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jeanlarson

Softening the look

9 years ago

I have a heavy 3'x4.5' mirror hanging on my living room wall. In front and below it are two leather club chairs. I have not been able to soften the look, and wonder what options there are for flanking the mirror.


Comments (39)

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Hi. I suggest you remove the art on both sides of the mirror, it's not helping. Make sure the mirror is hung centred between the two chairs. Get a lighter-looking table and lamp. (The table was on ebay, afraid I can't get a meaningful source for the lamps.)

    Pet dog regularly and provide with treats.

    Jean Larson thanked Rina
  • 9 years ago

    I had a lighter table and lamp, very similar to your suggestion. The mirror and chairs overpowered the table and lamp. What do you think of more colorful artwork? None?

  • 9 years ago

    I would say none right there. More colourful art nearby, perhaps, to balance and brighten the look. I presume you're not open to giving up on the mirror, or hanging it elsewhere?

    I'm off to bed now as it's night time here, but I hope others weigh in with good suggestions.

    Jean Larson thanked Rina
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I love the mirror and it should stay hung vertically. Maybe pictures of the rest of the room would help. No wall "stands alone". That said, I would replace the small table between the chairs. It is too "weak" for the bulk of the chairs. It should also be deeper so you can actually set a drink on it without twisting in the chair. Choose something more mid wood tone with maybe metal on it that goes with the mirror frame. It could be a cabinet with doors, but still on legs. Add colorful pillows to the chairs or a pillow on one and a throw on another. Also, the mirror bottom should be higher than the table top.

    Jean Larson thanked Barbara Griffith Designs
  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    I'm not feeling the mirror (hopefully it could be moved to a hallway or dining room). The table is too high to make it practical for placing anything on and also makes the lamp too high for good reading. The wall would be so attractive with a collage and try warming up the space by turning your chairs a bit to face either other and add pillows. A great spot for coffee, reading, conversation and will feel more welcoming.

    Jean Larson thanked Maureen
  • PRO
    9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    Great dog. Step one is definitely to take down those 2 art pieces. (And I almost wish you could paint the framing on the mirror white.) Can we see more of the room?

  • 9 years ago

    no art, different table, I agree is there somewhere else for the mirror? right now it is reflecting the tv, needs to be reflecting something beautiful. pictures of the whole room would be helpful

    Jean Larson thanked Jennifer Havin
  • 9 years ago

    Thank you all, this is so fun! The mirror is super heavy. I can raise it up, but want ro keep it where it is now because it really helps the room feel bigger. Also my husband wants the leather chairs to stay. I will post more pictures of the room. The couch has a slipcover and will be replaced with a natural or off-white tone couch soon.

  • 9 years ago

    Can you show pictures of the rest of the room?

  • 9 years ago
    last modified: 9 years ago

    A mirror does not make a room feel bigger unless it's a whole mirrored wall. Mirrors can be cold--almost like a hole in the wall unless they reflect something wonderful.

    There might be other ways to work with the mirror but without seeing the other elements in the room it is hard to say.

    The mirror is too heavy for the table as others mentioned.

    Jean Larson thanked leelee
  • 9 years ago

    I'm having difficulty posting more pics, will try again. The mirror does indeed make the room feel bigger. And it reflects our wood burning fireplace. But I can move it. Trying to post additional pics now.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    One thing that would help make the room feel bigger right off the bat is to remove a lot of stuff. It is virtually wall to wall items against the walls and on the walls. That becomes stifling in look and feel. I think you have some beautiful wall hanging, but they are spread out so that gives a "cluttered" feeling. I would remove the mirror. I agree it is very pretty, but the sheer visible weight of it is too much. I would consider putting all your bird photos on that wall in an interesting collage of wonder. Then I would consider removing some furniture pieces. The little console tables either side of the fireplace are nice, but they might work better functionally, as end tables long wise to the sofa (blue). That would clear some visual space around the fireplace. Then try the half round wood table perhaps on the far left side of the fireplace which would bring some contrast to the fireplace. I would angle the leather chairs just a bit to soften the look, rather than "straight soldiers". Would that secretary desk (?) on the one wall, fit between the leather chairs? Not sure that would work, but I would measure to see about it. That would balance the fireplace with a higher, piece on that side of the room. Some of the other "art" can be edited, and select just the ones you really want or begin a rotation system, so you get to see each for a period during the year. There could be your "winter" arrangement and your "summer" arrangement. Those are some immediate ideas.

    Jean Larson thanked Flo Mangan
  • 9 years ago

    Well... I hate clutter and didn't recognize it in my own room! Hmmm. Thank you for all of your suggestions, I have some rearranging in my future lol! Posting a couple more before I set to work.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Not to worry, it creeps up on all of us!! Just do a little at a time so you don't get overwhelmed.

    Jean Larson thanked Flo Mangan
  • 9 years ago

    I removed the plants from beside the TV. Just doing that gives the eye less to look at. What do you think?

  • 9 years ago

  • 9 years ago

    I like your mirror chair arrangement but would take down side pictures and slant the chairs away from the wall toward each other a little....may have to move the sweet doggies bed. Does having the TV that high bother you? And I agree...seeing a phto of your rooms gives a whole new perspective.

  • 9 years ago

    I took down the pictures flanking the mirror. It looks naked to me lol, will post a picture. I also turned the chairs in a bit. The dogs bed goes away when company comes ;)

  • 9 years ago

    The console on the right holds the TV control box and conceals cable TV wires.

  • 9 years ago

    Made some subtle changes.


  • 9 years ago

    Having the TV at that height doesn't bother us at all.

  • 9 years ago

    what about a solid cabinet under that mirror? also needs to be wider than the mirror, but even now the mirror needs to go up a couple inches. looking good jean

    Jean Larson thanked Jennifer Havin
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    Jennifer I agree, that is why I was wondering about that piece on the wall in wood, looks like a little secretary desk? But just angling the leather chairs helps quite a bit. Do you like that? Mirror is just too low. Mirror has to go! I'm a poet! lol

    Jean Larson thanked Flo Mangan
  • 9 years ago
    Please submit a plan and a regular (non-exaggerated) photo.
    Jean Larson thanked jbtanyderi
  • 9 years ago

    A plan? If you tap the photo, it should correct and focus. The secretary is too tall, I believe. I'll try to move it. But what about the half round shelving table there?

  • 9 years ago

    Not sure I have a piece wider than the mirror. OK I'll take the mirror down

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    I don't think the half round is deep enough for the depth of the chairs?

    Jean Larson thanked Flo Mangan
  • PRO
    9 years ago

    What do you mean the secretary is too high? Not if you remove the mirror. That is what I mean.

  • 9 years ago

    The desk surface, where you'd put a drink, is too high. We'll see. But I'm thinking the dark secretary between the two leather club chairs is too "heavy" a look.

  • 9 years ago

    Have you ever considered moving the leather chairs to the fireplace and the taller chairs on the mirror wall?

  • 9 years ago

    There's already so much going on near the fireplace the taller chairs would possibly look better on the mirror wall.

  • 9 years ago

    I only have one blue chair. My husband likes his leather chairs facing the TV/fireplace.

  • 9 years ago

    The pics I posted overlap each other, that's why there seems to be two blue chairs. Here is a straight on pic of the fire place wall.

  • 9 years ago

    I'd keep your mirror as it is. On either side, I'd hang a little picture that is secured to the wall with a navy ribbon. I think you need some soft texture to that area. Also consider a throw on each chair. Think soft textures.

  • 9 years ago

    That is more what I had in mind by softening the area. My husband likes the mirror and his leather chairs where they are. If I could I'd take them completely out of the room. I'm also rethinking the secretary. It feels old and dark. It needs to be refinished, and until then, just looks old and tired.

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    The mirror should not be wider than the table. This one with a decorative top appears less severe.

    Jean Larson thanked BeverlyFLADeziner
  • 9 years ago

    Yes indeed, looks much better, thank you!

  • PRO
    9 years ago

    You will enjoy making little tweaks and liking a less cluttered space. It will make you feel "lighter"!