what about the radiator on the right?

I have too many books

No such thing. ;-) The radiator is not going to do your books any favors, so I'd do a wraparound built-in on the left. In the words of Anthony Powell, 'books do furnish a room'.

Agree with wraparound built-in on the left. If you need to balance on the right, install 2-3 beefy wall shelves on that side for tchotchkes. Like these:

Traditional Wine Cellar · More Info

Mtn - The radiator has to stay, I’ve never had steam radiators, only hot water, so I don’t know how hot it will get. Maybe I could hang something on that side to balance out the left.

This is a rowhouse. Many houses on my street have built-ins but I think my house has a larger fireplace. The adjacent neighbor‘s house is identical

and they have a collection of paintings on the left (perpendicular) wall.

Jinx - I was thinking of a corner unit. But It would be easiest just to get a bookcase for the perpendicular wall. I had an ID over to source some wallpaper and when I asked her about this dilemma she said using the left wall would be “weird”.

There may be no perfect solution. A previous owner told me she kept her books on bookcases on the stair landings. I don’t like that idea though.

Bookwoman- I always enjoy

your posts. Thanks for chiming in. My thought was a left corner plus some sheving on the right like Jewel showed. Really!

Serge, whatever you decide, whether pre-built or built-in's, find the tallest book you have and want on the new bookshelf, and measure the height so your new bookshelf will hold it.

I did the same thing in my kitchen with cereal. I told the cabinet guy to make one shelf tall enough to hold the tallest box of cereal they make. Best decision ever. LOL

You asked Both walls? so I wasn't sure about the radiator.

I would not like the lack of symmetry, but if you need book storage, then you need book storage!

Good point Mtn made re radiator. Maybe a radiator cover and a matching one on the other side to keep the symmetry?

What is the pipe-like objects on he radiator side? - is that part of the radiator? Doesn't look like there's space on that wall to do much - unless you wanted to do a couple of floating shelves as someone mentioned

Since my house is full of books - I'm always in favor of book storage. I would do either a large bookcase on the opposite wall and a narrow book case that would abut the larger one on left and not worry too much about symmetry around the fireplace but that's just me - book storage would win out over symmetry. Will be interested to see your final arrangement

I usually don’t like painting brick, but if you paint the fireplace the same color of the walls it wouldn’t look so out of place…you need plants in the space and art across from the window - keep the figurines in the fireplace :) they are cool and add personality to the space

Oakley- that is a good idea. I did think to measure my old bookshelves.

I do like symmetry, so I am still undecided. Thank goodness I dont’t want a TV in here; that would be a real challenge!

I've always liked this concept -- if not in your living room, possibly in another room?

Corner bookcase

Dead space corner

Corner Shelves

I would do a classic radiator cover or a console table over the radiator. I like balanced bookcases or none at all.

I think if you do a bookcase on the left wall it will need to be shorter than the fireplace or it will overwhelm the fireplace and the room. A shorter height/longer length would also help balance the radiator. I like the idea of a radiator cover or shelf/table above if you can do one safely and not lose heat. You could also do the landing bookcases in addition to the LR one.

I am not a great decorator. However, I am going to put in my 2 cents. I love books and bookshelves. I think a wrap-around bookshelf on the left side that is the same height. Use the same molding as the doorway detail at the top and bottom to make it look intentional and consistent. It would add a lovely warm feeling.

Steam radiators are much hotter than hot water radiators. A cover is necessary if you have children. I put a piece of stone on top of my last cover, and the cat claimed the space. To balance the look of all the books, I would put either three small paintings or one long one. Your home is lovely and whatever you decide will look nice.

The first corner bookcase Mdln posted would be perfect. No need for symmetry from the other side of the FP.

There are a lot of nice and inexpensive bookshelves on the market that might look nice.

Mdln— Those pictures are helpful, thanks.

mjlb- I love that look, unfortunately I don’t have a space like that. This old house is surprisingly open, quite large for a rowhouse but with lots of unusable space. The stairwell

is dark and dreary ao I am

looking to add lighting and colorful posters on the landings. I have other bookcases here and there.

I’m odd, I know, but I like radiators and don’t mind seeing them.