We are in the process of finishing our basement. This space will be primarily used as a large living room, entertaining area, will have a bar area, will have a bedroom that will be used as an workout room and a full bathroom.

The only negative is that we did not opt for the deeper basement when building our home. When finished, the main portion of the basement will be a little over 8'. The low points (around the HVAC) will be a little over 7'.

Do we place the TV under the 7' area or under the 8' area?

Placing the TV under the 7' area will allow us to position the TV in an "out of the way area", will accommodate built-ins for AV equipment, etc. This will allow us to position a sectional couch under the 8' area, making the basement feel more open. Only negative would be that we would not be able to open up our staircase. Or we we would have to decrease the railing opening size.

I am fearful that it we place the TV under the 8' area a sectional couch will have to be positioned far enough away from the TV and may be under the 7' area creating a "closed in" feeling.

What do you guys think?