Not sure if you're planning on adding more furniture or ??? But I would be inclined to put the sofa against the mirror wall with a sofa table behind it and one or two nice lamps and some beautiful accessories. They would then be reflected in the mirror and the sofa would welcome you into the room, you could see out the windows and into the entry, which is a nicer view than looking a the book cases, I think.

I would maybe add a comfortable chair to the left of the sofa on the window wall area and/or a desk or the yellow table (will it remain yellow?)under the other window. I'm sure others will suggest window coverings and paint ideas. And some art, of course.

Would you be willing to change the color of the bookcases, either with paint or a darker stain or maybe the color of the walls or if you leave them the color they are now, then a more dramatic/contrasting color on the walls? The wall color is very nice, but the bookcases don't really look their best against it.

Thanks for the response.

I'm open to any options (adding furniture, moving stuff, paint, etc).

Looking at the room on screen makes me realize how washed out the bookcase side of the room looks. I agree a contrast is needed. I wonder which is better: painting an accent wall in charcoal gray or painting the bookcases black?

I'll try the couch switcheroo and see how it looks.

I think your bookshelves would look really nice with the room if they were painted a rubbed oil bronze/black color. Then maybe use some accessories to tie in the color of your table and couch. You could also paint the table but I think I'd look to accessorize first.

I would do some painting. I'd change the room color and would also paint the bookcases. I was thinking adding crown to the cases would be a good idea but see they sit flat on the floor. I do think you could easily build a box base and then apply molding around it. You can also add trim to cover the edges between them. I would do a taller crown molding than shown in the example. The proportions don't look right although it could be the layout of the shelves and length contributing. A different balance and it could be more modern or streamlined that way but looks off here, to me.

Antiquing the mirror might be interesting! Pillows and full drapery panels pulled the sides as you have them. I might change the finishes on the coffee table depending on the color scheme you come up with, for instance, darken the legs and glaze the top.

Examples of antiqued mirrored walls that soften the reflections: mirrored walls

Here is a link that might be useful: Example of dressing up Billy bookcases

This post was edited by snookums2 on Sat, Feb 9, 13 at 17:33

why don't you try taking some dark construction paper, either in black or charcoal or some other color you might want to use for an accent and place it on the back of the inside of a few of your shelves and see how it looks. You might be able to minimize the pinkish look of the bookcases without painting the whole units - and then you wouldn't have a whole wall of black shelving, which might be too much for the space. Or think about other colors to paint them, maybe charcoal or ?

Not many of these are the color of your bookcases, but this is the idea. You could paint them your current wall color with a contrasting back.

Here is a link that might be useful: painted back bookcases

I agree that a sofa table with lamps/accessories behind the sofa would be good in front of the mirror wall. I like your idea of grey paint, but I would do the whole room (not a fan of accent walls) and also paint the bookshelves black which would echo the mirror frame. If it is in your budget, I might add two more shelving units to cover that whole wall. Then, add a couple of chairs with a table and lamp under/between the windows for more seating. You could paint the backs of the shelves a different color or add wallpaper (something in black and silver pattern?) to back the shelves if you want to lighten the black. I would also center the ceiling light and give it more presence by changing it to a sparkly chandelier. It wouldn't all need to be done at once, but do come up with an idea you like and work toward it.

I think it would help to know what style you prefer. I love that yellow table, do you? I could see the bookcases painted red or some other strong color too. I like the idea of the sofa on the mirror wall.

The may e some drapes to pull all the colors together.

I, too would move the couch to the window wall, and add some interesting drapes, like these shown, that would tie in the colors of the rug. Paint the walls a different color, and add trim work to the bookshelves, possibly even painting them white, to better match the color scheme.

I also noticed that you have no lamps or appropriate lighting for reading, if this is a library, essential reading lighting is necessary1

I like your room. The bookshelves need the help. The stuff on the bookshelves and if you can add some mouldings or something to make them look more built in.
Add accessories to the shelves....lay some of the books/magazines down.

I would add two more of the same bookcases so that they look built in from wall to wall. I would not paint them. It's so much easier to paint walls.

Instead I would consider a dark color for all of the walls to make it feel more like a library- cozier. I would move the yellow table out of that room, since the style is more farmhouse and your other tables and the sofa are more contemporary. Drapes on the mirror and the windows, pulled back, would tie those two walls together and make it cozier too. I would add a floor lamp, a reading lamp, and a reading chair with an ottoman in front of the mirror wall. I think the rug is too bold and distracting for a reading room, so I would try to find something less graphic.
I am so envious that you have your own library room. What a luxury.

Add bookcases to fill the whole wall. Are they Billy bookcsaes? If yes, add the extensions. Love the link to spruce up Billy bookcases with moulding and a more built-in look.
More dramatic curtains, mounted ceiling high and pulled to the side of each window. Accessories with some yellow in them and another color, maybe turquoise or navy?
Plants.

Thanks for all the advice.

boopadaboo (love the name!), my style is very much a mixed bag. I love anything eclectic mixed with contemporary. In essence, I love mismatched patterns, colors and textures. So anything goes as far as any color suggestions. I do love the yellow table and intentionally left it distressed because I like that style as well. I love the idea of a bold paint color on the bookcase, but I worry because I change my mind so much design-wise. One minute I'll love it and months (or weeks!) down the line, I'll want something else. A good compromise for me has been to keep "big" stuff neutral and instead look to changing rugs, curtains, pillows, etc when I need a new infusion of color. With that said, what color are you thinking? LOL

nanny2a, I love those curtains. And it's funny because I have a similar pattern and have been toying with putting them up. I don't like what I have up now (they looked different online), but have just been looking for another option. These are the panels I have:

Target Home Farrah Floral Window Panel (clipped to polyvore.com)

I also agree about the lighting.

Olychick/Snookums, thanks for posting the great ideas for hacking the bookshelves. I'm inspired and now realize mine look embarrassing compared to what they can really be! I definitely agree about adding 2 more, but just not sure on what color they should ultimately be (would prefer to buy the 2 at whatever color I choose).

I rearranged the couch, but it's late now and pics don't come out well in the eve. Will take pictures in the morning to see what you all think and hopefully get some feedback on bookcase color suggestion.

Thanks again!

With the sofa against the mirror, some pin-up swing-arm lamps attached to the rough hewn posts could look interesting.

You could also hang a painting or print directly on the mirror over the sofa if you place it there. Agree you need another one or two bookshelves to fill out that wall and I would either paint them the trim color of the molding or a charcoal gray/ gunmetal gray / light black color. Would also paint the walls a pretty gray like BMs Revere Pewter. Also, you need more books.

Do you really like the mirrored wall? My suggestion...if it will fit....is to put your bookcases in front of the wall of mirrors. Mirrors might show around the bookcase and if that happens....put a nice plant on either side if needed. I would put your sofa where the bookcases are now with coffee table in front as before. I would put your striped rugs the other way....will welcome you into the room. Your yellow desk could be between the two windows but would look really good painted black. A nice picture/art work over the couch and over the desk would look super and the drapes like the black and white ones would really be great. This is JMHO but will look nice I think.

OK, here are pics with the couch turned. I do like the way the stripes on the rug are presented in the room now. Less bowling alley-like. Not sure I like the couch there. I'm thinking I will need to cover this mirror with some sort of design contact paper. Just not sure how I can incorporate this mirror into the design of the room.

Grandmaof3, I moved the bookcases in front of the mirrors before and didn't really like it. But, now I'm thinking it was the color of the bookcases that throw the look off. If I painted them white or black, that might help.

OK, so based on these pictures:

-Does the couch work better here or should I move it again?
-Should I cover the mirror? If so, should I cover with contact paper, a painting, bookcases or something else?
-What color should I paint the bookcases? Would like to do a one time paint job on these.

kswl, I love your Revere Pewter suggestion. It's a great warm grey and I plan to paint this weekend, because if nothing else, I agree that the wall color should change.

Hmmmm,

I've been researching wallpaper accent walls and I love the look. I'm now into the idea of covering the mirror with window film/contact paper. Thinking of doing the following:

-Cover the mirror with window film/contact paper:

-Spray paint the mirror trim black (it's now a dark burgundy color).

-Paint the walls light grey (BM's Revere Pewter or similar color)

-Buy two more bookcases. Paint them either white or charcoal gray. Add base and crown molding.

How does this plan sound? Here are some accent walls I like (warning: I like eclectic!). What do you all think? I'm open to other suggestions as well:

I could even cut out a piece or mirror to keep, add a colorful frame to make it look as if there's a mirror over the wallpaper like this:

Am I completely crazy here?

If I chose to go this colorful wall route, I would put the couch back where it was, leave the rug the way it is in its new position, put a console table behind the couch and add floor and table lamps.

I'd also ditch the side table and coffee tables and get an ottoman similar to this:

Then on the wallpaper/mirror wall, add two low bookcases and use it as a display area like this but higher and not as cluttered (will probably use seasonal flowers as well):

Feedback appreciated from those who can appreciate my wild design style. LOL

I like your mirrored wall. It's different. You have an interesting style (and I mean that in a very good way), and I think you can make it work.

Here is what I plan to do with my Billy bookcases. I like the low commitment level, haha!

Saw this:

"Four IKEA Billy shelves were given a built-in look with inexpensive moldings painted the same color white. The royal blue backs give them added weight and are a fun contrast to the chartreuse walls."
http://odietamoblog.blogspot.com/2009/10/colorful-backdrops.html

Here is a link that might be useful: Billy in the Back

This post was edited by anele on Mon, Feb 11, 13 at 1:43

I'm just not sure what I think. It may be the other elements need to be changed before you can decide what looks best. I actually saw that inspiration photo with the large abstract art behind the couch and thought of your bookcases. Wondered if you had enough room on either side of your mirror to do that and if you were handy enough or had a budget where you could pay someone to build the over the top bridge. I was picturing it all in front of the mirror.

But look seriously at the one Anele posted with the bookcases covering the mirror, the sofa in front of them with enough room to access the books. It would really add some depth to your room and keep it cozier for a library/study look. It would also cut down on the amount of rug showing, which really does dominate now. Whatever you decide, I'd try placing the couch onto the rug so it's not so big in the room.

The really wild "mod" type wallpaper would make a terrific piece of art. Large and framed or wrapped onto wood as if it were a canvas. With some colorful bookcases like those blue ones. I think your rug would play well with that, too, as would the yellow table.

I love number 4, the one with the funky chair in the pic. You could use expedit for the low display shelves. Get them in white or black and paint the other bookshelves to match.

I would not do contact paper, but you could hang drapes over the mirror.

I wouldn't do contact paper but wallpaper would be ok as it's removable.

But I think the mirror could work if you hung a large piece of art over the mirror and added some lamps...maybe a floor lamp on the right side and a table lamp on the left. Or maybe think outside the box, like hanging a large grouping of empty picture frames....

I think a really dark brown would be good for the bookcases.

I'm disturbed by the yellow table most of all as it doesn't seem to fit in mood, color or purpose or height. It's awkward in the space. I would rather see another chair in there, maybe a cozy one, if there's room, with an ottoman, backed into the corner on the left facing the center of the room with a small table and lamp beside it for reading.

And then, of course the window treatments need some beefing up...the current fabric is too soft and the wrong color for the space.

Thanks for the feedback everyone.

I think what's most jarring for me with the rearrangement is seeing the couch in this position as I enter the room. I will admit that in my OCD mind I need to have furniture to the sides of me not having them facing towards or away from me. Not to mention if I decide to lounge and read, I'm facing the front door and the hallway with all the "eye" distractions that come with it.

So, I think instead of rushing in and trying to tackle everything, I'm going to take this semi-slow and do the following to start:

-Paint the room grey
-Spray-paint the mirror's frame black
-Buy extra bookcases. Paint all of them white. Add base, molding, etc. (Anele, I look your inspiration photo and that room!). Add a blue or black backing similar to Anele's pic.
-Remove the yellow table, side table and coffee table.
-Take down the drapes

Once I make these changes, I'll post again and see what the thoughts are on building from this foundation.

Thanks again everyone!

Sounds like a good plan. Just wanted to chime in that I really like your sofa and love the new location. The window treatments are nice and they add color and pattern to the room. However, I would want 2 panels per window. Is it possible to get another pair?

The yellow table is nice but I agree doesn't go with the room.

When you choose your gray paint, be sure it is warm enough to complement your sofa. And I would paint the wood fram around the mirror a brown-black color. Just curious, why is the area above the mirror not the wall color? I would paint it the wall color.

Good luck!

Okay, here's the Bronwynsmom full tilt more-than-you-aked-for solution. And I confess that I haven't read all the other posts (I usually do), so if I'm repeating, I apologize.

Your room needs life, and cohesion.

I like the sofa against the mirror, and I like the mirror's effect on the room, but I think the heavy timber frame is too much for the room and the delicacy of the rather slender bookcases.

First, I would set the bookcases up on a low platform, so that you can push them all the way back to the wall, and give them a bit more substance - and to get that bottom shelf off the floor.

Then I'd choose a rich, beautiful paint color for the room, and paint everything - walls, trim, timbers, and the bookcases - to match the walls. We did the bookcases that way in our den here, and it looks really nice, if I do say so....
I'd add a clip downlight to the top center of each bookcase section to light the contents.

Then I'd treat both the window and the mirror as if they were both windows, and handle them in the same way.

I'd hang generous, lined floor-to-ceiling drapery panels, in a colorful or graphic pattern you really love, out beyond the sides of the windows, with the leading edges just covering the frames. If you need privacy at night, I'd think about adding simple roman shades at ceiling height.

I'd do the same thing at the sides of the mirror, with two curtain panels out to the side just covering the frame. That would pull the two walls together, and make the heavy side timbers disappear, which I think the room needs.

I'd add a pair of end tables and substantial lamps, add sofa pillows in lighter colors, move the large coffee table somewhere else, and put a pair of smallish square ottomans in front of the sofa.

I'd turn the rug 90 degrees, so that the stripes run across the doorway, rather than creating a runway effect to the couch. I'd add a pair of Parsons-style upholstered chairs, with skirts, on either side of the table in the window, to avoid too many legs in the room.

And I'd put a desk lamp on the table, and a floor lamp in the corner to your left as you walk into the room.

The result would be a serene architectural background with the books, the wonderful table, the curtains, the upholstery and pillows, he sparkle and expansiveness of the mirror, and that great graphic rug as the stars.

I think this is a great room to jump off from. Very nice and has some elements that would be great in your space!

You have some fabulous bones there. How fun to decorate that space.

I hear you on the furniture arrangement. I have a thing about not facing the front door, and in my LR, there is no other way around it-- my sofa faces the front door.

So, I think you should leave the sofa by the window as you had it. The bookcases can be beefed up in a million fun and creative ways, so go slowly with that.

OR, I don't know if it would work, but could you put the bookcases on the window side and move the sofa to the wall? Then you could do some neat art behind the sofa, and work on getting the built-in look on the other side.

I think what needs to happen is that the eye should stop in the room, and the combination of the striped rug and mirror are not helping.

I think you need some rounded shapes in the room. Different rug-- and I would start with the rug before doing anything else, because I think rugs are the hardest. A smaller pattern would work, but no stripes. Round coffee table.