Definitely radiator cover or paint radiator to tone in. Definitely paint shelves either white or red if put against one of the white walls. If you want to keep it light then go for light coloured sofa, beige/cream or such then bring the red colour in with cushions and another tone such as blue. Use also a different coloured throw to drape over arm of sofa and add other colour accessories/pictures around room. Certainly the blue sofa suggestions are very good alsi if you want a fuller feeling to the room and then soften with lighter complementary cushions and accessories.

My vote goes to Bumblebee, Burnt yellow or Real teal. Think those colours can go in either a light Scandinavian or a darker jewel toned interior. Orange is one of those colours that you can get bored of quite quickly, especially bright orange. The other colours look a bit too ‘dirty’ on my screen. Hope this helps. Good luck with the renovation. Love the cornice detail

Thank you all for voting! We went with a charcoal velvet sofa in the end, very squishy and comfortable - great for the library! Green velvet would have also looked great but as ever, budgets aren’t unlimited so we went with something that would hopefully fit in if the decor changed in the future!

would be careful about the type of leather, as there are different treatments which applied and can make a difference to longevity. we bought analine leather couch, very expensive but didn't know that although soft and comfortable it didn't take too well to every day use and hot body! it was our only couch and we had a his and hers side.......his side the leather darkened and after 5-7 years cracked, now ripped. only resolution, cotton blanket over the seat and back cushions. Recovering both seat and back cushions will be as expensive as buying again.... 3 years after quote we are no closer to deciding as it is a damned comfy couch and styles have moved away from classic to stiff and angular! Hint - do some reading on the leather types....