How do you think it would look if I extended the bar to the left and met the fireplace wall? Im going to redo the fireplace by raising it and changing to a gas one anyway. I'm just bothered by the abrupt ending of the bar (will replace this furniture) and can't think that an angled edge of the bar would help. A tree is possible, but it would be too close to the fire in winter and I don't want to move it out every time we use it. I could move the fireplace to the left, I suppose, although that will be more expensive to do.

Can we see the the right side of the wine bar and left side of the fireplace? When you ask if you should remake the fireplace to be square against the wall, do you mean to not bring the tile up to the ceiling?

The fireplace is in the corner at an angle to the wall and wine bar ( not yet built but will be in same spot as makeshift furniture is presently) and I'm thinking about straightening it so it's parallel w the wall and will meet the wine bar so the edges are perpendicular to the wall. Will attach photo to make it clearer (I hope). A triangle shaped open shelf has been suggested but I think it might look a bit clumsy or "added on". Thoughts?

Also will raise hearth 20" for extra seating.

In short term I would soften whole look with log pile, this would easily manage the angle issue

Love extra seating idea

Thanks! Good idea. but in about 2 weeks we'll get started on tearing down this tile fiasco. I did have a plant there which was a bit of a help.