I like it ALOT. I think once you get accessories on your buffet it will look fine. Very pretty!!!

I like it - you got a deal on the price. I wonder how it would look if you turned it vertically instead of horizontally - looks like you've got enough room, nice tall ceiling. That way it wouldn't look like it overpowers the buffet and you could add candlesticks on either side or a pair of lamps. Just a thought. Love the mirror!

Excellent choice!!

Yes -- try it vertically and add two tall buffet lamps on the chest. Always nice to have additional lighting options in a hallway!

I think it would look better vertically also - both pieces are too close in size to be used horizontally.

Jim

Here's some inspirational arrangements.

No.

It doesn't work.

SEND IT TO ME IMMEDIATELY.

: )

Lovely find. I agree with everyone else. It could work both ways but vertically would be best.

For a total nondecorator, I think your doing just fine.

Pretty mirror, on the vertical. If it seems a bit narrow, you can add some sconces or wall vases/shelves on either side.

Post a pic when you have it all done. You are doing great. I'm a total nondecorator too and then I have the added problem of having a friend who is a professional interior decorator. This means I can't even ask her how something looks without feeling guilty (she does not make me feel that way but it is like asking your dentist friend about a toothache, right?)

I think it will look great. A mirror by the front door is always a nice touch.

I like it on the horizontal. I think it will look too tall and skinny vertical, even with lamps to the side. I like how it just seems like an extension of the buffet when it's horizontal, and you could still add lamps and accessories in front of it so it doesn't read as a massive black blob with a mirror in it.

Great start! Why doesn't my craigslist ever have anything that cool!

Wow thanks everyone for the ideas. I got DH to switch it to the vertical and he says it looks like Lincoln's hat! It's VERY tall! That's my DR reflected in the mirror (and DH's shoes-oops!)

What do you think now? Jim-thanks for the inspiration pics-I really like the first one.

I like it horizontally once it is raised up off the buffet it will look just fine. Great find by the way. And from one nondecorator to another, you are doing a great job. Just hang the mirror and start accessorizing.

Keep us posted with what you do.

Can you take a long shot on the vertical? It looks rather tall, but hard to tell so close up.

I guess the shiny newer finish, next to the worn chest doesn't bother any one else? I love both pieces but think maybe some sort of a rub'n buff or other modification to the mirror finish might enhance the two together. I just love the finish on that chest!! whoops, looking back for the price of that CL buffet, I see you plan to work the mirror finish! So, I do think that would be a good idea :) $45 for the mirror? I'd save if for my next life if necessary, but I think it looks great.

Looks GREAT vertical!!

Excellent inspiration photos -- and just the idea and images that I had in mind too!

Yes -- add two lamps -- just like the ones in the photos ...... perhaps a nice woven tray on the buffet itself to "corral" incoming items from folks just stepping in the door OR perhaps a nice red floral arrangement to work with the tones in your hall rug?

Forgot the hall shot:

I vote for horizontal...a little too tall for vertical. I would have two people hold it so you can eye-ball how high to hang it... maybe even post the options here for us if you are unsure.

I would not distress it...does not need to match exactly the finish on your buffet and you might want to use it elsewhere someday.

Very nice mirror....and house ....it looks like! Feel free to show us more..lol.

I like it horizontal - it dwarfs the door when it is vertical, and seems to fight your lovely trimwork. With a couple of lamps, some accessories, it will be great!

Another vote for horizontal.

Too tall for vertical - it will end up almost against the crown moulding.

Horizontal is fine, tho I think it is a bit wide. I like it better when the mirror is no more than about 3/4 the width of the item below it. Adding two buffet lamps will help hide some of the frame and visually break it up.

Honestly, tho, I like the idea of the vertical in the hall, as you have a lot of horizontal lines going. I think something with some height would help balance the door and the entry opposite. The other thing that bothers me just a bit is that it looks like you were trying to match the cabinet, but didn't quite get there. I would rather see something with an antique bronze finish, more like the hardware on the cabinet.

The mirror is great - if you don't use it there, I would find another spot for it for that price.

One other thing. With the buffet right there, I would rather see a rectangular rug or runner that would run in front of the buffet, to create a more cohesive feel to the entry. The round rug is very nice, but kind of feels stuck between the door and the buffet. And the hall fixture is kind of off from the rug, too, so having a longer rug will make the whole space feel like one 'room', if you will.

By the way, don't be so hard on yourself. From the pix you posted, you have a lovely home!

Horizontal, definitely.

I think I need to move, either to where the OP lives or to Oceanna's neighborhood... nothing like that is EVER on my Craigslist!

I think it's perfect to work horizontally and the best thing about it is when you add two lamps on either side the light will be reflected in the mirror and thereby doubled. I think by spanning the width of the buffet you don't have to put stuff up on the wall to fill in the space which can make for a cluttered look if you aren't careful in your choices.

Sky

I like it Horizontal and hung on the wall a little bit above the dresser with a buffet lamp on each side with a flower arrangement in the middle.

I agree with the recommendation to hang horizontally with a buffet lamp to either side.

Here is a pic of mine with the buffet lamps, though as you can see my mirror is a bit smaller. I basically went with what I liked, though in my case it could be a tad larger.

{{!gwi}}

I love the buffet - what a great finish! My first thought was that the mirror seemed a bit large for the buffet, but I do like it better horizontal than vertical, because it is very tall. Buffet lamps on both ends would look great on the chest.

I agree that the finish on the mirror should be roughed up a bit. It looks too new next to the great antique finish on the buffet.

You can buy black paint without a sheen and just rough up your mirror a bit with something like very fine sandpaper or fine steelwool just enough so that it is slightly abraded and then put a coat of the flat black on the mirror.

Lincoln's hat? Your DH has a great sense of humor. I like that. All men should have. I think you can hang it horizontally but don't put it right jam up against your buffet, let there be about 12 inches between the mirror and the furniture.

I think you can work it both ways, although the wall would need to be filled out, imo, as you can see. Maybe the chest can be moved down just a tad towards the door?

I do like the round rug there, although you might be able to do a runner along with it. Or maybe a decorative coat rack in that corner?

If you're not happy w/it vertically because of height - another trick you could try is dropping the mirror down a few inches below the back of the chest.

Jim

I still like it horizontal. I think it's a little too big to hang vertical.

Thank you for all the ideas and suggestions-and you squirrel for the mock ups. I really like it both ways. I think the hard part for me is "seeing" the final product and that is why the finished pics are great. I'm off today to see if I can find some lamps and/or other things to add to this area. I still am not completely "sold" on the mirror there but I am gonna keep it cause I do like it alot.

We moved in this house in August and I am having a hard time getting into a groove. No pics hung and I have kinda drug my feet on decorating. It took a lot out of me to build the house (but the BAH forum was awesome!) so I hope that I am finally getting some steam! I'm going to post some pics of my DR later for some ideas in there.

Thanks again!

I think I prefer it vertical.... it *is* tall, but I think it adds much more presence, especially flanked with lamps and prints like Squirrel mocked up.

Keep the mirror for sure.

I've got a similar mirror for my dining room. I've been trying to decide whether to get a buffet for below it. I love the look of squirrelheaven's mockups - particularly the third one. Squirrel - what software are you using to do those?

Oh dear, I hate to be the lone dissenter here. It's a great mirror...somewhere else. I also love black, but it looks like too much black to me; just too heavy. (Your DH's comments sound just like something my DH would say!) Your buffet needs a mirror, but I think something just a little smaller with a narrower frame, lighter in feel, with a finish that complements with buffet; like an antiqued bronze or gold, would be gorgeous. I also wonder if a contrasting shape would be more interesting; like something with an arched top, just to throw in a curve, LOL. Also, LOVE your round rug. I tried the same one in my foyer but it was too large for my space. Lucky you.

Brillant virtuals Squirrel!! Well done!!

Still voting for vertical ........! :)

Is it possible (a little hard to see) to cut the legs off to give more room for the mirror? It could still look very nice.......and less dusting lol.

I agree with Les..........it needs a different frame and if you use this mirror I'd put it horizontal. Vertical works, but I find myself noticing that it's higher than your front door and IMO, overpowering it.

Love it hung horizontally.