We, too, have a big stone fireplace that is a focal point. There are windows on both sides, so no place for a tv there, either. We opted for a built-in cabinet on the right-hand wall. It is recessed, and I have shutters that close over it (although I haven't installed them yet--it's on my "to do" list). The other side of that wall is the master bedroom. So having a recessed cabinet in the living room allowed me to have a similar recessed cabinet in the master bedroom. Although we were originally going to use it as a tv area on the bedroom side, I opted to make it built-in bookshelves. A benefit to having the recessed area in the living room is having a shelf that I can display something above the tv--breakable things that I don't really want the kitties messing with. We have lighting (on it's own switch) up there, to show off whatever I'm displaying. Below the tv is another shelf where the other electronics are. There is another set of shutters to cover up all that crap...I mean, all that very important electronic equipment. And their cords, since the plug in is located in the recessed area. The fireplace is on the North wall. TV in the East wall. We have a couch on the South side, centered and facing the fireplace. A loveseat and recliner on the West wall, facing the tv. The recliner is kind-of diagonal. We have an open floorplan, and the kitchen is on the Southwest side. From there, I can watch the fireplace AND the tv, which is kind of nice. I don't have it yet, but there will be a large coffee table in front of the couch.

I like number one and two and feel TV viewing would be better than for number 3 for most people. It probably depends on furniture arrangement. With kids, the TV will get used more often and having it on a swing arm would bother me. I think if you prefer number 2, go for it. My daughter moved into a home with an offset fireplace (like further on the left side of the wall) and she put the TV on the right with a TV console underneath. She did a very large screen TV and she has a sectional on the right side backing up to the window and also facing the TV. She also has a couple chairs looking towards the TV, fireplace and window. She has beautiful windows with a nice view behind the sofa. That is what most people notice. Take your floorplan with you to furniture stores to look at sofas and chairs. A designer may be able to help you with layout for furniture and give you a clue to where the TV would work best with your furniture. That worked for my daughter.

Thank you. Honestly, we are avid TV watchers but aren't willing to sacrifice the view either. I can't really include pics as it is not torn out enough yet to see how it lays out. The ceiling is vaulted so the TV from the ceiling might not be best and would be down pretty much permanently. You use a small break for the TV. I considered putting a smallish fireplace on the window wall with a TV above but worried that blocking off the view would be a mistake i would regret. Also, If i put the TV on the window wall in any sort of built in manner, that would really limit changing furniture arrangement in the future. I really don't want to make a mistake!!

That's great, thank you! I don't have an outlet appropriately located for a lamp there but I like the idea of something tall, I will look for something to serve that role. Any comments/ suggestions on furniture placement, rugs, coffee table etc. We have just moved from a MUCH smaller space and arranging furniture here seems like it should be easy but it does't feel that way! as far as furniture goes, coffee table will be the first to go. This old ikea beast has served us well but time for it to become a basement dweller.