If you want symmetry then get 2 matching small side tables with matching table lamps. However i think it will be too crowded. Id get rid of all the accent pieces and get 1 nice larger side table with drawers for storage, to place left of the couch (where there is more space). Leave the space to the right empty. Im not sure the mirrror is working in its current spot. That type of mirror needs a table or console under it to anchor it. Id move that to your entryway if there is one.

excellent advice so far, but more pictures would be great !

I think it looks good so far. I would put the table lamp on the glass side table to elevate it. Also, since you have tall ceiling, you can move your 2 frames higher.

I would add a floor lamp to the left side, where your ceiling is higher. On the right, the table needs to be almost as high as the arm of the sofa, which will put the table lamp there at a better height. Nice sofa!

I love that quote by Tolkien -- it's one well worth living by. As a fine artist, what I'd like to see is the color and impact of a painting to bring the room to a sense of warmth and invitation. The graphic elements of the sayings are well done, but there is a potential for the room to seem too graphic, almost corporate, which doesn't go along with the comfortable furniture and pillows. A representational work -- landscape, coastal, figure, flowers -- draws the viewer into the room at the same time it invites him/her to a different place. That's what fine art does -- it takes up places, so we wander -- but are not lost.

My page at Prints.com -- http://bit.ly/1ZLIe0T -- carries a selection of my own representational work, which is also available as originals through Houzz. I'm appending a few images -- Dancer, Phonograph Days, and Sea Breeze -- as examples.

Remove the curly-que thingy over the door especially because it's not pretty next to the vent.

The dresser below the TV is overwhelming and too black and too thick (front to back).

It would look better to hang the TV on the wall and place a thin console under it.

What does the other side of the room look like?

Thanks, everyone! I love those lamps- where are they from?

I agree with the curly q thing- I hate it there. How can I disguise the vent- should I paint it gray to match the walls?

I definitely want to mount the tv which will make the space look bigger. I'm a social worker in grad school so I'm trying to use what I have/spend little money/find bargains. The dresser offers a lot of storage. I'd really love to get a mirrored one in the future, or maybe something French. Everything you see was bought on sale, a hand-me-down, or something I already had. Not bad for a first place I think.

Regarding the pictures- isn't the rule 8-10 inches above the couch? Won't that look weird if I hang them higher?

Thank you again!!

And here's a view of the dining room. I liked having the dresser black because everything is so gray and light and then the black ties in the dining table. If you think I should paint it though or get rid of it, I can

Keep in mind that art should be AT SEATED EYE LEVEL. The high ceiling means you can add more, but DON'T RAISE what you have. Where is the window in this space?

If the wall with the mirror is wide enough, mount the TV there. Switch the positions of the sofa and chest. That would allow for reflection-free TV viewing and would allow the chest to become the anchor of an art wall.

We put the tv there so that when you walk in it is not the focal point of the room. The window is next to the mirror

I agree with comment on NOT hanging art any higher-needs to be at eye level. Would your bar cart fit in dining room next to kitchen counter? It is too high next to couch. Keep your eyes open for a pair of matching end tables. They should be within an inch or two in height of the sofa arms. I personally would remove the side panel on the window. And remember not every wall needs to have something on it. Don't rush it. Someday you will see the perfect tables. Have fun.

Yes, the bar cart does fit in the dining room and I am including a picture. I also tried putting another item next to the couch and removing the end table. I like the look without the end table, but the other tables just look off to me.

In a way your over-the-door decoration might look as good over the 2 pieces [over the couch]....

@everdebz I thought about that too...

No insult intended, but is it the kind, the price that you'd consider a spray paint to bring in a berry-eggplant color, and try it over.

I say because you have enough gold going on...?

If standard end tables are too small, consider using a bookshelf or trunk instead. Here are two examples:

That said, I would add some sort of table and lamp to the left of the sofa. Have you considered getting a bigger rug?

Here's a rug from West Elm that might work.

One more: http://www.westelm.com/products/ashik-wool-rug-multi-t1514/?pkey=crugs-flooring

Yes, I only just moved in March 1 and that was just a rug I had. Also forgot to mention that because of the way my place faces, the patio is very shaded. I have not had one issue with a glare/reflection coming in which has been great!

If I do a side table on the left, there will still be blank space. Should I put a plant there too?

Take a pic with er's suggested larger piece --- let's see.

This is the Ikea Vittsjo table I spray painted gold

Some accessories...wouldn't use those but gives you an idea

I also have this silver chest I thought could potentially match with the mirror and the gray/black rug. Ignore the chaise. I was putting it there for reference to see what it would look like if chairs were in front.

Nice photos you did. In 1 way I like the sprayed gold table which could have a simple garden stool / chair in it, casually. I see how the silver chest could look good a bit golden.

I think the last three pictures are too cluttered. I like your pictures above with no side tables, and would suggest matching small tables that are a tall enough for the large arms of the sofa or no tables and two of the floor lamp you have. The room looks nice with some empty space around the sofa.

No room or need for a chair anyway?

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10282117/#/40280032

Crowded look I agree with the chest. But something nice about the balance of a slender desk in gold with other gold: frames over there...... you didn't like the rolling cart?

Try removing the patterned pillows. I'd add a storage ottoman under the desk.

Cortney, I love how your space evolved! Good luck in your masters program. And what time is Happy Hour at your place so we can all raise a toast to you and your new home!!??

Hi guys! I found these end tables this weekend for only $40 each! What do you think?

And @everdebz I did like the rolling bar cart but it just didn't fit in the space. I found this faux bamboo gem though for $27 and made a small bar cart

I need to figure out where to put it

Thoughts, everyone?

I really like the second pic with the gold lamp added back - I think you're on your way!

Slightly shift the left table to hid outlet and crowd soda less.

Perhaps spray paint that black lamp base a different color - gold, purple, even blue if you'd like to keep pulling that in.

Not sure I'm feeling the candle sticks :)

I like the tables. I see you nabbed a blue stool too? Is your curtain a deep blue?

I could move the candlesticks elsewhere. I just wanted a pop of pink somewhere!

And yes, @everdebz I had the stool and the curtains are a dark blue silk material

Sorry but esp. if shaded, the navy and new dark tables seem too 'heavy' - er's 2 rugs seemed nice [1 a blend with sofa / 2nd had opposite of a yellow, which could brighten room, and goes with navy basically].

You're doing fine, just thought you might like to see this room - Yours is darker, but idea of blended rug for you?

That is a cute room, @everdebz! I feel like the rug is too modern for my living room though, right? Maybe I could put it in my office. I also have fun floral pillows on my living room couch but thought people said it was too busy

I wish I could read it all again. Comments about your rug, that it could tie in color [instead of black/white as script art has, etc.] have me thinking.

The floral pillows could work if there wasn't as much dark [I forget if valances are navy or black], which makes the rooms contemporary. You're doing a nice balance though. I have to ask if your chandelier is this one? not trying to pinpoint your shopping habits into embarrassment....

Nope, @everdebz its from PB Teen and everyone who sees it has loved it! It fits the space perfectly (not too big, not too small, not too extravagant). http://www.pbteen.com/m/products/2913507/?catalogId=29&sku=2913507&bnrid=3780801&cm_ven=Google_PLA&cm_cat=Shopping&cm_pla=Feed&cm_ite=Google%20Base&kwid=productads-adid%5E90279709168-device%5Em-plaid%5E112859450248-sku%5E2913507-adType%5EPLA

The curtains are a silk navy.

Nice find.... do you feel yes or no on the floral while we're sort of on it -- so many lines of script, and then high contrasting neutrals of navy, white, chandelier, etc.

seems the florals are 'lost' in it all.... but you?

Do you have 4 mirrors.... well, including the coffee table ? that's a contemporary element me thinks.... are you craving the soft lines of floral? Someone posted art above...