If you want to avoid redoing the whole thing, why not just take the stone off above the mantle (assuming it is just aesthetic and not structural) and just make a bigger mantle that goes across the full width of the fireplace? You would then Sheetrock behind the tv. I am not a designer, but that seems easier to me.

I would not do that, but rework one of those built-in's and put the TV there.

Lower the mantle?

I would use this fb in a different room and replace it with a smaller one... but if your husks like mine, that will not fly. I’m interested to hear what the pros suggest.

*husband... not husks:)

I would remove the shelvong on both sides of the FP wall hang the TV on an articulating arm on one side and hang a nice piece of art on the other . Family pics are the only thing on those shelves that IMO need a home so hang them in a hallway the rest of the stuff there is just eye clutter When you do this the FP will look awesome and look like it belongs in the space

I agree with either 'efleisher7' and 'lisarobert'. Remove stone above the mantle or lower the mantle if the space is the same as the overlap with keeping the 1st row of stone above the firebox.