Post a photo of the entire wall and provide dimensions or measurements.

Leave the outlets, and hang a picture. In either spot. Or pick the way you want it.

What does the fireplace look like? How high are your ceilings - will your TV hit the ceiling if it is placed above the FP?

My preference is for a small tv to be in the alcove along with some shelving for storage/display. To add some character to the condo, I'd like to add some tiling around the gas fireplace either just to the mantel or to the ceiling. As you can see there are a couple of outlets above the mantel. The ceilings are 9'6". The fireplace wall is 5'6' across. The alcove is 3'6" across. If I decide to tile up to the ceiling, the outlets would be worked around the tile. I was just wondering if that would look odd. But as suggested above, I could just hang a picture over them. I've seen plenty of TVs hung over tiled fireplace walls so I'm sure it can be done, but goes first, tile or TV bracket?

If it were mine, I would tile only between the baseboard and the bottom of the mantel. Since this is such a small area, i would pick a very obviously expensive and stunning tile. Since it is a small area, it costs surprisingly little to upgrade.

The alcove is tiny. It would be great for bookshelves and possibly a desk. I would put a larger TV above the fireplace, and you need a good place to mount it. Tile would complicate mounting the TV.

I know that you want a small TV in the alcove, but I am telling you what is best for resale.

Haha. Resale? I haven't even moved in yet. I have to admit I am a tv watcher, but with such a small space I thought having the tv above the fireplace would to dominate it. I'm going to look at brackets that have the capability to lower the tv for optimal viewing. Too be honest, I was considering a small desk with shelves in the alcove. I'll have to rethink that. As a blank slate, the condo is quite plain. "Expensive and stunning" as armchairshopper suggests sounds like a plan..

Your mantel is not high, so putting your TV over it might not be an issue. The issue is that many Houzzers will try to persuade you not to put it over the fireplace. IMO, TV's are a dime a dozen.

That alcove is a tricky spot for a desk and chair - however here's an example.

Example with small TV and shelves above.

I agree, there are quite a few "things" that would interrupt the flow of the tiles above the mantel. I guess I'll have to scout out more Houzz photos for inspiration. I didn't even consider the soffit! Thanks for pointing that out. TV above the fireplace and shelves for display and a bit of storage looks like the winner! Thanks everyone who has contributed so far.

I agree - I also don't like TVs above fireplaces but the alcove is too narrow for a TV. There are pull down tv mounts you can use so the viewing height is not too high.

And if you are looking to buy a new TV, try Samsung Frame. It looks just like a picture frame when you are not using the TV

I can’t remember the name if the writer, and I can’t find the original quote. I will paraphrase as best I can. She said that it used to bother her when she would walk in people’s homes and the TV would be on. Then she came to think of the TV as being like a fireplace. It would not bother her if there were a fire in the fireplace. The TV serves the function of providing background noise, and possibly companionship. If you were to come to my home, you would find that the TV is on, most likely tuned in to Bloomberg or the news, whether or not I am in the room.

In your case the best place for TV is over the FP. You might remove the mantel since it looks a little dinky. Use the alcove for components and books but don't over decorate it. Keep it simple.

I wouldn't tile now. You need to move in and see what else really needs to be bought or done.

When you look at your fireplace, how do you imagine it? Can you see a lovely piece of art that adds interest with the spotlight highlighting it? Do you see the mantel decorated for the holidays with greenery, candles, etc? If you do, consider placing the t.v. in the alcove with an articulating arm so you can adjust it for easy viewing with a console anchoring it. If not, place the t.v. above the fireplace. Either way, if you decide to tile, I'd do it only below the mantel and choose the prettiest tile your budget will allow.

I do agree that the present mantel is unworthy as a focal point. It needs some heft. I like the idea of a decorated mantel and some sort of sculptural piece above it, yet keeping it quite simple. I have yet to check out the capabilities of articulating brackets for TVs, but the idea of the tv not being front and centre is appealing. Ideally, I could find an articulating tv bracket that would allow me to swing the tv into an optimal viewing position/height and then tuck it back into the alcove when not in use.

Homes Portfolio · More Info

Maybe a piece like this above the fireplace???

New Living Room Design · More Info

The space I have beside the fireplace is not as large as this. In this photo, it's probably not even necessary to move the tv, but in my future condo, the tv would be at an awkward angle for tv viewers in the room if it wasn't pulled out from the alcove. I guess the tv could be placed on a console of some sort and angled into the room?

A TV that's sticking out on an arm will look 10 times worse than a TV mounted over the FP.

This is a TV behind panels that open and close to hide TV..

I agree with picking some unique tile. Here is a timely blog post about fireplace tile from Mercury Mosaics. https://mercurymosaics.com/blogs/news/10-ways-to-use-ceramic-tile-for-your-fireplace-surround We are in love with the tile that we purchased from Mercury Mosaics and very happy with their service. .

Shirley, do you have all of your furniture for your new condo? You'll be able to put things in perspective much better when your sofa, chairs, rug, etc are all in place. Then decide if the wall will work better with tile. Right now all you see is a blank wall. You'll be surprised how things that seem so glaring now will not even be an issue when your eye is drawn to your furnishings.

Leelee, the whole point of the arm is to pull the t.v. out when you want to watch it and put it away when you don't. That way it's not the centerpiece of the room.

Shirley, this arm may be worth looking at. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EVXEW7Y/ref=psdc_760796_t1_B00NBE8TLY

Ahh, so it only looks bad part of the time. Good to know.

The best investment that you could make would be to hire a cabinet maker to build a beautiful fireplace mantel, shelves, a small desk with a drop-down shelf, and a place for your TV. I don’t know what part of the world you live in. If in the USA, you should be able to build something custom for your wall in the $3,000 to $5,000 range. Since it would be the focal point of your condo, it would be a worthwhile investment, if it fits into your budget.

We'll probably live with the mantel as is...but I like your suggestions.

Great suggestion, katinparadise. I watched the video of how the arm works.

Pricy tile for a small area:

Mother of Pearl Mosaic Square Tile, Seamless Splice, White, Set of 10 · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/mother-of-pearl-oyster-mini-square-tiles-set-of-10-prvw-vr~49011351?lid=35288617[(https://www.houzz.com/products/mother-of-pearl-oyster-mini-square-tiles-set-of-10-prvw-vr~49011351?lid=35288617)

12"x12" Gold Metallic Glass Tile, Full Sheet · More Info

[https://www.houzz.com/products/12x12-gold-metallic-glass-tile-full-sheet-prvw-vr~28881051[(https://www.houzz.com/products/12x12-gold-metallic-glass-tile-full-sheet-prvw-vr~28881051)

I'd go with a tile that you like rather than it being so pricey. You don't want to buy an expensive tile for the bottom and then realize that it would look so much better tiled to the ceiling.

White Mountain Hearth Gallery · More Info

I had this one in one of my idea books for tile.

Marina Resoration · More Info

This one is also in the running for around the FP.

Moraga Residence · More Info

Or maybe something with a bit of texture.

It is not likely that I would go to the ceiling after Glo European Doors and Windows pointed out all the protrusions that would impede the flow of the tile...outlets, soffits and vent. Just to be clear the textured tile in the above photo would be installed around the FP, not above it.

I like the first one Shirley. I think it's more classic and likely to stand the test of time.