With electronics changing so much so fast, I personally don't think it makes sense anymore to have built-in furniture to accomodate the stuff. For example, the traditional entertainment center no longer has an opening large enough for most of our TVs. Or, if we pick a smaller TV that will fit into the entertainment center, then a huge amount of space is wasted behind the flat screen TV - and one of the advantages of having a flat screen is lost. I figure the next generation of TV's will probably be even flatter and will allow you to choose a screensaver of some sort so that, when not in use, it looks like a picture or maybe an aquarium or a window - and not like a TV at all. Either that or there'll be some sort of small cube that projects a 3D image right into the air in front of you. LOL! We're going back to old fashioned book-cases (which will be nice since I've got about a thousand books!) and will hang the new TV (flat screen of course) on a wall. The rest of our electronics (DVD player, CD player, etc) will go into a credenza below the TV so it is mostly out of sight. And, all the CDs, DVDs etc. will go into a near-by closet. IF/when 3D-projecting-cube TVs come on the market, I'll hang a painting where my old fashioned flat screen TV used to be and not have to redecorate my entire house - or, at least that's the plan! LOL

My understanding is that optimal position for a television is that the center of the screen roughly level with the viewer's eyes. While I appreciate the aesthetics of a wall mounted TV, most are mounted far too high. Unless you watch TV standing.

Sorry I thought I responded earlier but I guess the post didn't submit. Ajsmama: I actually purchased this sideboard/buffet off of CL. I had to drive about 45 minutes to get it and my husband attached it to the top of my Mazda Protege (which I am sure was not legal! LOL) but I loved it so much, it was priced great and I really wanted it for the TV. It could use a refinish but I will get to it when life slows down (LOL). My TV is 42 inches across and the buffet is a bang on 60 inches. Lowspark: I actually don't know much about it. I believe it to be Duncan Phyfe style but there are no markings on it. I believe it to be old but not antique. Do you know any info on your piece - would love to see it!

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I will show this all to my wife and see what she says. Rebeccamomof123, you found what I had been looking for--a built in with a big open area for a painting or the like. Yes, we will have a TV still in the basement. Although, our kids seem to only watch it when they happen to notice it (which is why I am trying to put it in a less central area of the house). We might find this doesn't work and we want the TV back, which is why I want to not do anything too permanent. I considered putting in another window like the two on the sides! But we might find this idea of no central TV to be folly. We will see! Thanks.