The TV is already too high for proper viewing. The best solution would be to move the TV to another wall where it can be hung at a correct hight and hang artwork above the fireplace. But if you're unwilling to move it IMO I'd just ignore the gap. Anything you add will likely highly the issue rather than fix it

Thank you Sina. I have no other wall and built the house with tv components below in cabinets like the model home. However, the trim was supposed to be a flat wall and not a cavity for the tv. I've noticed that tv placement over a mantel is a common problem with high ceilings which I can deal with - just don't like the empty space. Please ignore the size of iron topper - for example only ;-)

If you simply want to fill the space above the television I would duplicate the "grid" design at the top (and sides). Easy carpentry and keeps the original look...and if you wanted to remove at a later date would bring you back to the look you have now. Good luck and have a great day!

Mark

I don't know what's going on with those windows, but they're already very busy. I'm sure you can find something more beautiful and interesting than 6 black lanterns.

Paint the inset a dark almost black paint color.

Buy a Frame TV and let it function in art mode..

Thank you everyone ... it is a work in progress and the initial photo was early on with all of the lanterns. They are now dispersed around the house and screened in porch. I was focusing on the "empty space." Your suggestions will be considered and are very helpful! Thanks again.

Black paint on the flat area behind the TV would look fine since you have the black countertops on the cabinets. When the TV is off the whole area will look black and you won't notice that the TV is not centered.

I have a frame 48' Frame tv (smaller) on Kitchen wall so won't fit here. I will use the ambient mode or aquarium setting for this one. Great suggestion! Thanks all...

I agree that painting the back wall behind the TV black will help hide the empty space.

If I had to place a TV in this space I would probably center it. You are already way over viewing comfort height and a few more inches won't make a big difference.

I would also do something to camoflage the TV. I'm not a huge fan of mirrors, but they do have mirrors that you can place over a TV and they look like a mirror when the TV is not on but the TV picture is displayed when the TV is on.

Other options include art or doors over the TV.

Here are some ideas:

https://www.tidbitsandtwine.com/the-great-cover-up-7-ways-to-disguise-your-tv/

I had the same problem with my living room fireplace/Mantle/television. I put a narrow shelf above the tv, with a ship railing. My husband was able to wire in the lights above the shelf by tying into the sconce lights. Since yours is white you probably wouldn’t need lighting.

Nice idea Jalarse ... lots of great ideas so far. Thx!