Built In Design Dilemma

8 years ago

last modified: 8 years ago

We want to do built in's to give our space a more custom look. We are torn between going with a look that does not include a gas fireplace or going with the gas fireplace. Not sure the gas fireplace is something we will use often or enjoy since it's not a real wood burning fire. Would appreciate some design guidance.

Design Option 2 - would change cabinet style

Design Option 1

Current Wall

Featured Answer

eightpondfarm

8 years ago

since you don't HAVE to, i'd separate the fireplace and the TV. Since you will only occasionally have the fireplace burning, then put it on the sidewall (opposite window wall) OR...have a non-traditional fireplace shape. Like a long one without much height.... Maybe even a couple of very small ones! But the two black rectangles roughly the same size isn't right. (as you can tell from that hutch below your tv). Builtins sound fun.

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Comments (11)

functionthenlook
8 years ago
We had 2 gas burning fireplaces at our last house and used them most of the winter. We loved it. No carrying in dirty logs, cleaning out ashes, etc. This house we only have log burning fireplaces and maybe use the one twice a winter and other one we never used.
loobab
8 years ago
Gas burning fireplaces are neat too. If you do the option with the TV alone however, please rethink the shelves with all the doodads. As shown in the photo, they are very cluttered and distracting.
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KD
8 years ago
Those examples both seem to have the TV placed rather high. I like fireplaces, but if the primary job of a room is TV watching, I think getting the TV into a good position should come first - only add a fireplace if it will work in the space. Also, most folks here are pretty against TV-over-fireplace because in addition to the poor ergonomics (TV too high for comfortable watching) the heat from the fireplace is not that great for your TV.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
8 years ago
I think you can add a fireplace below this to create a great looking room where the TV can be closed off to expose shelves.

Here is a great gas fireplace I just found
leduvina26
Original Author
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Thank you all for the ideas. I should note that we definitely need the lower cabinet storage. At this point if I could find a nice custom media entertainment design for the wall I might forgo the fireplace because of TV placement, etc.
auntthelma
8 years ago
WE use our fireplace every night in the winter. Gas fireplaces do warm the room.

If you are not a fireplace person, it might not suit you.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
8 years ago

Check out Ashley Furniture

Mix and match component from American Signature / Value City
erinsean
8 years ago
Will you have to take into consideration the wall vents...one below and one high? I am thinking the three around the TV could be speakers..no? I like the first picture but would lower the TV. I guess contending with the vents may make a difference on what you do......if you need to consider them. A fireplace would be nice, but not necessary unless you think you would use it.
Quentin S
8 years ago
Erinsean, the low one looks more like a subwoofer than a vent.
leduvina26
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you all for the recommendations!