We just got new furniture for our family room. Trying to stay with neutrals--beiges, chocolate brown with punch of reds. A designer told me the TV and console should be shorter than the fireplace mantle so it would not compete for the focal point in the room. The problem is the right side of the fireplace. The designer (space planner) from the furniture store helped us pick out what size of furniture would fit in the space nicely and we are pleased with the choices. She suggested a bookshelf or curio cabinet for the right side of the fireplace along with a tall, topheavy plant (ficus) in the corner. The problem is the bookself/cabinet she suggested is taller than the fireplace mantle. I just not sure it would look right. I feel something roughly the same height as the TV and console would balance the wall around the fireplace better. Also not sure about the tall plant. Our ceiling as only 8 ft and she thought a 7 foot plant would work (?). I realize we need new sofa table, end table and lamps. Still working on that also. Any ideas will be appreciated!