Oops! Forgot to post the photo of the bench I'm considering...

This is a great bench, however it will about fill the wall you would like to put it on. I like the mirror where it is with the lamps reflecting in it. however you are the one who needs to like it. What a great large space for a foyer to greet friends & family in. I don't think the mirror is the style of the bench, but you will not know until you try it.

horizontally

Basket for magazines on the floor.

Thanks Sandra. I have a large family and entertain a lot, so love having the large foyer. That is a very pretty bench, but doesn't fit with the traditional style of our other furnishings. There would be a full foot on either side of the bench. It reminds me of one my grandparents had many year ago, so brings back happy memories. It is from the early 1900's and we have other antiques scattered about the house.

I like the bench. Another option would be a circular table in the middle on the circular rug. With a knick knack or two on top.

Thanks Miranda. That is how it was set up when we viewed the house before purchasing. Works for some, but feels a bit too much like a hotel lobby to me.

The bench is perfect! I do not like the mirror. You need a vertical mirror between those two lamps, almost to the ceiling.

Thanks Carolyn. It's just funky enough for my taste. Maybe a cushion in the vanilla zebra? What do you think about hanging the mirror above it and hanging a vertical piece of art above the shrunk?

The bench could use a pillow or two but not a cushion. Its seat is too lovely to cover up. I would put a piece of art above the bench and a vertical mirror over the shrunk. Somehow I've never liked horizontal mirrors, so I suggest you find a place to hang that mirror vertically, or sell it.

Arrggghhh. Bill picked out the mirror and really wants to use it in the entry, especially if it reflects the library with his collection of books. No more room in his office... Will get the bench once I confirm that it is not too deep and see how it looks. Maybe vanilla zebra pillows? I really want to use that fabric for something! Was thinking a cushion because of the damage to the finish on the left side of the seat. It is 100 years old though, so a bit of damage to the finish is to be expected. I'm a bit over half that age and my finish is a little wrinkled. Mostly smile lines though...

Will the mirror fit vertically above the bench?

Unfortunately not. It is 64" largest dimension and I only have 62" from top of wainscoting to bottom of crown.

It really is a pretty mirror. I'd like to use it if possible. Just don't care for it above the shrunk.

make a throw out of the fabric and drape it over the damage on the bench.

I think I just found a spot where I could use it. There is a blank wall just inside our bedroom to the right of the door. It is 60" wide and 112" high. Right next to the closet, so makes sense to have a mirror there. I do think I'll try it in the entry above the bench horizontally first, but totally open to criticism if it looks awful. What's a couple of holes in the wall. I'm getting pretty good at patching them...

Okay, hang the mirror horizontally over the bench. I'll get over it and may even learn to love it.

Do you know how much I love you???

I love the idea of the mirror by the closet!

I need to stop moving so fast. Had you almost won over on the mirror over the bench, then had to open my big mouth... I'm off to watch a movie with Mr. Bill. Enjoy the rest of your night and I'll post photos of the bench once I get it.

Just picked up the bench. It fits perfectly and the damage to the finish is not nearly as severe as the seller suggested. Especially for a bench that is over 100 years old. Found a couple of pillows that I made years ago when I was working for a high end textile company. Not ideal, but they work for now. Just need to figure out artwork and mirror situation.

Were you a sales rep for the textile company? The bench looks super!

Sales rep with the promise of opening my own showroom. Never happened, so I moved on. But, I did get some great deals on fabulous textiles for the year and a half that I worked there...

And thanks. The bench turned out to be a bit more petite than described, but that worked out wonderfully. I guess people were smaller 100 years ago...

You're a woman of many talents! I figured you for a sales rep because of your vivacious personality and organizational abilities. It was their loss that they never gave you a showroom!

Funny thing about the pillows... I met Bill 24 years ago when he bought his first boat from me when I was a yacht broker. When luxury tax was introduced and the yacht business tanked, I moved on to the textile company, but kept my broker license. He bought another yacht through me a few years later and asked me to do the interior. The pillows were part of the package. He kept them for all those years, as well as a Chippendale lowboy that I had modified for crystal stemware on the boat. So wonderful that the pillows and the Chip are now a part of our home many years later...

Probably for the best that I didn't get a showroom. Life's paths have taken me in much more interesting directions since then.

Wow, a yacht broker, too! And then you two sailed off into the sunset.

Back to that zebra fabric, it would indeed make a lovely throw for the bench. I hate to think of your entirely covering up the lovely wood on the bench seat with a cushion. I've had throws made out of various fabrics, usually with one fabric on the front and another on the back, and with rope cord around the 4 sides. My husband requested an extra long one for his recliner.

That was a clever thing you did with the Chippendale lowboy!

Hi Gypsy! I do want to use the zebra somewhere. Still have our master bedroom to do. Unfortunately, or fortunately, no more naked lady lamps, just this vintage French chandelier in the dining room. The buffet lamps on the shrunk were quite reasonably priced, so don't have to stay, although they are nice...

I'm not getting that it makes sense to have a throw on the bench in the entry. Seems a bit forced to me, as no one would actually curl up in the entry way and want a blanket... I do love the lines of the bench seat though, so pillows probably work better than a cushion. For your entertainment... Here is the Chip. It now lives in the library and is filled with cribbage, cards and board games.

The lamps on the shrunk look a bit too contemporary for that location.

And I thought that the entryway was going to be easy. Sigh...

Hi Deborah!!!!!! I haven't had a chance to read your post because I'm in the middle of drive from Mo to Ms. I am looking forward to reading all about this new dilemma!!!! Hi everyone ....great to see you all

Hey Donna! Happy summer to you. Drive safe and welcome to my entryway!

If the bench is comfy 'as is', there's no need for a cushion; and I agree with you about the lack of purpose for a throw...unless you're going to banish rude guests to the entryway and make them sit on the bench and think about their behavior :) BTW, if you rehang the mirror about 4 inches (?) higher (1/2 the difference to the ceiling), the lamps shades would hit on the lower portion of the reflection and not be so distracting, might also be a better height for tall folks to check their appearance.

Ah well, I could see curling up on that bench, wrapped in the throw with cell phone in hand, and having a nice private conversation, away from your house guests.

A big warm hello and a hug to Donna! When are you going to be in Austin?

Whew made it home last night. Hi Carolyn!!! I'm trying to work that out with John. I'm thinking after the 4th of July(:. I'll check with you when o know ....hope you are in town!!!! Paul is in MO so I'm running bt places. I'm ok but my car was hit from the back early June so I'm back home to pick it up from the repair shop. Going to stay home for a few days then I'm not sure. Anyway I am thrilled that Deborah has posted another dilemma ....it is going to be fun!!!!

Deborah I love your entry!!! That bench is beautiful and I can't wait to see what you decide to put on it that is if you decide to put something on it(:

Keep me posted on your travel schedule, Donna. I should be around.

Here is something ideal for your space. I would love to help you find the perfect table and accessories to fit your budget & style. I can send you photos, pricing and dimensions. My clients never pay retail so I actually save you money. I am a traditional, classic designer and I think we would be a good fit. Email me through my website.
Best,
Kim
www.KimNielsenInteriors.com
Www.KimNielsenInteriors@gmail.com
843-276-7793

Thanks Kim, but I really don't care for a central pedestal table in here. Feels forced and too much like a hotel lobby. That is quite pretty though.

can we paint the bookcases..im thinking white would be really fresh in there.

Which bookcases are you referring to? The one in the entry is an antique German shrunk made of tiger oak, which matches the new bench. The ones in the adjoining library are wrought iron with granite shelves...

i thought they where wood in the room with the granite shelves.