Small living room bookcase design dilemma

last year

We have a small living room with a sort of sideways set-up. I'd like to add a bookshelf in the space to the left of the couch but I'm not sure which way to orient the bookshelf. Do I orient it so you see the books when you walk into the room? Or so you see the books when you're facing the couch? Or do I angle a bookshelf? Or get a corner bookshelf? I'm at a loss. I am planning to move the pictures and plant as well as the dog bed so please ignore those in the picture (the pack-n-play is also a short-term accessory). I'd also love any design ideas for the light fixture or any other advice this amazing community has to share about how to design the space.

Featured Answer

deegw

last year

You have a nice space and I like your sectional. The scale is good and the color is nice. I like Jilly's idea of putting the bookcase on the open wall. And I'd put a floor lamp or an end table with a lamp in the plant spot, closer to the front of the sofa arm. It looks like you need some people-level lighting.

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Comments (9)

Jilly
last year
Hi, there … can you show all sides of the room?

In the meantime, could it go on this wall for easier access?
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Becca
Original Author
last year
Thanks for the feedback! There's an entrance to the kitchen next to the other wall and, unfortunately, it's not deep enough to fit a bookshelf (at least all of the one's I've found have been too deep for that wall - it's only 9" deep). Here's a more comprehensive view of the space:
Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
The video is great! Very helpful. Such a charming house!

I’m just thinking that corner would be super tight for accessing the bookcase … is there any way you could move the sectional (and rug with it) over some? Just to open that corner up more?

As far as placement, I’d either find a corner unit or have it facing the sofa.
Becca
Original Author
last year
I can definitely shift the sectional over to the right a bit to open the space up a bit. I wonder if I could line up the left side of the couch with the window to open that space up even more so the kids have a place to play. Little homes are cozy but so hard!
Jilly
last year
last modified: last year
I get it! We downsized and it’s been challenging.

Another idea — a long-ish (move the corner chair) console for the TV that has shelving and storage for books and such? Or would it stick out in the room too much?
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Becca
Original Author
last year
I love that idea! I think I worry that it might feel too cluttered with another piece of furniture there, but it would be a great space to utilize if I could make it work. I think I'd need something about 60" wide and max 15" deep which is hard to find!
Sammie J
last year
I would not use a bookshelf - instead, get a long, low cabinet to set under the tv. Make sure it is about 30% longer than your tv.
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eld6161
last year
Have you looked on Wayfair? I've found quite a few pieces on that site.
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