Yes. They can absolutely live somewhere else! That's a cute idea!

I agree with Donna Dixon. If you want it to be a bookcase, I'd remove (or wallpaper cover) the mirror and put wood shelves instead. Or, a pretty location for a collection of pretty bowls, etc - at a minimum. A mirror creates two of everything!

Jennifer - the mirrors combined with the standards and the glass are throwing this off. I want to suggest that rather than change the use that you need, that you beef up the shelfs a bit. If you replace the glass shelves with a thick (drop front edge) wood board (2x painted white plus front trim ) shelf, the mirrors would bounce your light about a bit more but also look substantial. Then, taking the small things out, turning some books in horizontal stacks organized by color on each level with the glass grouping and the wood box left on the shelves. Keep your music here. I would also suggest you remove the mirror altogether and paint hte recess a van deusen blue (navy light - perfect for recesses)

I'm glad you like it. Just looked like a bar to me, sans the wet sink and I have bartended off and on in the day. :)You could find cobalt blue glasses and bottles at thrift stores mixed with clear as well and it would hide the "Standards"? just like in the picture. And you really wouldn't have to change a thing. Just remember Top shelf means Good quality liquor. It could be a fun finding it all.

Jennifer, if you don't have the funds to do major changes to the mirror, you could try applying window film (available at places like Lowes and Home Depot). These apply with just water and a squeegee (included in the kit). Easy on, easy off. A simple frosted version would create a very neutral backdrop and blend in with the standards a bit more.

The window film is a great idea. It all depends on what you need Jennifer. So many times we do what other people do, just because it's in. If you're a book lover/collector use the space for that. If you want a bar, by all means, put one in. I was thinking to do as Darzy suggested with covering or removing what mirrors you don't want-- but, I think you could leave the outer edges mirror, with wood shelves rather than glass. In center you could put your books and in the mirrored area on sides use as a place to showcase your special vases, collectibles, etc....