Thanks Claire. My app is acting up so I appreciate your effort. If that was hung a couple inches over mantel that would be lovely.

Thank you so much for the mock ups. Very helpful. I also like the look of something like this, as the mirror is less massive.

Here are a few more ideas.

I strongly encourage you to do the larger mirror. Your surround deserves a proper mirror and scale of mirror.

Yes a larger mirror.

I’m considering these three now- any further opinions welcome... (they are all fairly large)

#2

No. 2

Definitely not too high, although you might consider matching to the top of the window mouldings.

Nope, no matching to the top of the window molding, but higher.

Can you post more angles of this room to see your seating arrangement.

Go big or go home! But honestly, do go bigger. Do not match window height, go with one where highest point of frame hits 2-3 inches below ceiling. Select something really beautiful, width needs to be no wider than outside edges of mantle. Definitely hang it, 1-3 inches above mantle. Enjoy!

I would hang the mirror LAST. Get the room decorated with the curtains hung midway between the top of the window and the ceiling.....I think the curtains would overwhelm the window with all the space about the windows showing. The decide on a mirror.

Some different ways to do the windows and mirror/art.

Roman shades and small art that replicates the roman shade shape.

Midway between ceiling shelf and window frame.

Midway between ceiling start beam and top of window.

Susan, this opens another can of worms all together ;) I need to figure out what to do about the window coverings for the palladium windows, since there's some logistical problems there.

Love your mantle! You could go a little higher and would look good hung instead of leaning on the mantle.

Claire- here's the rest of the room. I obviously have yet to purchase a coffee table and two chairs, and probably a bookshelf. I'm open to advice.

Another angle:

one more:

How about having you sofa turn facing fireplace that way once you make a decision on chairs the can be placed at each side of fireplace. Are you willing to add some color chairs or want a darker grey? Brb with some options.

Here is a traditional chair to tie in with the fireplace

or something in the lines of transitional

Or modern

What is the size of your sofa? I think your look is more on the transitiona side l am I right?

Also wanted to know what is your budget

For that FP French art is the only answer. I like art or mirrors to stay within the footprint of the firebox and no higher than the surrounding window and door frames.

Claire- thank you! My sofa is 77". Also, yes I'm definitely open to color. I really like the above mock up and was looking at a very similar coffee table to that one with the gold legs. I don't think I can move the sofa facing the fireplace because it blocks access to the piano (behind it). I think the room is more narrow than it appears in photos. My budget it pretty open at this point.

Maybe a rug with some color would be nice.

I actually like your rug I would use pillows to add color to this room. Do you have a painting you can a color from it into it.

I love your mantel. I would hand your mirror flat in the wall slightly above the mantel so it can still be used.
Post a photo when done.
I love all the sample photos.
I am just now hanging decorations on my mantel. I wish it was deeper!

The mantel has such style I wouldn't do anything to detract from it such as a very elaborate mirror. Your original mirror has echoing curves as does #2 of the three alternate possibilities. Hang, not lean please.

http://www.lacefielddesigns.com/shop/pillows/no-2-mineral/

https://www.interiorhomescapes.com/Pillows_c_218.html?page=2

Reading and liking - do you want a formal direction, or less so? Art is so nice, and just noticed your 2 spots there!! [I also liked mirror a bit taller to 'step up toward' high windows.]

Like this look. I think a dark velvet chair or two would be a stunning addition to your room.

I also thought about dark grey chairs but I thought it would be to dark.

I have to put things on hold until after Christmas (the tree is in this room along with other Christmas decorations and additional furniture). I will definitely come back when I purchase either a mirror or artwork. thank you!!

Ok Stephanie take your time btw I did a 3D visual of your living room if you would like to see.

I’d love it see that, Claire. Thank you so much

These are two options I have for layout.

U shape

an how you currently have it.

I’m also struggling with this question. Not sure what size mirror is right/wrong or is it just a preference ? Is my mirror too large? Thought the rule of thumb was to keep it within the size of the fireplace surround or opening ?

Carla, your mirror is the size for this fireplace the frame has the width to compliment the overall size fireplace frame and the mirror for the center

Sorry that frame totally distracts from the pretty surround. It is also too large. The mirror should be no wider than the fireBOX. My goodness what is in the fireplace walls?

Two totally different remarks on my mirror size which tells me most design is a matter taste. The inside of the surround is brown & Gray marble. I’m painting the entire room Dorian Gray with the fireplace a darker two-toned gray resembling concrete. This room is 30x30 with 24’ High ceilings. Everything else I placed over this mantle was dwarfed by the expanse of the room.

Flo-you posted this pic & the mirror is huge compared to the fireplace surround yet you stated that my mirror is too large for my fireplace surround? I’m puzzled? Also not sure what kind of material is around your fireplace box?

Those are two different applications. The style and angle of your fireplace wall effects this choice. Both have French styled “surrounds”. Parisian in nature. Your mirror is more Rococo or heavy, detailed carving and its scale is larger than the entire lower fireplace. So it is out of balance to my eye. But, I don’t have the appreciation of the entire space that you do.

I am confused here. Seem to be two different rooms and different posters. Houzz system problem? Two completely different spaces. I was originally commenting on the first set of room photos on this thread from Stephanie. Carla, I don’t recognize your room at all. Perhaps you need to post your own dilemma?

It is a matter of taste and what is pleasing to the eye. Some designers go beyond or have it the same size or keep it centered from it. What does your eye says. To me it is well proportioned with the height of your ceiling and the fireplace.

Hi everyone, hope it is ok to ask for similar advice. This is our lounge wall... flat wall, no alcoves or major features. I have bought a corbel style shelf for above the fireplace (120cm in length v fireplace 'hole' 85cm) and a large mirror - 100cm length and 130cm high. It will all fit with about 10cm gap between mirror and shelf and 10cm gap between mirror and ceiling. My question is - is the mirror too big, will it look silly? Any advice appreciated. Thank you

LJPotter it would be nice if you can start your own thread about the mirror. What is the height of your wall

Thank you Claire, yes I shall start my own thread. The height floor to ceiling 250cm. Height to top of shelf would be 104cm. Mirror 130cm so 8cm gap top and bottom is central. Thank you

I agree with Claire about turning your sofa to face the fireplace thus creating a cozy intimate conversation area.

Old dilemma.