where to put a plasma in a new house? pics included

[skanji]

thinking of purchasing a new house/ Here's a picture of the great room:
http://tamarackhomes.com/ModelHomes/Pictures/Bridgewater/Pics/Bridgewater-3.jpg

Where would I put the plasma? Over the fireplace is where I'd like to put it, but
a) what about the semi-circle window on top of the fireplace - is that a problem? should i get the builders not to install that window (it is nice!) should iit be higher?
b) is the heat from the fireplace going to be a problem?
c) is there anywhere else to put the plasma?
d) is there anywhere else to put the fireplace?

Here's a picture of the layout (we're going for the greatroom concept)...
link (http://tamarackhomes.com/ModelHomes/Pictures/Bridgewater/Bridgewater-Main.html)

[FastFokker]

On the wall to which the sofa is pointed.

[skanji]

On the wall to which the sofa is pointed.

it's an open space, there is no wall there (it's the entrance of the house...)

[rookie]

Over the fireplace. I will post a pic of my den when I get home.

[lithiumli]

over the fireplace

p.s. it's a very nice looking house, it looks like a show room

[FastFokker]

Over the fireplace would suck (IMO).. I think fireplaces should be left alone as they are an attraction unto themselves.

Plus in this case, there's a window above the fireplace.

[cba123]

Suspend from ceiling in middle of room. No need for a wall...

[gordholio]

Get a stand for it and put it where the little end table is (on the left - it looks like there is an electrical outlet there too) and put your couch back from it a reasonable distance (10-12 feet).
If you put it over the fireplace, it would be too high.

[Paolo]

do what birdman did and put it on the celing in your bedroom....

[Deal]

thinking of purchasing a new house/ Here's a picture of the great room:
http://tamarackhomes.com/ModelHomes/Pictures/Bridgewater/Pics/Bridgewater-3.jpg

Where would I put the plasma? Over the fireplace is where I'd like to put it, but
a) what about the semi-circle window on top of the fireplace - is that a problem? should i get the builders not to install that window (it is nice!) should iit be higher?
b) is the heat from the fireplace going to be a problem?
c) is there anywhere else to put the plasma?
d) is there anywhere else to put the fireplace?

Here's a picture of the layout (we're going for the greatroom concept)...
link (http://tamarackhomes.com/ModelHomes/Pictures/Bridgewater/Bridgewater-Main.html)



A plasma TV has the presence of a fireplace. To have both in one area they each need their space. As it is the fireplace is too central leaving insufficient space for a TV area.

Slide the whole fireplace and tri-window configuration away from the large twin windows. This frees up wall space to put a proper wallunit; one that will be large enough to frame your plasma TV. The elliptical window would also line up nicely with the kitchen arch. (Note plasma TV's run fairly hot. So don't try to enlcose it. Checkout the demo units at the retail stores.)

http://tamarackhomes.com/ModelHomes/Pictures/Bridgewater/Pics/Bridgewater-4.jpg

Now place the sofa to face the tv, back towards the half wall.
The half wall in this configuration is also well suited to nestle the rear speakers in a surround setup. :) At the very least, prewire to give you the option later. Cabling at time of construction is alot cheaper and neater than a retrofit. Just have the electricians make it easy to cut and fish out the cables later.

Where the sofa was, place an armchair and side table to divide the greatroom into entertainment area and cozy fireplace area.If you get a Stressless-style chair it can even pivot and alternate between either part of the room. Keep these pieces light and mobile so it's easy to expand one area into the other when the occassion calls for it.

Balance the fireplace area with another armchair on the other side of the fireplace, + throw rug + coffee table.

Here's a rough sketch:
http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/6237/layout2cb.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[skanji]

well done Deal!!
The only problem is, the wife wants the Great room concept and doesn't want to breaki it up into two rooms...

I do agree that the fireplace will make the TV go too high...

[mart242]

over the fireplace

p.s. it's a very nice looking house, it looks like a show room

It's a model home.. :razz:

[mart242]

Over the fireplace. I will post a pic of my den when I get home.

Did you get home yet? I want to see the pic! :-0

[mart242]

How about getting a smaller mantle and putting the plasma on the wall, above the fireplace and below the window? What size of plasma are we talking about? 42? 50?

Another solution is to put it in front of the two windows, centered. You won't have the sun hitting the screen for sure and it won't block the view to outside too much.

[skanji]

How about getting a smaller mantle and putting the plasma on the wall, above the fireplace and below the window? What size of plasma are we talking about? 42? 50?

Another solution is to put it in front of the two windows, centered. You won't have the sun hitting the screen for sure and it won't block the view to outside too much.

what was the name of the software you suggested?

[mart242]

what was the name of the software you suggested?

chief architect

[woof]

Get rid of the fireplace. Everybody wants one but most people use them very infrequently. That wall is the perfect focal point for the room.

[Homer88]

In the washroom of course. What kinda question is this?

[hightech]

You could get a nice stand for the plasma like this:
http://www.baybloorradio.com/justarrived.html

the silver one with the deck would be classy.

[Deal]

well done Deal!!
The only problem is, the wife wants the Great room concept and doesn't want to breaki it up into two rooms...

I do agree that the fireplace will make the TV go too high...


In my proposal, the room isn't broken up any more than it is in the picture with blue sofa. Only difference is in place of the sofa, is a more movable combination of smaller items of an armchair and side table.

Regardless of the furniture, the real problem is the central placement of the fireplace and the 3 windows. It dominates the room.

If moving the fireplace is not an option I suggest you don't force the plasma in that room. It just detracts from the idea of the central fireplace, and will also compromise enjoyment of the TV.

You did mention something about a den? In fact, I wasn't fully happy with the Plasma being next to those two large windows. The glare would really affect the viewing. And you can't really use curtains either as that would make the rest of the great room too dark.

The den is really sounding like a better. It would literally sound better too in an more enclosed place. All that wall space is also ideal for placing surround speakers and containing the sound. But most importantly you'll have full control of the light.

[skanji]

You could get a nice stand for the plasma like this:
http://www.baybloorradio.com/justarrived.html

the silver one with the deck would be classy.

good idea, but I really want to use the fireplace...i may just shave down the mantle...and either lose the window at the top completely, or shave it down and move it higher...

[skanji]

In my proposal, the room isn't broken up any more than it is in the picture with blue sofa. Only difference is in place of the sofa, is a more movable combination of smaller items of an armchair and side table.

Regardless of the furniture, the real problem is the central placement of the fireplace and the 3 windows. It dominates the room.

If moving the fireplace is not an option I suggest you don't force the plasma in that room. It just detracts from the idea of the central fireplace, and will also compromise enjoyment of the TV.

You did mention something about a den? In fact, I wasn't fully happy with the Plasma being next to those two large windows. The glare would really affect the viewing. And you can't really use curtains either as that would make the rest of the great room too dark.

The den is really sounding like a better. It would literally sound better too in an more enclosed place. All that wall space is also ideal for placing surround speakers and containing the sound. But most importantly you'll have full control of the light.

Currently, we don't have a den, but a dining room (in addition to the great room)...

I agree with you for the light issue...but think that the fireplace/plasma combo would look really awesome...i may end up biting the bullet losing the top window...

ah decisions, decisions...

[mart242]

Something else I forgot to consider: the only thing you'll see from these windows is the neighbor's house which will be ~10 feet from you. Removing a window or two won't be a big loss, you've got tons of other windows anyways.

Another plus for the plasma over a "shaved" mantle: toddlers can't access it and damage it.

[teknoluv]

I could be wrong, but it seems that by design, they expect you to place a sofa along the "half wall" and therefore the TV in where the cabin is right now.

[hightech]

Screens should be eye level... any eye doctor will suggest that. Placing plasmas over the fireplaces is not a good idea

[skanji]

eye level issue isn't too bad, since the sofas will be a good distance back...

Going to head to some audio/video shops this weekend to see what they suggest...

thanks guys!

[john widow]

um, dude, I just gotta say that's a beautiful home.

[skanji]

um, dude, I just gotta say that's a beautiful home.

I assume you mean the decor, as opposed to the layout?

if so, hehe - as others have said, the pictures shown are for a model home. ours will be built in the next 9 months or so.

[Deal]

The more I look at the pictures of fireplace/combos the more I think you need to loose the window too. In fact I would suggest you consider omitting all 3 windows even. In their place, have generous amounts of wall storage with builit in shelves on either side, enough to balance a large feature like a fireplace/plasma TV combo.

Here's a few pictures of a fireplace/plasma combo:

http://www.plasmatvbuyingguide.com/plasmatvpics/plasmatv/fireplaceplasma.jpg

http://www.hometheaterhifi.com/volume_6_1/images/CES99-Fujitsu%20Plasma%20TV%20by%20fireplace.jpg

http://www.hifidoc.com/Home%20Systems/images/Fogle-System.jpg

http://www.beachhouse.com/8760/7.htm

http://www.tvsnob.com/images/fp_tv-thumb.jpg

http://www.audiovideonow.com/images/job2a.jpg

http://ontheparkbb.com/images/rr_cvr2.jpg

http://www.kitchensbydesign.us/KBDgraphics/Wall_Fireplace_250x240.jpg

http://www.jimhoeg.com/newhouse/Natalie_files/hr837210-2.jpg

[skanji]

oh wow - these are awesome!!!

I think we will keep the windows on either side, but the top window is gone for sure...

we'll have strong blinds on those windows...

[thelefteyeguy]

if this is where you'll be watching tv 100% of the time...and 4hrs + a day ...you'll hate having the plasma / tv at that level...can't lie down...have to sit up, and tilt your head up...plus if you want to eat...forget about it.

plasma's over the fireplace is just for show and not for a couch potato. But I don't disagree with the fact that the plasma would look great above the fireplace.


also you can't move your couch all the way back...at most 10ft...since there is an entrance to the dinnette


furthermore...you have another living room right?...more sofas or you are going to change the main living room into a library/den/study?

[ah802]

Mount it on an articulated arm... attached to the wall instead of the peach/orange picture... it would allow you to swing it around any direction.

[mart242]

Apparantly a plasma above fireplace isn't too bad if you have recliners... I've got big lazy boys so I might give that a try at my new house in ~8 months.

[teknoluv]

Here's a few pictures of a fireplace/plasma combo:
I must say that most of them are quite stupid, except a couple of them which then are really good (not just okay) on the contrary.

[Sajjad]

Close proximity from the kitchen.

[skanji]

if this is where you'll be watching tv 100% of the time...and 4hrs + a day ...you'll hate having the plasma / tv at that level...can't lie down...have to sit up, and tilt your head up...plus if you want to eat...forget about it.

plasma's over the fireplace is just for show and not for a couch potato. But I don't disagree with the fact that the plasma would look great above the fireplace.


also you can't move your couch all the way back...at most 10ft...since there is an entrance to the dinnette


furthermore...you have another living room right?...more sofas or you are going to change the main living room into a library/den/study?


we are going for the great room concept (ie. no wall between the living and dining rooms)...so, the sofas will be able to be further back. also, our fireplace isn't *that* high http://tamarackhomes.com/ModelHomes/Pictures/Bridgewater/Pics/Bridgewater-4.jpg

[skanji]

here's another picture:
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/9848/originalplana8ol.jpg

...and the view from the kitchen (you can see where the sofas are):
http://img422.imageshack.us/img422/4383/pict0014ccc9rf.jpg

[Deal]

I must say that most of them are quite stupid, except a couple of them which then are really good (not just okay) on the contrary.

There were some that were trully awful that I didn't include.

Just search in Google Image for "fireplace plasma"
http://images.google.com/images?svnum=10&complete=1&hl=en&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=fireplace+plasma&spell=1

For the most part, they're quite decent, and to get the ideas flowing, but then you'll also see some awful ones like this:

http://www.geocities.com/van2whi/Fireplace_Plasma_TV_IMG.jpg

[D.NGUYEN]

TOo high above the fireplace, buy a nice table to put the TV on, the house looks pretty new so, design something that will hold wires, put it in the direction the couch is facing, drill holes to basement, and link the wires to somewhere like the corner of the room where all your equipment could be located. Kind of like what the Sony Store has. I believe that the placement of a plasma above the fireplace might void warranty and increase chance of failure. Plasmas are hot, with heat it will be horrible.

[Emancipated]

Over the fireplace would suck (IMO).. I think fireplaces should be left alone as they are an attraction unto themselves.

Plus in this case, there's a window above the fireplace.


This man is correct and has a great sense of arrangement, evidentally. He's likely very knowledgable and a conisseur (the word meaning expert, you know what I mean) of great coffee beans (see avatar). Coffee drinkers have good fashion/style sense.

Well, you should really reconsider your entire decour. It needn't be too drastic, but a little change here and there, subtle as they may be can breath new life into a room. Consider rearranging your couch to compliment the entertainment hub. I looks like the room is very much complete without th eaddition of a television. If you really insist, then I would personally get a very minimalistic tv-stand with some discrete satellites.

[skanji]

the window over the tv will be gone...