How about a few Indonesian masks? They are batiked (a wax resist art technique), stay in the same golden/brown color palette, and manage to be both elegant and ethnic. They would offer some interest when the flat screen was off, but not so much that it would upset the balance of the room. They aren't that expensive, either. Check it out!

Here is a link that might be useful: Masks from Bali

Very pretty and you have lovely "things"... but I do think the chest/trunk might be too large for the space and it sort of mimics the tv like (mini-me)..maybe angling it might make it seem less in competition?
hoping to help/

I dont mind the chest there but I would hang something round above it and get rid of the plant.

One thing, I didnt know myself until a GW member told me, is that your candles look better if they are taller to shorter instead of the way you have it now. I am struggling with my own fireplace accessories and have a pair of candle on my hearth which I had the same as you. When I switched it it did make a difference. Sometimes the smallest detail can make a big difference. Try switching them and see if it looks better.
I do really like the vases you have, looks great there.

I like the vase side, and while I like the idea of something large like the chest on the left, the chest doesn't quite hit the mark for me. Maybe something less boxy, like an Asian gong or a weathervane.

Lovely room! I think that the chest may be okay, but I think you need something round on the wall, or in place of the chest if you decide. I'm seeing a big iron piece, or a large plate. I like the plant but not where it is. Beautiful fireplace and cabinets!

Try the three woven vases on the left-hand side -- with the plant in front -- forming a triangle.

Yes -- I'm afraid the chest simply does not work there. Just for now -- simply lieft the candlesticks and place them on the right-hand side. Add a short dark bowl or perhaps a dark plate-on-a-stand.

BUT -- I do agree that the walls on each side could hold a nice collection of masks OR even a small collection of family photos.

OR perhaps a couple of matching artworks -- to add color.

OR simply hang a couple of flat woven baskets or trays.

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Thanks so much for all the suggestions! We just redid this fireplace and I didn't realize the cabinets would be so low and there would be so much space for me to have to decorate.

I am going to take in everything that was mentioned. Might try and run over to Pier One also. I'll probably be back for more help soon! :)

One possible rearrange of what you have:

Thank goodness for the home decorating forum. This site has been very helpful to me also. I have become much better at accessorizing over the years, because of looking at all sorts of books and magazines, and there are quite a few sites that will teach you the in's and out's of accessorizing (if you believe there's such a thing). What it does, it provides you with a basic understanding of tablescaping, or accessorizing. I feel it has helped me develop an eye for what works, and what doesn't. Just play with what you have until you feel good with what you've come up with. Sometimes you come up with something you like on the first try. Sometimes you have to just give up for the time being.

Another thought -- perhaps two round mirrors might work on the wall on each side of the fireplace? Hmmmmmm ..... just to add another "shape" to the mix?

Just a thought!

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

I agree with putting all the vases together and shorest out to tallest towards the wall.
I think you need something to soften the look. Maybe greens that are laying down on the mantle areas, or if you want to keep the chest, prop it open and have some greens cascading out from it.

Maybe two similar larger pictures on the walls behind your items. Maybe a scrolly iron piece, a light weight looking on about your tv to anchor it to the mantle. My sister got a really nice light iron folding type screen and put it up on her mantle then her tv went in front of it. I turned out really nice.