Great combination will be books, a picture or two, small plant (such as cactus) because they bring sophistication to the space, few small ornaments and DVDs. There is a lot of space but be careful not to overdo it as it will ruin great design of the shelf.

When we did our 2014 remodel to accommodate our overstuffed bookshelves, we had the best intentions to organize on the subject/author by alphabet method. We used the lower shelves for the more often used categories and left the nosebleed sections for the stuff we don't use as often. We had the intention of providing space for expansion. Well, not quite 2 years later, the excess capacity for the more often used sections is gone. Seems as if organizing by subject/genre with room for expansion is the mainstay, then one is almost destined for major re-organization periodically. Don't see a way around that. I thought we would be adding more shelves to the North wall in 4-5 years, but it might have to happen this summer to allow for expansion. We also have 5 satellite branches (DW's office, my office, cookbooks, oversize books, my novels/lit/philosophy section to the main branch/library-music room. I love having first world problems. When I was a kid, I dreamed of having a house full o' books.

Hi Mortimer Blake, I see what you mean when it comes to classic style cabinets. Perhaps you need something more modern. How about open shelving (like below)? You could either go for built-in cabinets or freestanding. I would love to have these in my living room but due to space, don't think I can keep them tidy enough! One day though!

I wanted a bookcase that would fill the gap between the chimney breast and window , which is 230 cm in height and 150 cm wide. The bookcase will be used mostly for books as we are trying to create two spaces as the living is open plan with this side being a reading area and the other will have a fireplace and the TV ( see picture attached) We have exposed the metal columns to create modern industrial but elegant look. Does anyone have advise on the sofa/armchair layout for this space ?