Are you calling the large cabinet with glass doors to the right of your sofa bookshelves?

If so, that's a part of the problem. (Please don't paint that cabinet.) Instead of filling up this beautiful cabinet with books, opt instead to make it a "stuff" cabinet -- more like a curio cabinet but without feeling you need to "arrange" the stuff in it to be displayed. You display what is at the front of the shelf near the glass and you stuff your stuff behind it as it will fit -- stuff like trophies or mementos from trips or events or nick knacks or even candy dishes and candle holders and pretty vases you're not currently using for their intended purposes -- bright cheerful stuff your family values but you don't want to be the focus of the room or to need to dust regularly.

Add a few small battery powered wireless closet lights (and mirrors, some in the upper shelves sticky taped to the back wall of the cabinet and others more at eye level lying flat on the shelves to reflect light ) and turn some of the lights on when the room is feeling especially dark and/or you want to highlight some specific treasure -- the pumpkin shaped candy dish in October, the turkey S&P set in November, the ceramic tree or clear glass tree candy dish in December, the snowman jar in January....

Also, you shouldn't add any more large pieces of furniture to the small room -- no lounge or loveseat. Opt instead for "lady" sized chairs -- recliners or wing backs. Keep the colors light. Use curtain rods that are wider than the windows so when your curtains or drapes are open, almost all of each window is visible.

Floor lamps with dual lights -- one light that aims up and another with a goose neck adjustable for reading -- would help you light the room without needing end tables to take up your limited space. Choose the tall ones -- at least a pair, perhaps as many as four (one for each "corner" of the room -- that could be placed behind the sofa if needed. The lamps can be black or brass but the shades need to be white. Once you decide where you want to keep the floor lamps, you could even get the octagon shaped mirrors intended as a stand for large candles and stick them to the ceiling above the lamps to increase the reflected light in the room.

Sun catchers on the windows will also brighten up your room a bit.

A square ottoman that doubles for storage and has a lid that flips to a solid surface usable as a coffee table would be a good choice and add an additional seat if needed.

I think the cabinets look fine with your new sofa. I wouldn't paint them and I wouldn't overfill them. You can search for some colorful items but also use a lot of white pieces. I think woven shades (bottom up) would add texture to your windows without hiding your beautiful trim. I don't know your budget but IKEA has some really nice wicker side chairs.

Don't have measurements, so just a guess...floor arrangement, let me know what works and what doesn't.

Love Susan"s suggestions for furniture placement, etc. Your fireplace isn't horrible at all. A great piece of art or a large starburst mirror is in order. I wouldn't cover the windows w/ drapes. If privacy is an issue, dress the bottom half inside the casings. The bookcase is a black hole in the room and I wouldn't suggest the lighting or any other money spent to make it "work". Replace it with a WHITE Billy bookcase (or the Liatorp @ less than $350)

if nothing else. Your house has so much charm and it won't take much to make it bring that out. Keep it simple!

Consider painting the cabinet to match the door. Don't fill the cabinet with stuff, fill it with what you need! This is a lovely room, with much potential.

What kind of wall space is in the room behind the fireplace wall? I'm thinking the bookcase might not be so jammed in next door.

1st 2 chairs and rug are from Pier 1.

It's a very pretty room and the fireplace looks original to the house. I think it's very nice, so don't neglect it when you decorate.

Do you have room anywhere else in the house for the bookcases? I would try to keep one in the living room (centered in the space between the windows) and move the other one somewhere else. Two of them look very squished in that space. That would also give you a bit of extra room for an accent chair. I really like the first one that Susan 2494 suggested.

In light gray

The bookcases are only going to look heavier when loaded with books. I'd be thinking of converting a bedroom into a library and reading room.

Paint your bookcases and load with all your wonderful books. There is not a TV in this room, so enjoy your family, guests and your books. Design is not just looks, but functionality and actually living in your space.

Thank you so much Susan for posting the photos of the white and gray book cases! You guys are great! Keep the ideas coming!

Put this together for you. Not perfect, but gives you a visual.

If you're not planning on replacing the bookcases why not wallpaper or paint the backs of them in a light colour to lessen the dark effect of them in your room. I love Susan's suggestions for seating. I believe the top two are from Pier One so should be priced well.

Too funny Stefanie....I do the same thing with my son....I guess it's a Mom thing.

I think Susan has nailed it!

Hi! I think an accent chair (rather than a chaise) and round ottoman that would work with both the sofa and the chair. It's always nice to work with handmedowns, which allows you to put your budget towards other areas. I would suggest painting the piece ivory. annie sloan paints work great without having to sand. Another idea to lighten up the book case is to take ivory craft paper and cover old books to create rows of light colored books. We also sell some great books for display purposes. http://www.lauraofpembroke.com/products/copy-of-metallic-silver-book?variant=5236087236

best of luck!

I love your hardwood, go with lighter colors to bring some light into the room.

Here are some area rug suggestions:

Rio Collection

I can't see why not. Just take a little more time. Take all the books out first :>)