Hi cakcross! So nice of you to give the kids the furniture!

Could you upload at least one more view of the room? Perhaps take a picture with your back to the fireplace?

Will you be watching tv in this room still?

Are the walls just white now?

Are you open to removing the ceiling fan or does that need to stay?

Enough questions? :)

Lyvonne

Hello Lyvonne, Thanks for looking at my post. The walls are white. I haven't decided about the television yet. It is not a must have. Ceiling fan can go.

Hey! That's a nice big blank canvas you have there on one of your walls! You could do with putting up an intricate wall sticker there. Something like a big tree blowing in the wind, or a nice flower design. Check out the website for more designs that may be to your liking.
http://www.infinitywallart.com/

I agree with Tammy's furniture arrangement suggestion. The armchairs will look better on each side bookcase.
I see you already have blue-ish tones for the bookshelf backing. I would remove the wavy front top trim (if poss) to make the bookcase streamlined and contemporary.
Add a teal coloured sofa and an ottoman instead of a coffee table to the equation.

Stain the side tables expresso to match the armchairs and think about purchasing drum lamp shades to replace the existing.

Is the painting on the FP mantle staying?

I would do what Tammy said and move the shelves on the back wall (opposite the fire place).
Are you willing to paint? The inside part of your shelves are blue, right?

The room is completely bare now. I have removed the tables, chairs and lamps.Chemayne I love love love the color of the sofa. That is the color that I will probably go with, Instead of tuxedo arms, I thinking of tight rounded arms and 3 tight back cushions, I have no idea where to put it. My sofa was in front of the curtains. The arrangement that I had never looked right to me. The room is so big and awkward. I do not know what I should buy for the room other than a sofa. If the ceiling fan goes, what kind of light would be nice in that area? I have a shed ceiling. It is very tall in the center and about 8 feet on the sides. The painting on the mantle can go. I like the bookcases though I probably should paint the backing another color or back to white. Any ideas on paint color if I go with a teal colored sofa? If I put the sofa facing the fireplace, how far back should it go? Would you buy 2 sofas, or loveseat and chairs?

If I move the shelves to the back wall, What should I do with the space next to the fireplace?

I would not move the bookshelves. Whenever anyone on Houzz asks about open areas next to fireplaces the answer is usually have bookshelves there. You are ahead of the game!

I like the suggestion Tammy has for furniture placement as well. With your kids moved out, this room can become a sanctuary for sitting and conversation with visitors. Furniture placement can be "cubed" in front of the fireplace, with a sofa and a couple of chairs. If you don't want the sofa facing the fireplace (with it's back to anyone entering the room), you can have it on one side of the firplace, with the chairs opposite it, and a nice coffee table in the middle. Find a lovely rug to place under the table, extending to the sofa and chairs. I can't tell how low the windows go. I might place a narrow bench with cushions there, or a nice console table. They shouldn't be too deep, cutting into the room too much, but it will add some interest in front of the window.

In the far empty corners I might set one up with a desk and chair, maybe a computer on it, and the other make a smaller reading area with a nice larger chair and small side table.

If you go with teal for your sofa, with the backs of the shelves teal I might paint that entire fireplace wall in the same color. I'd leave the bookshelves and fireplace white, just paint the wall.

The room is not "big and awkward". It just needs to have a few areas decorated for different purposes so it doesn't look like you are trying to set it up to make one big conversation grouping. It's a wonderful large room!

If you move the bookcases to the blank wall (across from the window, it balances the heaviness of everything- and the fireplace can be its own focus

I agree with motownmom, leave the shelves flanking the fireplace and I wouldnt paint the backing again. Just leave as is. You really should paint that wall at least though! white shelves white walls, white fireplace? You need contrast. This wall should be the focal point but the fireplace just melts into the wall because its the same color. Id go with something beige-y or grey :)

You have a great room.
-I agree that the bookcases should remain next to fireplace.
-Painting the fireplace black would really increase the impact of that wall.
-Paint the walls and the bookcases the same color (perhaps beige or gray as mentioned above). That will make them appear more like built-ins.
-You could use a pattern on the back of the shelves using wallpaper or even wrapping paper and spray glue. This glue is re-positional making it easy to remove when you want a change.
-If you paint the fireplace black, a black and white pattern might be nice in the shelves. This still leaves it a neutral and then you can use any color you like. Good luck. Can't wait to see what you do.
- I also like the teal sofa above.
-Go ahead and move your chairs to each side of the fireplace (angled in) and see how you like it. It's exciting to see the room develop.
-Oh, also add a rug.
-Maybe a glass and metal cocktail table or coffee table. Then you can tackle the rest of the room with a reading nook - small writing desk - or other options.

One more thing. You might want a sofa table behind the sofa if you position it across from the fireplace.