maybe if you add matching wood columns to the mantle that are proportionately thick/wide, the over-height problem of the mantle might be fixed? otherwise, i vote to lower the mantle and brick in where it was.

Consider a larger tv and a new mantel that goes across the entire brick. Maybe the larger tv will hide the unfinished brick.

I agree larger tv We put up Samsung frame tv. When it’s off it looks like a piece of art. You can personalize the picture. Please be prepared with lots of negative comments on here.
Some people will insist it’s too high to mount a tv. It’s not at all,in fact people after seeing ours have also done this.

It’s too high for a tv.

IMO the TV above the mantel will be way too high for proper viewing the TV is much better where it is Above the other cabinet get a nice piece of art that balances the TV.

Mount a larger TV. You’ll be glad you did and you already have plugs in place for it.

If you prefer TV over the mantle, consider using the mounting arm that allows you to extend TV out and down for desirable viewing height.

I like the way the bricks look now, and I like what Beverly pictured. Whether you think the TV would be too high on the fireplace is a matter of personal preference, so you'll have to judge for yourself.

I agree a larger TV might help out, a 55 inch (diagonal) TV should only take up about 50 inches in width across your fireplace. Furthermore, you can also frame the TV like a picture frame to give it a bit of a wood look. Also, most TV mounts have the ability to tilt down word so that might help with your height situation.

I taped off and papered a 65” tv. If I do a 55” there will be missing brick and mortar. If I beef up my fireplace surround would this work?

I can’t mount it to the side wall where it is now because of the fireplace jutting out you could not see the tv very well.

This about your main use for this space. Is it for watching Tv with the family or just a space to sit and reconnect? I understand your desire for astetics, but think about what you use it for most. It looks like you have a window on the right. Add a similar size mirror to the left side and keep the TV in the middle. It'll appear more balanced.

That mirror I have is just leaning mirror on the floor to reflect the view from the windows. You are saying buy another arched mirror and put them on each side of the tv instead of shelves?

It’s just my husband and I at home now. We are retired and it’s a small home in an over 55 community. This is where we spend majority of our time.

I would go with the paper mock up that you created. I don't think there is any need for a mantle or framing around the fireplace.

There is a formula for how high to hang a TV and what size to use given the distance from your sofa to the TV. It is created to reduce eye and neck strain. Most people place their TV way too high above a fireplace. Beverly's mock up is ergonomically correct for most situations. The TV would be either mounted to the wall so an arm can extend out past the TV and angle, or set on a stand where the TV can be moved sightly forward and tilted. However, if you went with the arrangement and size that you taped up, I think it would be fine too as it seems only about 6" higher than the countertop.

The tv on the left, as Beverly suggested, if better for your neck. You can install a slide-out system that allows you to put the tv on it and pull it out further from the wall when you want to watch. Then you push it back into the cubby when you’re done.

Shiplap is out of style.

Here’s a guide to help you determine the best placement for your TV size, and a photo of a wall mounted TV with an articulating arm so that you can pull it away from the wall when in use.

Helpful Info · More Info

Helpful Info · More Info

You might want to consider painting the walls, including the built-ins, a color from your brick similar to this inspiration pic.

This would cut down on the high contrast of the TV screen, let the brick stand out, and provide a nice backdrop for art. It would give the room a nice, relaxing, moody feel.

Let me show you some mockups so you can get a visual.

is this basically the look you're after? your brick doesn't look like this one.

first, rather than a light limewash, I'd do something a bit heavier. see pics.

I'd do the brick similar to this, a mantle similar to this, sconces above open shelving, and top the cabinets on either side w/the same wood as the mantle.

Lots of pictures to explain the options.

so here is a shot w/the tv off to the side which would be similar to this overall look:

If you do a heavier white, that grayish/maroon brick color won't show through. (which I don't think you want)

You may need a slightly larger tv. however, if you put it off to the side, this is how you would build the shelving around it.

Or, like this one

If you keep the mantle, you want it to looksomething like these photos

these are painted revere pewter

The current mantle you have? sell it or trash it. doesn't work w/the fireplace style.

Here's one w/natural white oak shelves and cabinet top, You'd do the same wood tone for the mantle (not shown in this pic)

If you like this look:

Then go w/this. maybe you could do a heavy mortar wash on the brick and get something like you see here on this stone. Notice the beam mantle (except I'd take it all the way across the stone) and how it matches the shelving and top.

BTW, tongue and groove paneling isn't 'out'. it all depens on how you do it

i see nothing wrong w/this T&G look around the fireplace area (imagine your white brick instead of the black slate tile)

You also have plenty of room to run a sconce on each side above the open shelving.

You could also fir out the fireplace

and do the T&G. something like this. (in white if you prefer) I put two sofas facing each other, and did the white oak shelving

imagine that same look but w/the black panels:

hope this helps.

65” TV is the way to go 👍👍

You have not mentioned the type of or if use the fireplace. Fireplace heat is not good for a TV. A mantle directs the rising heat away from the TV. You need some professional advice re TV placement and working fireplaces. A new lower simpler mantle that meets local BUILDING CODES may be the solution with a lower and bigger TV hiding the missing brick.

It is an electric fireplace with glass doors. It doesn’t give off a lot of heat. Beth love the pics you enclosed. I will show them to my carpenter and see about getting some white oak shelving made. We will cover up the current brick color. It has a yellow colored mortar in spots on the brick. Thanks so much everyone!

There was mention of putting the mirror(s) to the right and left of the fireplace….I think that’s a NO because it will only reflect your kitchen and contribute visual clutter to the area.

I would want to do something like this, because the brick looks one-dimensional. You can't even see any thickness of the brick wrapping the corner. It looks "applied" to the front surface only.

The mantel I drew is messy and I don't know if it is the best spot for it but I would make the entire upper wall "backdrop" for the TV, art, etc., just plain wall.