what is the function of the space?

I've struggled with function too actually. It is a quiet place for reading mostly. The shelves have family pictures and a basket for storing books from the library for the family to share. It's not used very much but it is the first area one sees when they walk up the stairs. Any ideas?

Agree with headhearthand. Any thing you hang across from the mirror will be reflected. What are the room's dimensions?

Have you tried putting the sofa in front of the window and move the bookshelf to the opposite wall on the right end and turn the mirror vertically.

Need more work space or reading room

It's 8 feet across and the longest wall is 17 ft. Here is another view of the stairs in relation to this space.

We did try the sofa in front of the window and didn't like it. It was a tight fit and felt like we had to walk down a tunnel to get to it. Also the biggest problem was the kids, they were climbing all over the sofa to see out the window. At Christmas time we put a Christmas tree in front of the window and it looks really charming from the street to have our tree in the middle upstairs window.

I still think the mirror should be moved to the opposite wall so it's more functional (or at least appears so). I would fill the book case with books though and make it really appear as though it's a functional reading nook. The sofa can then be moved to the current mirror wall.

I like everything Maureen advised:)

Those are some great suggestions. Looks like I need to play around with the furniture arrangement again. I'll try the ones suggested. We did originally put the mirror on that wall because it reflects the beautiful mountain range. But I can play around with it.

I think the mirror fits well over the bookcase and being on the shorter wall (especially as it reflects the mountains) and will be lost on the other wall. Either way, that's an easy fix, but it's the visual length and narrowness of the room that needs tweeking.

Ok I tried rearranging the furniture like er612 suggested. I'm not sure?

I am going to show you an inspiration photo as an example that adding some more accessories will complete the room. As far as layout I think you should incorporate only the area from the window wall to where the doorway beside the stairs starts. This would lessen the look of a long narrow space.
http://houzz.com/photos/21837522

Here are all three ways. The mirror is quiet heavy and was hard to hang on the wall. Does it look strange hanging in space with nothing under it? We originally hung it over the bookshelf. What else does this room need? It just doesn't feel right any of the ways.

I am wondering if two small scaled, comfortable chairs (angled slightly toward each other) with a small round table between them might look nice in front of the windows?

I like the sofa under the mirror, like on photo 3, with the cubes under the window. Art to be centered on the wall according to the view as you come up the stairs. This way someone sitting on the sofa has a sense of privacy.

Here are the ottomans in front of the window as suggested, and in front of the sofa too just for fun. That still leaves such a big awkward space on the long wall.

Well once you get the big piece of art up maybe you'll want a narrow table or desk under it. Looks like you just moved in? You can start with this small private area, maybe add a floor lamp by the sofa, and see what need you might have for the long wall.

Yes, paper wheels maybe you are right. This is a new space for us and maybe I need to wait and be patient. I don't like the sofa and just feel a bit obligated to use it because we have it and it doesn't go anywhere else. I imagined this being a cute little space but it's just not working. I need a whole new idea.

I don't know how formal/informal or how old your kids are, but maybe a comfy beanbag in a corner by the window for the kids to relax and read. I really thought the floating shelves looked nice in that previous post and would fill a good portion of the wall. I also found frames at Aaron brothers that open and close from the front and you can change out the kids art as they bring it home from school. That would personalize the space too.
It's a nice space to work with (my loft area is much smaller) and I know you'll find something that works for you. Keep us posted!

Would make a great gaming area if you had a TV here. I think the sofa and cubes are great and would definitely keep them. I'd remove the yellow lantern and the throw pillow and move the cubes to this side of the sofa, paired together like a little end table. Then just relax.

Mishg47 I love your comment! My kids are still young and we love art and family pictures and such. I was just thinking if I started over maybe using the wall for a gallery of sorts. I too love the picture shelves. I love nice clean lines and a tidy look so I'll need to get some inspiration.

I think a nice wall decal on the right side of the shelf (in picture 3) would be nice. Also, have you heard of engineering prints? I think you could get a very large engineering print of your favorite family photo (printed at Office Depot) and canvas it yourself (a canvas and some Modge podge) .

A black and white version would be nice on there and a decal to the right would give some interest. And you can decal anything now.

Oooo... The engineering prints would be so fun!! Two big landscaped ones on that wall! Fantastic idea and not too expensive.

Large art behind the sofa and 2 medium size candle sconces on each side of the art.

Definitely no sofa in front of window. 2 chairs would be perfect and may just be the added something that the room needs and can easily be rearranged at Christmas. It can easily become a lovely reading downtime area. Do not cover the window, if anyone suggests that, they are in error.

Or you could do one large landscape and cut it into 1/3's 1/4's and spread it across the wall. (With little spacing to keep it cohesive.)

Or like below...

Have you tried the bookcase behind the sofa with a pair of lamps in front of the window? I would try it and then put a more substantial coffee table between the sofa and ottomans.

I like Maureens suggestions as well!

The room looks pretty stark without any wood or lamps. There's no texture in the room. Wainscoting would be nice in this area if you lean toward Traditional. I'd also add a small wood or metal table and lamp next to the sofa for reading. The lamp could be a ballister type lamp with a burlap shade to add some texture. Do a gallery wall above sofa mixing up framed pictures with metal accents. Place ottomans on either side of bookcase.

I'm going to Home Goods this week for some accessories. What style end tables or throw pillows would work in this space? What kind of pillows can I put with these ottomans?

Here are the ottomans.

Amy, this etsy shop makes custom covers for a reasonable price.

https://www.etsy.com/shop/FestiveHomeDecor?ref=s2-header-shopname

Any colors. You could get a combination of blue and the coral. Would brighten the space!

Sofa under window looks most inviting to me. An area rug in front of it (beneath your new accessories) might also visually shorten the space and enhance its coziness.

I'd get a smallish round medium color wood end table. Maybe something that's open in the middle section, so it's light looking. A bolster with that sofa may be nice in a coral tone. Pull the color from the ottoman that is a contrast to the sofa fabric for interest.

floating shelves might work for the area. random heights, length and locations throughout the wall. can be used for books, pictures, greens and etc.

How about the sofa facing the window? Then a thin sofa table under the mirror. A couple of candle stick lamps will look great. If you want, you can tuck the ottomans under that until needed. This way, you keep the view, and, you can place photo's, etc. on the book case wall