maybe post some more pictures of the room. you would be amazed what the houzz community can come up with for you

What is that where it looks like an alcove with a cabinet in it? Across from the fireplace.

Would you consider a tv console in front of the fireplace if you aren’t planning to use the fireplace? With how small it is, I would think you could pretty much cover it.

I think I’d more likely try and remove the mantle and just mount the tv lower, but still above fireplace

I’ve never seen an easel but they look interesting! Would you just place it in front of the nook area?

@Lee Ann McMaster yeah, I think I’d mostly keep it by that nook, but depending on where the power outlet, cable box, etc is. Loads of easels to choose from, from old looking wood ones to metal conference room looking types, with or without wheels and shelves to hold other electronics that need to be close. A wheeled version can be scooted out of the way or into a better position when needed. Is it the most ideal solution? Probably not, but it might be the easiest fix and if you move elsewhere in the future it could be repurposed or sold.

My plan was to get a glass shelving unit to fill the nook area. I looked into the easel idea but then I don’t know what to do with the nook area. I don’t want it to look empty and unfinished

Ask the landlord for permission to CAREFULLY remove (then replace again) the mantle. It’s at a ridiculous height and clearly that is the best wall for the tv.

Would you suggest a corner sectional vs an 85in sofa on that back wall (with a rectangle coffee table)

remove the mantle altogether. That mantle has no business being there! lol. (seriously, it doesn't even look good)

mount the tv where you like it.

(btw, if you can refinish that fireplace w/something else, now is the time)

Here, doesn't this look better? remove that tile, and just do simple drywall, paint white. add a mantle just like this one (OR NOT) and do some simple inset shelving and maybe a little cabinet. or just do the shelves.

get some floating shelves for the niche inset. do the wood, or the white. look up how to install floating shelves.

even for a novice this is easy to do.

Or, like this. Even easier. skim coat the the whole thing (remove tile) (you don't have to do the stacked wood. you could just do the open shelving, or even a lower cabinet)

you can do this finish as a DIY with Roman Clay application. (Portola Paints)

or, remove that dated tile, tile the surround w/something else (these are 6x6 cement tiles, but you could use 4x4 ceramic look alike) put a wood mantle like pictured, and the tv on top of that.

do something with the niche w/shelving

Thank you! The first picture has been my inspo since I found this place. I am in a rental so I can’t redo the fireplace but I am planning on working on a new mantle. The inset is about 39 inches deep. Can I still hang shelves there with all that space behind them?

Beth.....this is a rental. Your ideas are great but I don’t think she will be doing any updates on a rental.

I do plan to cover the tile with a cute stick and peel though

so sorry. I missed the rental portion.

peel and stick is fine.

yes, you could do the inset shelving. just cut them deeper. Or put a back on the shelving

I wouldn’t do a sectional in this room. A nice couch facing the tv and chairs with a small table in front of the window will prevent the room from feeling cramped. Plus, a single two or three seat couch is more versatile as you move to another location. What is outside that window? It looks like an ideal place for morning coffee.

You could potentially put the TV on the wall opposite the fireplace (if using a couch and chairs or two couches). If that isn't an option you might be able to mount the TV on a swivel so that you don't have to deal with it being over the fireplace.

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