We recently had our (prior owners) bookcase painted - in fact almost the same colour as the picture Minnie has supplied. It's gone from looking like a cheap eyesore into something very elegant. Would definitely recommend a dark subdued colour . And to mention it wasn't even wood but veneer, no problems with painting it at all.

Definitely, a paint job could brighten it up a lot, until some more permanent solution can be found. Try a chalk paint, in different shades, use the shelves to their maximum, you can never have too many . Just like shoes, really!

F&B Hague blue would give the effect of the picture. Not sure if you are brave enough to do the whole room dark but consider that wall one ans off white elsewhere would give a Scandinavian feel. Maybe white shutters at the window. Have fun.

I would paint the bookcase and the the wall in a similar grey to your armchair,Create "boxes" by painting some shelves pale grey and a couple in mustard . Maybe back one box in mirror glass to put some coloured glasses/decanters on as a drinks unit. Put your pale mustard photo frame into the darker box and collect interesting items using the same colour theme. Hope that helps!

...books?

Quick fix, why don't you try some wallpaper?

Ipend - great idea - find the right paper, and it could look amazing.

Some acrylic cut to size attached to the backs could refresh things. Dark woods and finishes like gold and copper look great together

Looks great, love the colours!