Let's see the rest of the room and can you take a picture of the fireplace wall straight on so it's easier to digitally adjust? Thx.

You can build a panel to insert into the log holder.

I'm usually not a fan of TVs over fireplaces, as they are too high and strain the neck when sitting on the couch. I'd do a large colorful piece of art above the fireplace instead, and put the TV on the wall where the shelves are.

Just a few comments about the existing layout.

Currently, the mantel is mounted too high for the height of the ceiling in this room

The bookcases might be more presentable is they were not painted white but a deeper paint color.

Placing the TV over a brick fireplace is not a remodeling solution unless there is accommodation to recess it in some fashion. Having a TV hang in front of the brick can really look terrible.

Thanks for all of your quick responses!! Here are some additional photos for a different perspective. Excuse the large box—it’s the new gas logs that need to be installed.

Sorry, one last photo.

following

If you move the TV over the fireplace, what do you do with the space that currently houses the fireplace?

Did I read correctly, you want the tv above the fireplace or where the bookshelves are?

If you want them where the bookshelves are, then you need to take some of the shelving down and make a place for the tv. It can be done!

Yes! I'm willing to get rid of the bookshelves completely and build something nicer. The log storage is quite big and I don't know what to do with that space. I could almost fit inside!

Log storage solution. Use the space behind to store objects if needed.

Here's a question, why not switch your sofa with your chaise, and that way you can leave your chaise TV right where it is and wall mount it? This leaves a more open flow into your room, as you wouldn't be walking into the back of two large bulky sofas?

I wouldn't remove a built-in and replace with shelving, because believe it or not, built-ins add value to your home, whereas shelving doesn't. If anything, replace the built in with another built in, but not floating shelves. If you wanted to float shelves in addition to keeping a built in on the other side, if you wall mount the tv in the same location you currently have, then that too would be great. Voila, you saved $$$$..

If you're not wanting to do the log cover up Bev mentioned, then add some large lanterns, or candles, and there you go.. However, if you need storage for say Xmas decorations or something like that, then her idea for a cover up is really good..

Closer look at the bookshelves. Not the best quality. Definitely would like to replace these built-ins and incorporate the tv.

Yes, replace with another built in, not floating shelves if at all possible.. Do you want to be able to watch Tv from the kitchen? Is that why you want to place in this area?

Yes, I was thinking that if the TV was where the shelves were OR over the fireplace I could tilt it to wherever I was sitting in the living room or in the kitchen.

Nothing wrong with those bookcases that couldn't be improved by simply beefing up the front edge of the bookshelves How eactly would you expect new bookcases to be built?

Yes, I would like to be able to watch while I am cooking in the kitchen. I don’t like how you can see all of the peg holes in the book cases.

Yes to painting the fireplace. Will greatly update and modernize it. Some people will not recommend putting the tv above the fireplace but I've done it in one of my homes and it worked out quite well with no neck strain. You will have to lower the mantel if you want to place your tv on the fireplace. Am wondering if you need a mantel at all. Leaving it off might modernize your fireplace even more. The fireplace isn't really deep enough to have built-ins made. The floating shelving you mentioned might be a good alternative to built-ins. An alternate suggesting is to place your tv on either side wall (whichever one is best for viewing) and place artwork above the firebox. Instead of a faux log door to the firewood storage you might consider a piece of sculptural artwork instead. Please post photos when you are finished. Good luck!

I would lower the mantle and make it..a bit thicker. Tear out shelves and flank fireplace on both sides with built in cabinets with doors — good storage—and floating selves above them with lighting. Full motion mount tv above mantle that you can adjust and pull out as needed depending on where you are watching from. Use the wood box for tiered candles/lanterns of some sort.

If you intend to use the fireplace, I would not hang the tv over the firebox.
I would hang it on the wall (with flexible fittings) over a 30-36” tall cabinet.
If you paint the bookcases a darker color, the holes for the shelf supports won’t be nearly as obvious as they are against white wood. Paint the support strips the same color.

Yes to painting bricks, lowering mantel and beefing it up, placing tv on wall where bookshelves are. You could either built or buy lower cabinets for storage on one or both sides of fp. Large artwork by window, decorative items in log space, maybe a basket of throws and pillows. you could even stick an rgb light in there that has a remote for a soft glow. Do what works for you.

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Update! Not fully complete yet. Still need to put the tv over the fireplace, fill in carpet and figure out what to do with the new space.