@ilikefriday - thank you!!!! How did you do that? Really helps give a visual. I appreciate the help!!

Goro Brenner Group - I used Microsoft Paint which comes preinstalled on most windows based computers.

What are you going to put in the built ins?

What is behind the wall? Can you recess them?

I am not a big fan of actual built ins around a fireplace as I think they distract from the fireplace as a focal point especially if filled with “stuff”; and in your case I think there is a greater risk of that “crowded” feeling around fireplace due to the disparity in how they would protrude from wall.

What do you plan to store on the built ins? What about doing some open shelves instead to display a *limited* number of items. If I were you I would even embrace the asymmetry of the wall and just put them on one side (maybe wall closer to window).

Putting in built-ins will cover your vents. Maybe glass floating shelves in the corner by the window?

I think you lose the fireplace as a focal point with the bookshelves. I have a similar fireplace and it looks better alone.
Rethink your furniture placement, accessories, etc. before loading up this wall with tons of stuff. Your stone work is really nice.

I can't believe how helpful everyone has been, thank you so much!!!!!

- The reason I wanted shelves... We currently have our TV mounted to the right side of the fireplace and I was hoping to be able to push it back (it's on an arm mount) and hide it in the bookshelves when we're not using it. My main concern is hiding the TV and the cable box/cords. Then I would do a few nice pictures frames on the other shelves, keep them clean and simple.

- I like the idea of a few floating shelves to the left! My issue (always) is the dang TV! The way our furniture is laid out and the way the studs are in the wall, it either needs to stay hung on the right side or above the fireplace. How do people feel about a TV over the fireplace?

- Unfortunately, can't do recessed walls because the garage is behind it and we use that space. Maybe I can do like 8 inches recessed? I'll have to ask a carpenter.

Can you post a photo of the wall in its current space, with the tv attached to the wall? I have the same problem in that I don't want the TV over the fireplace. The way I solved the problem was to put the tv on the side wall that is next to the fireplace. The TV is on an arm and it can swing to the fireplace wall when we are watching it. That being said, my TV is small and it definitely is not something that gets a lot of attention in my house. Depending on the size of your TV, that may or may not work in your space.

@ilikefriday - I like that idea but I think the TV is dominates :( Also I know it's hanging too high but we're not re-hanging the mount until we know what we're doing next to the fireplace.

We have a similar issue with our fireplace and I’d love to know if you’ve found a solution! What did you end up doing? Thanks in advance!

@happilywander I wish I could say we've come up with an amazing solution but haven't yet :( I've been on the search for sideboards/buffets to fit the space similar to how it looks in the attached picture that another user sent. I feel that if I go this route, I can take the pieces with me to the next house. Or swap them out if I get bored one day. Less permanent than built ins!

I also like this second idea sent by the same creative person @BeverlyFLADeziner

Good luck!