Have a really level headed think about this: as a focal point it's the first thing you and everyone else is going to see the moment they walk into the room. (Mother-in-law springs to mind!) If your tv is your most valuable asset, then go ahead and make a feature of it! If not, then play about with alternatives: a picture, bookshelves, wall art, a couple of sconces either side of the fireplace. Having looked again at your photo, it is tricky. I always seek to hide my tv, preferably in a cupboard but that's because I'm not very technical. Perhaps a cubby hole chiselled into the wall over the fireplace, hidden by a picture!

Hello again, Jayk. The disagreement was about the value of fireplaces. I love them; you don't! I only discovered I loved them when I got one - this is the first home in which I've had one and up till now I've thought they were a pain, assuming they should be the focus of a room without my permission. But we agree on the technology side. It is unbelievable, isn't it, that something that we use every day (most of us, anyway) such as a television should be so prescriptively ugly. You'd think they could come up with something better that suits enough of us to be a financial success for the technology company. The way southernpointofview has fitted those two televisions in is impressive but I don't have that sort of furniture. I want a discreet wall-mounted television on an arm so I can swing it out and back. Sounds simple ...

Hi, To design your TV and feature wall, consider extending wood panels or slats across both the main wall and the alcove for a cohesive look, with the TV centred on the main wall and a darker panel backdrop to help it blend in when not in use. Alternatively, you could make the alcove the focal point with wood slats or panels and keep the TV wall simple with a complementary dark colour. Another option is to treat both areas separately—using slats on the TV wall and a contrasting treatment, like paint or wallpaper, for the alcove. Incorporating the old chimney niche with decorative elements or lighting could also enhance the design. Thanks!

I wish we had enough room for that! The room is only 3.38m by 4.5m. I think we’re going to use Ikea Ivar shelves and cover them on the front with slatted panels or MDF. 😬