How To Hide Soundbar On Mantle (5+ Ways)

Introducing a soundbar into your living room can provide a sleek audio upgrade. However, you may not want the modern look of a visible soundbar detracting from your room’s aesthetic. Fortunately, there are creative ways to mount your soundbar to keep it subtle yet effective.

How To Hide Soundbar On Mantle (5+ Ways)

Why Hide Your Soundbar?

There are a few key reasons you may want to conceal your soundbar:

Maintain Decor Flow

Built-in bookshelves or a brick fireplace mantle establish a certain visual flow in a room. An obtrusive soundbar can seem out of place and disrupt the seamlessness of the design. Hiding it helps preserve the intended decor continuity.

Avoid Clutter

Exposed cables or an additional piece of audio equipment can sometimes contribute to clutter. Tucking the soundbar out of sight leads to a cleaner look.

Direct Sound Better

Angling a hidden soundbar toward the central seating area allows sound to be directed where it’s most useful. The sound quality itself is improved.

Mounting Considerations

Before choosing a mounting method, consider:

Soundbar Size

Measure the dimensions of your soundbar to ensure the space allows it to fit when concealed. Even small discrepancies could prevent it from sliding into place.

Infrared Signal

Many soundbars use IR remote controls. Be sure mounting it hidden will not block the IR sensor and interfere with the signal reaching the device.

Ventilation

While hiding the soundbar, don’t fully enclose it in a way that blocks airflow and causes it to overheat. Leave space for ventilation.

Cables

When mounting, consider how cables will run from the soundbar to power outlets and other devices. Leave access or space to connect.

Material

Use mounting hardware that appropriately supports the soundbar’s weight without sagging over time. Also ensure compatibility with the surface material.

Mounting Solutions

There are several options for subtly integrating your soundbar with a room’s design. Consider what will work best for your space’s configuration.

Under Mantle Mount

Securing the soundbar under the mantle with a low-profile mount is an effective approach in many living rooms.

Benefits

  • Allows soundbar to be positioned at ideal angle to direct sound into seating area
  • Keeps soundbar completely hidden when mounted flush beneath mantle
  • Creates no visible hardware or screws if mount blends with underside of mantle

Drawbacks

  • Requires sufficient mantle overhang depth to conceal soundbar
  • Needs to be installed with adequate ventilation for soundbar
  • Can collect dust underneath which requires occasional cleaning

Tips

  • For stone or brick mantles, use mounts with expandable arms to distribute weight
  • Check height is low enough soundbar IR sensor gets signal
  • Use flat mount that fits flush to maximize hidden effect

Recommended Products

  • Flexzion Under Desk Mount
  • Wali Under Desk Mount
  • VideoSecu Low Profile Mount

Inside Mantle Mount

For a recessed look, the soundbar can be mounted inside the brick or wood structure of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace mantle itself.

Benefits

  • Fully concealed look as soundbar blends into mantle surround
  • Allows positioning at upward angle to optimize audio quality
  • No visible mounting hardware

Drawbacks

  • More complex installation mounting inside mantle
  • Restricted ventilation that requires careful planning
  • Access limitations for connecting cables

Tips

  • Consider side ventilation holes to prevent overheating
  • Extend IR sensor to maintain signal if blocked
  • Ensure sturdy internal structure to support weight

Recommended Products

  • MantelMount MM540
  • Hideit Mounts Custom Solution
  • Mount-It Custom Solution

Above Mantle Mount

While above a mantle may seem counterintuitive for hiding, a soffit or dropped ceiling can conceal a top mounted soundbar.

Benefits

  • Allows soundbar positioning centered on seating area
  • Can be installed flush into soffit to entirely hide soundbar
  • Conceals cables easily inside soffit structure

Drawbacks

  • Requires soffit or dropped ceiling above fireplace
  • Needs sufficient soffit depth to prevent soundbar protruding
  • Less discrete if soundbar visibly protrudes from soffit

Tips

  • Extend IR sensor if mantle blocks signal
  • Use flat mount that fits completely flush with underside
  • Paint soundbar black to blend into dark soffit space

Recommended Products

  • Flexzion Flush Ceiling Mount
  • Perlesmith Low Profile Ceiling Mount
  • OmniMount RE27 Ceiling Mount

In-Wall Mount

For a completely seamless look, in-wall mounting installs the soundbar discreetly into a hollow space within the wall.

Benefits

  • Totally concealed design with only soundbar grille visible
  • Integrates audio without affecting room aesthetics
  • Keeps space looking neat by eliminating soundbar clutter

Drawbacks

  • More complex installation cutting space in wall
  • Limited by suitable wall space and accessibility
  • Unable to reposition once installed inside wall

Tips

  • Choose soundbar with detachable end caps for installation
  • Ensure adequate depth for wires behind cutout
  • Use soundbar grille that matches wall color

Recommended Products

  • Binary Mount BM-1050-WHT1
  • Sanus WMSW1
  • Flexzion In Wall Soundbar Mount

Cabinet Installation

For media consoles with existing cabinets, the soundbar can mount inside for a clean, integrated appearance.

Benefits

  • Utilizes available cabinet space to conceal soundbar
  • Allows front-and-center soundbar placement
  • Creates unified media console look

Drawbacks

  • Limited to specific cabinet configurations
  • Restricts access to soundbar controls
  • Confined space may impact sound quality

Tips

  • Choose cabinet with front opening rather than solid door
  • Ensure adequate depth and ventilation
  • Use IR extender for inside cabinet operation

Recommended Products

  • Sanus BMF320B Mounting Kit
  • Fleximounts Cabinet Shelf
  • AC Infinity Cabinet Fan

Troubleshooting Issues

Despite best efforts, some common issues can occur:

Problem: Soundbar doesn’t fit properly in allotted space.

Solution: Double check exact measurements and reposition or use a more compact model if needed.

Problem: Soundbar overheats due to poor ventilation.

Solution: Create ventilation gaps or holes for airflow or relocate to allow more open access.

Problem: IR remote signal unable to reach sensor.

Solution: Extend IR sensor using a cable kit to maintain line-of-sight.

Problem: Cables strain and pull loose.

Solution: Use cable ties, hooks, or wire channels to provide enough slack and prevent tension.

FAQs

What is the easiest way to hide a soundbar?

An under mantle mount often provides the most seamless solution for concealing a soundbar below a fireplace.

Will hiding a soundbar reduce sound quality?

It shouldn’t if angled properly towards the seating area. However, enclosing in cabinets can muffle audio, so allow ventilation.

Can you completely hide soundbar wires?

It’s difficult to fully hide wires, but using wire channels or running behind baseboards can make them very subtle.

What do I do if IR remote doesn’t reach hidden soundbar?

Use an IR repeater system. It transmits signals to a small, extended IR sensor via cables.

Is in-wall mounting a soundbar hard?

In-wall mounting is more complex than external mounting but can be managed by skilled DIYers. Professional installers are best for seamless results.

Summary

Hiding your soundbar while retaining excellent audio quality is achievable through creative positioning and mounting approaches. Consider all spatial and technical factors, choose a subtle mounting method that aligns with your room layout, utilize discrete hardware, and take steps to avoid common issues. With some strategic planning, you can conceal your soundbar effectively on a mantle or surrounding wall for a clean, integrated appearance.

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