It's amazing how many discussion threads go through here in a day! We had one similar to yours last night. I am thinking this is a common dilemma.

https://www.houzz.com/discussions/i-need-help-figuring-out-my-family-room-dsvw-vd~792443

Some of these fireplaces are so substantial it's a bit tough to decorate around them.

1. I feel your picture is too small. Perhaps something with more color that fills perhaps 3/4 of the width of your fireplace and surround. If you want to keep the art there bring in the candle sticks a bit. They don't need to be right at the edge. Or a grouping of smaller pictures works too.

2. More finished or built in cabinet for the corner TV. Search photos here on Houzz. I typed in "corner TV" and there's 100k photos.

3. Then where is the light coming from? It looks a bit dark in there. Maybe some light sources in the other corner with some art.

Good luck!




[houzz=]
[houzz=]

Thanks for your thoughts. There is a large window to the left that brings in light. I definitely want to replace the tv stand, but wasnt sure what I should do with decorating the walls. I like things very symmetrical :(

First, I'd get an armoire to hide the tv. Thank goodness it's not huge and will fit nicely. The armoire will also had height in the space. Since you love symmetry, how about a pretty starburst mirror above the FP, then two complementing art pieces hung on each side of the FP? Tall and vertical art.

This doesn't look anything like your FP, but I wanted to show you symmetrical art on each side of the fireplace. One tall vertical on each side of the FP (low hung). Or, two on each side hung vertically, Notice the bottom art piece is actually a tad lower than the FP opening. Then, the round mirror above will break up all of the rectangles.

I like Darzy's suggestion. I like the two framed pieces on either side. I think what gives them added oomph is the light framing and wide light matting. As well as the lighting directly above them. I don't see any overhead lights in your room. Perhaps that is a possibility. You can't recreate the alcoves but you could recreate the overhead lighting.

My crude attempt on Microsoft paint to show you what I mean for arrangement.

Hi JN : You may want to consider a visual texture to the wall adjacent to the fireplace it could be veneer stone ( manf. Boral Stone) , or it could be wood paneled elements ( flanking the hearth about 10") this would add some detail to the FP which currently looks like it was stuck on like a postage stamp no sense of detail, character, or permanency - then it will be easy to address the walls flanking this FP focal pt with prints as shown in Woddinville retreat ( generally light colored matted prints ) to contrast with wall color- incorporating some downlight cans (18" from wall) close to the new surface treatment on dimmer will add a dramatic touch when entertaining. Avoid elements that are too tall on mantle instead horizontal elements to bring less attention to short ceiling height , also consider come ceiling crown with same stain finish as FP.

Just more pictures placed like Adrian shows.

Thanks everyone! Love your idea Darzy!! and Adrian, I definitely want to fix the fireplace, but thats a work in progress. I will definitely keep your ideas in mind when we can totally update the wall/FP.

May we see your furniture arrangement?

You have lots of wall space. Why can’t you do something like this?

I would place the TV above the fireplace & eliminate the Entertainment Center, which would open up your space. TVCoverUps makes this possible. Framed art(including your own) or mirror adds to the room's decor, with the hidden TV and Entertainment Consoles beneath.
See how EASY it really is: