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khadija_shaikh86

Decor help - recessed areas LR

2 years ago

Hey guys, it’s my first question here. I have two recessed areas in my living room with my fireplace sandwiched in between. I’m thinking of doing one big bookcase that is decently tall on the right side. And on the left, two skinny bookcases with a desk in the middle that will be behind frosted, textured glass pocket doors. What do you think? Will that be too busy for these spaces? Am I doing too many bookcases in a formal living room?

Comments (7)

  • 2 years ago

    How wide are the spaces on either side? Can you please post more pix of the whole room?

  • 2 years ago

    The right is 48 in and the left is 67 in. The rest of the room is no where close to being done since we just moved in but here is a top down view

  • 2 years ago

    Are you going to want a TV in this room? I would put the TV on the 67" side over a console and put in a bookcase or another console on the right side if there's another place where you can put a desk. Open shelving instead of a structured bookcase is a more modern and open look if that fits your style, but bookcases flanking the fireplace are very commonly done.


    Do you really need a desk or was that just an idea for the space? How much would a desk be used? Is this the best room in which to have a desk?


    I don't have any pictures saved of fireplaces with desks on either side, but here are some pictures that might provide you with some inspiration.


    West Highland Ranch · More Info


    Impressive Traditional Fireplace - White Mountain Hearth · More Info


    Braeside · More Info


    Cincinnati Dutch Colonial · More Info


    NOB HILL | Remodel + Styling · More Info


  • 2 years ago

    Thanks for the inspo pictures. I thought about TV originally for the right side but decided against because the space is so tall, I don’t know what do about the height without it looking out of place. The desk was mostly just to use up the space but also I need to put the printer somewhere but don’t have an office

  • 2 years ago

    Your new space looks very nice! It's good to think about ways to improve it but I think you're putting the cart before the horse. Do you need desks and bookcases or are you trying to think of ways to fill up that space? If you don't need those things, there are plenty of other ways you can make the fireplace area look finished. Large art, plants, side chairs, etc.

    Based on your photos, it looks like you need a much larger area rug and re-arrange your furniture. Furniture rarely needs to be pushed up against the wall.


  • 2 years ago

    Thank you! I’m definitely trying to think of ways to fill up space, but I also want furniture that I can use as extra storage. The rug and couches are just there for now until we buy a couch that fit the space properly. While we’re on the discussion tho, what kind of couch and how big do you think would look good in the space? I also don’t know far away from the wall is a good idea

  • 2 years ago

    Without knowing exact measurements or seeing the other side of the room, the general advice for a space your size would be to not use a sectional. A sofa, chair and ottoman that can double as a coffee table are more versatile.

    Your wall color, fireplace and floors are warm-toned so I would avoid decorating with cool grays and stark whites. Mixing warm and cool tones can work but it's much easier to get a cohesive space when you use one or the other.