Unfortunately I don't think a bookshelf on either side would work. TV is already too high and adding bookcases will make it look smaller. Can you post pictures of the rest of the room?

More pics, yes.

Ideas but I'm sure more than $500. You could start with just shelves and later if you want more add doors.

Why do you think you need shelves? They require stuff and stuff can look busy.

Maybe just add a chair on each side of the fireplace similar to this.

$299 each World Market. No building or measuring or clutter.

Was looking for shelving to hide/hold the dvd player and cords coming out of the wall.

That TV looks silly up there; it's almost touching the ceiling! That's an awful location for watching TV. It should be at eye-level.

I'd put shelves on each side and bring the TV down to eye level and put it in the shelves on the left on a swing-arm wall mount.

Thought same as above

Absolutely get the TV off the mantel. Then get matching or coordinating consoles for each side of the fireplace, one to hold the TV, the other for art and sculpture.

Love Irene's picture! I think that would be a much better solution.

I do like the idea of putting the TV on a console. Would you put something on both sides? The wall is longer to the left of the fireplace. On the right side you would run into a door after about 3 feet.