i would like to put floating shelves above the cabinets. i have recessed lighting, so the lamps aren‘t general lighting for the entire room. Im not sire if that is what you meant (?)

my question was could I use lamps

( even buffet style like you suggested) under shleves? even if placed to the side, they would be under it. I have been looking and see that people do it i so I am guessing its just preference .

Before the painting is complete, have an electrician install a couple more outlets in more convenient spots. It's not terribly expensive and shouldn't require a new circuit; but will make the room so much more livable.

Geez. No shelves‼️‼️‼️

I agree no to the shelves. Can you use an extension cord to have lamps on side tables?

I wouldn't put the lamps, although very nice, under shelves. If you decide not to do the shelves, then the lamps would work nicely next to mirrors, with a large piece of art over the mantel. Since the cabinets aren't built in, then I don't think shelves are your best option, even though the cabinets are nice.

I love your wall color! What is it?

Oh a pretty room it will be! Do you have any inspiration photos of your idea you can post? I don’t find any and wouldn’t want the look to compete with the beautiful fireplace since it wouldn’t be built in bookcases there. But offset shelves might work. Perhaps trimming out that wall with fireplace similar trim might be another look to consider.

Jakowskib, , yes,, I have seen plenty of inspiration pics of the look I would like, and they look lovely. i will post some below.

Jennifer K . Adding an outlet would require breaking open the walls on both sides of the wall where my sofa is , as you have to run the wires for the outlet to a source for the electricity it’s, which is behind where the cabinets are Which then would require patching , compound, etc its not so simple, and not so cheap, I wish it were .It would be $300-$500 minimum for electrical and then the cost of wall repair by my contractor which would be another added expense on top of that. UGH!!

houssaon- thats a good idea. I am going to look to see if I can find a white or clear extension cord and see if I can camouflage it to be able to use lamps on end tables next to sofa. That may work. Thank you .

Ajuju- thank you. houzz is a great resource, but unfortunately, inappropriate comments are sometimes made. it comes with the territory 🤷‍♀️ I have found the majority of members are super kind and helpful, so I just appreciate and focus on that . here are some inspo pics

I like the shelves you’re using for inspiration. I think you just need shorter lamps that fits under the shelves, as shown in the first and last pics. One of the other pics has a small lamp on a shelf — could do this with a battery operated lamp.

Also, this is just my preference but I like when things aren’t 100% symmetrical. Consider not having having the exact same lamps on both sides.

Thanks beeboo22. I am going to see if extension cord idea can work to use lamps on the end tables, but if not, then shorter lamps would be better using shelves . I am not even sure if I am keeping these lamps , so it is no big deal to get something else .

However, I like things symetrical. Having mis-matched things drives me nuts in certain regards. Having two different table lamps would irk me - LOL

Your lamps will be too tall for under shelves. I like the no shelves best. They always look cluttery to my eye and even more so when they aren’t part of a built in or niche.

Thank you Kate .

Yes, these lamps are too tall to be iused with shelves. I am getting different lamps no matter what I end up doing ; as they are too tall to be used with shelves and if the extension cord idea works for the end tables, I dont want clear glass lamps on clear glass end tables.

i absolutely agree with you that if the shelves aren’t styled properly, they can look like clutter. However, I would intentionally style these to avoid that issue ( large vases, large sculpture, floral arrangement, silver framed family photos) I wouldn’t just add a bunch of random small Tchotchke. I was told the same thing about it looking cluttered when asking about adding floating shelves to my kitchen, and they turned out beautiful. I am glad I did it, I styled it thoughtfully It Added a beautiful touch to the kitchen.

Large vertical mirror over fireplace and art over each cabinet would look beautiful.

As Jennifer said, add more outlets before you finish up in there. (That might not help you with this current dilemma, but will help with future ones!)

Here is a blank canvas. Have at it.

BeverlyFLADeziner, I am not sure what your comment response of ” have at it ” below is about.

Now i see the pic with the shelves. it wasnt there before so I want understanding your comment thank you. I think the shelves look bery nice, so Im not sure why so many people are opposed to them. I would hang my artwork over the fireplace instead of a mirror, but I personally think its a nice set up. It would work for me.

Have at it means .........I have provided a blank canvas for all those who think they have an idea for the wall and would like to add their images to it. Cut & Paste with MS Paint

.

Do you have a piece of art you'd like inserted into the photo?

If you add the shelves you cannot use your lamps.

Are you planning to have custom-made floating shelves as illustrated?

Shelves tend to be a depository or junk unless carefully curated.

If lighting is an issue, add a chandelier, and put mirrors over the chests, with lamps.

Just do not do what you see on and over the mantel ...yikes.

I understand i cant use hen dise the lamps if I do shelves . I noted below I am taking the suggestion someone had of using an extension cord I am looking for a white or clear one to , camouflaged it along the floor trim , and using the lamps on my end tables next to the sofa.

yes, I had beautiful custom sized shelves made for my kitchen, and would do the same here

You can purchase the shelves online. Floating shelves are not as exotic and rare as they used to be.

Ultra shelf

https://www.urbandi.com/collections/hardwood-shelves

Love this look and a carpenter could easily make to complement the chests and wall height. Could add battery operated sconses on each side.

There are lights that I think could work in this space underneath the shelves, but not lamps. I have a couple of lights that are columns and oval in shape. Mine are 10” high and 5” in diameter. The bulb attaches inside the column at the base. I will try to find a name for them. They provide beautiful light.

I think open shelving would look nice for sure - curated and thoughtful accessories would help the walls shine. There are lots of super cure battery operated lamps available that could help with lighting - lovely room!

FWIW for me personally, lots of open shelving can feel either chaotic on one end of the spectrum or uber-staged on the other end (just a personal/me thing) -- I think large mirrors hung over the cabinets with a set of gorgeous lamps reflecting all that light back into the room would be lovely -

Thansk everyone for the ideas , suggesrions and help. I know a few have mentioned mirrors, but Im not sure I d like that. For one, there is nothing nice being reflected. direct opposite where mirrors would flank are two side walls. Not much of anything pretty to see, jist walls

Other is that I could use an area to put curated items, so the shelves would come in handy for us..

this would be the direct reflection. UGH! walls and the steps going upstairs

please excuse mess- mid renovations at the moment

Since you don't want to open your walls for new outlets, consider surface mounted wiring. You can get paintable wire moulding so it won't be too visible. Long term use of extension cords is a low but real hazard.

I dont know much about extension cords, but it would only be the 2 lamps plugged in them. we have recessed lighting which we use 90 percent of the time. The lamps are used on occasion, just for ambiance loghting when we dont want recessed on. would that pose a problem?

i never heard of surface mounted wiring i just checked it out per your recommendation and thar looks like a perfect solution!! Thank you SO much for the idea

https://www.amazon.com/Rechargeable-Operated-Emergency-Activity-Equivalent/dp/B0B7WLT11Y/ref=sr_1_9?crid=12Q73UAWJEJGV&keywords=rechargeable+light+bulbs+with+remote&qid=1682427512&sprefix=Rechargeable+light,aps,125&sr=8-9