Restyle bookshelf's and introduce some pictures hanging from cross members of wood shelves. Remove about 1/3 of the books. Shelving goal: 1/3 books 1/3 interesting objects 1//3 open space. New lighting above shining down on shelves. I will post some examples when i get to my office later today.

Not sure what the question is .I find that area way too cluttered with no actual thought into what is displayed IMO all the stuff to the left on the wall and floor should go then rearrange the books and display items to give a more cohesive look add a great reading lamp beside the chair and use as a library

I like type and run's idea

No iron railing!!! That went out decades ago!! Here are some "inspiration" photos.

You could take some ideas from this shelving. Yours is more formal and more "library" but notice the "space" and the wallpaper backing.

Notice large art. Also, shelves with only one object, especially on the higher openings. Library ladder as well.

I would replace the beige carpet too with something more interesting, like an animal print to liven things up a bit. Remove that black chair and think about something more colorful and interesting for the space there.

Here is nice example of how to use a bookshelf more as a curio/decorative wall. Putting a collection of some pieces you have, like this blue and white pottery collection and then perhaps a large bean bag with that color would soften space up and make very welcoming.

Me too, that looks like an accident waiting to happen.

I'd completely fill the shelves with books and cover the walls with closely spaced photos currently on the shelves to make a mini traditional library. The shelves would be less chaotic looking with only texture from books arranged neatly.

If you don't use all those books much and they are display only do as Flo and Patricia suggest but it's annoying actually using a library that's so arranged.

Yes, straighten out the shelves--just books on side shelves, photos in the middle section.

I would get animal print or striped carpeting that coordinates with your other carpeting for the stairs and upper level to set it off as a reading space. Put great looking reading sconce lamp behind the chair. Do you have wood floors underneath all the carpeting. You have such beautiful wood features, it seems a shame to hide possible wood floors underneath standard wall to wall.

Have someone install and stain simple wood railings for the steps and across the front--very simple. Or higher end look: cable and wood railing.

No railing. With different carpet for a visual que, and perhaps take some of the books you remove from the shelving and stack along the edge to also give a visual que, is all you need.

You're right, suedonim75. No railing. Sometimes we get carried away. Here's an inspiration photo of a reading corner.

Cheryl do you have an accent color in the sunken portion of the room, or a favorite color you'd like to make into the accent? For the shelves, start by emptying them and organizing the books into type: fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks, kids books, photo albums, etc. Then start with the categories you and your family use the most. Put them on various shelves, ordered by color, leaving lots of empty space in between each category. Some books may not be necessary to keep and could go into a donate pile. Try to balance the left and right sections so they have similar weight, and on some shelves, push the books next to the left wall leaving the right wall empty, on other shelves push them all the way to the right, and on some, center them in the middle without touching either side. Some books should also be stacked on their sides. Do not put all the books back on the shelves. Then find items around your house that are the color(s) you'd like to use as your accent: decorative plates, vases, hurricane candle holders, plants, figurines, a pretty book or piece of art on an easel. Make sure they're substantial enough in size to give the eye a resting point. Place these in some of the empty spots. Regarding the chair in the corner, scoot it about a foot closer to the bookshelves, allowing it to overlap a little. Drape it with a blanket in your chosen color, and add a throw pillow. Make a cup of hot tea, sit down and enjoy the new look!!

Usually not a fan of railing, but in this case I think it would help define the space as a reading area. That combined with the library ladder suggested and possibly hardwood flooring would make it look like it has a purpose as a defined space.

To rail or not to rail, that is the question. The idea of not using railing because not everyone needs it is fine until of course someone needs it. We have lived in our house for over thirty years and there are several steps and walkways both in and out of the house where levels change. In most of these areas we have never felt the need to have hand rails. Over time several of our guess have slipped, tripped and fallen. Truthfully we always chalked it up to the theory people trip over there own feet all the time and because we didn't feel the need for rails there was no need for railings. Now that we,ourselves, are older we are actively planning on where to add railings so we can age in place. Your raised library is a trip hazard and I can't imagine where it would meet code. Beside that I think some type rail would help define the area. I also agree with the people who say area around the black chair needs to be reworked.

well hey sue, instead of attacking everyone's comments, why don't you post something helpful for the OP?

It is not a code issue.

That's the great thing about Houzz, learn something new every day. Like the 30 inch international code. Didn't know, so I double checked, sure enough US code is 30 however Canada is 24. Of course what code "is" doesn't change my point. No one needs a rail until you need a rail. It's just like seat belts, no one needs one until you do need one. At my house handrails are not required by code yet it turns out people could have used them and we now see a need for them.

Secondly why would anyone design anything without considering function and part of function is safety. I can see the look on my contractors face when I ask him to design my house but don't consider safety or code. LOL

I am the homeowner and the one who originally posted and didn't explain thoroughly enough. . Our home is under construction, so that is why all of the mess on both sides and the library shelves. This area is in a walkout lower level. The area had a brass railing. We took it down because it was awful looking. But we feel we need something for safety with lots of guests of all ages and behind the library is the guest bedroom. That is the main question.

Hi, Cheryl.

Get a simple wooden railing stained the same as the paneling and shelves. Then see what simple suggestions Houzzers have made here and try them out. Good luck with your new place.

different options you could do

The significance of a railing not being REQUIRED by code is that it would not be required to follow the 4" sphere rule.

Which is why I am guessing your old rail looked like this, with no need to add glass to restrict the opening size.

There are some standards that believe that a railing such as this situation should have openings that are bigger than 9"? OR smaller than 4" so that a kid does not get their head (ears) stuck between spindles.

Please remove the carpeting, add hardwood flooring that is a warm rich walnut color, add a carpet runner to the stairs. Paint the walls in a nice color of your choice.

Hey Cheryl
Something no one else mentioned would be to build a set of short ,narrow, open shelves instead of a railing. From your picture you obviously have more books and curios than will fit on you existing shelves.

Since this sounds like a "secondary" space, I would keep the cost of this change reasonable. A simple, premade wood railing you can stain or paint, and some metal balusters and newel posts and you have an open, attractive stairway. I'll post some photos.

This is a fairly simple approach. Simpler, ready made approaches are available from places like Home Depot and Lowes, but if you want some style, you can design something like this fairly easily. It is a bit tricky to install, so if you can, I would have it professionally done, by someone who has references that confirm their work. Lots of "handymen/women" out there that aren't stairway experts or have the experience. Stairs are a whole other beast for sure.

A pony wall bookcase could do it - railing and more book storage in one.

I'm with decoenthusiast on this one; incorporate a low bookcase to act as the railing. And, pull,the carpeting.