Have you considered just hanging one large piece of art, rather than more small decorations?

I personally think it would look better that more floating shelves.

If you decide to mirror the floating shelves, be sure to get the measurements exactly right. Otherwise the unintentional asymmetry will look wrong.

Thank you for the suggestion. I'm leaning towards shelves. I'd like to put books on the shelves instead of little trinkets/decorations.

Personally I do not like the shelves. They don't compliment the space.

Sorry I agree art a much nicer option and no matter what those shelves loo too puny for the heavy wall

Imo one long shelf on each side would look better than two short ones but, as others have stated, the shelving is not a good fit for the space.

I'd mirror the position but have the top one start between the height of the two you already have hanging. You won't have to worry as much about symmetry and there will be a sort of staggered effect.

I think these shelves would look much better painted the same color as the brick. Will they hold the weight of books? Are you going to get four sets of book ends? If you really need book storage, this doesn't seem like the most efficient way to get it. I'd put a vertical book tower to the right of the stove instead. You can get a ton of linear feet in book storage with those.

If intetested in improving, the shelves need to be more substantial (for books especially), lowered and not staggered. Fill the old holes if necessary and touch up with paint used on bricks. Can duplicate or add art on other side.

The brick is nice, however, you're headed in the direction of a hot mess. The shelves are too short. They should be at least 36" long and stained or painted black or the color of the brick.

The wood needs something to hold it - otherwise it looks messy.

I wouldn't stager the floating shelves. You could use a lamp in that corner!

Stagger*

On the right: the lower shelf is at the same height as on the left, but at a different distance from the fireplace niche and point-blank to the wall; the top shelf is at an equal distance from the fireplace niche, but at a different height.
Note - if the photo is not your interior, this offer may not work...

If shelving is required maybe units like this would be better.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions and alternatives. I also appreciate the mock up photos with ideas.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions and alternatives. I also appreciate the mock up photos with ideas.

Thank you very much for all the suggestions and alternatives. I also appreciate the mock up photos with ideas.

Go with Maureen's first idea

Longer and darker shelves, or industrial style shelves are better for this wall. Take down what you have and repair the holes so you can rethink this. Yes, books need a home but your first idea doesn’t complement this very dramatic, beautiful dark wall and fireplace. My vote would be the black industrial shelves from Beverly. You’ve got the perfect spot for them.

Yes, you are leaving so much design potential on the table with the, sorry to say, cheap looking shelf idea. I like the lamp idea @okibujp suggested. Maybe something like this for the shelving?

I think the shelves that echo the natural look of the firewood could be fine, but I would use only one on the right, longer than either of the other two and placed between them. Something like this?