Huge mantle alcove- help!

Question

We have a HUGE cutout above and next to the fireplace in our livingroom. When we moved in there was no outlet up top and I believe the previous owners had the television in the lower alcove. We'd like to have the television up top so we ran cable and a power outlet up to the top. Now I don't know how to create storage for the components what not to allow some mantle space for design.

Tammy Jacobs · Answer

I am thinking on the same lines as you are. Possibly build a box with a decorative wood edging, and measure the opening around it at the same time to fill it in with whatever you want for the openings on the sides and top to measure. I would probably do long measurements across the tv, and smaller ones to the sides. More wicker baskets at the bottom, adding two more baskets of the same size, and maybe a couple small ones to the side for remote controls, etc..

Lori · Answer

Since it's deep, what about building in a cupboard at the back about 18”deep with shelves and pretty little doors, maybe sliding glass so you can use the cupboads without having to lift the TV out of the way.  I would only take it down as far as the little brakets  are on the sides of the cubby.(looks like speaker on one)That will leave you the same amount of room for the TV so I would add a shelf  as high as you need to cover your components etc., probably about 5'.  Set the TV on top of that, wherever you want it and accessorize what's left.  There won't be alot left.  The shelf should come right out to the front of the cubby of course.  Just a thought.

Jill Feigelman · Answer

What about using big baskets in the shelves?

Miriam Illions · Answer

I've seen @Marion Nesbitt offer some great ideas here - tagging her! :)

Lee Schafer · Answer

Mine is just like yours. Have all components and stereo in bottom right with shelves I put in.

Kayo Frazier · Answer

First I would move the antenna on the outside of the wall using the little shelf then center the TV over the fireplace so you open up space on that one side. Then, in the open space beneath the mantel I would put in 2 floating open shelves for the kids toys. I would put them in large baskets to contain the clutter. You can add a basket of favorite movies so kids can pick their own movies. Then above it from the mantel up you can make a cabinet about 1/2 the height of the space that can contain your electronic equipment. You can put doors on it so you can them when not in use. Leaving above cabinet for decorative shelves to showcase decorative items.

Pat · Answer

Move the antenna like Kayo said and move the tv to the left to line up with fireplace.    You could then stack components on the right side to balance the area.   If you want them in the lower alcove you could add shelving on the upper portion of the alcove for the components.

Sam8274047 · Answer

I have the same problem!!   I have this totally random,  like half wall/shelf type deal (if you knocked out the back wall of the recessed area, you'd be in my bedroom...hope that makes sense!! ...guess you could also say,  if i tore out the bottom part ('un' recessed part?? 😎) then I'd have that much more living room,  but my fiancé can't 'see' it....he thinks it's a bad idea,  therfore I'm stuck trying to decorate this weird spot & im DESPERATE for some ideas!!  I originally tried putting some 'floating' shelves (did i forget to mention the back wall of recessed area is covered in mirror??  Yaa....there's that too 😥 )     So any ideas you may come up with-is greatly appreciate if you could share!!  I'll do the same.....because i WILL tackle this!!!   I will NOT let this silly half wall defeat me!!!   Lol

Huge mantle alcove- help!

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Huge mantle alcove- help!

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