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HELP! I "stuck" this faux tree there about 2 years ago just to fill in the spot until I could find the right thing. I need to find the right thing for that spot but I'm stumped. Oh, and please don't criticize me for having the TV hung on th wall next to fireplace. Several people told me that 2 years ago when I asked in this site.

My only "thoughts" were a bookshelf like this one

Or, a cabinet of some type with a mirror or other wall decor above

What about just hanging like 3 pictures "stacked" on the wall just to take up the wall space there rather than trying to put something on the hearth?

Well, I'm no expert, but I would think something more plain and not so busy would look best over there to the left. Maybe a long painting? I love the circular thing over the mantle.

I like the idea of a painted cabinet with art or a mirror above. Emphasis on painted because of the cabinetry on the right.

Maybe a built-in cabinet on the left similar to what is one your right. I love the clock.

quote:

Originally posted by Georgia Peach:
Maybe a built-in cabinet on the left similar to what is one your right. I love the clock.

I second this suggestion. In fact, when you posted two years ago, I recall advising that you install built-in cabintry on the left side to balance the existing cabinetry that is on the right side. I think at the time you weren't able to swing it financially(?) or maybe it was something about having to move the light switch, but if you can do so now I still think it's your best bet.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Jewel,

The other cabinet is built in and countersunk so the challenge with a built in on the left is that it won't match that anyway. I like the leaning shelf solution if you can find it in a cherry wood finish to kind of match the right. Otherwise, that is why others were voting on a painted piece on the left so it was deliberately not a match. A black shallow cabinet would repeat the dark tones in the tv and clock. I would be simpler than that, I think.

Perhaps the easiest and most versatile - a set of three square wood frames in the same cherry tones of the casework on the right. Three pieces of graphic and colorful art framed would balance but not take up visual space. Then you can use the hearth for two elements - a basket to hold firewood, or throws, or newspaper/magazine / recycle and a wide thick upholstered cushion for hearth sitting.

Those are some other ideas for you - still love your hearth and ceiling.

Thanks so much. I like all of the ideas. I would love to have artwork on the wall but I also like something ON the hearth. It's very empty without anything. I will have to talk to hubby and look at what we want to do.

I talked to hubby about building a cabinet and his concern is the light switches in the middle of the wall. They get in the way but there's nowhere else to most them too so we have to leave them there. SO, I went to Pier One and they talked me into this. **I hated it. It looked spindly and not good. The artwork "stickers" looke really cheesy, especially in that spot. I took them back last night

So then, I just moved the plant over there (before I took the stickers off the wall.

BUT, I visited a furniture store last night and found a leaning bookshelf in the exact warm cherry finish of the mantle, ceiling and tv cabinet. I want to go back today to buy it.

Last one, I wanted to show a picture of the shelf I want to buy. I'm going today to order it.

My suggestion is to put NOTHING there. Live with it a while to get used to seeing bare wall there.

A rectangular space with Cherry veneer backboard and cherry trim around it to balance the other cabinet would be nice, and add no depth. This would act as a wainscoting (as tall as the built in on the right) to finish off the wall.

You then IF and only IF you wanted to hang something on it would be hung in front of that cherry wood area. But I think that staying plain for a while till you adjust to it would be still balanced.

You need to imagine the left wall, fireplace and right built-in as one unit.

You can also add cherry corner molding to the fireplace on the right and left sides against the wall to add a line from floor to ceiling of cherry, sort of outlining the stone. And perhaps two long corbels (very simple craftsman style) corbels under that very tall mantel shelf would help to elongate the vertical lines of the design.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Mary Ruth,

I like the plant there.

Have I told you how much I love the stone and that ceiling?

Great find - the shaker / transitional cabinetry and floating shelf mantle match the more modern lines of this leaning shelf. Mary Ruth's simple craftsman corbels could also work - study lots of photos before you choose if you head this direction.

With the shelves that march up the wall, you can use them for a variety of open and closed and graphic elements. Some suggestions for you - one 3/4 row of books with amazing bookends - the bottom shelf is deep enough for some big square dark open topped baskets that could help balance the black tv (knitting, current projects), something pretty, something architectural model / wire sculpture-ish, even a tall narrow piece of framed art leaning on the very top shelf (anchored with the 3m velcro to the wall at the top to protect it from bumps!).

Good luck - thanks for sharing with us. Your room does have gorgeous bones.

Beautiful room!

Although your leaning shelf is nice, afraid it may add too much bulk. May be preferable to stick with something simpler and more streamlined, IMHO.

The previous suggestions all sound terrific. When you considered the built-ins, did you think about incorporating the switchplates? They could be easily/fairly accessible with either open shelving or closed cabinets.

Good suggestion to hang 3 stacked pieces of artwork or prints. With certain type frames or even DIY fabric and batting over stretcher bars (another example), the artwork could be set on cleats and simply lifted off to access the electrical.

Whatever option you select, I would cut down the contrast and install either paintable switchplate covers or light cherry (your wood tone) switchplates, depending on how you decide to finish out that space. That way, the electrical will be far less noticeable.

Everything's IMHO and good luck with your terrific fireplace and room!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: AguaBella,