MantelMount Pull-Down TV Mounts: The Complete Guide
MantelMount pull-down TV mounts let you enjoy a TV above your fireplace without the neck strain. Learn how they work, what TVs they support, how much they cost, and why professional installation matters.
What Is a MantelMount?
MantelMount is a brand of pull-down TV mount specifically engineered for above-fireplace television installations. Unlike a standard fixed or tilting wall mount, a MantelMount uses a counterbalanced arm mechanism to lower the TV from its resting position above the fireplace mantel to a comfortable, eye-level viewing height in front of the fireplace. When you are done watching, the TV lifts back up to its stored position above the mantel, out of the way. The MantelMount company, founded in 2012, popularized this product category and has become the dominant brand in the pull-down mount space. The name has become somewhat synonymous with the product type, similar to how Kleenex refers to facial tissue — people searching for 'mantle mount' or 'mantel mount TV' are typically looking for this style of pull-down mount regardless of brand. The appeal is clear: many homeowners want their TV above the fireplace because the fireplace wall is the natural focal point of the room, but standard above-fireplace mounting forces you to crane your neck upward to watch. A MantelMount or similar pull-down mount solves this problem by bringing the screen down to eye level when in use and raising it back above the mantel when the fireplace is the visual centerpiece.
How MantelMount Pull-Down Mounts Work
MantelMount pull-down TV mounts use a gas-spring counterbalance system that makes the TV nearly weightless as you pull it down and push it back up. The mechanism is mounted to the wall above the fireplace, with the arm folding compactly when the TV is in its raised, stored position. When you grip the TV and pull it downward and forward, the counterbalanced arm extends, lowering the screen toward eye level. Most MantelMount models lower the TV 27 to 29 inches below the stored position, which is typically enough to bring a TV mounted 60 inches above the floor down to approximately 32 to 36 inches — a comfortable viewing height from a standard sofa. The system also pulls the TV forward, away from the hot wall surface above the fireplace. This forward movement is a critical safety feature: it places distance between the TV and the heat radiating from the fireplace, protecting the electronics from thermal damage. MantelMount sells several product lines, ranging from the standard MM700 series for smaller fireplaces and lighter TVs to the heavy-duty MM700PROW Pro series for large TVs up to 100 pounds. Each model has specific compatibility requirements for TV weight, VESA pattern, and wall mounting configuration.
Compatible TV Sizes and Weight Ratings
Not every TV is compatible with every MantelMount model. Understanding the specifications before purchasing is essential to avoid buying a mount that does not work with your television. MantelMount's product line covers TVs from about 40 inches up to approximately 90 inches, with weight ratings ranging from 50 to 100 pounds depending on the model. The MM540 is designed for TVs up to 50 pounds and is best suited for screens in the 40 to 55 inch range. The MM700 handles TVs up to 75 pounds and covers the 55 to 75 inch category. The MM700PROW Pro is the heavy-duty option rated to 100 pounds for very large TVs. VESA compatibility is equally important: MantelMount supports common patterns including 200x200, 400x400, 600x400, and 800x400, but always verify your TV's specific VESA pattern against the mount's specs before purchasing. Weight must also account for any soundbar mounted below the TV. Some MantelMount models include a soundbar bracket attachment, and if you add a soundbar, the combined weight must stay within the mount's rated capacity. One frequently overlooked factor is the mantel depth. MantelMount mounts require the TV to clear the mantel as it descends — if your mantel is very deep (10 inches or more), the TV may hit it during the lowering motion. MantelMount publishes clearance tables for each model, and technicians measure your mantel depth before recommending a specific model to ensure proper clearance.
Above-Fireplace Heat Considerations
Heat is the enemy of television electronics, and mounting a TV above an active fireplace exposes it to elevated temperatures that can shorten its lifespan or cause immediate damage. This is true for all above-fireplace TV installations, but MantelMount mounts address the issue better than standard fixed or tilting mounts for one important reason: when pulled down and forward, the TV moves away from the hottest part of the wall — the area directly above the firebox. This position dramatically reduces heat exposure during use, since the TV is being watched while it is extended away from the wall rather than sitting flush against it. However, when the TV is in its raised, stored position directly above the fireplace, heat exposure resumes. This is why above-fireplace TVs should only be in the stored position when the fireplace is not in use or has cooled down. For gas fireplaces with continuous pilot lights or electric fireplaces that generate less heat, this is generally less concerning. Wood-burning fireplaces generate the most heat and can reach wall temperatures of 130°F or higher directly above the firebox — well above the safe operating range of most televisions. If you have a wood-burning fireplace, we recommend installing a heat deflector above the firebox opening to redirect rising heat away from the TV. Our fireplace TV mounting team can advise on the appropriate heat management solution for your specific fireplace type and installation height. See our full guide on fireplace TV mounting heat considerations for more detailed guidance.
MantelMount vs. Standard Tilt Mount Above a Fireplace
The most common question we hear about MantelMount is whether it is worth the significantly higher cost compared to a standard tilting mount. A quality tilting mount for an above-fireplace installation might cost $50 to $150. A MantelMount ranges from $200 to $500 depending on the model and accessories. The answer depends entirely on how high your TV ends up mounted. If your fireplace mantel sits at 54 inches or below, a tilting mount positioned at 55 to 60 inches can achieve a reasonably comfortable viewing angle. The tilt brings the screen closer to eye level, and the viewing experience is acceptable. But if your mantel is at 60 inches or higher, or if your ceiling height forces the TV to be mounted 65 to 72 inches above the floor, a standard tilting mount is not enough. At those heights, even maximum tilt still has you looking steeply upward, which causes neck fatigue and a distorted viewing angle. This is where MantelMount becomes a genuine improvement in viewing quality, not just a convenience upgrade. The pull-down mechanism brings the TV to true eye level regardless of how high it is stored, eliminating the ergonomic problem completely. We see MantelMount installations primarily in your area homes with higher mantels — particularly in newer construction in communities like Highlands Ranch , Parker , and Castle Rock where taller vaulted ceilings and higher fireplace designs are common. Book a free assessment with our team and we will measure your setup and tell you honestly whether MantelMount is the right solution or whether a standard tilting mount will work just as well.
Professional MantelMount Installation in your area
MantelMount installation is significantly more complex than standard TV mounting, and it is one of the services where professional installation provides the clearest value. The mount must be anchored into wall studs above the fireplace — studs that are often difficult to locate through tile, stone, or plaster surfaces common on fireplace surrounds. The weight capacity of the wall anchoring must accommodate not just the TV's static weight, but the dynamic load created as the counterbalanced arm extends. The gas spring must be calibrated for your specific TV's weight; a spring set for too light a TV will make the screen difficult to hold in a lowered position, while a spring set too heavy will make it hard to push back up. Cable management for a MantelMount installation also requires careful planning. The TV drops 27 to 29 inches below the wall mount, so cables need enough slack to accommodate the full range of motion without pulling taut or binding. HDMI and power cables must be looped or managed inside the arm to prevent them from dangling visibly when the TV is lowered. Technicians have installed dozens of MantelMount systems across the service area. We pre-survey your wall, identify studs through any surface material, calibrate the counterbalance spring to your TV's weight, and route all cables cleanly through the mount's internal cable management channels. The result is a system that works smoothly and looks professionally finished from every angle. Contact us or book your MantelMount installation online .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a MantelMount?
MantelMount is a brand of pull-down TV wall mount designed for above-fireplace installations. It uses a counterbalanced arm mechanism to lower the TV from a stored position above the mantel to eye-level viewing height, then raises it back up when not in use. The name is often used generally to refer to any pull-down TV mount of this style.
Is 'mantle mount' the same as 'MantelMount'?
Yes. The product is spelled MantelMount (mantel, as in the fireplace mantelpiece), but the common misspelling 'mantle mount' refers to the same type of product. Whether you search for mantle mount or mantel mount, you will find the same category of pull-down counterbalanced TV mounts.
How much does a MantelMount cost?
MantelMount models range from approximately $200 for the entry-level MM540 to $450 to $500 for the heavy-duty MM700PROW Pro. This is the product cost only and does not include professional installation, which is additional. Contact TV Solutions for a complete installation quote including the mount and labor.
How far does a MantelMount lower the TV?
Most MantelMount models lower the TV approximately 27 to 29 inches below the stored position. They also extend the TV forward, away from the wall, by a similar distance. This combination of downward and forward movement brings the screen to a comfortable eye-level viewing position from a standard sofa.
Is professional installation required for MantelMount?
MantelMount does not require professional installation legally, but the complexity of the installation — including stud location through fireplace surfaces, spring calibration for TV weight, and cable management for the full range of motion — makes professional installation strongly advisable for most homeowners. An improperly calibrated or poorly anchored MantelMount can fail under the dynamic loads created by the extending arm.
Can MantelMount be installed on a brick or stone fireplace?
Yes, with the right tools and hardware. Brick and stone require masonry drill bits, hammer drills, and concrete sleeve anchors rather than standard wood screws. Our technicians install MantelMount on brick, stone, tile, and drywall above-fireplace surfaces regularly. We carry all necessary masonry hardware.
Does MantelMount work with a soundbar?
Some MantelMount models include an optional soundbar attachment bracket that mounts the soundbar below the TV. The combined weight of the TV and soundbar must remain within the mount's rated capacity. Verify the total weight before purchasing. Technicians can advise on soundbar compatibility during the assessment.