Hello,

Yes I think a mantel or surround/mantel combo would give it some definition because that's what I think is lacking.

You don't have to use something this visually heavy

You can select natural wood and run them long over the stone like in this photo to accessorize

You could use this concept and run it out to the ends of the wall and create this out of natural wood

Karen

A mantel will help in protecting your TV from the heat of the fireplace; and that TV looks a little low. You should check your fireplace installation manual and see the clearances to combustibles you need to maintain for fireplace safety.

Now you have 2 black boxes that are 2 different sizes and your gut is right - it doesn't look right. You put a mantel up and your are going to have to raise the TV which is not going to be comfortable to look at. Would you consider moving the TV off of the fireplace? We can help with furniture layout if that is part of the problem.

You'll want a mantel to block the heat from getting onto the bottom of the tv that comes from the gas fireplace. I also think a mantel will help give the tv the look of a base versus just floating right now.

I agree that the TV would be better on the wall to the right in the pic. It could then be hung at the proper height for viewing and then you won’t have to worray about the mantel

I not think the mantel is the issue (except insofar as heat protection for the tv is concerned). It lOoks odd because there are two black rectangles of different size. If anything, the top one should be smaller.

I think the TV is fine where it is, as long as you add a mantel (and/or surround as shown in the pictures above). And it doesn't have to be a massively thick one either, just enough to redirect any upward heat from the firebox. And if you don't have the fireplace manual to check the proper combustibles measurement, then check with the manufacturer.

I love the fire place and a mantle would look great their. You could add your family portrait their. and for the holidays you could add your cards and stocking or whatever spark you eye afterwards.

Thank you for your input! This room is exhausting for several reasons... mostly because it was designed bizarrely. For the TV to be on the wall to the right, the seating area would need to face that direction and would completely block the open concept space that my husband LOVES. We also invested in expensive art that we adore on that wall. That we don’t think would work elsewhere.

Additionally, when we moved and I was pregnant and hormonal, we bought furniture that isn’t quite right for the space, (ie two full sized couches for a rectangular room). I also really want built ins and can’t figure out where. As you can see, we are struggling.

BUT all that being said, opinions and help would be much appreciated! I’ll attach a pic of the floor plan and room as well as how it’s looking at the moment (I hate it at the moment)

Is this the only TV on this level of the home?

This room is exhausting for several reasons... mostly because it was designed bizarrely. For the TV to be on the wall to the right, the seating area would need to face that direction and would completely block the open concept space that my husband LOVES. We also invested in expensive art that we adore on that wall. That we don’t think would work elsewhere.

The problem isn't that the room was designed bizarrely, it's just that you have put it together without any thought before making any purchases and that your husband LOVES the open concept. So basically as I see it, either you have to give up something/s to change something or finish accessorizing the room and accept it as it is. That said, one thing you might consider is a bigger rug and something with a WOW pattern to it and colorful pillows. That difference could make a big impact visually to the space.

And the only place for built-ins is if you tear down the stone off the fireplace and rework that area to include built-ins.

Well, I have to say the framed art does look great on that wall. And it pretty much does need a wall that size. That said, flipping the sofa to face that wall doesn't diminish the open concept; indeed, it would help define the space.

Is there not a suitable wall in the dining area for the art?

If you keep this arrangement, I do think a mantel would help, though you'll have to raise the TV. It looks like the sofa in front of the windows is far enough away that it might not be too uncomfortable. One thing I would do is pull the chair and ottoman onto the rug more and angle it more toward the opposite corner.

Seeing your current furniture arrangement I would suggest flipping it 180 degrees. Leave the sofa under the window, flip the other one across the room so it sits in front of the half wall, and move the chair/otto combo into the corner where the childs chair is. It will still be open but cozier. Purchase a sisal rug from IKEA (9x12 - super cheap) to layer under your current rug. Were you able to check the combustible measurement for your firebox yet?

Since the only teal in the room seems to be in the curtains, I added some in a new rug and a bowl on the coffee table.

Lamps on the end tables would be nice for reading. I also think a mantel that runs across the width of the stone wall will help to balance out the tv.

Groveraxle, your example of the room with color added is great. Amazing what those pops of color can do for a room.

Thank you for the help! A 10x14 rug is on our list of things to be purchased (current is 8x10). We know it’s not right for the space.

I thought perhaps we could build bookshelves with a window seat around the huge picture window (losing the curtains, which I hate, and would get rid of the teal - was thinking custom blinds instead).

And yes, we did buy some pieces without quite realizing what would work - not everyone has a knack for this sort of thing! By coming here I am trying to get better at design and decor, but we must work with what we currently have at the moment, unfortunately. (And I still think the room has a weird shape and design, but to each their own)

We could potentially use the artwork both in the dining room or on the staircase wall (visible from the living room) but I feel as though the tv on that wall would require a huge entertainment centre type piece? It is a HUGE wall. If we did, how would we arrange the furniture? Wouldnt moving the couch to face that wall cut off the room?

Thank you again

And yes, it is our only tv on this level, and the only family/living area this level has - it’s a bungalow with a rec room downstairs but we don’t tend to spend as much time down there

Sorry Hu if I was a bit harsh. It just drives me crazy to read when OP is unhappy with a room and we offer suggestions but then the ideas are constrained because the husband "loves" it as it is or isn't open to changing things or at least trying it, even if it means moving a piece of furniture for a few minutes to see how it looks and feels.. so the thread goes around and around in circles and nothing is accomplished and the OP is still ends up unhappy...

You can hang the TV (with an articulating arm) on the wall with a console underneath it which would also give you storage and the room will still feel open. No need for a big a%$ unit. I would recommend that you and your husband move the sofa that is on that wall and put it across so it faces that wall before you think about doing anything else. Then you can decide how you feel with it there. Then we can go from there. As if you don't try, then you'll never know how you feel about it.

Thanks for hanging in there as I know your original question was regarding the mantel but maybe if you convince hubby to try a few things, you might be happier with the room and if not, it will be easier for you to live with it as it is..

Do you actually use the fireplace? I melted a perfectly good television and almost started a house fire by hanging mine too close. I later found out that the manufacturer recommended 18 inches above as a minimum. Oops. Be sure to check before you light the fire!

If the tv stays in the fireplace it does need a mantle. I like grey herons third photo, it looks great. With your two large sofas, try setting them up like a sectional with a small side table in the corner but putting the one that is against the wall on the other side defining the space. Also move the one down from the window by quite a bit to show case your picture window, eight feet? Hard to tell but a fair amount. And ditch the coffe table for a smaller less chunky one if you can. Put the leather chair opposite where it is. The child's chair I'm sure moves around, and you don't need anything on the other side, or maybe some greenery. My living room is designed oddly too and I ordered an apartment siz sofa with chaise so that I could keep the open concept and add some nice chairs. It hasn't arrived yet or I'd send a picture. When you can replace the sofas, come here for feedback, the pro's are amazing!