We need to see the rest of the room to venture a suggestion.

Below is a room with white built-ins and SW Silverstrand walls

Agree we need more information. My SIL painted her built ins that flanked a brick fireplace white. Man oh man do they looks BOSSY in that space now.

IMO too many skimpy shelves and too much stuff. I agree we need to see the whole space too. I think display shelving should display thngs worth display not just a bunch of stuff to fill the spaces , If they were mine I would remove them and hang a fab piece of art or maybe even the TV so post pics of the space .BTW post the pics in a comment here do not start another post.

I wouldn’t paint the backs only, as it visually needs less, not more. A problem is that the uppers feel like (busy) kitchen cupboards, with doors removed. If possible, I’d remove one shelf in the middle section - see the difference.

Without seeing entire room, can’t recommend a color (white, soft black, deep grey, green, blue and look at inspiration pictures, as research is key); complement the decor.

What’s as important (or more) is improving how it is accessorized.

There are lots of articles on Pinterest. Be patient and take your time. (Even when I update my mantle, I stand back multiple times to evaluate and edit).

https://ourhammockhouse.com/four-easy-tips-for-decorating-built-in-shelves/

The top of the cabinetry should be minimal and centered (but spread more then below).

Why is the white of your cabinet so very yellow in tone? Maybe this is a complicating issue.

view of room

from large opening

I realize too much stuff on the shelves. We moved here 5 yrs ago, my mom died the next month, then I was laid off. Yep, 5 yrs. But, we have remodeled the bathrooms and kitchen, had exterior painted, and replaced all windows - work in progress. I will purge! We did take out center shelves in the other room, TV is there. We have to walk in front of the cabinets to get to our bedroom, so 3 ft or so is lost. We DIY when ever possible.

Laura, my condolences on the loss of your mom (and job). What a difficult time it must have been.

Do you need the storage the built-ins provide? If not, I echo the suggestion to remove it all. It would open the room up so much …. and you could have a lovely console, armoire, or other sort of cabinet that would have a smaller footprint.

If that’s not an option, I’d paint it all your wall color so blends in better and isn’t looming over the room.

Ignore the colors here, just showing how these units look more integrated by matching the wall color:

I'd consider painting the cabinet to match the wood on your end tables.

We had the house painted 2 weeks after we moved in, and none of this furniture was here, but I love the wall colors. (Sherwin Williams Colorist assisted) Entire house was faded pale pink, original paint. It had to go, and quickly. We have since updated bathroom and Kitchen. Loving all the ideas.

I didn’t see this picture when I posted earlier … this person didn’t like how her white cabinet looked with her Silver Strand wall color, so painted it a couple of shades darker — SW Unusual Gray.

It looks nice with warm wood tones:

I still think painting your unit all Silver Strand would look best if you want it more integrated. If you’d like it to be slightly accented, the above idea or another similar tone could work. You’ll just need to make sure another color will be cohesive with your fireplace brick and other warmer tones in the room.

ETA: These beautiful built-ins are also Unusual Gray. I don’t know the office wall color, just wanted to show it with wood tones and in other lighting. The bedroom in the background is Silver Strand.

[Source: https://www.inregister.com/homes/webb-park-home-custom-fit-for-coming-together]