Mantle

I just built a flatscreen tv stand and placed the television so that the horizontal centerline of the screen was at eye level when the viewer is sitting on a sofa.

I am curious as to how it works when the television is mounted as high as shown in the picture - any neck strain occur?

Excellent work, by the way.

Craig, I like the mantle but hate the TV. there should be a law against placing them in an over-mantle. Also why do all HVAC guys choose the focal point in a room to install their ugly vents?

TV Time.. TV level was at request of homeowner.. If you sit back far enough.. it works out..

Kerry.. Those are surround sound speakers.. Thank you!

Nice work, but the TV placement will scream 2006-2009 in a few years, all will be dated and torn out - disposable stuff. There is so much done so everywhere, that we are already seeing people move away from it. Not a good viewing angle, no matter how you look at it.
For the more philosophical, this a combination of the two hearths we have spent millenia staring at - one is ancient, the other 20th century.

I rather suspect TVs on floor are a thing of the past. One could build enclosing doors if client doesn't like the look of TV over mantle. The "overthemantle" TV can always be removed for future changes (and replace with painting or wood) so I see no problem with building around it as done above. I really like the use of the space and feel this is a great improvement over builders grade mantles. I suppose this is an argument of aesthetics versus function (the freeing of space by wall mount)