only a popular design choice that saves space and creates a single striking focal point, but thanks to recent advancements in fireplace technology it's safer and more stylish than ever to pair these living room staples.

Innovative heat management

Modern fireplaces have revolutionized the way designers and families think about TV placement. The Heat & Glo Primo II gas fireplace, for example, showcases innovative technology that allows for unique design possibilities:

TV placement: You can safely mount your TV just one inch above the fireplace opening.

Finishing materials: Heat-sensitive materials like sheetrock or wood panels can be brought right up to the fireplace opening.

Year-round enjoyment: You can enjoy the cozy ambiance of a fire without the heat, thanks to advanced heat management.

Safe touch: A cooling system keeps the glass at a safe temperature without a protective screen, which is ideal for homes with children and pets.

"A fireplace traditionally puts out a lot of heat, which you may not always want," said Kathy Rogers, hearth expert at Heat & Glo. "But instead of eliminating the fireplace altogether, you can choose a fireplace with a heat management component. This allows you to control the amount of heat being emitted, and also lets you safely put your TV above the fireplace."

How to match your fireplace to your TV

For a harmonious and balanced living room or family room, consider these five tips:

1. Size matters: Match the width of your fireplace to the width of your TV for a cohesive look. The most popular TV sizes are 43', 50,' 55' and 65'. These pair perfectly with the width of our most popular fireplaces.

2. Mounting height: Ensure that the TV is at a comfortable viewing height, so you're not craning your neck to see the screen. Heat & Glo fireplaces offer mounting as close as one inch from the fireplace opening, ensuring the location height of your TV isn't hindered.

3. Design consistency: Choose complementary styles. If you have an ultra-modern TV, consider a sleek, contemporary fireplace design. A linear fireplace fits these needs perfectly.

4. Measure first: Before purchasing either one, be sure to measure both your TV and your desired fireplace to create visual balance. It's recommended to take your ceiling height and size of the room into consideration.

5. Viewing comfort: Consider the distance of the TV from your seating area to avoid neck and eye strain, as well as optimal viewing. The best viewing distance depends on both the size of the screen and the resolution of your TV. Most TV manufacturers provide recommendations for optimal viewing distance, so it's a good idea to look this up before mounting your TV and placing furniture.

With careful planning and the right technology, you can create a beautiful, functional living space that seamlessly incorporates both your TV and your fireplace. Modern fireplace designs offer the flexibility to enhance your space without compromising on safety or aesthetics, so you can enjoy the best of both worlds - the warmth of a fireplace and the entertainment of a well-placed TV.

Learn more about this technology and find a fireplace that fits your style at HeatNGlo.com.