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Model BP1 Media Wall: Recommended Layout Dimensions for TV and Fireplace Design

Whether you’re building it yourself or having us handle it, getting the layout right makes all the difference. That’s why we put together this go-to guide for our BP1 model, one of our most popular and cleanest designs.

This guide is written with a recessed TV in mind, but aside from the TV opening itself, the rest of the layout tips apply just as well if you’re mounting a TV over the face of the media wall.

Want the Full Walkthrough? Watch the Video

Here’s What We Recommend (and Why It Matters):

Media Wall Depth

Aim for a depth of around 10 inches, with 8 inches as the minimum and 12 inches as the max. Going deeper than that can look bulky, while anything shallower might limit what you can recess or store. This range strikes the perfect balance, giving you enough space for electronics behind the TV while keeping the design modern and streamlined.

TV Height (If You’re Adding a Mantel)

The lowest we recommend starting your TV opening is 46 inches from the floor. This keeps the TV high enough to allow space for a mantel and fireplace without the layout feeling cramped or awkwardly low.

In our builds, we typically start the opening at 48 inches from the floor. Most construction materials, like drywall and birch plywood, come in 48-inch sheets. Installing them horizontally means the seam naturally falls right at the bottom of the TV opening, minimizing the amount of finishing work needed to make it disappear.

TV Opening

Leave a 1″ to 2″ gap around your TV in the opening. This allows for proper airflow, makes installation easier, and keeps the built-in look seamless and intentional, not squeezed in.

For example, the media wall pictured here was built with a 1.25‑inch gap all around the TV—just enough for ventilation and an effortless fit.

Fireplace Height (for Linear Fireplaces)

Set the bottom of your fireplace around 12 inches off the floor. A range of 10 to 15 inches tends to hit the sweet spot; low enough to feel cozy and grounded, but high enough to stay visually balanced and comfortable to look at from across the room.

Important detail: The flange usually sits about ½ inch to 1 inch lower than the framed opening, meaning your fireplace’s visible starting point will end up slightly lower than where you framed it. Account for this drop when you set your framing height to avoid surprises later.

Fireplace Size (for Linear Fireplaces)

Your fireplace should be close in width to your TV. If it’s too small, it tends to look like an afterthought. Keeping the widths similar—or at least in the same ballpark—makes the design feel balanced and intentional.

For example, the media wall shown here pairs a 60-inch fireplace with a 75-inch TV. A 75-inch TV is usually about 66 inches wide, so the 60-inch fireplace lines up visually without feeling undersized. In general, 60 inches is the smallest I’d recommend for a 75-inch TV.

Mantel Size

Your mantel should extend just a bit wider than both the TV and fireplace. This simple tweak gives the design balance and helps visually anchor everything. A mantel that’s too narrow can make the wall feel top-heavy or awkwardly off-center.

For example, the media wall shown here pairs a 72-inch mantel with a 75-inch TV; the TV itself is about 66 inches wide, so the proportions feel just right.

Bonus Tips from the Timeless Team

After building quite a few media walls, we’ve noticed it’s often the small details that make a design feel intentional rather than ‘builder basic.’ Here are a few simple tips we’ve found helpful for keeping the BP1 layout looking balanced and polished:

1. Use a Full-Motion TV Mount

If you’re recessing your TV, don’t skip this. A full-motion mount lets you pull the TV out to easily plug in wires, game consoles, or streaming devices. Then, just push it back into place for that perfect flush look everyone loves.

Our Recommended TV Mounts

We’ve tested a lot of mounts over the years, and these are the ones we trust for different TV sizes:

(Full disclosure: These are affiliate links, so we may earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. We only recommend products we’ve personally used and trust.)

2. Leave Breathing Room Between the Mantel and TV

Cramming your mantel and TV right on top of each other is a fast track to making the wall feel crowded. Aim for about 3 to 5 inches of space between the top of the mantel and the bottom of the TV opening. That tiny gap makes a huge difference in how open and balanced the whole setup feels.

Plus, this space is perfect for parking a soundbar without it looking jammed in. Just remember to drill a hole behind the soundbar spot so you can run the wiring cleanly and keep things looking polished.

3. Make a Cubbie Behind the TV (If You’re Mounting on the Face)

Skipping the recessed TV look? No problem. Just build yourself a hidden cubbie behind the TV. Make it big enough to fit the mount and whatever electronics you plan to stash back there.

This way, the mount sits inside the wall instead of sticking out like a sore thumb, and your TV hugs the media wall nice and tight. No visible mount, no dangling wires, no “did they even finish this?” questions from guests.

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