I'm also worried about the old plaster actually taking the weight of a bracket. It's very hard to put a screw into our walls, the plaster falls away like talc. And the shelving units are too short by a couple of cms (If they went to the wall we couldn't open and close the bifolds). Ah well. Thanks for all your suggestions. Much appreciated!

I like the idea of a timber floating cabinet no wider than the TV, which could be purpose built and installed given the wall is brick. Unless you are handy and can do this yourself? I would match the timber to your floor, if possible. I say cabinet instead of shelves because you are wanting to hide the wiring, etc, and a cabinet will do that where a shelf will not. The raised platform you have for the fireplace is really attractive and a floating cabinet will not detract from it, I think.

Lisa, you could have flat front cupboard doors or drawers at bottom of unit, and either full width shelves w/o middle divider (for TV etc) and some with middle divider for ornaments. I wouldn't off-set or stagger the shelves so you have a uniform look on both sides (with exception of where TV will sit). Having said that, you could also have shelves mirror each other exactly, then if you ever want to change position of TV (or the person who might live there in future), it is easily done. I would go for a simple design without embellishment except perhaps in the door hardware.

I love the timber panelling, maybe with a bit of a clean it will look a bit lighter, but in any case, I love it! I actually think some lighter flooring would make the room work better - not what you were asking about I know! The current flooring being dark and matte sucks a lot of the light out of the room and also makes the timber panelling/fireplace feel heavier. Even a lighter rug (or even a fun Ikea Stockholm rug?) could make it look more crisp, fresh and stylish, whilst still giving a nod to your home's gorgeous retro features. A fresher light fitting - maybe a simple drum style?) would make it look more modern also and less busy to allow the original features to be the focus. Your existing armchair etc suit it beautifully though! The fireplace I'm not sure about - I hate to ruin original features but I'm not sure about that?! Maybe wiht the other changes done it might work much better anyway? Otherwise an interesting tile or sandstone cladding could work beautifully with the timber tones?