Another photo, hard to give sense of size. Boxed out FP that has the molding is 12”deep. Ceiling at center about 13 feet.

She means can you remove the white trim around the fireplace? And have you ever thought to see what is behind the dry wall?

Another thought would be to paint the surround a different color (darker) to blend that TV away.

1. take down that clock........

I agree that you don't need to decorate above the television. I would paint the trim outlining the bump-out the same color as the wall, so it blends.

My Houzz: Traditional Home With Cottage Flair · More Info

Remove the molding and take the build out all the way to the ceiling.

And remove that clock, don't stagger your frames on the wall, pull that chair out of its dark corner as much as you can.

Like so:

No molding.

That looks fantastic! Sorry, I'd actually replied to your comment a couple of hours ago, but I'm not sure why it didn't go through. I did then post the other two pics so maybe I somehow overlaid my comment. In any case, yes, this is what I thought you were referring to (not the actual fireplace white front). In any case, that looks great. The ceiling goes to a point at center over fireplace so it would not be easy to run up to ceiling - maybe an expert could do it, but husband likes to do own work so... I'll show him this pic though. Thanks for creating this image!

@RL relocation - we know exactly what is behind there because it originally ran the full floor to ceiling and my husband finally, after maybe 15 years, tore it down. Ugly brick. This room backs onto garage, and the back of fireplace/chimney actually is interior wall of garage. The chimney had a HUGE opening, so out of scale for house. When he started ripping the brick wall down he had an expert come in who agreed with him that he should not mess with the 'lower' part of the brick front, as it all was cemented, patched, cobbled together and may compromise integrity of chimney, etc. So ... he covered it up, but was able to tear down top part. This was best home improvement option - for non-professional husband ;)

Oh, and on the Clock - it looked more like it belonged when I had all the other things up there! Now looks totally lost. Agreed, will remove.

@annied75: I like painting the trim idea. Love your pic - wish we did not need big ugly tv there but we do ... what can't come across in the pics is how narrow this room is. Very awkward room. High ceilings, wide side to side, but harrow, so is even difficult to arrange furniture. And a door to right of fireplace goes to garage, so bookshelves won't really work - wish they would. Two steps down enter that room from kitchen directly across from fireplace. Thanks again for that picture!

@purpleproject, no to bookshelves, see comment above. Awkward room, just no room. Sadly.

@groveraxle, Room is very narrow, hard to fit furniture - that chair needs to be there. Windows, sliders, doors, fireplace on all four walls. Nightmare. YET, the room is very cozy. I love it. Thx for tip on pics too.

Pattimk, it shouldn't be hard to take that wall to the ceiling. Just a matter of framing and drywall. If I could do it (and I'm a dog without opposable thumbs), your husband can.

That TV needs to come off the fireplace place it on a nice stand to either side of the fireplace .

OK I know you will hate both comments but.

Grover is right that is a very easy drywall.

second, the brick is still back there...............what did it look like lol.

PCC - no room to either side of Fireplace. This room has been a PIA since we bought this house in 99. No simple solution. Hard to get the sense thru pics, but it is long and narrow, with windows, doors, steps on every side. One more pic below, but I don't think you get the feel...

RLL - husband is 66, has been great at reno's but getting weary. Don't think we're going to invest in hiring someone to do it, but I do like the look. Thanks so much for the suggestion. Brick will NEVER come back in that room. Dark, dirty, gone.

Funny - this whole thread went in a direction I never expected, I was only asking for ideas as to what sort of things to place up there, pictures, vase, flowers, etc. lol. However, I have now cleared it all off, taken down clock, and may paint the trim!

Last two pics. You’ll see the dilemma, hopefully.

"Funny - this whole thread went in a direction I never expected..."

pattimk, it's a frequent occurrence that can be difficult for some people to take in. However, it can also lead to some really helpful (and free!) professional advice that can transform the space in question. :-)

CHLOEBUD: Oh, I love it! All good advice. I've been here, done this before. Put on my big girl panties before I posted!

Than, I would just either remove the trim or paint it the wall color and maybe a darker color for some contrast.

BTW, nice room!

Thanks purpleproject: we've had the tv over there in the past, had a beautiful console table. Problem is when it's there, you can't really get furniture set up in room right, stairs are main problem, so those on sofa are too far away and looking at odd angle, those on other side of stairs are right on top of tv. We're good - I think I've gotten some great ideas here - thanks so much!

I do see the dilemma. The room is bisected by the entry which has several steps down. I might have tried the TV across from the sofa with one small chair angled toward it by the right corner of the sofa. Then two chairs with a table between at the other end of the room.

The way it is now, it looks like the sofa and loveseat can watch it, but not very comfortably, and if you want to talk to each other about what you're watching, you have to shout across the room.

On the other point, about extending the wall, it's simply a matter of framing a box and hanging drywall, but I understand not wanting to do it when one approaches a certain age.

It's a very odd room. You have to actually stand in it to understand how restrictive it is. But on a positive note, I've figured out how to best decorate the area above the fireplace, so I'm happy with that! thanks all...