Some sconces on each side would be beautiful. Otherwise, I'd just decorate the mantel using different colors, heights, textures, etc.

I have a problem with an odd spot above my fireplace, and a couple of days ago I saw some small mirrors in a store that I may get something similar to. Here's an example of what I'm talking about, but if you google "decorative mirrors" you'll come up with hundreds of examples.

Edited to add that my suggestion was to add some kind of decorative frame to the mirror that is already there, the photo was just and example. Or etching although you would probably have to take it off to do that. But what Tibbrix said seems like it might work much more easily done, and certainly no harm in giving that a go!

Maybe it looks "off" in person but I like it in your picture. Like tibbrix said, some mantle decor might do wonders. Surf some sconces that you think might work.

I would take the mirror down, patch the wall, and place a nice bright/happy painting in that location

I love it. Hang a painting from a ribbon right on top of the mirror. Or a wreath or another mirror.

You might want to post this on the old house forum and see if anyone has ideas as to what might be appropriate for that spot. It doesn't look original, but maybe it is (in which case I'd want to work with it somehow). Having an idea of what might be behind it can help decide if it's worth the risk of removal.

I'd probably just prop a slightly bigger, framed mirror right over it. :)

Well, while it's not really Scandinavian in feel, I can see it go with French country. I'd just add some sconces.

However, if you hate it, ow about white washing? Are these beams and surround authentic, i.e. a sacrilege to lighten them?

Is the mirror fastened with those clear rosettes in the corners? How difficult would it be to take down just to see what it looks like without? Interesting how the framing was done.

You could also hang a painting on the mirror. Here is an old post about how to do that.

I love the ideas of hanging a picture, putting up sconces, and then decorating the mantle a bit. Go with all three and you will transform the mirror. I bet you will love it!

Mdln- I really like the idea of antiquing the glass. I think that's why I have an issue with it- it's so bright in shiny in an otherwise old house.

fori- I'll try the old house forum, thanks!

nosoccer- I love whitewashed wood, but it would definitely be sacrilege! It's real English chestnut that's four inches thick and in perfect condition. You almost never see that anymore.

rgrs- it is attached with rosettes and then framed in with quarter round. I'm not sure if it is attached with anything beyond that (like glue behind), but I could certainly remove the framing and rosettes to find out. That really might be the best option so that I really know what I'm working with.

Thanks to everyone else! I'm going to try a few suggestions as well as checking what might be behind there. I appreciate all the advice!

Interesting thread. Keep us posted if you can! Good luck! Amazing wood and house, sounds like!

Sconces would be great, but it seems there's no space on one side.

adding string lights around it would be on trend and bring a little light/life to the heavy frame

Looks like those rosettes are what is holding the mirror in place. I like the idea of hanging a picture there too and crystal objects nosoccermom posted are very nice too. No way would I mess with that wood surround - it is beautiful.

Diane

I agree with power and nonscoccer. I saw a similar mantel on hgtv today and the mirror looked nice. Try doing less first. Nice house!!