Why not invest in a gorgeous painting! I would go for something quite big with a black wood frame, not too thick, to pick up the trim on the firebox and also the black border of your rug. ( I love your rug!) Can I see a black lampshade reflected in the mirror? The black frame would certainly balance any other black accents. The room has great proportions. Good luck with your ideas.

Are you going to get curtains for the windows? Do you already have fabric picked out? I would see what your plan is for the windows first, then figure out the space above the fireplace.

I agree with the previous comment.I think once you have curtains installed your mirror might balance just right.

Thanks for the suggestions. I happen to have a large framed print with a very dark frame that I will try out this weekend and then will post some more photos. Since we just had hunter douglas silhoutte shades installed , so not sure about adding curtains at this point. Trying to keep room bright and uncluttered. Have also put up some prints on each side of china cabinet (print is sitting on chair in current photo).

keep the mirror, think about candelabra on either side of it.

Consider adding a mantel.

I like the idea of a gorgeous painting, or if you want to keep the mirror, add wall sconces

Here is the result of this weekend's re-arranging. Added a large framed photograph over the mantel, moved the mirror to the opposite wall and transformed an unused old style tv cabinet into a bar. The bar now anchors a previously empty spot in the dining room. What would be a good idea for new dining room chair fabric?

Here is the photo of the fireplace with framed print (I hope).

I think the mirror over the hunt table is hung too high - try 5" above the table top. I'm not a fan of the bar. If is so large it is overpowering the light finish fireplace and it is blocking the window. You said you wanted to keep the room bright and uncluttered, so the bar is not fitting into that profile. Is it possible that the hunt table and mirror would work in a foyer or other spot? The picture is wider than the firebox which I don't care for, but I think the bar and picture would be beautiful together in the spot where the mirror and hunt table are now. Then keep tweaking the FP. Wish you could bring your light fixture into this configuration to give it more credibility with the heavy dark furniture.

Remove the tablecloth. Very dated and fussy looking and it detracts from the rug. Just a centerpiece on the table.

Agree with deco to not put the bar in front of the windows and to lower the mirror.

The bar is wonderful if you could find another wall for it.

I'd put the mirror back over the fireplace. I think it was really the light fixture that was the culprit here. I'd see about something with just a little more presence and perhaps a bronze, copper or some kind of burnished metal. Attaching just a few reasonably-priced ideas.

I'd put the painting (which I love) over the sideboard.

Any possibility of putting a very simple mantle above the fireplace so you could flank the mirror with two gold candelabras?

Ooohhh! Didn't see Deco's lighting fixture before replying. That's fab! Still gold, but the shade adds texture and mass. Buy that right away!

How about adding slip-on lampshades to the chandelier bulbs to add some visual weight?

I think you have a lovely room but there are somethings that need tweeking. The mirror does look better over the server and does look like it could be a little lower. I like the painting above the fireplace. I have to agree with the rest that the chandelier is too light weight visually for the room. I also do not like the caddy corner bar. The room is too large to have to do that. Also I want to dispel the notion that drapes make a room look fussy or cluttered. Tailored drapes can look really very simple and add a lot of warmth to a room and make the room look finished. The silhouette shades do add privacy and heat control but really do not add anything else to the room. Drapes should be your next expenditure.

The small Lamp shades may help as suggested but may not go with the uncluttered look you are trying to achieve.

I like the picture over the fireplace and think once you add some drapes it will balance things out.

Lovely room, I agree a few tweaks and you have achieved perfection. Tablecloth needs to be removed, use it when you have a dinner party or gathering to protect the tabletop. The Bar needs to be placed on a wall, looks a bit off as is now. Have you considered paining the chandler in black to give it more visual weight, simple cost effective fix, flat black paint to give the appearance of iron? Also I agree with Maison about drapery panel (no grommets please), simple Panels framing the window would be stunning. The mirror over the Server looks fabulous and the artwork on the fireplace gives the room visual interest. Well done.

It is great to get outside perspective, thanks for all the comments. No problem to add shades to the chandelier and to banish the tablecloth, except when toddlers are visiting. I am open minded about adding drapery panels, but could use guidance on what type of rods and how high to place them above the windows. The ceiling is 8'.

I love the idea of adding art - I think it would really complete the room for a more full, finished style. If you don't know exactly what you want to put there, you can try the ARTtwo50 iPad app (arttwo50.com). Its an app that lets you take a picture of your space and virtually browse through and hang artwork on your wall so that you know exactly what it will look like. You can compare pieces and decide what works best , ie: landscape or abstract, monochromatic or bold. The art is all original pieces for $250 which is pretty great - I love the art i've found on there.

I agree that the bar looks too large and out of place for the space. It's a beautiful firebox, you don't need a mantel. I like the idea of a mirror, but prefer a starburst one over the round one you had. Can't wait to see the finished product!

As if you need another opinion.................. The round mirror looked fresher to me than the print. Someone suggested a different round mirror which would, I think, be right on the money. Because you like Traditional I'd have a look at convex round mirrors in a simple, dull gold. Hang the mirror in the customary way, from two hooks, one on each side of the frame, but take another step. From your crown molding at a center point in line with the mirror, tack a length of 1" ribbon or woven upholstery tape so that you have two long pieces hanging down. Attach one ribbon to one side of the mirror, and do the same on the opposite side. Now you've got the illusion that the mirror is suspended by the ribbon hanger. You can add a knot or tiny bow at the top of the crown molding.
Anyway, just an idea. By the way, the fixture over the table is a little too minimal but you might try lowering it and adding some simple clip on shades. Try white, hard back little shades or off-white silk.
The bar cabinet is great but looks forced in the corner. Can you put it on a different wall? For the center of the table maybe you'd like an oval tray (Pewter, Silver, Lacquer)....? On the try, instead of one large container, try a few smaller bud vases and candlesticks. Each vase can be different in height. Simple, good quality glass for instance, or white porcelain. A single stem in each.

I agree that the liquor cabinet is awkward in the corner. Would it look too odd for either the liquor cabinet or hunt board to be moved to the center of the wall with the windows (both pieces are around 40-42" high)? The floor vent would be a concern for the liquor cabinet.

Consider this. Put the longest piece on the longest wall. It looks as though it would be your hunt board. Next look at your remaining pieces. Which has the most use for you? From an aesthetic (and my personal) point of view, I'd then put the bar cabinet on the narrower wall, but if the China cabinet works better for you then put it on the narrowest wall. I think putting two pieces side by side may work in terms of fitting everything but my fear is it will still look crowded and forced. Is the China too valuable for storage to move out? Let me know so I can consider an alternative.

Jtva, how's the room coming along? Photos? I just hate not seeing how the story ends!

The dining room is still a work in progress, but some changes have been made. Still looking for the perfect picture above fireplace. Thinking about using a landscape watercolor from local artist, but would like input on proportion-size of painting and frame to get balance right. Alternative is to frame an Hermes scarf that has similar color of room (scarf is 18" square). Thoughts on that? Also, how high should curtain panels be hung? Any fabric suggestions?

By the way, I think the mirror is too high above the sideboard. Is there a rule of thumb for distance from surface? Also, I am unable to lower the height of the chandelier without bringing in an electrician, but I do have the extra links that came with the chandelier. How important is that to do?

Just saw recommendation from post above of 5" above surface for hanging mirror, so will try that once everything else is finalized (if ever!).

I think you should paint the wall where the mirror is once you decide on the curtains. It will be beautiful

A new chandelier would also make it beautiful!

Wonderful updates. Can't wait to see the artwork for above the fireplace.

The art will have more impact at the FP if it is 75% of the firebox width. The mirror should be about 5" above the buffet but to reflect the chandy, and be low enough, you'll need a taller one.

Replace the mirror over the sideboard with the large print. I find artwork over the fireplace is too high. Here are some ideas for a mirror over the fireplace. It needs to have texture and shape or else it just looks like the same shape as your table.

The rule of thumb for hanging a chandelier over a dining table is 5 feet (60 inches) above the FLOOR, not the table. Remember, you're sitting at the table, not walking under it. I've always used this in my homes, and it works! If you're extremely tall, you might want to go a few inches higher -- but no more. As with flowers & other centerpieces, you just want to be sure not to obstruct sight lines between diners. Also, I prefer the lamp without the shades, which make it look old-fashioned. Maybe a different color or style of shade would help. But I think that just lowering the lamp some more will do the trick.
Also, I'd definitely add tailored drapes to frame those lovely windows. Hang them right below the crown molding and have them go to the floor (no puddling, please). Make sure they're wide enough to fill out the wall. If you want to save money and don't think you'll ever actually close them, you could make them stationary and narrower. Just don't skimp on the "stack-back" on the sides -- that's what will make the room pop and look finished.
Neither picture above the fireplace seems quite right -- one's too small, the other too big. But the round mirror above the sideboard is inspired, as are the lamps with the black shades!

Can you take the two pictures flanking the china hutch and flank the picture above the fireplace? I love the idea of the Hermes scarf, but it would have to have a very large mat and substantial frame to work above the fireplace.

Also, is the table centered under the chandelier? I agree that if you can lower the chandelier you may be able to salvage it. Could you try black or navy shares?

Lower the chandelier to 89" above the floor. That mirror says nothing here. You need a smart mantle, not too large.