I guess I ahve a bit of an issue with kids stuff in LRs I home schooled too but used a bedroom for all the stuff and desk I like the inspiration idea if all this stuff stays there is no reason to have it all out screaming school when you entertain

I understand that Patricia, but this is our lifestyle. I am attempting to make our living room as grownup as possible without "screaming school" but we are a family with kids. Even if we didn't homeschool we would have children's books accessible in this room. It's simple enough to put the kids books away when/if we entertain and it doesn't look childish. I think the ledges will give us a lot of flexibility in what we display.

Any suggestions?

This is kind of what I have in mind

OK so you know what you want.

So buy the ledges and rug them continuously across the wall for maximum flexibility.

Another idea would be to put a large canvas or piece of art in the center (centered over the four baskets), and then symmetrically hang 2 floating shelves on either side for books and framed photos (four shelves total). I’d add sconces overtop of the floating shelves, similar to what Joanna Gaines did in some of the homework rooms she designed for Fixer Upper.

Three larger blow-ups of the kids and then stop. Maybe add a lamp or two if you have outlets at that built-in.

Living Room / Dining Room. · More Info

Thanks for all the ideas! I really do want a place to display some of our current picture books with the covers showing outward :) But as others have mentioned, it can look cluttered, so I want to do it in a way that is easily changeable. I've got some great ideas here. Thanks!

Really good beginning.

Instead of a few floating shelves, have you considered more of the same built in look you already have?

You could create one wide box shelf, wall to wall, at the top of your wall for displaying books you've already read and items you rarely use.

Then, on both sides, you could create vertical shelving (the same width as the height you use for that top box shelf) .

Beneath that top horizontally hung box shelf, you could add a pair of vertical box shelves in the corners on each end -- or just hang corner shelving there

https://www.houzz.com/products/franklin-shelf-walnut-walnut-prvw-vr~17086496.

https://cornerbookcases.files.wordpress.com/2012/09/corner-bookcase-14.jpg

If you build vertical box shelves in the corners, you could make them the same width as the height of the horizontal box shelf -- creating a "frame" around your wall for your photo/art gallery AND leaving head room for you to work on crafts on the counter top you already have ... with the option of adding a floating shelf within that frame if you decide you want/need another shelf.

Hi, mshutterbug. I like your concept. It's essentially a "rotating" gallery wall and I think it will be interesting and fun.

I'd go with shelves in a similar finish as that of the built-in top. In consideration of the shorties in the family, I'd add a light weight but sturdy step stool. (It's a drag sometimes, but working for what we want tends to build character!) It'll also serve as nice perch for a smaller person.

Since you're thinking about ditching the framed cork board, consider some art in its place. As I'm sure you're aware, art is something that enriches and educates young and old alike. I think a lamp would be good, too.

A table top terrarium would be educational and likely enjoyed by everyone in the family. You can make it and care for it together. They're really fun!

I added an abacus, because it could be a learning opportunity for everyone in the house. They also have an orderly, sculptural quality I find appealing. Your aesthetic may differ. Here's a mock-up to illustrate my ideas. I hope it helps!

(The rug placement/size can be addressed when and if you choose.)

Thank you! Yes! I has an entirely separate thread at one point about the rug lol! It’s so tricky with the bay window there!