Put TV 'back' over Fireplace? PICS

15 years ago

I bit the bullet and took the tv down from over the fireplace. It was ackward to watch and really was all you saw when you opened our front door. It is on an an antique radio cabinet for now, which needs to be refinished. I have an appointment for the cable guy to move the outlet tomorrow, but now I'm not so sure.

The mirror on the left is being mounted this week (hopefully). I'll hang the picture above the mantle. I also have a tall cabinet/armoire in the basement where I could hide the tv. I don't love it, but it would work. DH is a "less is more" person, so he'd prefer no armoire. In that case, it will stay on the radio.

Is that wall going to be too busy with the fireplace, large mirror, and exposed tv? I think the armoire may be even more odd. How many focal points can one room handle, after all?

It's frustrating because I finally really liked most everything about the room, except the tv. I was happy esp. with the collection of fern prints above the radio. Now moving it is throwing the room into turmoil!

Room before-

Here is the armoire (pic from Xmas 2006). I could paint it, but may just replace the curtains with a cream linen and do a light glaze to tone down the orangey wood.

Would you-

1. Put tv back over fireplace

2. TV exposed on cabinet

3. TV enclosed in armoire

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Comments (9)

palimpsest
15 years ago
I would probably keep it exposed on the cabinet if the wires will be adequately hidden. In an armoire the doors will be open and they will need room to be opened fully in order to watch the TV.

You don't like watching it over the FP, and that is an awkward position for some people to watch.

You can still hang pictures on the wall around the TV.
graywings123
15 years ago
I am soooo not a fan of TVs over fireplaces, but it doesn't seem as though the furniture arrangement allows you to comfortably view the TV when it is off to the side.

When the TV was over the fireplace, did you look into tilting the TV down for better viewing?
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PRO
acdesignsky
Original Author
15 years ago
We can easily see the tv where it is now. More comfortably than when it was above the FP. No one sits in the chairs off to the right. We just pile on the couch and settee.
We did look into getting an adjustable mount, but I couldn't accept the tv being there. Now that I'm weighing my other options, it may be a good compromise.
graywings123
15 years ago
Then my vote is to leave the TV on the antique radio cabinet. The armoire is pretty, but its large size is going to compete with the fireplace.
natal
15 years ago
What's on the side of the room we can't see? Could the armoire go there?
PRO
acdesignsky
Original Author
15 years ago
The room is pretty narrow, so there isn't any furniture on the rear wall. I have more art and a large mirror there. I don't have to use the armoire. I don't love it at all. That's why it's in the basement (smile).
I really like having the tv to the side, but how can I make it attractive? Is that even possible?
les917
15 years ago
I would use the armoire. Stain or paint to match the color of the mirror on the other side. Make sure the mirror and the armoire are at the same height at their top measurements

Then replace the curtains/glass in the armoire with mirrored panels.

Closed it will give the feeling of almost a companion piece to the mirror on the other side. Open you will have the tv and other equipment if needed. I would think about mounting the tv on an arm inside the cabinet, if it is possible. It might give you more viewing options when you have more people in the space, and also allow you to turn the tv to be viewed from the kitchen on the left.
PRO
acdesignsky
Original Author
15 years ago
OK, that is incredible! The perfect solution. How is it I can ponder over a decorating issue for days/weeks/months and along comes a pair of fresh eyes to solve it in an instant?
This is so exciting!
loribee
15 years ago
Wonderful! Make sure that you show us the finished room!