Dear Lizzybethme: I just checked out the pix's from the link Deboarah Butler sent to you and those ARE fabulous! Aspects I would have never thought of. I like the idea having the two-toned - as it is seemingly a much more updated look and would not be SO dark.

What IS the look the you are going for? If you are going for a complete traditional old-world look - with all the bells and whistles (drapes, carpets, furn.) then painting (perhaps a painted Solid Stain would work better?) them solid dark would work for you. However, with your stunning room - I am certainly enamored of incorporating some of the ideas from the links provided above.

And for the record: YOU can just stain your shelves - there is NO requirement to make this all match. Since there seems to be lovely lighting in the room - I would consider a combination of the above. I would consider what is the most important aspect of the room to YOU, and go from there. The ceiling is stunning and those links are incredibly wonderful. I particularly like the 2 toned coffered look, and would definitely paint the inbetween a different color from the beams.

Perhaps matching a wood stain on the bookcases with the mantle?

Please let us know what you decide - it will still be a traditional look for you, just by the nature of the room and the coffers. But I do love the dark black interior trim on the sides of the coffers. WOW! stunning.

keep us posted.