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Design Dilemma
naqsa

Fireplace and TV fighting for attention...please help!

13 years ago
Hi All,
I recently purchased a home and the fireplace and TV are side-by-side. I personally love a TV over a fireplace because it allows for better symmetry. Unfortunately, I have to work with what I have. Any suggestions on how I can create a balance between the two side? The dark built-in (which I plan on painting...any suggestions on color?) is so overpowering.

Here are some ideas I have have:

1) Get rid of the existing firplace mantel and extend the built-in to the left, creating one large built-in.
2) Accesorize the existing fireplace mantle to create a balance. (need ideas on how this can be done). Paint the built-in a lighter color...ivory?


Below is a picture of the color shceme I plan on using in this space (wall and upholstery).
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    Mount the TV over your FP as you prefer. Add a shelf to the built-in to fill the TV space and paint it and the FP the same creamy shade of white as your trim throughout the home. Then accessorize the built-in. One option would be to replace solid shelves with glass ones since there is already lighting in the built-in.

    Comments (25)

    • 13 years ago
      Paint it white to match the rest of your trim.

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    • 13 years ago
      Thanks Kobley- yes I will defnitely be painting it white.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks decoenthusiaste - My issue is with the lack of symmetry and not so much with the TV being in the built-in and not above the freplace. Ideally, I'd like to have the fireplace in the center of the wall, TV above it, and built-ins on both sides. Contemplating how expensive or worthwhile it would be to move the fireplace to the center of the wall.
    • 13 years ago
      Put TV over fire place
    • 13 years ago
      How built in is that unit? Could you rip it out and leave the niche in the wall? Then fill in below mantle height and extend the mantel across. Some clever painting and you could have a cool asymmetric fireplace with a niche above for displaying 3D art or something? Or you could put your TV there. Or above the mantle.

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    • 13 years ago
      Ellabellapandas---one more vote for TV above fireplace!
      Anthip- That's pretty creative. I am not sure 'how built-in' the unit is...I haven't moved in yet.
      I was thinking about extending the trim above the bult-in to the left and then down to the floor, to create the illusion of a sinle unit.
      Also wondering is simply accessorizing above the fireplace will solve the problem- both sode (the TV and fireplace) will be balanced. See below:
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      Paint everything white, except the built-in. Paint it the blue you love in the Thomas Paul fabric. Change the hardware so that the piece looks more custom. If you need more blue, tint the ceiling. Also, do not have the art work or what ever you hang over the fireplace higher than the built-in. If I did any contruction work it would be on the fireplace as right now it looks a little heavy for to go with your inspiration photo.
      Linda Banks · More Info
    • 13 years ago
      Don't like that cabinet there..think it would look better with t.v. over FP and a club chair or another type/ and table with a lamp next to fireplace, and art on wall.
    • 13 years ago
      I would paint the tv center the color of the wall so blends in with the wall. And would pant the mantle in a dark chocolate to make it pop and put the tv over the fire place. Dont decorate the old tv built in to flashy nothing reflective mabey a simple painting.
    • 13 years ago
      judyg- not sure if I mentioned this in the orignal post...the pictures were taken during the walk-through...I just purchased this home This isn't my decor. And yes, I agree that the art work is too large and shouldn't be above the trim.

      Jayme- I am open to the idea of removing it all together and using the space for seating.

      Thank you both!
    • 13 years ago
      otmminaj- I'm seriously considering moving the TV above the mantle because so many of you have suggested it.
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      To visualize the changes I used Paint...see below.
      1) Reomve the built-in altogether and drywall the gap
      2)Paint the built-in so that it belnds in with the wall...add shelving where the TV used to be.
    • 13 years ago
      ...
    • 13 years ago
      The T.V. Belongs over the fireplace. The color needs to be balanced on either side. You have some excellent ideas for this room from your posts.
    • 13 years ago
      ^ Thanks Jacqueline.

      Just found this picture of a beautiful built-in. It's VERY similar to mine. If I am to add a shelf where the TV currently is, paint it, change the hardware...it'll be pretty close to this one.
    • 13 years ago
      While I understand temptation to put TV above FP, this is not ideal for actually watching TV. The TV should not be that high. Recommend creating illusion of FP and TV "built in" or put TV on wall adjacent to fireplace.
    • 13 years ago
      ^ It's definitely not ideal for watching TV but knowing that in the past 7 months my husband and I haven't watched more than 20 hours of TV (combined)...this TV is simply being put up for guests....and therefore it being uncomfortable isn't a concern ;)
    • 13 years ago
      Tie the built in with the fireplace but making it the same wood and color.
    • 13 years ago
      If you don't actually intend to watch TV then I might suggest that you don't try to make it a focal point of the room. Perhaps some sort of "disguise" panel would suit you better.
    • 13 years ago
      Following up on cyn22's suggestion, why not redo that entire wall and fireplace surround and follow up on your idea #1? If that wall becomes simple and classy, and you can hide the t v, I bet you will like it much better. What you are seeing now are finishes which do not go together at all and it really is unattractive.
      Newburyport Federal - Family Room · More Info
    • PRO
      13 years ago
      http://allabouthomeelectronics.com/how-to/hang-a-tv-on-a-wall.html . Article contains photo of fireplace centered on wall, small cabinets on both sides and with TV we hung over the fireplace.
    • 13 years ago
      Thank you all for your suggestions. I have received some great ideas on how to fix this issue. The final decision will depend on the cost estimate. In this economy, no one wants to spend beyond what they expect back. I see myself living in the place for less than 10 years...not longer. Therefore have to be sensible about the upgrades/renos.

      Thanks again everyone and I'll post before and agrees in a few months...since I don't move in till April.

      Cheers!
    • 11 years ago
      Paint the fire place mantle and trim Black. It will tie it all in. Sue
    • 11 years ago
      Old post
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