So the fireplace has been bricked in? If so, would you consider removing the brick and making it a functioning fireplace again. I'm afraid that built-ins will just accentuate what I consider to be a mistake.

Sorry, but that looks pretty strange. This is the usual way to deal with a blocked fireplace. Do a search for "unused fireplace" to see creative ways to visually feature an unused fireplace.

Hart · More Info

.

My Houzz: Heartwarming Vintage Touches in a Cozy Chicago Rental · More Info

Why didn't you just demo the fireplace? Can you do that now and just run shelves across the wall below both windows? How are you planning to deal with the blocked fireplace section now? If it stays, then do floating shelves below the windows.

Palo Alto Green Home Tour 2009 · More Info

First deal with the fireplace ???? Waht do you have that needs display ? The shelving can only go as high as the bottom of the windows . That mantel height is just wrong. Where is your TV that FP face is a perfect spot for it with a cabinet under it and then as many shelves as you need on either side for what appears to be you stereo equipment . We need some mor einfo but really all that brick work should have just been removed . That mantel has to come off for sure

Some inspiration

Why aren't you going to remove the firebox and make it flush to the outside wall?

I would remove the window trim and build out the whole wall to the ceiling.

Nice spot for a cushion, extra seating for holidays.
... you could mount the TV on the front of the blocked fireplace.

Sorry forgot to mention that the TV is going where the fireplace was. Tired still try to bounce back from the holidays.

Also ignore stuff on top of mantle it's waiting for the husband to relocate to where it belongs.

Lyn it boiled down to funds. It was just cheaper to keep her

Are you putting the TV way up on the mantel? That is so high up for a TV unless you have a large room and can sit way back.