Dealing with the TV. The TV isn't necessarily pretty, but for many of us, it's a must-have in the living room. Luckily, flat-screen televisions lessen the design dilemma. Keep comfort in mind when placing your TV — make sure not to hang it at a height that'll make your neck ache. Above the fireplace can be too high, unless the couch has enough distance so your neck doesn't have to strain. However, Jaffe advises not to put the TV more than 10 feet or less than 6 feet away from the sofa.
You might not want your TV to become the room's focal point (no matter how proud of it you are). "Do you want a black hole hanging in an important visual place in the room?" says Leland. Try putting it on a bookshelf that flanks the fireplace or on a buffet against the wall.