Do you have the artwork that will be displayed on the shelving? It isn't possible to give good advice without seeing a pic of items/getting dimensions.

You can layer the frames in front and in back of each other. Also use floor and bookcases for your display.

Just one long ledge can certainly work in the right scale:

I think what you have posted with a staggered look will be best for your space and help break up the really heavy sense of symmetry cause by the ceiling cut out.

IMO without seeing the pieces you have how can we help with layout. I for sure do not like a shelf with things that can fall right over my head above a sofaBTW

Yes, I live in CA...with our tremblors we think about things falling off shelves for sure. We go through lots Velcro and Alien Tape lol. Museum Putty.

Why not just look at doing some lovely art above the sectional or sofa?

Modern Ranch · More Info

I think we need to see what it is you want to display but I think the OP has left the building