Line both walls (and if you are doing custom do around the corners and across the top of the arch into the hallway) with bookcases --

.... but do realize that you MAY have to consider removing the chair-rail from the walls so that the new shelves will sit flat-to-the-wall.

Also since the two walls on each side of the main archway already have electricty -- you could have the new bookcases wired with lights shining down. And have the sconces re-located to each side of the fireplace mantel (with a starburst mirror in the middle).

Thanks, that is a neat idea. I hadn't thought of that. Was going to buy something, but maybe we should wait to save budget for custom instead.

I like the idea of using the wall by the dining room where the boxes are now. It would make a nice view from the entry before you enter the room.

As far as furniture arrangement, I recommend trying to avoid placing the sofa in front of the window. It appears to be a box bay window and looks very pretty. One arrangement you might consider would be the two leather chairs flanking the FP with the sofa floating in the room, facing the FP. This would leave the window open.

Love the room!! It's loaded with charm. Just curious. Is the home older or newer?

Here is a link that might be useful: One large bookcase

If you wish to "test" the library idea for a few years until you can afford custom bookshelves -- check out the "Billy" system from Ikea -- maybe in white? You can "customize" the Billy bookshelves with doors (both solid and glass) and even add lights along the top.

If you are worried about the tall shelves not working well with the chair rail -- perhaps add a few of the short Billy shelves with doors under the chair rails -- on each side wall of the two arches. At least you would be able to stash your books etc. for now ....

I was going to recommend Billy, too. You can get a decent built-in look with it, if you don't want to go for custom immediately. (Do a Google image search for billy bookcases, and you can see what a lot of people have done.)

I LOVE this room for a library. I have made a small den into "the library" and it's great, but it would be all the better if it had a fireplace.

thanks guys! The house is about 70 years old and the dental molding is original! We've just been here a little over a year. That ethan allan bookcase was just the one I was considering but was trying to decide between doing one large one or lining both sides. I had thought about the Billy bookcases in the interim so maybe that is what we should do until we get the budget for custom. I'm liking the custom idea because my husband buys a lot of books and enjoys collecting them. I think he'll need the space. I was a little concerned about it feeling a little bowling alley though with both sides matching???

Oh, and last winter I did float the couch because the radiator is below the window and I didn't want to block the heat. It worked well. I love the look of the chairs on either side of fireplace, but the couch did block off the room a bit. I wonder if the bookcases were on that side the divide may look a little better?