Lights need to go. Take everything off the shelves. Are the shelves adjustable. Put all the items you have to display on the table. Group them by size and post a picture for more help

Well they look like they could work but you don't have them decorated very well.

They look misplaced in your lovely room. I'd move them to another location.

the bookcases are fine, but I think the white isn't that good. is your door / floor trim black? consider painting the bookcases to match. or keep them white and wallpaper the backs a darker color.

the shelves look cramped. remove one from each case and space the rest out evenly. the items are actually too sparse. it needs more items, and for them to be layered. such as framed photos with small objects or smaller photos in front. or display a few favorite books so the cover faces front.

Originally I was going to place one large piece of artwork (bold canvas print) on either side of the doorway but then these pieces were available for CHEAP and they’re well made. I thought I could use them for decorative storage.

The trim is a dark mahogany and I was thinking of painting them a dark brown but then thought it might stand out as awful as the white.

I agree that I should move the shelves so they’re evenly spaced out, thank you for pointing that out!

The lighting looks bad in the picture but I wanted some ambiance/warmth.

Could I add a tall conical lit boxwood topiary at the tops? I’d like to have some soft lighting at the top since the vaulted ceilings are high.

I can’t rearrange just now, I’m a thousand miles away at the moment.

Get back to us when you are there.

@ILoveMod...I need you with me in TN to help decorate! I think painting them dark might just be what the space needs!!! I love the dark colors, they make the large space feel more cozy. If I did paint them a dark, dark brown, how would you a accessorize them? Books and art?

definitely don't paint them dark brown. painting wood brown to "match" real, stained wood never looks good.

but black could be nice if you think black furniture would work in there (it's hard to tell from the picture). or like I said, try wallpapering the backs first. that would be way easier and you can swap it out / undo whenever!

if you don't love bold patterns, opt for something subtle or textured:

or go for something bolder:

would turn out a little bit like this, but more subtle:

I love your bunny!

Since the shelves are in the dining room, I would put some pretty plates, candy dishes, vases along with your books.

Thank you ILoveMod! That will be much easier for me and a way for me to take baby steps in design.

sushipup doesn't eat your wood furniture?
I had a bunny and he chewed up everything in sight!

Well, she does chew wood but only when she’s bored or neglected. I try not to make that happen. I will have to replace a window in my kitchen before we sell it :0

Hmmmm

Hi, I saw your fabric on my post ! I love it! Is is black and beige or cream and where did you find it

Oh....okay.....Lidia and lidianonn are the same person. Got it!

I think they would work fine with some minor changes. First I’d center the right one in that wall. Then pull the left one closer to the door so that they are both the same distance away from the opening. Most posters need to remove things from their shelving but you need to add a few things. It needs to be things you love and mean something to you. Grandmas China, things you’ve collected from trips you’ve taken. Bring in your personality. Decorator pieces are okay.... if you love them. You could wallpaper or paint just the backs of the shelves.

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@Pam Lamping the fabric is available thru JC Penny!

Thanks Cheryl Smith, I will try that!

more examples of staging them

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Cheryl
Smith, those pics help a lot, thank you!!

Not a pro here but wondered if this might also help. I haven't really read through it but thought her end result looked nice.

https://sanctuaryhomedecor.com/simple-shelf-styling-tips/

I would try decorating them first to see if you have enough of the right kind of decor to do the job. You may find that you don't, and use them elsewhere as straight storage. Don't waste time painting until you have that answer. A good "general rule" is 1/3 books (standing, lying, leaning or supporting other items,) 1/3 large decor items and 1/3 open space. If you can't get that part worked out and you don't have a ton of books to simply row up library style, then maybe this is not the way to use the cabinets.

Thanks decoenthusiaste! Love the 1/3 rule. We have LOTS of books, so that’s not a problem, just have t unpacked them yet. I have some larger decor items but will see if I have enough in the same color per chloebud’s blog link. The bookcases are 5’ wide by 9’ tall so even my larger items kinda look puny on the shelves.

it looks best not mix glass and ceramic objects. Use one or the other.

If you are thousands of miles away, when do you plan on getting to your

2nd. home and doing some re-arranging.

I think you need some books. Get some ones with pretty covers (remove dust jacket), then add that. Google or look at Pinterest to see what you’re missing from styled shelves.

Lidia, I've used the 1/3 rule deco mentioned. I can tell you it's worked extremely well for me.

Thanks Mitchel539319, never realized that bit makes sense. Wow!

Thanks cloebud! I’ll try it at home and practice.

Hey angel...just under 1000miles and I’ll be back in a few weeks

Good, looking forward to seeing some re-arranging. Safe travels.

Took me 3 days, these babies are LARGE but got it done and LOVE that I matched the new color to the walls. Not only are the holes and cups covered but the color is softer, more elegant and goes much better with the vibe of a Appalachian cabin.

Photos

Love!

View from kitchen

Welcome back. You did a great job. The only comment I would make is that you

don't have to do the same thing on each bookcase, as long as there is balance.

Have fun changing things up now and again.

Thank you@Angel 18432. I have a hard time with the balance thing, I’m working on it but can’t get past replicated design.