Sidney, Thanks so much for posting that picture as a creative solution. I think we should have the space to do something similar to what your posted, but would need to go down to displaying plates on one side with TV on the other. I certainly like the fireplace with built ins that you chose to do in your home as it achieves what I am trying to do as well - fireplace as the real focus, and TV hidden or down played. Do you find having your TV on a swing out arm convient? In real life do you have the TV swung out most of the time, and only hidden on the occasion? Do you have any issues with glare from windows on your set-up? Thanks again Sidney for your help. Hopefully, at some point I will have a nice fireplace with built-ins like you do. Carol

I'm not a fan of TV's over fireplaces. I would close up the niches if you could and then use a console with the TV above it. Since you already have limited wall space with all the windows having the niches is just overkill.

Looks like there used to be a collection above the cabinets with all that light; seems unnecessary. Could you have cabinet doors made to match? Then you could use it for storage. Other wise is there some art work you could put there? Framed maps or photography? I would paint the wall black or put a black and white print wallpaper in the space.

Beautiful room even if it has so much going on with the off center fireplace, the windows, the door openings and the balcony. The way to make this room work is not to try to make it symmetrical. Consider the following: A TV over the fireplace is annoying to view. It is too high and I agree that it will go out of style for good. Consider locating the TV on the left wall under the balcony. Treat that entire elevation as one unit including the second floor. Paint the entire wall, the overhang and the second floor wall a dark color (midnight blue) and mount the TV on the wall with a narrow bookcase so that it cleans up the door openings, the balcony and overhangs. Paint the railing also and the rail itself - black. With the seating, a sectional will streamline the room and focus on the window and fireplace. Because of the high ceiling, you have the option for a higher back sectional. On the big blank wall (with your existing wall unit) invest in large art or a series of work to be grouped together creating a statement. Fireplace would be TV Note dark gloss wall