Have you considered taking apart the entertainment center into its 3 separate components?

The tv can be mounted above the fireplace OR the central console can be angled in the corner with its back to the windows where the single armchair is. If you mount the tv above the fireplace, place the two bookcases on each side of it. The console could then be given taller legs and used behind the sofa on the wall with a large piece of art above it.

If you really want to keep the enterainment features I think you have two options: lost the sectional and have two couches that center on the tv and the fp. You would be breaking the room into three areas, maybe a desk or console behind the front couch, maybe something to tie into the backyard connection behind the other. Free standing lamps and plants will warm it up Also really like the idea of taking the tv center and surrounding the fp with it. If you have the money now, building a fp surround with a tv above would be a great solution.

Thank you. We will have the sectional until my daughter moves out of the bonus room and we are able to move the pool table from the garage to that room along with the sectional. Until then the sectional will be what we will use. We broke up the sectional for the last year not using the middle portion and are tired of not having the ability to relax and watch a movie. I really want to focus on the fireplace wall building some type of surround to accomodate the fireplace and the tv above. The day will come to purchase new furniture like you are suggesting to fit the room better.

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/2378053/thumbs/fireplaces

This is a link to a fireplace ideabook that I keep adding to. You may find something in there that you like.

Thank you, I have seen these. They are nice just not quite what I am looking for.

You definitely need to build out the fire place. Right now you have a blank wall with two negative spaces that are too small in proportion. Larger lower mantle and more significant trim. Tile or "stone" floor to ceiling on both sides of fireplace. Leave the hole above the fireplace to hide your blue ray / DVR / whatever and find a mounting system that will span the opening for the tv.

This is my first time using Houzz. I would like to express my 'thaks' to all of those who have shared their ideas. I am unsure how to reply to each one of you individiually, (yet it looks like I have without realizing how) until I figure it out I am hopeful you will all see this comment. The sectional will have to stay for another year or two until my daughter finishes college - we do not entertain often and have missed the comfort of the sectional (we have used the two outer portions of the sectional for the last year or so with a large square table at the ends making a 'L' shape in the corner). I liked the look of two seperate couches and the day will come when the sectional will go in the bonus room with the pool table when my daughter moves out until then the sectional will stay.I am excited to get this project started and completed. I will post an after picture when we decide on our final project.

Every time I look at the fireplace, it has no prominence! A hole in the wall without attractive features. Have you and your husband decided if you want the tv openly displayed or concealed when not in use? With such a lovely open room, unless the big game is on, I would think the latter? I have seen the idea where the tv is concealed behind a lovely framed mirror and think that is most attractive.

What if you separated the sectional once again and remove the wedge. Now you have two two seaters. Place them on either side of the fireplace with the armless side against the wall. See how that looks. If it is o k consider investng in two swivel chairs so they can face either the fireplace or the entertainment unit. Now your seating works for both areas and you can trim out the fireplace. What would look great on the walls around the fireplace are two torchiere sconces that will give you light for the sofas and decor for the wall.

Comment to Dnickum - You mention leaving the opening above the fireplace open for DVD player etc Can you explain how that may work due to the following - Our TV (44") is wider then the hole (35") and the height of the hole (40")is higher then the TV(28"). We understand wall mounting the TV however I do not see how it would work without seeing the hole. Also, I COMPLETELY agree with everyones comments that the wall needs some 'beefing up'. I also agree to enlarging and lowering the mantle along with adding tile. I have seen many photos on Houzz website that I LOVE but would not be cost effective for us. The photo I attached is simple and seems to be the character I like, The mantle and surround looks like a very large picture frame which would be very cost effective and easy for my 'busy working husband' to build - what is all of your thoughts on duplicating the look above framing in the tv if since the dimensions of the opening and the tv may not work. Elise, I have seen and like the idea you have talked about with the tv concealed behind a mirror or picture but I do not see how that would work without going thru a contractor and much cost. I do however like your thought on seperating the entertainment center in to three, placing the console where the arm chair is and the speakers on the sides of the fireplace then place a large mirror or picture above.

I can't figure out how you enter the room through the door. Everything is blocked. Sectional needs to face toward door, not away. The fireplace needs to be redesigned. itis very incomplete. You need a hearth, a mantel, a surround, etc. etc. Drywall the space above the mantel or cover it with a large TV. That's no place for shelves.

close up the whole above fireplace with drywall and mount your tv. get rid of the big dark entertainement center or use it in another room

You could use custom entertainment center cabinetry to design exactly what you want and add in bonus storage. Putting entertainment towers on each side to frame the fireplace and widen the opening or fill in the opening to hang your flat screen. A custom or semi-custom entertainment center can be built around the TV and your fireplace to your style and entertainment needs. You could add a shelf over the TV to frame in the TV and include speaker cloth cabinets to integrate your sound system and hide ugly loose wires. See this link for example…

The towers could be bookcases, or enclosed storage for your media storage. See links for examples…



You could also integrate storage on both sides for your DVD players, video game consoles, ext. to help hide loose wires on the walls going to and from the TV. See link for example…

Here are a few other images to get you inspired…

Virgingorda, I really like the simple boxed in mantel picture you posted recently. It defines the fireplace in a simple modern way and would be cost effective.

Since you have so much width on each side of the fireplace, consider building the mantel box, then adding ready-made storage that comes in assemble and finish yourself components. Many of them are quality wood and well made. You could create a stairs-tepped wall of storage rising from floor to ceiling, surrounding the fireplace and tv. On each side of the tv could be bookcases or art prints, depending on how much storage you want.

With basic woodworking and finishing skills, you can build out a whole wall of cabinetry and make it look custom by trimming it out with moldings. You might even be able to incorporate the pieces of the original entertainment center and match the stain.

http://www.stantonfurniture.com/WEB%20PAGES/SHOWROOMS/BOOKCASES/bookcases.html

Elise - Thank you for your comment regarding the simple boxed mantle in the picture I posted. I have looked as so many photos the last week that I took two days to clear my head and look again. That photo was one I put in my favorites in my computer and the other night I showed my husband asking him his thoughts on building it - he seemed confident. I am still unsure of the portion above framing in the tv. If we duplicate the simple boxed mantle to frame in the tv, I cant help put think it will look top heavey (some photos I have seen that the top portion is heavier then the bottom doesnt work for me). The tv will sit about 4" out from the fireplace (we will not be doing any construction in this home (at least while we have college age kids). I think if the bottom potion is larger then the top, duplicating it to some sort would be fine. I will continue to look at phots. Unfortunately for me I am NOT the type of person that can see a project complete until I see it. I admire those that can. Please know I am very thankful for your coments, ideas and welcome your additional thoughts and photos you may come accross. As for today, until I figure out what will be built - the furniture is going to be moved so it is functionable and somewhat welcoming. (the entertainment center will be moved in front of the fireplace, a mirror I have had for a year will be set on top to cover the hole (hopefully it will cover it all the way) this way we can use our sectional and enjoy our evening inside where it is warm watching tv.

Hello Virgingorda, I like the idea of putting a large mirror over the fireplace to cover the hole temporarily. With your husband's DIY skills, consider building out the box of the fireplace and putting a stylish metal fireplace surround inside the frame near the firebox. I have no idea of the costs, but thought it might help move the process forward for you.

I found the exact same style fireplace you showed, on this link and also found a page that takes you to links of metal fabrication places that will make the surround for you, and other varieties thereof.

http://www.hgtv.com/on-tv/a-modern-great-room-that-fits-a-family/pictures/index.html

https://www.google.com/search?q=metal+fireplace+surround&hl=en&prmd=imvns&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=XdyGUKXINIaWqgGjpoDwDw&ved=0CCsQsAQ&biw=1024&bih=677