If you don't like the natural wood (and what looks like fir plywood on the back of the shelves is rather busy) then I'd paint them to match your woodwork. I would do the mantle and trim at the same time. I'm not sure what is going on with the lighting at the top of each shelf - if it's a light centred at the top of each, I think I'd remove that as it doesn't illuminate the contents of the shelf very well, which I have to assume is the intent. It's too bad that they didn't make the shelves adjustable - while it's doable to remove the existing shelves, I suspect they may need to be cut out.

If you choose to keep them, here's couple ideas for updating them: Wallpaper backed built ins and Built in with glass doors

Keep them!! Paint them, cut out the center doors and add a metal grill in whatever finish you want, change hardware. You could do two colors, one for the inside, one for the outside, or add a smoked mirror on the inside. Switch up the lights over head too or add an applique to the front overhead apron.. Don't forget to paint the mantel to match whatever you decide.. So many great possibilities. You already have a head start by having the built ins there.

Thank you all for your comments. I'm trying to like the idea of built ins, but I cannot stand visual clutter. The only way I could have those in my living room would be to have a few large items in there. I can't stand a room that looks busy (like with little knick knacks). We are going to repaint the walls. There is way too much brown in the room for me. We saw another house that had BM Kendall Charcoal painted above the fireplace and Revere Pewter on the other walls. We thought about trying this. Maybe that would set the bookcases off? Or maybe we could paint the back of the built ins Kendall Charcoal? Your thoughts?

I think you need to pick colours that will work well with the fireplace stone and your floors - you'll need to make some big sample boards and put them in the room and really look at it in different light at different times of day. BM Kendall Charcoal is very dark - it will read almost black at certain times of day. It's much darker than any of the stone in the fireplace - I think it would be overwhelming. I also am no fan of "feature" walls in a different colour. I believe BM has an app where you can upload your own pictures and try paint colours out - that might be somewhere to start. http://www2.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/for-your-home/personal-color-viewer

I would paint them, I think they suit the room once the shelves are modified. They needn’t look “cluttered “ , my house is very contemporary / modern & my built ins have a few pieces of art glass & a few interesting objects in each unit. Dramatic & interesting, especially when lit at night. Just because you have the space doesn’t mean you have to fill it up with a lot of little things.

Hi

I would paint them, do something interesting on the backs and get either glass or mirrored shelves. The transformation would be dramatic.

Best of luck !

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You could paint them a couple of shades darker or lighter than the walls. If you are painting the walls pick from the color of the stone. Grey would look good with the floors. You could replace the doors on the bookcases also and add some wow hardware.

Here are some thoughts - paint to pick up the stone color then a white mantel

Modify one of them to hold TV

I think the built-ins look great and work nicely with the gorgeous floors. I would paint or paper the back. As was mentioned, there is no reason for the shelves to look busy or cluttered unless you choose to make them that way.

At the very least I would live with them for a while. They can easily be changed later. This is a beautiful room, and so warm and bright. I would not want to see it " modernized" by painting it gray.

I just saw this photo. I love this look!

The shelving units will only be cluttered if you put too much stuff in them. Keep it spare and simple...some books, some small framed photos or art. Some decorative items. Not many of anything.

They add a lot of architectural interest. Keep as is for awhile and live with them. Painting is definitely an option but, until you have your own furniture in there and have time to study what is best, you won't know for sure what color, etc. If you like tidy, then just don't clutter them up! A few books, some family pictures, and a little bric-a-brac will make this space part of your life. Good luck!