Neither is appropriate for your area. A more minimal floating shelf solution is appropriate. Either purchase something from IKEA, or one of these from RH.

I understand that Patricia, but this is our lifestyle. I am attempting to make our living room as grownup as possible without "screaming school" but we are a family with kids. Even if we didn't homeschool we would have children's books accessible in this room. It's simple enough to put the kids books away when/if we entertain and it doesn't look childish. I think the ledges will give us a lot of flexibility in what we display.

Any suggestions?