I think it would look better on top of the book case, in the space to the right of the blue vase. If you move it there, you will probably need to remove one of the smaller vases (keep the blue one, however).

^ Either that, or put it on a small stand and place on the lamp table between your chairs. I'll help pull the gold of the frame into the room.

I agree, right above the blue vase, about 4 inches higher than the green vase, would be perfect.

nansdrew, it definitely looks better there than on the mantel. I like mmilos' suggestion of placing it on a stand on the table. Check places like HomeGoods, Michael's, Aaron Brothers for easels that hold frames, books, etc.

Your mirror is much better with the other objects next to it. However the top shelf items are standing in a row like soldiers. The vases need to be in a grouping of 3 at the left side of the bookshelf. with the mirror as an accent on the right side. The animals from shelf 3 could go on your mantle. and then you can free up some of the overcrowding on the other shelves (looks too crowded) You need to stack a bunch of books on the coffee table with the tiny vase on top of them. I would say the bigger problem in the room is the Gold Picture frame over the mantle. I would look for a rustic wood frame to go with your stone fireplace and reframe.

Try here: http://theapprenticeandthejourneyman.com/2013/02/28/diamond-wood-inlay-banding/

Thanks everyone. I will work on clearing the bookcase. It houses my kids summer workbooks and other educational stuff so they remember to work on them, but I think I can thin the other books. Can't let go of the gold frame though, because it ties into all the gold favrile art glass and light fixtures we have (house is craftsman-esque). I plan to get a wooden mantle above the stone someday. Again, thank you!

I love the light fixture in your dining room! Can you tell us where you bought it?

I liked it on the mantle.

Old post guys, but thank you for all inputs. I've somehow managed to declutter and keep a third of the bookshelf clear.

mswe312-Our dining fixture was a custom piece. The lighting designer (at Historic Lighting in Monrovia, CA, now closed unfortunately) worked with Arroyo Craftsman for the metal fixtures, Lundberg Studios for the glass shades and a local woodworker for the canopy. We splurged on the piece, but figured it would be the star of the room, and we won't need to decorate much. If you check out the dealers for Arroyo Craftsman on their website, you could probably have something similar made. Good luck!