We need pictures really . Post them her ein a comment how else would we be able to do anything but throw out guesses

Urbane bronze is too stark. Maybe Montpelier but why not color drench the room (in the color already there) and have built in bookcases in same color, different sheen. Thats very in style but also I think is timeless and classy. I like the color currently on the walls after looking it up. Also if the bookcases are decorative (meaning you will be styling them out with accessories), that’s where the pop of color and texture will come in from the pieces. Good luck!

What did you look up there are no pics so all you looked up is a color . We need pictures . IMO pops of color are not a whole wall and what is going on the bookcases that will provide pops of color maybe

Thanks Patricia and Shazia for taking rhe time to respond.

Patricia - the room is currently under construction so i dont have any photos yet. i understand that its difficult to advise without seeing but am just asking if anyone has any ideas based on my description . it will be a full wall of bookcases mostly filled with books, possibly an area with glass doors to showcase some items.

shazia - i will consider keeping everything thr same color. was hoping to add some interest but maybe a different finish in the same color would be more pleasing to the eye

I like dark bookcases that have the same color on the walls.

You've a room under construction. Does it have planned furnishings? Is it going to have a rug, ? Will there be lamps, art ? Why must the book case have a "color"

What is the trim color for windows? .......Book cases are generally considered "trim, millwork" )

If you don't want these trim color? Use the color ( whatever color ) of the walls, or build them in a white oak, I'm assuming you plan to fill them with books, artifacts of interest to you ? ? That is "decor" enough.

Single walls, ,any wall, "pops" of color are for chickens afraid to use the color on four walls, which is where the color belongs. POPS are your decor......rug, art, etc.

In fact, lets not use the word pop at all, Lets use accent, and save the other for the amateurs who favor the word: ) and the result. of ........ " I 'm a chicken" : )

Thanks Beverly for all those gorgeous photos! the dark look is stunning!

Jan - you said it exactly right - i am chicken to paint the entire room dark..

i am leaning towards leaving them oak

thanks for the feedback!

^^^ : )

WHY ? It's an opportunity for SMASHING!

" More rooms have died from a lack of guts" than just about anything else?

"That quote, "More rooms have died from a lack of guts than from anything else," is widely attributed to

Tom Hiddleston, the actor, often in reference to taking chances in life and acting, highlighting courage over fear, though it's a common sentiment echoing themes of bravery and seizing opportunities..........."

I guess without any context I would do the same as the walls and still stand by my comment no pop of a different color.

I love that you are actually using the bookshelves for books! A rarity these days. Notice that most photos of bookshelves are utterly styled with books chosen for the color of their spine in a photoshoot. But it sounds like you actually read and will have a variety of spine colors and your bookcase won't look as uniform nor have as much open wall space peeking from behind.

For this reason I'd paint it the built in the same color as the wall. And also because it is a built-in and will look more built-in the same color as the wall.

If you want more of a pop or contrast of color in the room, look to window treatments, rugs, furniture, art work instead.

My library (aka hall landing) has white, built-in bookshelves. The walls are maroon. Because the bookshelves take up most of the wall space, the dark paint isn't the dominant color in the room. If you want color and you have a room with lots of windows and built-ins, you could paint it a very strong color without having that color dominate the room. My kitchen is the same. Between the cabinets and the windows, the bright orange walls act as a pop of color, they don't saturate the room.

It’s not only the flooring and wall color, but your furniture and accessories need to be kept in mind. Look on line for inspiration/colors, or to decide between the two. Maybe test a few shades when feasible, as natutal and artifical light will have a effect.

Thank you all for your time and respnses. i am afraid a dark color will make the room feel small and ”cave-likeIke”. the pictures are amazing but not sure it will have that look in my space.

i may keep it the color of the walls and bring color through wall art, a great rug etc

maureen - i really love that last photo - that is exactly the look i was envisioning in my space. any idea wht color that is?

I am not a big fan of painted bookshelves - paint tends to get dinged and scratched much more than wood.

Wood could be a great way to add warmth without adding a ton of color.

This room would be pretty bland without the wood.

It also really benefits from some actual color (green), not just more shades of neutral.

I do love to see a few colors repeated through a home, having some connection in connecting rooms.

This home is one of my favorite demonstrations - living room with the blues and greens, dining room continues with same green, but pairs it with purple and then the bedroom continues with the purple. . .

Do you have colors in other adjoining rooms that you could pull into this room?

What is the overall color scheme for the house?

Another interesting way to bring in color is through the ceiling.

Didn’t reference a color, but I found a similar shade.

The BM article (link below) might help, as it compares similar navy/charcoal undertones and note the “Search Now“ option.

https://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-colors/color/2128-30/evening-dove

Thank you Maureen! that is so incredibly helpful. i will order samples to try in the room. greatly appreciate your taking fhe time to research that for me!