If you have any curtains, hang them as high as possible!

Here is one ideabook about lighting for low ceilings.

https://www.houzz.com/magazine/dramatic-lighting-for-low-ceilings-stsetivw-vs~592527

I want to make the fireplace appear to have a more linear feeling. What would you think about removing the beam/mantle and adding a lmestone surround that has a wider piece of limestone as the header and more narrow legs. I would leave the raised hearth and not clad it in limestone.

The room only has 8" ceilings and we're trying to achieve illusions of higher ceilings. I hope that I was able to attach a couple of pictures.

removing the wood mantel would definately help

Thanks oaklands, my pictures look as if these are 2 different rooms, but it was the settings on my camera. I think I've decided on a limestone surround with very straight lines and I will remove the beam and corbels.