The present entertainment center is not the only item keeping your space in the 90s. For your purposes you have found interesting and amazing solutions. As you said your present console hides what you can't remove...you are keeping your chairs...so swap out the lamps and 'end tables' and call it good. If you go to TV above the fireplace and two large book cases on either side you could house your components...but what you have works so don't see the point.

Can you remove the book case and show us the FP. Maybe there’s what to work with.
Maybe we can remove the facade around it and do some more updated built ins

There is so much you can do with this space.
Tell us more, what are you willing to do at this time?

A few ideas:
Built ins around FP

A cabinet to close off the tv when not in use (above the FP also) see photo number 1 below.

Tv frame so it looks nice when the tv isn’t being used.

Built ins - many types of built ins ...
typical shelving and storage
Or
Bench seating on the sides
Or cabinetry
Or desk space .....

Options are close to endless!! Take the time to digest what your needs are and come up with a long term plan!

Bench seating

Arcy, lol 😂 Yes, there is much dated about this room. When i allowed recliners into the room, i knew i was ceding it to a certain look. My hope was to update the rest. Truly, everything can go except the tv, sofa, and chairs. Hu - we are willing to do quite a lot . We are changing out the carpet and all of the floor base and wood wrap around the windows. We will also be painting. I love the rectangular gas fireplace idea. We dont want to crane our necks to look at the tv too high and I don’t want to fry the OLED tv. Is it safe?

Also, the tilted sofa is very functional for watching tv but looks strange to me. However, the room is too narrow to face the tv straight on. and still be able to get in and out of the room due to a pesky but needed half wall. I would love furniture layout suggestions, too with the idea that we can’t do a straight on sofa.

Can you post a floor plan with dimensions and windows, doorways, half walls, etc noted? I’m kind of wondering if the tv could be moved to the wall where the mirror is now…

Sofia, I will try to do that later today. We have toyed with the idea of putting the tv over there. Having the furniture backed to the window seemed less desirable but I’m trying to consider all options.

Also, here are a couple of photos of the fireplace behind the entertainment center.

what is across from the fireplace? the other end of the room, can you do a drawing of the space?

I will do that this evening, RL

Installed properly, something on this idea should cover the fireplace.

A few layout options :

If we Sheetrock over the fireplace you can do a sectional, with the long part against the FP wall. And the chaise piece on the window wall.
Then the tv can go on the mirror wall.

Either on a swingable arm. Or regular.

Another idea would be to keep the FP. And have the tv on the mirror wall with sofa against the windows and the two chairs on the left of that.

Would you consider a slip cover over the sofa to brighten things up (no clue where you’d even get one and if it would look nice on that shape. But may be worth the try)

Or sofa on the mirror wall. And the two chairs across the tv

Regardless I think in all situations you should have a swing arm for the tv to maximize the practicality.
Sounds like thats your priority. Rightfully so :)

I would then remove what you know your are ridding of.
I.E. remove the tv bookcase and the rug, and whatever else you plan to change.
And start afresh.
Try out some furniture layouts, and pick what’s most comfortable for you.
And then we decorate!!!

I also want to see the FP uncovered. And see if it’s worth featuring or possibly covering up.

Decorate after you know what you plan to do with the space. So you can design around that!

Hu and Judiana - and everyone - you guys rock! What wonderful ideas! I'm annoyed I have to work and can't focus on this exclusively right now. :) I'll answer more this evening. Thank you, all!

Looks like the e-center is in parts so think about dismantling it, just keeping the bottom three cabinets. Then move that to the mirror wall, adjust the seating to see how that feels to you. It could be a great solution and the fireplace might make an additional focal point for you. Can it be retrofitted so as not to have to haul wood into the house?

I tried the tv against the mirror wall and the furniture against the window wall. It seemed like it was worth a try. It ended up looking really odd and made the room look even more disproportionately narrow. And yes, it is a smaller tv here as a stand-in. Then I tried putting the sofa straight against the mirror wall and the two recliners against the window wall. I liked that much better. I could swap the sides for the sofa and chairs, too, but I don't think I can handle moving anymore furniture for tonight.

I’ve attached a measurements photo. People also asked what is connected to the family room and I included those photos.

Have you considered modifying and enlarging the pony wall? Pre-wire it for the TV and get rid of the e-center entirely. Put the two loungers on swivel bases. That will give you a lot more flexibility with the furniture arrangement and two focal points. Here's an example, but yours could be larger and higher if need be to get TV at the right height for viewing.

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That's a great out-of-the-box idea, Deco!

It seems like my photos don't always upload. I am trying again for the sofa against the wall pictures.

that last photo works great. now to move the rug and entertainment center.