A common problem...some solutions... by: Charlotte
Hello Magali
You have quite a problem there, and don't worry, you are not alone - this is quite a common situation for new owners of flat screen TV's to find themselves in.
Having your new flat screen LCD TV over the fireplace is a popular spot, but does lead to all sorts of problems, as to where to put the trailing wires...
Thankfully, you do have several options to take, although looking at your picture I think most, if not all, will involve buying longer wires for your system, so that you can arrange them in a more permanent and attractive manner.
Firstly, you could (if the construction of your wall is suitable, and you don't mind the redecoration involved) hide the wires within the wall itself. This is quite a big job though.
Your DVD and other equipment could be arranged on a stand to the right (as looking at your photo) of the TV and fireplace, perhaps under the blue picture. Wires could be neatly tacked along the edge of the skirting, or tucked under the carpet.
You could, alternatively, try some system of cable management, to make the wires look a bit neater. Something like this, perhaps:
... or even just neatly arranging the wires and clipping to the edge of the fireplace would keep it tidy.
You may want to try this innovative idea, which we actually use in our own home - flat speaker wire, which you can paint to match your walls. This makes it nearly invisible.
You may wish to arrange your DVD and other equipment on a wall-shelf, similar to this:
...although, depending on where you put it, it may be too much of an unattractive feature to have in pride of place on the wall.
I hope this has given you some good solutions to explore.
Good luck with your wire-y problem, I hope you can get it sorted soon.
Best wishes
Charlotte
Jul 30, 2009 Rating
THANK YOU by: MAGALI
Hello Charlotte
I just want to thank you for your advice, you don't know how much you help me, and now I want to share with you how it looks AFTER the mess.
I was so excited when finally I found the shelf, now I just want to know what you think?
Do you have some advice to decorate the fireplace.
Thank you again...
Magali
Jul 31, 2009 Rating
A big improvement! by: Charlotte
Hi Magali
Thanks so much for letting us know how you got on, and sending in the photos.
I love them - a big improvement, don't you think? I like the way you've kept it nicely balanced by adding a shelf each side - good idea!
What sort of thing did you have in mind for the fireplace? Generally I think fireplaces look good kept quite simple.
If you wanted to decorate the fireplace itself, you could try painting it the same color as the walls, or in an accent color, or even stencilling a pattern on. This is quite an unusual and 'arty' look though, and doesn't work for everyone...!
Some additions to the fireplace would be a good idea, just to soften the look a bit.
Anything you put on the top mantel you will need to keep quite low - although a slightly taller center piece would work. Try groups of odd numbers (3's, 5's or 7's) of little ornaments (all the same/similar).
Picking out a strong accent color in your accessories and ornaments will pull the attention to these items rather than the TV.
I don't know what other colors you have in your room, but personally, I love the bright blue in your painting.
Trailing lights, and/or a trailing plant (or one on each side) may work well.
You could also use plants on either side of the hearth (tall) or one large one in the middle of the hearth (when your fire is not lit).
Vases (with or without flowers), or other large ornaments, would have a similar effect.
Remember to remove any plants/flowers or trailing items when the fire is lit, in case of accident.
