It may seem counterintuitive, and they look lovely as-is--but a black bannister would really showcase this staircase very well.

In regards to your mirror, where exactly are you thinking of placing it--near the console table or the wall adjacent to where the boys are located in this pic?

Do not out a mirror facing the front door. An appropriate sized art is better.

Sorry but the foyer chandelier is not right for the space, it is too harsh and angular. Select something more soft and inviting but still provides good light. Move the lamp to the other side of the table.

Do not paint the bannister black. Consider a vibrant rug to complement the art work.

I was thinking of the mirror over the console. The top of the diagonal is about 8' and the bottom is about 5'. Still think it's too low?

Personally, placing a mirror there would depend on what it reflects (another source of light or a nice view is great--otherwise, I'd re-consider). If I did place a mirror there, I'd go with a different shape altogether (arched or rectangular) to give some additional height. That said, I tend to against traditional grain, so I'd even consider placing tall rectangular leaner (mirror) behind the console. ;)

Also check out houzz for inspiration for the black banisters. It's quite a transitional look and classic look.

It does face the front door which has side lights and outside is a beautiful oak. I used to have a leaning mirror. But I recently painted the table( it was black) and I figured I'd change it up. But maybe I'd try the old mirror again. Thanks for your advice.

I'd love a painting but I'm trying to use something I already have in the mean time.

What a pretty foyer! If you want the lamp in that corner, I'd go with a shorter lamp. I vote for a smallish horizontal art rather than a mirror in that space. I like the banister's color. I think the white spokes (is that what they are called?) are a little bright. I'd rather see that changed to an ivory or a warmer white, and keep the banister as is.

Put the mirror there ,everyone needs a mirror by the door paint it black with your chalk paint and then paint the stair rail black to match it

The banister not the rails

This is the mirror that was in this space- my mothers childhood mirror. Could this work if I painted or is it a definite no??

@Amie, it's lovely. It could - it should be a contrasting colour to the wall - otherwise it blends into the wall. What colour were you thinking of painting it?

I think it's a bit too large for the space. Wondering if two or four small brass framed (to match your lamp) mirrors may work better.
[houzz=]

Also, unless you don't get enough light there where the console table is, it's not absolutely necessary that you need a lamp. You can also do something like 2 tabletop topiaries (bring some greenery in there). ;)

I agree, the mirror is too overwhelming for that area - you may want to consider relocating it onto the wall adjacent to the wall as you descend the staircase. I would not paint the railings black, I would stain them a deep mahogany. The chandelier is not in keeping aesthetically with what you have in the space and it is too low - either a round or square that fits within that stairwell over the foyer. I like the idea of a pattern runner up the stairs.

A round mirror to the right of the table would counteract the angularity of the space and add more light, especially if you moved the lamp to the right side of the table, following not fighting the line of stairs. A striking metallic bowl or tray on the left would add some texture too. Also consider painting the walls facing the door a more dramatic colour to mark the importance of entrances. Depending on your general colour scheme and preferences, midnight blue would recede or Dijon yellow would be warm but elegant. To add some softness, you might consider hanging a traditional or seasonal fabric (eg. quilt or kilim) over the banister at times. Enjoy experimenting!