IMO the espresso colored cabinets to me were always cheap Chinese stuff so never that color in my place. I think before deciding anything you need some good lighting . Do you need all that display space IMO the shelves look too skimpy and if you want the display I would plan on much thicker shelves and depending on what you want to display changing the spacing. Since this is a new to you space why not figure out what you need to use the sapce for. BTW I dislike TV in my LR too .

May we get some pictures of the rest of the room? And, any measurements
of the room that you can give us. It helps so much.

With your back to the bookcase and the two chairs please.

It is a nice feature if you need it..but if not...remove it...it does limit furniture layout options...and is always a challenge to decorate...if you like a cleaner ...sleeker ...decor

Maybe it would fit in the room where you do have a tv...

I would take it out if you do not plan to place a TV in the room. Add a LARGE piece of art...

Thanks to everyone. Let me clarify a few things: First, these are heavily anchored into the walls, so removing them would be a lot of patch work and painting, and we're trying to avoid that. Also, as you can see in the pics, the walls on either side indents where this goes, so removing it would leave this weird indentation in the wall...would be weird to do something with that space. So, I'm looking for what to do with it if left in place. This is not a cheap unit. It is thick wood, very well made. Just can't decide if I should paint it to make it blend into the wall or leave it the espresso color. Would love to give more pics, but I don't have any. These are listing pics. We don't take possession of the house for a few weeks. If we decide to paint I want to get someone lined up to paint it after we close and before we move in. That's why I'm asking now before we've moved in. This decision will also have some bearing on what furniture I buy for the room. Thanks so much!

I would paint it your trim color.

All understandable...and in that case it will blend in better if you match the walls,of course....but painting over black will be tough and if not done right may scratch easily ...but it is very striking as is ...and if you keep it ...a few black decor pieces will tie it in as is..with any decor.

A coffee table with black legs...an arched lamp with black arch...black and white photos in black frames...

Looks like black but may be dark wood..same idea applies

You could add a shelf where tv is and on both top sections, so spacing is consistent and I‘d then paint it white. There is lots of on info on how to decorate and creating interest and balance. https://chsblonde.com/styling-bookshelves-guide/

The dark is heavy and seems dated definitely paint it, to blend into the wall then add lighting they have easy to install strips or small lights the will add some dramatic effect and that will make it very elegant

Not a pro. My inclination would be either to leave it as is or to paint it a sage green.

I'd prob go w/ a bright white or a Black w/white walls) I think it will open up the space and give your room a wide berth for decor ideas

Ignore the tv, since you said you don't want one.

you could also choose to do the backs w/a contrasting paint color or even a wallpaper

Black is also an option w/surrounding white walls. This is one of my fave looks:

Great suggestions here, thanks! When I get back in the house for the home inspection I am going to see if this can be removed somewhat easily :). If not, I think painting the same color as the wall is the way to go. Open to other suggestions, though, and again -- thanks! I need to find out if the tile goes under the unit. If not, it means the unit definitely stays!

I would cover the wall behind the shelving unit with a darker textured wallpaper or interesting pattern. The color would not be as dark as the unit but somewhere between the wall color and the shelving unit color to blend the two together.

This has to be the most creative bunch of folks I've ever known. You're properly WOW-ing me with all the options, from white laquer, to black, to wallpaper behind, and on and one the incredible ideas go. Thanks to everyone and extra thanks to those of you who posted pics and links...I'm very visual so that helps me a ton! :D

No amount of damage to your walls to patch up will be more work than a well done paint job on that unit. It's fine if you want to keep it, but refinishing it is NOT less work.

I could pull that unit out, hot mud the patch spots, touch-up sand, and repaint the walls in a day. To look good when done that unit would need days on end of prep, priming, sanding, and finish topcoats.

Tracy,

If it was me I would pull them and patch only because the shelves control the room and the placement of your furniture. It looks as if the demo picture from the stagers has the couch positioned so that it prevents easy access to that room. That will seem less inviting and comfortable if furniture blocks people from getting into the room easily and comfortably.

Congratulations on your new home and Best Wishes for many years to come.

MAE

I love it just like it is, play around with styling your shelves. I think you need to add some books, both stacks and regular lining up of them. You need some visual weight on them, and a few small plants, real or good faux ones. I also think your furniture layout works. Sometimes we overthink👍💕

It is clearly a personal decision, but I would 1) remove it, or 2) paint it the same color as the wall, ie, paint the unit any color you want as long as the wall is painted that color, too.

I have one more question if anyone can answer: So, I've decided to either paint it the same color as the walls OR to remove it. The problem with removing it is that the tile that's on the floor does not run under the unit. I do have a box of extra tiles, but does anyone know how difficult/time consuming it will be to have someone tile that extra part? I think they'll have to pull up some of the existing tiles that run into it because they we're cut off where they abut the wood of this unit. Not sure if this is going to be a truly difficult job or if it's easy to hire someone to do this where it will all match up beautifully. Will have to have baseboard put in as well, to match the other baseboard in the room. Might be easier to just paint it all to match the walls. Thoughts? Thanks!

Only one down side....Painting it to match the walls will require a long term commitment to wall color...

Even though more work, I would first try painting it to blend with the wall, or the trim color - maybe paint the wall behind it the trim color too, which will lighten up the whole space and make a commitment to a specific wall color unnecessary.

Live with it painted and restyled for a while and if you are still not satisfied, then remove it and tackle the floor issue.

Do you have a fireplace in the room? I might look for a high quality electric fireplace to fit into the tv slot.

Great idea about the electric fireplace....LOVE THAT! Thank you!