Don't mind my poor Paint skills, but would something like this look better? Removing the lamps all together and one end table and replacing with a floor lamp on one side and something like plates stacked on the right side? Or is it better as it is?

Thanks acm. If you look in the second photo, there are two arm chairs to the left (out of the field of vision of the first photo from the front door). Would you suggest moving them? I've thought about that but worried about how to address that empty space in the bay window.

Thus:

You need a painting instead of the mirror. The mirror fades into the wall and since you already have one mirror in the room opt for a nice framed print that can stand up to the weight of the dark sofa and coffee table.

I know, but they're visually out of this frame, and while they're pleasant for a cup of tea, they can't really have a conversation with somebody on the couch! you need furniture that's visually in this room, which is part of why I suggest an ottoman, to split the difference...

The mirror doesn't reflect much but is also too small for that wall. A lot of people have trouble with their large walls, so don't feel bad. A couple of things you can do.

Paint that wall a few shades darker to make it stand out.

And/or

Add a large horizontal artwork above that sofa.

Check out my artwork for ideas. I have many large canvas prints.

Also, the two pieces of artwork you have are also too small and are hung too high. You need to hang those at eye level.

Enjoy decorating!

Use a painting over the sofa and the mirror will look elegant alone above the white bench in the entry reading nook. Make sure the center point is about 5' above the floor when you start working with it. Go lower if you have to.

If you view out the bay window in lovely then make sure you can see it from your favorite sitting spot. What else do you do in this room? Would you like bookcases on either side of the sofa for extra items? That may help with dining room storage too. Plus the sofa won't look dark and lonely. What does it look like if you rotate your rug? It has lovely colors. Bring one of those rug accent colors onto your lampshades and like the others have said a nice painting or print would be pretty. Mirrors in dining rooms are said to multiply the bounty on the table :) or hang the mirror in the foyer if it is big enough.

It would be nice to see some dark elements on the sofa wall to tie in with the dark furniture, maybe art in dark frame flanked by sconces. Also if you moved the chairs to face the sofa, you could add a throw or pillows with some dark accents also. Trying to avoid arranging all your furniture along the walls is a good idea. Happy decorating!

You might consider color blocking the wall and painting the center third an accent color (like blue). That will give the mirror more "weight". Or paint the entire wall as an accent wall. Also, a plant on a plant stand in the corner nearest the window might be nice.

You might also consider adding a wall mural- perhaps of a cherished family photo or favorite vista from a vacation spot. This can really add a personal feel to the room, as well as being completely custom. :-)

If you'd rather not move the mirror, can the frame be painted a dark color? That would provide some punch and balance.

I appreciate all of your suggestions for the wall and I am weighing each option while keeping my eyes peeled for the right piece that is to scale. As far as furniture placement goes, I agree that something is off. I know all furniture shouldn't be on the walls, but I am struggling to find another arrangement. While moving the chairs looks okay from the entrance to the living room, it provides an issue with traffic flow to the dining room and kitchen. It also leaves a blank space at the bay window that I don't know how to address. And I do think that when the chairs are in the bay window nook, they can converse with the couch easily. What do you all think?

Of all the set- ups shown. I like the chairs in the bay window area. M Get a small table to put in between with a pop of color;)

Is that a small table by the sofa with a plant on it? I assume the plant is fake. If so, give it a proper burial;) and use the table by the chairs.

ooops, upon closer inspection, I see it is a plant in a urn. Hmmm...l still would remove it.

Hi Margo, I originally had a table between the two chairs but moved it over next to the sette where I felt it was needed more. Do you think this iron plant stand and yellow pot could do the trick? This plant is real ;-)

yourroyalhighness, the mirror also came in a dark wood finish and I thought it would be too much dark wood in the room and went for the light finish. Now I am thinking that was the wrong decision.

NO to the potted real geranium too;)

BZD, the wrong direction was adding another mirror. It reflects nothing and you already have one mirror. Art almost always trumps a mirror.

Your room would have more personality if you could move one of the end tables to another room and replace it with something that's not part of a matched set.

I liked the arrangement w/the 2chairs moved in to form a conversation area closer to the couch. The table w/lamp in the corner--- put the table between the 2chairs to be moved perpendicular to the couch and use the lamp on the rectangular table in front of the bay window . I think I'd just put a table of some kind ( rectangular) in front of the window with maybe a lamp on one side and a live plant elevated on a wooden frog along with some sort of table accessory.
As for over the couch, definitely a canvas or framed piece of weighty artwork to balance the couch. The mirror I think should go over the table at the entrance.
Hope this is helpful!

I understand the traffic issue, which is why my mock-up had one chair. But I also much prefer the chairs out in the room.

Is there some way you could put one chair in the left "slot," one chair in the window, and then something to keep the window chair company -- a small side table, plant, or whatever?

I tried one chair and a table in there and it looked odd. I think either both need to remain there or both out. The problem with the mock up of one chair diagonal is that it cut off the one chair in the bay window nook.

It needs color. I'd paint that wall.

You might want to change the color of the room a bit. I have a long 29 by 14.5' foot living room, not the easiest to decorate and I'm just starting a project using Mio soft tiles. I will leave them the original color, because I think it will blend well and should give the room something interesting and different. It is like hanging wallpaper, very easy.

in the hYou are correct, the mirror is too small and is reflecting a view of the stairway, not particularly attractive. I would replace it with something larger like a colorful triptych or, even though I think they have been over-used, a gallery wall of colorful prints since there is very little color in the room. The lampshades do disappear against the light color of the wall so new shades or a colorful band of ribbon wrapped around the edges of the shade will make a difference. I like the chairs in the bay window with an interesting little table in between, perhaps made of metal and glass to break up all the dark wood and two matching lumbar pillows on the chairs for color and comfort. I think you still need a third chair on the other corner of the rug to complete the conversation circle. Perhaps the arched mirror can go over the console table in the hallway and place that artwork somewhere else as it it too small for that table. Add some color with throw pillows in a color pulled from the rug that is a darker and/or brighter shade to break up the pastel i.e a rich gold or khaki, a deeper blue, a coral if that is in the rug. Good luck and have fun.

I think some pretty plates or (round) trays, or even smaller mirrors, hung around that mirror would look nice. And what if you moved the table thats in the foreground (with the lamp and the vase) to the nook, moving the chairs out to sit across from the sofa?

You have some nice pieces!
Have you tried your entry bench in the bay window? Then you could pull the chairs into the sofa conversation area.
I really like the round mirror that you have above the console table to the left of the bay window. That whole scene would be nice in the entry since it would be empty due to the bench being moved to the bay window.
I agree with leelee, an Audubon style print above the sofa would be nice. That mirror is really the only part of the room that I dislike.
Larger, more contemporary lamps, like seeded glass and some pillows that tie in the dark sofa-light with dark print, something with some texture, would be be cool, if you have it in the budget.
The church and barn pictures are neat, but would have a bigger impact if they were stacked or side by side on smaller wall.

You can also think of adding family photos or some kind of art on that wall. Here are some ideas. Hope it helps to inspire you..

Add a nice piece of artwork behind the sofa. I would put the chairs opposite the sofa and the settee in the window area so that when you have company, there is lots of seating and no one ends up "in the corner".....lol If you want to add a live plant be sure to put a waterproof dish under it (geraniums, however, don't always do well indoors) and perhaps add some small felt circles under the legs of the iron table so you don't scratch up the floor. Move the entry table to where the settee is now (with the smaller mirror) and add some faux house plants or even a "hall tree" where the table is now, if you need additional room to put coats, when you have company.

I guess you can add beauty with few unique wall decors. Check out few cool options here -

http://smallthingsafterall.com/wall-decor-and-accents.html

Here are some changes I have made so far.

I like the changes made w/ the chairs & the arrangement in the bay. I still do not think the 1/2 round mirror works where it is. I also think the addition of a drapery panel on each side of the bay would enhance that area. I think the lamps, end tables, & coffee table are a little too matchy, matchy also, (talking about the original arrangement). This last photo is better as it eliminates the matchiness. Eliminate the 1/2 round mirror or try flanking it w/ long narrow vertical prints. Really am liking this last arrangement. Don't paint an accent wall, not doing that anymore. I love the placement of your lovely area rug. I think you have a real winner now w/ making the few suggestions I made. At least try it. Above all, have fun w/ it. Nice room.

My issue with art is there isn't anything I like enough to look at every single day right when I walk in the house. I have some narrow wood wall sconces that may work flanking the mirror. I would give anything for some windows on that wall ;-) Below is the look I am going for.

Cassidy, you are so right, with art you want exactly what pleases you not just today but for a long time to come. Best of luck finding such art!
Raisa

I added these sconces with flowers and I think it does a nice job filling the space. I know it's not the art many suggested, but I think it's a good solution until I find the perfect art.