I like ninigret's last picture, we had windows like that next to the fireplace in the house I grew up in. When it comes to the shelves or whatever feature you decide to put there, don't cheap out. That wall has a lot of potential to be a stunning part of your living room. Talk to a designer, get lots of ideas and then post pictures!

I like small windows and bookcases idea.

Be sure your budget includes window coverings for the west-facing windows. You will close them for 3-4 hours each afternoon to avoid the glare and heat gain.

What Virgil said because otherwise your living room will feel like a sauna.

Thanks for the heads up on window coverings. Haven’t looked at those yet

I would not put windows on the fireplace wall if you already have a wall of windows in the room and there is no view to take in. i also would not put windows up high because you won't be able to see out of them, you already said you don't need the extra light, and you lose an opportunity to hang art work there. So windows up high makes no sense to me.

I would suggest some type of windows. I have a large amount of windows facing west in the back of my house, and like Virgil noted, the blinds need to be drawn every afternoon. However, I also have south facing windows in the same room and I never need to draw the blinds on them.

If your fireplace wall is facing south, I would strongly (very strongly) recommend you have at least a small window on each side of the fireplace as the photo above illustrates (seating or storage below is fine), since your west facing windows are going to have the drapes, shades or shutter closed all afternoon, every afternoon to keep out the glare and heat gain which always comes with west windows.

if you do a book case, then your fireplace will be inset at least 12" or so. that might look weird. anyway to redo the fireplace and bright it out? or you could do something like this, w/thin shelving and a larger mantel that gives the illusion of depth. i'd still do smaller windows.

if neighbors view is an issue, do a beveled glass. lets in light, blocks yuk view.

I'd love to have either one of these.

We think if you are not going to like the view next door, bookshelves are the way to go.

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The high, flanking windows are typical of a Chicago bungalow -- where city lots are as little as twenty feet wide.

Will you be looking into the light from windows? (TV over Fireplace?)

Ideally, every room should have natural light from more than one side.

Another consideration: Windows are not just for letting in the light; they visually expand the space. My favorite house had windows facing all directions. The interior walls allowed for plenty of art work. It was such a happy house!

My vote's for windows. Southern light is valuable. Western light, not as much. Also, if the fireplace is on the front of your house, it's handy to have a sense of what's happening at the street without relying on a peep hole.

I have both flanking my FP and I love them! The windows are small enough to not have to stare at the neighbors house plus I made lace curtains for those windows this summer. My living room built ins and windows are very similar to this photograph, except my bookcases do not have doors:

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It doesn't matter, just make sure there is enough room for the moose head above the fireplace.