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More decorating questions

15 years ago

I picked up these finials today with plans to put them on the ledge around the top of my kitchen, but then I thought I would set them up here to see what they look like since I don't have a clue what I want on my mantel. What do you think...keep them here or put them in the kitchen? If I use them on the mantel, would you put the same thing on the other side or something different?

I set one of the lamps from my bedroom on the table and I like the lampshade in here, but I don't think I like the style of lamp for this room. I wanted to see what you guys think, because sometimes you see things more clearly.

I really like the way these white PB curtains look with the black rod and that's what I was planning to do, but now I'm wondering if black will look kind of out of place in my room full of brown and beige.

I don't know if this light fixture is true black in person, but I thought of this or something similar in my dining room:

So, do you like the black or should I stick with a bronze?

Laurie

Comments (44)

  • 15 years ago

    I like the black and tan/khaki look.
    I like the finials. They're very cool.

    I think you're right about the lamp not for that room. For me, it's too modern and small. The shade is nice, tho.

    I think you might get stuck in matchy-matchy. Bronze is fine, but black is classic, even when in a more current setting.

    Your room is pretty.
    Christine

  • 15 years ago

    I like the finials, but don't line them up like soldiers...and get some pillar candles and put with them...

  • 15 years ago

    Like the finials very much. I would leave them and let something for the right side evolve over time. Don't have to have it all finished even though that is what our head is telling us....get this DONE !

    Love the black rod and the PB curtains. Picks up the fireplace black.

    Would also do that light fixture..picks up the black and has a stark look but not too stark.

    For the table lamp...look for something in a more solid black metal base. Just a thought. I really like the tans/black/cream too. c

  • 15 years ago

    I might be tempted to angle that end table. Can you even use the drawer in the current position?

    I like the black curtain rod. Don't get stuck in a brown rut.

  • 15 years ago

    Thanks, everyone!

    Allison - I really like your daughter's lamps. Where did she get them? Here's the finials rearranged.

  • 15 years ago

    I like the finials, but I don't think they do much up on the mantel - they just kind of blend in. I think they would be much more interesting grouped on the coffee table.

    Someone famous supposedly said "every room can use a little black'. I think the black rods in your room would be fine.

    Still wondering if you are planning to move the whole seating group back toward the dining room a bit - it feels jammed in toward the fireplace, making your LR feel smaller than it is.

    The lamp feels a bit small and delicate for that spot.

    I wonder also if you would consider moving that end table to the other side of the couch with a lamp, and replace it with a skirted round table between the seating pieces. I think it would be a nice compliment to the round mirror, and the skirted table would help promote the french country feel you say you want. A brown and cream french ticking would be a nice way to add some pattern, too.

  • 15 years ago

    Agree with les - finials on the coffee table. Interesting vases or candlesticks - something providing more contrast with the wall - on the mantel. Whereever they go, I would like the tallest one in the middle. (Oh, I wish I had a mantel! I have mantel-envy!)

    Agree with Allison about the lamps. The shade color is nice. This might be overkill, but they make shades in Pottery Barn that having writing on them, similar to your pillows. Again, might be too much.

    Pretty room. Love your wall color. Love the clock by the fireplace. Have I mentioned I'm envious of your mantel?

  • 15 years ago

    She purchased hers locally, but I found that picture on Shades of Light when looking for another lamp that I've seen online and in person. It has a larger base and more color. Do you want to add more color to the room or keep it monochromatic?

    Forgot to say I think the black wrought iron rods will be fine. I like the finial change, but would pull them closer together and the center one out as far as you can.

  • PRO
    15 years ago

    Something seems off with the pure white finish of the fireplace mantel and the more rugged finish of the finials--together. I vote for placing them on the coffee table, too.
    Definitely a weightier lamp. If you could find a more vintage style round table for that area, it would help blend the look I think you are going for. Seems like the furniture is so new and perfect, at least one piece needs to look different.

  • 15 years ago

    natal - I never thought of putting the table at an angle, but I may have to try it. I can open the drawer, but not very far.

    Les - There really isn't room to move the furniture back. It's an open plan and my dining room is behind the sofa. Once I find a dining table, it will take up that area. It is a really small living area. I had thought of putting a decortive serving tray on my coffee table, so I could set the finials on the tray. I've never thought of a skirted table in here, but that's an interesting idea. I have one in my bedroom which is visible from this room, so that would create a good flow.

    Allison - I've really been going for the monochromatic look, but I haven't ruled out a touch of color. If I were to add a color, I would probably add a light blue since my bedroom is blue, cream, and tan.

    Sallymo - It's funny because I bought these finials at an antique mall. I went there looking for vintage things and I bought something brand new.

  • 15 years ago

    agree that the finials don't look quite right up on your mantel...combo of clean white mantel and the mirror... (btw, i would raise your mirror an inch or two...)
    i love the finials though-you will find a spot for them!

    need a lamp with more substance and ht like already said--i would probably go with a base that's deeper in color than the pictures above...

    think the black curtain rods and the chandy will look great!

  • 15 years ago

    I agree to add a touch of color. This said from a person who loves, loves, loves beige and ivory. Pillows, floral arrangement or ceramic art etc. Would you consider printed window treatments with a color in them?

  • 15 years ago

    ellendi - I've already bought my curtains and they're off white (surprise, surprise). I would consider adding some accent pieces with color and maybe some pictures. I've had such a hard time finding art work I like that I've kind of given up for now. I'm also a little worried about spending alot on art work that adds color and then deiciding I want to change my accent color. I saw this one on Ballard's website, but I'm still not sure.

  • 15 years ago

    I know what you mean about finding art. Not only do I have to please myself, but I have my husbands opinion as well. I like the art you are thinking about. It has the touch of blue you mentioned. It is neutral and would go with other accent colors. An artist once told me, "You don't buy your art to match your decor." I guess this is my art collectors have very plain decor to better highlight the art.

  • 15 years ago

    okay, here's the finials with the middle one moved forward.

    Here they are on the coffee table. I'm thinking they look too big here.

    I was going to take a picture of them in my kitchen, but my son took the big one to a friends to sand down the bottom because it was uneven. I'll take a picture later today.
    I brought my bedroom table in to see how that style would look.

    If I put the wood table to the right of the sofa, it would be in front of the window. Does that matter?

  • 15 years ago

    The round table will work beautifully but I think it should be lower and larger in diameter.

  • 15 years ago

    I agree with Dawn ... larger and lower.

    The drawer table will be fine close to the window. That placement makes a lot more sense.

  • 15 years ago

    ...and here's the finials in the kitchen.

    If I go with a fabric covered table, who has a good selection of tablecloths besides Ballards?

  • 15 years ago

    I ordered three burlap table cloths from this site, their prices were far lower than Ballard's for the same product. They seem to have a pretty extensive selection with many styles. I'm very satisfied with the table cloths I ordered.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Good prices

  • 15 years ago

    I meant to add that I think the finials look great on your kitchen ledge, much better there than in the living room. Also agree that your round table needs to be larger and lower, for comfortable access from both couches. All the other suggestions in regards to lighting and artwork are excellent, too.

  • 15 years ago

    I also had ordered from the same table cloth site. I had a burlap table cloth made for an old DR table I have. There are directions on the site for measuring your table for the right cloth size. It came out perfect! I am so pleased. Here is a picture:
    {{!gwi}}


  • 15 years ago

    These are the lamps I would use in the burnt ivory color. I think they are perfect for your room. The shade is separate, but the ivory linen would be perfect!
    The black drapery hardware will look great in your room as well! I do think you need to vary your shades and yes, every room needs a touch of black.
    Play around with the placement of the finials. Use a triangle formation and bring them closer in to each other for a tighter look. On the other side of the mantle you could place a vase and maybe a small or medium sized wooden box in the middle.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Ballard lamp base

  • 15 years ago

    back again. I can also see this art print since it uses all the colors in both your MBR and LR. I know you are attracted to more traditional looks, but every room can have the unexpected to keep a room interesting.
    {{!gwi}}

    When it loaded into my photobucket account it was placed next to this fabric and I thought pillows in this fabric would look great with the pillows and sofa fabric you have.
    {{!gwi}}
    By adding just a smidge of color used elsewhere in your home will make it come alive and make everything else more noticeable since the eye will want to travel around the room.

  • 15 years ago

    love the finials on the ledge...play with them abit to figure the best setup... maybe scooch them alittle closer to the iron piece...

    like the above lamp base in the burnt ivory!

  • 15 years ago

    kmcg85 - I've been all over Ballards website and I some how missed those lamps, but I really like them alot. I did see that picture, but I kind of like the more subtle colors of the other one. When you put it next to that fabric though, it is very pretty. Is the fabric from Ballard also? I'm thinking I would like a patterned fabric w/color (yes, I'm actually wanting color) on the table beside the sofa.

  • 15 years ago

    busybee - I was debating on whether I should move the finials closer to the iron piece or put something small on either side of the iron piece. What do you think?

  • 15 years ago

    Oohhhh. I love the finials in the triangular grouping and I really, really love kmcg's suggestions of wall art and cushion fabric. I also am more traditional in my decorating and art, but that piece she showed is very intriguing--esp. displayed as it is with the glass vase and coral in front.

  • 15 years ago

    Hmmm? I had another post showing a pretty balustrade lamp from JCP on sale and it comes WITH the shade. The ballard's lamp is pretty, but the shade is extra. I would get the JCP lamp in a heartbeat! As for the art, I saw it yesterday in the Ballard's outlet. It is very big (tall) and the colors are soft and pretty. I will hunt for the fabric. I just saved the pic Friday. That's what I get for NOT putting in the information! It is NOT from Ballard's. The link below shows the lamp, but I urge you to look at the entire Linden Street collection. There is another pretty scroll lamp that is also pretty if you would prefer something like that. Also, under art is a set of distressed butterfly prints on wood with the lighter sepia and cream colors. Also pretty distressed furniture in a vanilla color! I could go on and on!

    Here is a link that might be useful: JCP Balustrade Lamp

  • 15 years ago

    Ballards outlet? I thought Ballards was just an online store. I had know idea there were real stores. So, are the colors of the picture softer in person than they are on the website?

    You're not going to believe this, but I just walked through Joann Fabric and they had the fabric you posted above. It's Findlay Seaglass and it's $34.99. I always like the expensive ones, but at least I'm not making curtains out of it.

    Of course I like the Ballard lamp more since it's more expensive. I'm not crazy about the oak on the one from JCP and the shape of the shade. The shades I have on my bedroom lamp are probably cheaper, so I could get them instead of the PB ones if they're the right size.

  • 15 years ago

    The finials are great in the kitchen.

  • 15 years ago

    walnutcreek - I also like them best in the kitchen.


    I have a question about the fabric covered table. You can see above how tall my wood side table is and it's 26 1/2". The tables at Joan came in 24 1/4"H x 23 3/4"D and 24 1/4"H x 30"D. Is 24 1/4" too short? Also what diameter...24 or 30? I can also order 30Hx24D or 30Hx24D if I need a taller one. The fabric covered table from my bedroom is 32"H, so I'm thinking the 30"H is too tall, but the other just seems so short.

  • 15 years ago

    Laurie,

    How tall is the arm of your sofa? That can help us figure out what height the table should be.

    Also, I would definitely choose the 30" in diameter to fill up that space.

  • 15 years ago

    The arm is 26", so the table I have now is just a tad taller at 26 1/2", which seems like a good height. That's why I'm confused about whether to go shorter or taller and will it look funny?

  • 15 years ago

    Your dog is way too cute ,,, looks like he is really loving the new sofa!! :)

    Anyway, I don't have anything helpful to add ,,, but just wanted to let you know that I'm really enjoying your progress. I think your place is looking great, but then again, I adore monochromatic color schemes!!

  • 15 years ago

    I just measured my end tables and sofa out of curiosity and the table is 23"H and the sofa is 23.5"H. I would go with the 24 1/4" with the 30"D table. To save money, you could make a pillow with that fabric and do a cream colored less expensive fabric on the other. Fabric for only two pillows won't be that much. Make covers for them to fit the pillows you already have. Easier to clean if they are a dry clean only fabric.

  • 15 years ago

    Thanks, jilt37869. You'll notice that she's in every picture I take of my sofa because that is her spot.

    kmcg85 - I checked the Joann website and it actually shows the fabric is on sale for half price. I hate to make rush decisions though, so I'm going to think about this a couple more days. Thank you so much for your help. You're finding all kinds of good things for me.

  • 15 years ago

    Laurie,

    The table looks a lot taller in the photo for some reason.

    If the arm of the sofa is 26", then 26.5" sounds good.

  • 15 years ago

    How is it possible that table is only 1/2 inch taller than the sofa arm? It looks like a good 6 inches at least.

  • 15 years ago

    natal - It's the wood table in the 2nd picture at the top of my post that is 1/2" taller. The fabric covered table is 32", so you're exactly right, it's 6" taller. I'm having a hard time picturing a table shorter than the sofa arm.

  • 15 years ago

    My mistake. My table is 23" and the sofa is 24 1/2". Personally it's a good height. The table should be a little shorter.
    Did you take a sample cutting of the fabric home? I would do that and also check to see when the sale ends.

  • 15 years ago

    kmcg85 - Do you have a picture of your sofa/table? 23" sounds so short, but it could just be that I'm used to mine. You're right, I do need to go back and get a fabric sample and look at it in my room. Do fabric stores usually give you a sample or do you just have to buy a small amt? I need to make a decision on the picture before I buy the fabric though. If the aqua colored picture isn't big enough, Ballard has this one. I don't think it would look as good with the fabric though.

  • 15 years ago

    Fabric stores, including Joanne's, will give you a cutting if you ask. Sometimes the plastic tag that is attached to the bolt of fabric already has cuttings in it for you to take. If not, ask and they will cut it for you.
    Also, to answer your previous question, Ballard's is a store with a few locations. I've linked them below.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Ballard locations

  • 15 years ago

    Here is a shot of my table and old sofa:

    New sofa:

    different room
    table, 27 1/4H
    sofa, 28.5H