Hello All...

I'm looking to install a concealed type TV behind a framed Mirror in my own Living Room. I've done several recessed TVs in Fireplaces that came out looking very sleek but I'm buying a home and want to have the tv looked concealed until I turn it on. I know there are several company's out there that do this but Im looking into options of creating this myself. If anyone has feedback it would be greatly appreciated. Here is what I'm thinking....

Option #1
Order a manufactured 2 way Mirror frame from a company like frame my TV and have it surface mounted over my fireplace.
Pros - Easy to do and can do this without bang in my head against isn't the wall.
Cons - Pricey, TV will be surface mounted and frame will looked larger than an average frame, custom to each tv which makes upgrading more difficult done the road.

Option #2
Recess the Tv in the Sheetrock above Fireplace with an appx. 2" gap around the TV, use a low Profile articulating Bracket for easy servicing and adjustments, build a low Profile frame around the opening, insert 2-way Mirror in frame.
Pros - Less Expensive, I'll have more control of the look and dimensions of the frame (specifically depth), I should be able to change Tv out without having to order a new frame.
Cons - Difficulty, will take some time, could end up looking like crap (not planning on that though), difficulty sourcing out a 2-way Mirror.


Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated. Especially about type of Mirror and sources for Mirror.

Where are you located?

How big of a tv?

How large of a frame?

The most important things that you need to account for...

1. Translucency... you want a glass that is as clear as possible, but still tinted enough to hide what's behind it. Of course it needs to be reflective.

2. You need to mask everything on the glass that isn't tv screen. You don't want to see bezels, logos, indicator lights etc thru the glass.

3.. you need the tv screen to be as close to the glass as possible... a few mm tops. Every bit of space between the glass and the screen decreases quality exponentially.

I've built 100+ mirror tvs over the past 10 years. My best advise is to build it as one unit... frame, glass, tv all in one. It allows you to use a reasonably priced glass that looks great as a mirror and a tv.

Thank you for your knowledge. It's certainly appreciated when attempting your first one. Can you share a source for the actual mirror itself?