What is the size of the space? Is the house all new construction or is this an update? Is it open to anything? What all will you & who else do in this space..book storage, reading, TV, computer? Is this room connected to any other rooms? What is the decor in the house to be? Need info.

Thanks so much for your input. The space is 16'x16'. The spiral is to be 6' with bottom exit/entry on left. The project is a two story addition. This room is part of a connector between old house to new first floor master and basement entertainment area. The pictures are taken from a wide hallway. Existing house is traditional. I'm thinking of refinishing natural red oak to walnut stain. I appreciate that point on regretting dark stain. Thanks!

I agree with "michigammemom" but want to add that I would choose the trim color that matches the rest of the house. I think it is a great idea to do this project. We would like to see the finished product.

Thank you. I love those old English looking libraries but felt deep down it wasn't practical or airy in real life. Drywall today. Ill send pics as we go.

Consider faux beams across the ceiling, painted trim color. It would give you a little of the look you want.

Here is a more contemporary example.

Thank you for that contemporary pic. I initially glossed over that bc railing was so modern. I hadn't noticed that big print. That's a good idea bc another one of our issues is we have come to realize that with kindles and online streaming, we don't have that many books or DVDs as we used to.