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susan9860

Before I purchase this entertainment “wall,” help!

last month

I just think I can do better. This design is clean, but I think the shelves are heavy. We really need storage space. It’s just not speaking to me. Attached are also some inspiration photos that show my eclectic side. What to do? I also need to hire. This work done as it is not a DIY project. Thanks very much for your input and suggestions.

Comments (55)

  • last month

    Keep in mind with that kind of setup, you are locking yourself into that size TV. In the picture it does not appear you have the space for a bookcase between the fireplace and window as the diagram shows.

  • last month

    Good observation. I’ll check the measurements

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Your rendering of the fireplace wall doesn’t look accurate. While the rendering shows a cabinet between the left side of the fireplace and the window, the actual space between the two looks much narrower in your actual photo.

    Consider posting a floor plan of that wall with measurements.

  • last month

    There are 102” between the right edge of the window trim, and the stairway post. The fireplace itself is 60 inches wide.

  • last month

    We were talking about the space between the fireplace and window. Do you plan to move the fireplace?

  • last month

    Your image is definitely not accurate. Just look at the cabinet to the left of the fureplace.

  • PRO
    last month

    I think the idea of trying to incorporate a window seat is a waste of time and money. Consider reducing the size of the built ins around the fireplace and just add drapery panels to the window. Where is this horrible green color coming from. It's too 'cute' a color.








  • last month

    You are both right! We will have to center the fireplace on that 102 inch wall

  • last month

    Is it an electric fireplace? Are you replacing it? The tv needs to be quite a bit lower to be functional for viewing. You should adjust the fireplace too

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    You stated you need storage space. I think this is a very expensive endeavor to obtain more storage space.

    If you need book storage, the open uppers will give you some but not many linear feet of book storage. And because the rendering is distorted, it is hard to tell how much actual usable enclosed storage you will be gaining.

    Make a very simple drawing with all of your correct measurements, then let folks on here make accurate plans for realistic storage for you. Then use blue painters tape to tape the plan out on your wall. Then stack a lot of your storage items to imitate filling the blue taped storage unit. It will give you a much better sense of how much actual storage you are gaining for your money.


    Are there potentially other areas of this room where placing a premade vertical casegood could get you as much storage as this custom built piece?


    I adore your green filing cabinet piece!

  • last month

    Gas fireplace—provides so much warmth!
    Casegoods?
    I’ll draw this out as you suggest.

  • last month

    It’s not that easy to just move an established fireplace.

  • last month

    My suggestion is based on my assumption that there are other windows in the room and natural light is good.

    I like this inspiration you posted and I would give up the window to get the "more important for you."...storage.

    Paint the wall, shelves, fireplace surround one color. I like the white, but black would work,too. No need to have the shelves so thick.

  • last month

    "There are 102” between the right edge of the window trim, and the stairway post. The fireplace itself is 60 inches wide."


    So that means you have under 42 inches for shelving. That's less than two feet on each side of the fireplace -- your original drawing made it look more like 30. Those aren't useless sizes, but look in your kitchen for a 20-24" cabinet and think about how much it holds. And 22" bookcase is showing off one photo and 5 books per shelf!


    You need to think about what kind of storage you need. You might do best with a 30" high bookcase under the picture on the wall next to the window, and then maybe a low storage unit from Ikea under the window, which could be a bench and might also hold afghans or large dishes.


    (floorlamp in the corner?)

    Then you could consider closed storage cabinets for one or both sides of the TV, maybe even something with some character like a hutch.


    (could see this close to the stairs, maybe painted in a fun color)


    Obviously, some of this is tied into a desire to refinish the fireplace itself. But I just think you need to be sure that you're getting what you hope out of such a substantial project.

  • last month

    That's a lovely room and a nice arrangement one thing is bugging me is the cedar trunk can you line it up better with the fireplace and move the couch down toward the right side of the TV a little some things line up feeling better

  • last month

    Yes thx. Easy fix!

  • PRO
    last month

    Sory I see little storage and IMO the first step would be to get the TV iff the fireplace . The plan you show allows the same TV size forever. The window seat makes no sense . Eclectic is a style best left alone usually IMO mostly ends up a big cluttered mess . You have ton of shelves what do you have that cries out to be displayed . I think a very simple design actually I would start by removing the window maybe a but is that the only window in the space ?? That whole wall can be TV and some strorage which seems obvious you do need . There is no way to really help without a to scale floor plan so we get some idea of how much space there really is .The drawing is off a ot . If you really want help to scale and all windows , doorways where those lead clearly marked . Every measurement clearly marked . Some explantion of why this space for TV ? The FP if it provides heat has to stay there . Happylegs what is it you think is so lovely about that room ? Right now it is clauttered space Christmas stuff always adds clutter . I will wait until after then see the floor plan MOving a FP a few inches is not a simple job BTW unless it is electric .

  • last month

    I think this is what you needed all along. 8’ ceilings. Fireplace CAN be repositioned to center.
    Thank you.

  • last month

    That looks like an AI mockup that does not actually fit your space. Unless you do a custom build, which has all the cabinets made to order, you're going to have spaces between your shelving. I doubt you have room for cabinets under the window and you certainly don't have room for cabinets and a cushion. AI just makes things smaller.


    I think your best bet would be to aim for something like in your third inspo pic and possibly add a tall skinny bookshelf or cabinet to the left of the window.


    It looks like the fireplace is electric. Are you sure you want to keep it? A narrower one might give you more room for storage?


    Another option is a drop-down TV screen. That's what we have. You'd need one that stops short of your fireplace, but you could have it drop in front of storage. We mounted the projector on the ceiling above the sofa. It doesn't work as well if you want to watch TV during daylight hours, but we never do.

  • last month

    Those are photographs that I took and then had furniture, etc. removed using ChatGPT.

  • last month

    Thank you for your comments.

  • last month

    You have a lovely room I don't mean all the decor is perfect right now I just mean it's a lovely room you just need to adjust some things and placements

  • last month

    Like take this spot right here and remove the cabinet at the window it is Too Tall there put it somewhere else in the hallway or in a closet a basement in office somewhere and the green cabinet that's by the mirror and the striped chair have it straight under the mirror it will look so much better there

  • last month

    Thank you. I will do that.

  • last month

    Your mockup doesn’t look good because the wall color is showing behind the bookshelves and tv. If you look at any of your inspo pics, and especially the lovely ones Beverly posted yesterday, you’ll see the background wall behind the shelves is the same color as the shelves.

  • last month

    Ok. Thank you. Point well taken 😀

  • last month

    Thank you all for your help! I think I will pursue this idea, in all white, and use the area between the window and in front of the sliding doors (one of three sets facing the lake) for 2 chair/ conversation area. One inspirational pic shows that. Then this. Good idea?
    Lower the tv also. New coffee table. 😀

  • last month

    What stood out to me in the rendering is the thickness of the shelves.

  • last month

    Agreed. Thank you.

  • last month

    Just curious as to why you need all those shelves. What do you have that needs displaying? Those large wall units are outdated anyway. I prefer your room the way it is now.

  • last month

    I sort of agree…the collections on display are very “perfect”…and more visual than personal….also a bit dated (?)….to redo your home should reflect your personal needs and tastes

  • last month

    Look at a designers work to see if their projects vary and are more “personalized “…for each client ….with function as an important element…not just a “look”
    “personalised

  • last month

    Delete the last “personalised”…

  • PRO
    last month

    BeverlyFla has improved your original design but I think it could be taken farther still.

  • last month

    Thank you Norwood. What would you do? My biggest objection to the whole wall is the fact that the fireplace just seems like a big box dumped on that wall. Sticks out like a sore thumb, literally. I would love your suggestion because it sounds like what I have nearly settled on his outdated. Help help help!

  • last month

    The notion that shelves for display are outdated is really weird! I have items I have collected/inherited over many years and I enjoy seeing them every day. Do what works for you.

    I have a bit more space than you do and we skipped a fireplace because we are in south FL and would never use one.

    Partial shot of my built-in with 75" Frame TV, storage and display shelves.


  • last month

    Please, please, please:


    1. Make an actual stick figure drawing with measurements written on it that include the height of your fireplace, depth of your fireplace, height of window sills, how much room between fireplace and window sills when the fireplace is positioned as you would like it, PLUS an overview of your entire room so we can see the distance from the fireplace wall to all of the other walls and where your seating is located.


    It is too hard to scroll through all of your comments to glean this information and nobody can help you design the best set up without all of this information.


    2. Tell us your storage goals - how much closed storage do you need and for what.


    3. Why do you want open shelving? For storage, to display items, or because it just seems like it is what should go on top of base cabinets.


    Stop using Chat GPT. The designers on Houzz are much better! :)

  • last month

    With that wine scotting or you call that panel wall you could have enclosed cabinets and you could still have it styled nicely in there just don't have to look at all the Clutter keeps everyone wants to keep me included! Sometimes too much clutter does get tiring but then I I touched the animal yes I want that yes I want that yes I want that I wish I could hide it sometimes just open the door to look and close it again

  • last month
    last modified: last month

    Before you move forward, do a mockup using the exact measurements to be really sure you like it before you start work.

    I don’t think the proposed shelving is outdated. But the width of your shelving units may be out of proportion to the center part containing the TV and fireplace. If the outside width of each of your units is only 21”, that looks to be less than 50% of the width of your fireplace/TV center section. Generally, I think it looks best when the width of each shelving unit is at least 50% of the width of the center part and when the shelving unit is not butted up against window trim.

    You also have to like having open shelving and have enough items to display to look attractive.

    The last inspo picture in your OP (but with side cabinets with doors that are the height of your fireplace) may look the best in your space.

  • last month

    If you decide to do something like yesterday's picture, do not have the center piece in the shelving creating all those little cubbies. Have a few shelves that are adjustable/removable so you can use larger/fewer items. And no piece going across the top. You've talked about storage, but this unit is not going to provide that much. Are you more concerned about storage or just improving the fireplace wall?

  • last month

    Improving the fireplace wall 🙂

  • last month

    Can I do a mock informally or do I need to get some graph paper?

  • last month

    And should I delete all this thread and start a new one with just the most pertinent information and photos? Thank you.

  • last month

    Do not delete this thread. You can update it, without deleting what has already been shared and add on comments.

  • last month

    As tv’s get bigger and bigger, locking yourself into a certain size with shelving does not seem like a good idea. I would also be thinking about re-sale value of your home, even if you are not planning to sell in the near future. Buyers tend to want a wall for a large tv.


    Filling up shelves with stuff, especially if it’s Home Goods type stuff, is not, in my opinion, a good look.

  • last month

    Take out all shelving & even out the mantle with it extending across the wall in the cove. Then tv will go there to left or right or center.

  • last month

    At the bottom of your original post on this thread, there should be a row of grey boxes, one of which says "edit". Hit that and you can upload a drawing with all of your measurements. Don't start another post. It is fine if it is just a drawing on graph paper.

  • last month

    Okay all! Print graph paper and making that today. I’m excited for your generosity of time❤️

  • last month

    Measurements at last! We watch a lot of TV so a left facing small sectional would be perfect as well as someplace? For two person seating when I have a sister for coffee!
    Thank you so much for your patience with me.