Something like this? [houzz=]

I think a good clear out is in order first. Do you have any seating or shelving currently?

So basically convert it into a library. Add bookshelves along the wall perpendicular to the window and staircase. Fill them with books. Also add book lighting to light up your books.

Add some low bookshelves the height of the bannister and place them along the bannister (both angles). Place two lamps on top.

In the middle of the room add some great rugs.

Facing away from the window (as it makes good reading light) add a comfortable but small sofa.

Add an ottoman or chaise longue the other side so someone could lie and read there, or two people could sit and chat. You can also add a small slipper chair on the return part so you could comfortably seat 4-5 friends and still have room for reading and enjoying each other's company

Thanks a lot for the ideas, I'm sure I can use them.. Right now there is seating near the window n right opposite the stairs.

To make it cozy for friends to chat, you need to group furniture conversationally so everyone can look at the others. Place a tea table in front of the sofa and draw up some chairs. Clear out everything that isn't dedicated to comfortable conversation or book storage. For reading, you need lamps that are bright, shaded and scaled to throw light on the page from over the reader's shoulder or from the side.

So the book shelves on the sides of the window will look nice ?

Question, Where does the door lead to? A balcolny?

I've looked at the pics that you have been sent and they are beautiful but it does not look like it will work if one really studies the details of your lobby/loft. I would recommend a few things. First, remove everything, everyone has said that this is a first step. Next, I would move the glass panels on the stairwell. They are unique but could become a hazard when and if children become involved. if they are glass and they break, it looks like the glass would fall down the stairs and this could be dangerous, and the glass looks outdated. The weights by the window do not look safe either, a slip could end up in another event of broken glass. I see room for a small desk, a large area rug and a few individual chairs but I don't, from studying the picture really see room for an elaborate bookcase. You don't want to block the flow from one room to another and I see that there are rooms on both sides of the area not to mention the door. Bookshelves on the right side of the window seems like it would block or protrude the walk way/hallway to the right but there is one on the left side of the window and under the window maybe a window seat. Good luck and I hope this feedback helps. Sorry I don't have a model to show you.

Thx Gerald MoragneEI. The door leads to the balcony. Ya I need to empty the pl n there start placing things.