The second photo looks the best.

I prefer the first idea -- high ceilings are for the eye to travel, not to fill up with furniture and decor. A TV wall already feels busy without surrounding the screen with knick-knacks and books.

(exception would be if you are truly short of storage space in the house, in which case, some cabinets could be sneaked in here easily.)

yeah, the coffee table height is pretty good, so look for a long low console not much higher than that...

I wouldn't recommend putting the tv up too high on the wall but you also don't want too much negative space between where the media center ends and the ceiling. Have you thought about installing an in-wall media center. It would look awesome as a focal point for the entire room. Tons of possibilities with this space I'm sure anything will look good!

ohmylord no, Hal -- imagine that density of busy shelving all the way to a 20 foot ceiling! you'd never want to look at it!

here is my home and garden. let see

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2SdqIen2MU&list=PL3BXdDjVvEpyrAqkbNhlpBmP5OKVpEMR4

I like the console without bookcases. The media unit with bookcases looks outdated IMO.

put in built ins keep it clean and uncluttered