I think it is a good idea to have a mirror near the door to take a quick look at your appearance before heading out the door, and without having to run into the powder room.

Good idea, but I agree the mirror should be larger. I think a squarish mirror maybe 2-4 inches larger than you have would work well.

I like the width of the mock up but would want taller. I'd also start it lower if it were much taller.

You could also lean a floor mirror behind the console table as long as it doesn't interfere with your light switches.

Thanks for the replies. The mock up is 24W x 29H. I think maybe 24W x 36H might do. I'm limited width-wise by the light switches. Now, onto the million dollar question - black or ?

I like the idea of a mirror but I think it should be taller.

Or you can put up a statement mirror. Something with an ornate frame to really dress up the area. Look at the post "Lamps on fireplace" and my3dogs has posted (part way down) some pics of her ever-changing mantle and she uses mirrors in a really great decorative way. Maybe something like that.

Exactly what palimpsest said: having a mirror right on the way out the door would be very useful.

A taller mirror - and keep the books and flip-flops:).

I hit the TJ Maxx out by my folks place this afternoon and found a mirror that is 27.5" x 33.5". It's the perfect size, but only came in white so I'm open for color suggestions. The molding is more ornate than I prefer, but maybe that's a good thing. I tend to be very "safe" with my decorating (DH calls me the "Queen of Neutral") and I need to get out of the box! Ideas?
{{!gwi}}
{{!gwi}}

For that particular set-up, I would probably go with an espresso color similar to the table color. (Or black, if the table is black - I can't tell.) That would also make the ornate quality of the moulding a little more subtle. If the mirror were going somewhere else, I'd probably suggest doing something more creative, but I think for the mirror-over-table look, the mirror should be similar in color to the table.

I recently painted my bathroom vanity "French Roast," the darkest brown Behr has. (The chip is in the Behr Premium Plus Ultra display.) I have also spray painted a hall mirror "espresso," but the shade was not as dark as I really wanted. French Roast is a very, very dark brown.

I think the taller height is good, but not a fan of the rectangle. Would like to see something with some curves or iron work to compliment the wonderful curves of the table.

Also, I would stain those baskets - too light and casual, and a bit big, compared to the elegant lines of the table.

Thanks for the thoughts, lizzie and les. I feel the need to keep it casual since there will be a braided rug in the same area. I found a black distressed mirror (same size as the mock-up) at the TJ Maxx near my school and am going to pick it up tomorrow. It's black with distressed relief so we'll see how that looks. I'll post pics and then you can give me the thumbs up or thumbs down ;)

There's been a change in plans. After thinking about it for awhile, I realized that I don't really want the mirror to be all black, so I have this idea to make a corkboard frame around the mirror, using black trim surrounding the cork. This way we can put reminders on the frame and then when company comes, stash them in one of the drawers. Thanks again for all your thoughts on the back entry.

YOU STOLE MY NICK NAME!! :)
My friends call me the "Queen of neutral"
Well, at least we are in good company!

YOU STOLE MY NICK NAME!! :)
My friends call me the "Queen of neutral"
Well, at least we are in good company!

I like the idea of a 24x36 mirror that is arched. The one thing you're missing is a metal finish, so I would have the mirror in the metal finish & replace the pulls on the console with coordinating metal finish knobs. That will help with the dimension & play of texture, cause right now it all looks flat. I like the baskets & books/lamp combo.

I would also like to see a richer, bolder color in that space. Small "pass-through" spaces can handle more color & richness.

~ Jeana Joseph

Thanks for the suggestion. The only problem I see is finding such an animal for a reasonable price. I don't want to spend an arm and a leg on a mirror for the garage entry. Any ideas on where to look besides the usual TJ Maxx, Marshall's or Tuesday Morning? We don't have Hobby Lobby or HomeGoods anywhere closeby.

Have you thought of painting the mirror a dark color and dusting it with a contrasting metallic glaze. I ordered a mirror on line and it turned out to be much lighter than I would prefer. It also had an ornate design. I painted it black and brushed in a bronze metallic glaze with touches of brown . It was fun and easy and gave the mirror an aged more informal look.

Since this is a back hall, I'd be tempted to spray paint the TJM mirror in a bright fun color and call it a day. You seem to have stayed more traditional with your choice of lamp and books, so it's a perfect way to add a punch of surprise to your usual motif. Have fun.

This might be nice with a silvertone filigree & the oval shape will soften the area. Also check Home Depot's site.

~ Jeana Joseph

Here is a link that might be useful: Lowe's

I don't mind the rectangular mirror. You have plenty of curves that I wouldn't mind the contrast and variety.

Thanks everyone. I'll have to stop in at Lowe's and see if they have the oval one in the store. When I finally decide what to do, I'll post a pic. I appreciate the help.

I really like that mirror frame detail and also that it matches the woodwork.

I ended up getting the mirror from Lowe's that Jeana had linked. The finish was pretty flat, so I used a little ebony rub ' buff and I'm pleased with the results. Not sure if I'm liking the lamp all that much, but it's OK for now. Tomorrow I'll head over to HD for some pewter-looking knobs. Thanks to everyone for your help.
{{!gwi}}

Wow! That is fabulous!!!!!!!!!