Hey it worked. That's a good start. Thanks aok, Didn't address you before because I've written a reply about a half-dozen times to have it get lost in cyber space. Glare is a concern especially with no window treatments but there are ways alleviate that. Just rotating the couch will cut down on it a bit as much of the glare will come from the floor when the sun isn't hitting it directly. I would usually use some type of a scrim/screen when people want privacy/shade but don't want curtains/ blinds etc. Although I didn't show it I did guess at laying out the room as you also need to rearrange the furniture if you block off that access-way too. I rotated the coffee table and centered it on the fireplace put the two mission chairs next to the new unit and the red one off center of the edge of the table. The couch face the TV with the FP on the right and the buffet can go behind the couch with a scrim separating the two if it is needed. They are inexpensive to build and add "wall space" when needed. If you want to post the dimension from the column to the center of the FP and to the window wall along with an indication north and closest major city I can do a sun study to see how we can prevent the glare. Thanks jey

Hi, kitty914, I don't usually post in this forum, but since no one else has weighed in, I'll share some ideas. You already have some experience with furniture, but if I'm not making myself clear, let me know. 1) First thing I'd do is build an open-front box under each ikea bookcase, to set the top of the case 1/2"-3/4" above the bottom of the mantel. (Enough to nail into--see step 3.) If that leaves enough room for storage underneath, that's bonus space, or if not, I'd cover the front with a plain panel. (Or a panel to suit your style.) It could even be a secret hiding place for valuables--I won't tell anyone. ;) 2) I'd then build two 3-sided boxes (columns)--one to fill in the space between the brick and bookcase on each side. You could make the boxes 4-sided, by why waste material that will be against the wall anyway? Wood scraps could be used as braces, top and bottom, on the backs. A half-column trim piece could be used on the fronts for interest--fluted, turned, or plain--again, to suit your style, or the style of the house. Bring them out even with the front of the mantel, or set back from the fronts of the bookcases, depending on the decorative element used on the fronts. Shoe molding would finish off the bottom, and I'd attach the boxes to the sides of the bookcases (from the bookcase side), countersinking the screws, which will then be covered by books. 3) Cover the whole top with a board that is 1 1/2" deeper the bookcases (for overhang), and wide enough to reach from wall to wall. A new trim piece as thick as the mantel (and wall to wall in length) can unify the front of the mantel and both bookcases. Set it back, leaving a slight overhang. I think you could use finish nails for these pieces, since a couple of good hammer whacks would break them loose for dismantling and moving. Small holes could then be filled, and touched up with paint. 4) Paint or stain all the wood to match. (Or paint before it's assembled, and touch up later--no paint on the brick that way.) Add artwork, stand back, and admire. I can't tell how deep the mantel is in relation to the bookcases, but I think you'll get my idea. It seems that this could all be taken apart, leaving barely a trace. And if you've already started on another design--good luck and enjoy! BTW, if you need any more ideas, gardenweb's Home Decorating Forum is great. Lots of talent there. Here is a link that might be useful: mantel/bookcase ideas

Julie that sounds horrible. I’m so sorry and let me say it a southern way.. bless your heart and Lord, I pray for God to wrap his arms around and your husband and allow healing. What an ordeal!! I can handle most but dressing wounds is something else. I do hope you have a very Merry Christmas. I can’t wait to see pictures of your beautiful home. I retired December 2021 and this is currently my Christmas gig. My son in law is a UPS driver and I’m his Christmas helper and whatever character I can bring to the truck. It’s fun, physical and rewarding. Never a dull moment.

Love the size, style and shape of your chandelier! Great choice. Main thing in addition to moving your sofa to 18” from edge of coffee table is to add texture. Pillows and possibly grass cloth in backs of bookshelves. Your coffee table needs styling. A stack of 2-3 coffee table sized books. A large low bowl and a much larger white orchid arrangement plus a sculptural element. Think of the coffee table divided into 4 sections. Set elements accordingly. Bbl