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abello350

bookcase and decor dilema

4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago

Hi All, this is my living room without my linen curtains which by the way look great especially when they're open:-). I have a shiny white TV stand that I purchased from IKEA and even though inexpensive it looks pretty good.

My problem is the matching bookcase. I think it just looks cheap so moving it to my extra bedroom for my grandsons. I'd like to replace it but am not sure with what. The bookcase and TV stand are on the same wall separated by a door. I found something in crate and barrel and wondered if it would actually go with what I have. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks!!








Comments (27)

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    We can't tell where it is in relation to the rest of the living space. Seems you hardly need the book stack next to it, which is not helping....? To me, those belong in a dorm, or starter apartment for 22 year old kids: ) Clutter for most other scenarios.

    abello350 thanked JAN MOYER
  • 4 years ago

    Jan, thanks for the suggestion. I modified the post and will be removing the vertical bookcase clutter :-). Anne

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I still can't see to the left or in front of the bookcase. Is this an entry foyer, a dining room? A console table or hutch might be more appropriate. More photos please, I don't have enough context to make an informed opinion.

  • 4 years ago

    I agree with your choice to move them out of the room with the TV stand. Together they are too strong. You have a nice room, view, and arrangement. Are you going for a mid-century-modern look? If so, I think I might keep looking for something  more sculptural and less basic. I mean there's nothing wrong wrong with the potential bookshelves, but I think some curves would be nice. Take your time and make it a statement piece. Have some fun.

  • 4 years ago

    Oh, and could you post a photo with the curtains? I'd like to see if they soften the room as I suspect.

  • PRO
    4 years ago

    Beware the too many light and inexpensive online grabs.

    You could use another chair, the cocktail table is small and lightweight looking. Think a bit bigger and don't be terrified of an empty corner, and negative space...Add a bit of warmth too. Edited. Right sized "less" : )








  • 4 years ago

    What color/style should I get the 2nd chair? I cant find the same style where I purchased the first one. Any suggestions on style of cocktail table color/material?

  • 4 years ago

    Here's a pic of the living room as I currently have it.


  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    Just one more photo, please, from inside the living room facing away from window - the one with the framed stained glass piece.

  • 4 years ago

    Oh, those draperies add so much and are so lovely! Thanks for the picture!

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I just love your inputs! Here's a picture of the opposite side. Dont mind the clutter to the left below, Im working on an art project. Bookcase, dining chairs and table? Thoughts?



  • 4 years ago

    What about something lighter weight (visually) and a little more feminine, artsy, or curvy?

    Crosley Furniture Sloane Art Deco Glass Metal Etagere in Gold (Set of 2) · More Info

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  • 4 years ago

    When you moved the big white storage case to your extra bedroom, would you be able to store the toys in it for your grandsons instead of storing them in the living room? Would they enjoy that? With their favorite ones displayed in the open spaces?

  • 4 years ago

    What is your trick for getting pillows to stay up on your leather sofa? Mine always slide down. 😞

  • PRO
    4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    IMO the Sapien book rack is an ideal idea for elimnating a rack with a bunch of not really great stuff displayed . certainly not a cheap dorm room item.IMO a nice buffet on that wall with a great piece of art above it is a much nicer choice that a bunch of shelves

  • 4 years ago

    If you want another chair, maybe add some textured with whit-washed rattan? Unless you don't like it.

    Jam Natural Rattan Wicker Handmade Chair White color, Cream Cushion · More Info

  • 4 years ago

    I love your houseplants. And I love the white rounded planter.

  • 4 years ago

    And I like your area rug. What other colors are in it? A picture?

  • 4 years ago

    The rug has a shades of sage and a little

    hunter green, orange, gold, beige, taupe, and dark gray/blue.

  • 4 years ago

    Thank you for the new photo. The bookcase looks like it is very practical providing storage and not really out of place because we all are accustomed to units along our walls for that reason. The neutral color and design are not distracting and harmonize with the kitchen.

    But you don't like it and assuming you still need the storage, I agree with a buffet or hutch would fit the bill for a dining room. I see you have a console, is there art above it? If so you might not need another piece of art on the opposite wall.


  • 4 years ago

    tracefloyd, do you think it would look good even if I purchase a dark wood piece for that wall even if that wall also has a shiny white piece(TV stand).

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I own a smaller version of that Ikea bookcase. While I love mine, I think yours is too monolithic for the space. I'm kinda intimidated by all those doors. A lower version of the same thing might work, with more variation in the fixtures for the cubbies, so they aren't all the little doors. Maybe Eket would be a better fit for the room?

    If you are in Ikea's return span, I think I would return it. Then start over.

    I actually like Ikea's stuff a lot for contemporary spaces. It can be very creative. I think if you wanted to do Ikea furniture in that space, however, I would go with their upscale stuff. I think it's called the Stockholm series.

    It also seems you need more friendly lighting in that room. I would have at least one table lamp and one floor lamp. They would also have the virtue of making everything not at the same height in the room. I would choose something interesting, fresh, and less austere to balance out the current linearity. Ikea has many lamps with interesting shapes. Tallbyn?

    Alternatively, you could think different for a contemporary room. Look forward and think about something like a side table with integrated air filter, or a piece with a built-in speaker. You could very nicely get stereo sound for your TV with a set up like that.

    Your small table is a side table or for a studio apartment. Larger is needed. Definitely another chair. Think what you want a conversation to look like.

    As a day to day thing, I would do fewer chairs at the dining room. Remove the one at the end? As is, the dining room is a heavy balance for the living room, and to my taste, has too much out-of-scale furniture.

  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    I like the ivory furniture, and white small table doesn't seem from here to 'do much' for ivory. I'd try a medium neutral, or a color.

    You saved an ideabook-photo, and it had large piece of art - I think that might be missing for you - where's space for it?

    17" H x 17" W x 35" D


    Convenience Concepts Designs4Comfort Brentwood Ottoman in Sandstone Beige Fabric · More Info


    abello350 thanked everdebz
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    It's storage opportunity inside these - maybe one huge square?

    or 2 rectangles.


    GDF Studio Carlyle Fabric Storage Ottoman, Dark Teal Fabric · More Info


    abello350 thanked everdebz
  • 4 years ago
    last modified: 4 years ago

    split lift up top / with child safety hinge


    Simpli Home Harrison 36" Square Lift Top Coffee Table Ottoman in Mink Brown · More Info


    abello350 thanked everdebz
  • 4 years ago

    Called 'brick' but a heathered/ light brick.


    High Wingback Linen Armchair, Brick · More Info