Real art between the sconces, absolutely nothing to the right, a more important piece of furniture in place of what is there ( bigger and more eye-catching). Guests are busy walking in, saying hello, taking off coats, etc. They are only aware of the atmosphere, not trying to closely examine this space; they are anticipating a drink or dinner or an afternoon of coffee and chit chat.

Art in between, and a hat/coat stand in the corner on the right.

Is the door centered in its wall or is it also off center? Are the sconces centered on the door, in other words?

As the mother of a child almost lost to undiagnosed, untreated OCD, I'd like to raise awareness of what a debilitating illness OCD actually can be. 20 years later, my child lives bravely and successfully with that illness. It's estimated that approximately 2% of Americans suffer from OCD. Using OCD interchangeably with a love of symmetry could lead to a lack of awareness of its true symptoms and a failure to offer or receive life-saving intervention.

I remember when I used "I'm feeling schizo" casually. That seems to have disappeared and I would hope the same for this.

The op proclaimed himself " O C D. " Nobody is underestimating the disease, or its ramifications.

That it became like the term "Xerox" which is actually a company is perhaps unfortunate but many many people suffer quite mildly and manage well. We say ( awful ) things like "I'm getting suicidal" in dramatic emphasis of very minor problems , even laughing as we utter the words. Not excusing it, but try to take it the way the op intended...as did I.

Nobody would minimize the scare you had. Nobody. Nor the many folks for whom the disease is debilitating.

@barncatz: "It's estimated that approximately 2% of Americans suffer from OCD."

No, this is like saying that 50% of Americans have a cold. Fifty percent may have a cold at some time during their lives. Likewise two percent may suffer from OCD at some point; two percent do not have OCD now. The incidence of OCD during the past year also varies significantly among demographic groups; it's far more prevalent among girls.

Its the language police I really wish would disappear.

Another example of taking offense when none was intended. I guess we should flay open everyone who says, ”well that’s depressing”, or ”im going to lose my mind”. 🙄

And you dont even know if the OP was/wasn’t diagnosed with OCD.

just leave it, removing it could open a can of worms for the wires IN the wall. also yes that is how it would have been done, its center to the door opening, and i would put a coat rack there. that was a great plan.

As a person with OCD tendencies, but not the disorder, I suggest that you find a way to live with it. Accept the logic of centering them with the doorway. The other choice was to center them on the wall. It was a 50/50 decision. The original owner flipped a coin and decided to center them on the doorway.

Accept it and move forward. Trust me when I say with an old home there will be much bigger issues demanding your attention in the next day or so.

Beautiful front door, BTW.

my OCD is consumed with the pendant light, it doesnt belong lol. just a joke guys.

I don 't love the ceiling light either lol and you all know my issue is just spit it out. So I did.

As an old house lover, I vote "leave it". Do replace the ceiling fixture with something era-appropriate. Then how about a vintage umbrella stand in the corner? Add cool walking sticks, and/or umbrellas.

And folks, language evolves and we need to evolve with it. A poster respectfully shared her real life experiences with OCD and asked that we refrain from using the term casually. It's no different than losing the term "retarded" from our vocabulary. There are many other examples of language we all once used but no longer do because we now understand it can be hurtful. Let's choose kindness.

I love your sconces. And like RL…think that you need to put some fabulous art, or a portrait between the two lights. They are fabulous! Lucky you! I love symmetry, but when confronted with Asymmetry….I always say, embrace it! See it as a wonderful opportunity to do something different. To the first of the table/console beneath the sconces, put a marvelous umbrella stand or beautiful antique ceramic planter and base with a plant, or a coat stand, as RL suggests. USE the area that ISN’T in the vignette that you see when you open the door to add a little something extra and draw the eye beyond, and to the right. It is the quirks that make us all unique. This is a quirk of your home and makes it extra special. Embrace it!

I feel like the ceiling lighting should be in the romantic revival style or something like that

First of all, I’m not discussing my medical history here. I wrote what I wrote for a reason, and I am not ignorant. Thank you to those who understood what I was saying without throwing accusations.

Second, a previous owner left that HORRIBLE pendant light; I found a 1920s pendant and am getting it rewired.

Third, behind the door (to the right) is a beautiful built-in bench, so unfortunately I can’t put an umbrella rack or coat rack, but what do you guys think of a hat rack on the wall?

Fourth, I had not thought of art in that spot! For some reason, I thought I could only do a mirror, but you’re right, a piece of beautiful art would feel so welcoming!

Thanks to all for your input. ❤️

Another vote for leave the sconces. Put a nice art piece or mirror in between. Then, if after a while it still bothers you, consider a coat tree or something to the right.

I would get nice mirror.

i wouldnt do a mirror bc then everyone who walks in the door is just boom...refection. I think art would be more interesting.

Put a picture or mirror inbetween the sconces and get a nice coat tree for the right corner as that is what was probably there back in the day.

I'm actually the opposite of OCD, so this doesn't bother me at all. I just get lost in the beauty of your old home!