A bridge you can cross when you get there. :-)

Ikea makes a system called Besta you put the components together how ever you like , great storagethe system comes in other colors and also very attractive this one is my favorite layout for a space like yours . I like the white it keeps it from looking heavy.

Sugarplum, I noted that you said you were trying to solve this problem without buying new furniture. I think we all understand budgets. Solve it for now, save bits of spare cash (what's that?) for later, and then consider Ryan'smommy's and Patricia's suggestions, both of which are very good. That's what I'd do.

Play with the colour of the shelves; I made them too light so that you could see them. They should either match your TV stand, or be dark, to match the shelf on the left wall. Paste strips of coloured cardboard on the wall (paint them) and see which you prefer. Only you get to stand in the room.