Good idea JudyG.

You could also add doors to the frame and make it storage.

Your shelves are looking busy. Add large objects not more small things.

If you don't do the electric fireplace then you might want to just remove all the wood and get rid of the mantel look.

Where is your TV now?

Thanks for the responses! Our plan is to put in an electric fireplace down the road. So now I'm in need of a temporary solution that looks decent until we can install the fireplace..

Leelee what large objects do you suggest? I've been having a hard time filling those bookcases. The tv is in front of the wall to the left of that mantel. Couch is to the right.

Any more suggestions? This space is driving me crazy! ;)

As a temporary fix buy a tall decorative fireplace screen .Paint the inside dark and get those grey fake decorative logs to make it look like a fireplace. Then hang interesting art over the f.p. instead of the metal piece you have now. Remove most things from mantle and maybe just keep the candle holders.

I would place a plant in the space. ALso how big is that space above the FP where you have the metal art. I might hang art over it (cover it up) and re-do mantel. Too many small items. The same with the book shelves. They need re-organization. If you want to post a photo of that wall, we can help. You have too many small items. on each shelf.

You can look at Target for baskets or woven platters.

Remove shelf in fireplace hole and paint enitre opening black on the inside; buy a grate and put logs on it and call it good; no one has fires in the summer anyway or even all year round!; place a silk plant in pot of some type of material to the right of the fireplace and call it good.

Hang quilt or tapestry or colorful rug over opening above mantel.

Book shelves can look nice if they have one third books, one third stuff, and one third shelf space......if combined shelf length is 20 feet then you need 7 feet of books, 7 feet of stuff, and 7 feet of shelf space.

Picture well done with fireplace and shelves.

Great suggestions...thanks! :)

Heaviest items on the bottom shelves. For instance, the baskets underneath need to fill that space almost completely so it looks "grounded". Then go lighter as you go. Use varying heights. Books laid on their side works great for this. If you twist the books a bit you can put another item in front of the books. Vary your mediums...glass, metal, wood etc. don't put items of the same medium together. Mixing textures creates interest.

As for the FP...I would go on etsy & find birch logs from the Adirondacks. Some have holes out for tea lights. Or just put them in a copper container (texture again) just casually.

One more thing. I would get brick tile & tile the inside of the FP to give the look more credibility & in preparation of the electric one down the road.

I would remove the surround and add a built in bench with a cute cushion...maybe mount a wall light....add some interesting books on your shelf ...will be a small reading nook.

Like the idea of painting inside very dark, adding logs and a screen in front. Re: bookshelves, you need books!!!!

With the right surround, you could use it as a space to hide a safe.

If you have a pet, it's a good nook for a pet bed.

You could build a cart/bar with wheels to park in there to roll out when entertaining.