Thanks for replying despite my typo!

I’ve seen a wood mantle already and will order it and give this a try.

It is too busy and the TV is too large to be above that FP. Is there another location for it?

What is too busy?

Yes TV is too large and no there is no other spot. This is the only solid wall in the room.

This is why I’d like to try to create balance. I can’t change the fireplace box but I have the opportunity to create a larger surround. Just not sure what style will fit.

Lowering the tv will really help....and the fireplace as is seems just right in scale and style....trying to make it look bigger or adding a mantle will overwhelm the space ....definitely move the side board...as it unbalances the room...with out a bigger view of the room and an idea how large the area it is ....it would be hard to make more suggestions....with the exception of the advice that whatever you do it should be balanced like the fireplace and windows...for instance centering the couch on the fireplace and tv

This is the rest of the space. This furniture is going to our basement so I’m not considering it in the design

Also, I’m standing in the kitchen taking this pic.

This looks like a nice space ...I was wondering how much room on the full fireplace wall....would it be nice for you to have some seating on each side of the fireplace?

I think it would look great if you surrounded the fireplace with a wood beam like in the 2nd photo.

Thanks for removing the media cabinet!

There is 80” on the left side and 72” on the right side

http://www.houzz.com/sketches/117252180

This is the mock up with the wood beam mantle a little longer than the current FP. Still seems like it’s missing something.

I like the previously posted mock-up with the full wood surround. It looks balanced to me.

If you cant put the wood beam all the way around the fireplace then I would leave it alone. I think the beam just on the top looks more out of place then what you currently have, which isn't that bad at all. You could also try a skinny beam. I think the reason the beam on all 3 sides looks better is that it makes the fireplace look a little more substantial. With the tv being so big and the fireplace being the same width, the space looks top heavy. If you can add just a little more width to the fireplace the whole space takes on a new look.

I agree. It’s more of the top heavy look that I’m trying to get rid of.

I also really like how much better it looks just with the TV lowered in your last pic.

Your input has been really helpful. I’m going to get the TV lowered and the media cabinet moved over the weekend and live with that for a few days.

I think the added trim around the FP just makes it busier and doesn't suit the style of the FP. ! You have shutter lines, FP lines, baseboard lines and a lots of squares and rectangles on that wall. That's what I call "busy." The FP needs a round mirror above it to break up all that square geometry. With new, smaller scale furniture, you'll get a better outcome. I wouldn't do another sectional - very inflexible and easily blocks up a room. A 3-seat sofa and two chairs will be so much better to arrange and rearrange. I would put the TV right of the single window that is flanked by the 4 photos. Then move all 4 photos to the left side of the window. Center that grouping of 4 at 5' above the floor. If you're a daring decorator, stack them vertically starting so the center space between the top 2 and bottom 2 is 5' above the floor. That will be striking and I have done it before with 2 huge Audubon birds - looked fabulous!

Deco- I agree with your comment about all the lines. That’s why that area has been bugging me.
But that still makes me wonder now if a wood beam over a smooth mantle with no lines wouldn’t be a better look. Something like the dark grey one I posed above.

I’ve never thought of the TV beside one of the windows. It seems like too tight of an area.
The TV is just so big! I’ll measure the space to see if it’s a possibility. I appreciate the feedback.

Get a smaller TV! Put it to the right of the fireplace as decoenthusiaste suggests. Build low white shelving lined up with the bottom of the windows. (Or get a wonderful console that fits the space.) Then float a sofa to face that wall. I can't believe the elaborate, expensive solutions to a problem that can be solved by just getting a smaller TV. The fireplace is perfect for the room; the TV isn't.

The size of the TV is one issue and a smaller TV could be possible. I just want to be sure that’s the solution. I have the opportunity now to redesign the fireplace so I don’t want to let that go if I still won’t be happy even with a smaller TV or without one.

Thanks for all your input. I have lots to think about.

The fireplace is perfectly proportioned for the windows and shutters. Changing it will throw off the balance at great expense and you'll still have a humongous big black screen dominating the space. The TV size is the problem, not the fireplace.

Maybe this chart will help you decide about the TV.

This is the day of the huge tv...let’s face it....In order to balance that a little ....I would add some dimension and weight to the room by adding something under the windows...perhaps a pair of sleek...shallow....low consoles ...that will be useful storage...and add a little substance to balance the tv size...

Built-ins really don’t work beside a fireplace that doesn’t project into the room substantially