More pictures

Maybe I can raise the cabinet a little?

Perhaps adding some chunky legs? But I agree with palimpsest, just lower the mirror a bit and add some decor.

I agree with above. May I also suggest a colorful runner for the hall.

A runner is a good idea, I have no idea what to pick. This is the runner on our stairs (which will be replaced with something neutral)

Does this look better? I’ll try to lower the mirror/raise the cabinet. I gave them both a nice clean and condition w wood oil and they look much better in general.

If your going with a neutral rug on the steps, your options are pretty open for a runner in the hall

I would move the plant over to the right a smidge and add a small framed picture of your DH and his father.

What a wonderful idea! Thank you.

Lower the mirror to 6-8 inches above the chest or raise the chest so the space between the two is the 6”-8” measure. Then add some color on the chest. A small lamp will look nice, too. I know you didn’t ask about this, but the pictures going up the stairs will look so much better without the written decal.

@Donna Cheek thanks! I appreciate any suggestions. We will be taking all of those down to paint soon (and taking the words down. Was not sure how I felt about putting them back up TBH). Not sure how to put the photos back up so they look better so I'm sure I'll post that project, too ha!

I like the mirror height, tho it's a bit high for the chest. I would look for some bun feet for the cabinet to raise it up a bit and make it look more like a decorative piece of furniture. How wonderful that you're trying to make this work, in deference to your husband and his sentimentality about the pieces.

As you continue to decorate your home, continue to post your projects on this thread, so posters can see your spaces to help with the process.

I'm a little nervous about a potted plant being on an heirloom. It looks like the pot isn't porous, but temperature changes could lead to slight condensation. I would hate to have a ring there. I like the picture of your father-in-law there or other items of his. You did a great job cleaning up both the chest and mirror, and that's a great place for them both. Do lower the mirror.

Thanks, K L. It’s a fake plant 😶I totally agree a real one would not be wise for this item. It looks pretty real to me but I’m definitely playing around with other options.

I picked up a gold frame that looks a bit aged. But now I’m thinking it’s too matchy as the frame is the same shape as the mirror 🫣

Were you able to lower the mirror to four inches above the chest top? Can you take a photo from a lower position? Glad the plant is fake. :-)

A fake plant? It does not belong there. Even if it was real, it would still look odd on this lovely antique. It’s a dark, interior-room space where plants do not grow well - that’s why it looks out of place.

The little chest is beautiful, and I think new ”booster” bun feet would give it more presence as well as make it a bit more balanced with the big mirror.

I like previous recommendations to add bun feet to raise the height. Here are some styling ideas.