To add photos -- just start an account at Photobucket -- and then click on "HTML Code" under each photo -- that automatically copies the photo -- and then simply paste it into your message. ((trust me -- I am a terrible tech person -- and I finally figured it out! LOL!))

As for your sofa table -- would a lamp work there? If you have one that is a bit short -- then sit it on some books. THEN consider items for seasonal changes ... perhaps a bowl filled with clove-studded apples or oranges (check out my3dogs' postings -- her home has wonderful ideas!)

Jan

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Thanks teacats. I've got 3 pics. Here goes.

Yea!! It worked. Sorry about the sofa pillows. I probably should have straightened them up before taking the pictures.

Normally, I would think a lamp would be a good idea, but there are already 2 other lamps in very close proximity.

Why not put the flower arrangement on top, and some books underneath? Not that you asked, but I'd flip the art on the wall--smaller on top of larger.

If you fill the urn with something, it'll show up against the window better. Christmas is coming, so Christmas balls or fake fruit or hard candies or whatever inspires you.

And again, not that you asked, but wooden or split bamboo blinds would be more interesting and atmospheric than the white ones.

Well done on getting the photos to post here! :)

Yes -- an excellent suggestion above -- for now -- simply switch the floral arrangement to the top. Just shift the orchid on the other table to another room temporarily. Then -- if you do find something else -- the larger arrangement could return to the bottom shelf.

Or look for a larger orchid arrangement?

Then look for other items -- perhaps a larger mantel-type clock?

Or a trio of dark wood candlesticks? Plus a dark wood bowl to fill with seasonal potpourri?

Or a statue? Check out "garden" statues too -- sometimes one of those ones might work out indoors .....

Or a small indoor fountain?

Of course -- adding handsome leather-bound books always looks great -- and adds different levels or height.

Jan

I keep a collection of cut glass decanters amassed from various antiquing trips on the sofa table in our LR, but then we're drinkers in this house.

Ideefixe, I was sure someone would suggest moving that floral arrangement to the top, but the reason I didn't was because there are so many floral pieces in the room already. In fact, that one was a moved mistake from another room. My husband is totally opposed to painting the woodwork in the house--all of which is oak. I think the reason we went with ivory on those blinds was (1) the previous minis had been ivory and (2) we didn't want to play up the lighter wood any more than it already is. They are real wood and were expensive, so I'm afraid that they are there to stay. I would have painted the french doors and casing to match the beige walls, but my husband nixed that idea. I am including pictures of the rest of the room. The pictures were taken at the same time, but when I shoot toward the windows, they come out very dark. The tall oak cabinet housing cds by the stairway is a "built in." I plan to take down the pot with fern on top of it and put the glass urn up there and I've been intending to lose the plant between the built in and the fireplace, but things move slow here in East Texas. I am very serious about there not being many flat surfaces. Even in the master bedroom, the only flat surfaces are the 2 night stands. Laxsupermom, I'll bet a collection of decanters looks great. I'd just have to be sure and have something in them or I'd be back where I started. Here are the other pictures.

I'm sorry I forgot to resize them.

I would find a large ceramic or porcelain bowl in colors that will look good with your furniture. I love Chinese porcelain so have several bowel of varying sizes in different rooms but you can choose whatever speaks to you. I would choose a fairly large bowel since your furniture is large. You could look in antique stores and flea markets; you can often find more interesting pieces there.

I don't mean at all to offend you but the bouquet of flowers in the lower shelf does look rather unnatural. I've found that buying silk flowers that have a more informal look in pastel colors and arranging them myself costs less and looks much better.

Thank you everyone for your suggestions. I promise you that I am not offended by anyone's suggestions. If I didn't want opinions, I would not have asked. This house will never be quite "right," but it is getting better. When we married, my husband and I had to find a way to blend his modern house with my preference for traditional and antique furnishings. We are both pretty opinionated so it has been necessary to make a lot of compromises on both sides. He doesn't want anything on the coffee table, but I can do what I want on the sofa table. Since I love antique stores, I'll keep on looking.

Speaking of antiques, I don't have space for even 1 more small piece of furniture, but the drop leaf table being used in the hallway in another thread is to die for. You all do some really good work putting things together on this forum.