A really common design dilemma is what to do with the TV in a room that also has a fireplace. There are usually only two options: 1. Over the fireplace or 2. Somewhere else!

This question was posed in a recent virtual email mini consultation we did for a reader. Here is the backstory for what she was debating…

• She had a small living room that they were expanding to incorporate the space from a porch into it adding 6’ to the width.

• It currently had the TV over the {non-functional} gas fireplace because there was nowhere else for it to go, and she was trying to figure out a solution in the new plan where the TV wasn’t over the fireplace.

• They want to reuse the built-ins next to their current fireplace that her father-in-law built - they are not wide enough to accommodate the TV.

• She wasn’t quite happy with the architect’s plan for the fireplace/TV and built-ins.

And while those were her main concerns, she said she would also love any ideas for future furnishings, draperies etc.

She sent me these photos of the current space and the architect’s drawings - which was super helpful since it gave me most of the dimensions I would need. They are happy with the new size of the room and the additional window, just not the details of the interior. She also apologized for the clutter, that they had crammed so much into the space, and the sheet on the sofa because the dog has claimed it! Real life, right? Most people do not live in magazine worthy spaces all the time - in fact, most magazine rooms are styled for the photo not for real life! Please don’t apologize for being real people!

As you can see, the room is going from a ~10’ x 22’ room to a more pleasing proportion of ~16’ x 22’. This opens up several possibilities, but first I asked a few clarifying questions.

Are you keeping the same TV and how big is it?

Yes, 40W x 25H

What is the ceiling height?

Eight feet

Could her FIL remake the built-ins to a wider size if needed?

No, but we can have the builder do this. We’ve hired a remodeling company.

Is the objection to the TV over the fireplace aesthetic or viewing angle related?

My dad says it looks tacky, and I don’t disagree…but if you tell me it isn’t tacky, I’m more apt to go with your opinion than my dad’s LOL

I felt that a 9’ wide fireplace was a little overwhelming for a room with 8’ ceilings, but I do like the symmetry with the fireplace centered on that wall. So, the choices are

• hang the TV over the fireplace - which can absolutely be done without being tacky (THIS post has a bunch useful info on that),

• rebuild the built-ins to make them wider so one could accommodate the TV (an expensive solution), OR

• extend the stairway wall far enough to create a new space for the TV. In the old 10’ room, this would have rendered it claustrophobic, but with the new 16’ width and a whole front wall of windows, it would be perfectly fine!

I also resized the fireplace to 6’ wide and flanked it with the built-ins leaving wall space toward the corners. This makes the fireplace a more vertical feature in the room. Cladding the chimney breast in stone all the way to the ceiling or painting it an accent color would give you a floor to ceiling feature that makes the ceiling feel higher. In that same vein, I’d suggest window treatments hung as high as possible and ideally floor to ceiling drapery panels. For privacy and light control, woven wood blinds on the windows would add a nice texture and tie into the wood tones of the cabinetry. I’d also paint the interior of the front door and the closet door a color - something closer in value to the wood trim than white like a mid to dark toned neutral that works well with whatever other fixed finishes you choose.

Here are the two solutions I offered using the existing furniture

And here are the options I like for when new upholstery is purchased. I’d also suggest choosing a worry-free performance fabric so the kids and pets can enjoy the furniture sans sheets! Sunbrella, Perennials, Revolution, and Crypton all make good options. Check out THIS post for the scoop on what puts the “performance” in performance fabric!

Since the front door opens directly into this room, I like the option of a sectional to divide the room a bit into separate entry and seating areas and the space to add a console sofa table that doubles as an entry table - something skinny in iron/glass like the one shown below would be nice.

The large breakfront will have more breathing room once that wall is 6’ longer. I would potentially add some textured wallpaper (like grasscloth) to the back of the breakfront shelves to break up the dark wood, and edit the shelf contents to a few simple items, books, and maybe some plant life. Depending on the age/value/sentimentality attached to it, you might even consider painting it.

I’ve created this “Shop the Look” board for a Casual Living Room in shades of blue, golden wood tones, and black accents (click on links below the board for more info) to give you an idea of the type of furnishings I’ve mentioned that would work well in her space.

Please note: This post contains affiliate links meaning I may make a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Console Table | Media Cabinet | Art | Cocktail Ottoman | Lamp | Drapery Panels

If you need help with a specific design dilemma that has you stuck, our mini Q and A session might be right for you! Click HERE for more info!