Question: Are all of the shelves of equal height? For example, if something was moved from the top shelf to one of the lower ones, will it fit?

Yes. They are the same height

Thanks. Maybe try the following...

Top of cabinet: Move pot from right side to left side; move plate/stand from top shelf to right side on top of cabinet

First shelf: Place carving on right hand side; move white figurine from second right shelf to first shelf on left side.

Second shelf: Move face from below to right hand side and three smaller figurines on left hand side. Remove framed print for now.

Top shelf: Take away red pot for now and try just three items with the ones on the left and right between the lights like the menorah which is between the lights.

Before I get the ladder- is this what you said minus the top shelf. Not sure if you wanted books under the two objects. I put the art on a stand.

Yes...and I don't think you need the books...just the objects. Out of curiosity do you have something that could be paired with the figurine which is now on the first shelf on the left? Something not as tall but that could work together so there are two items instead of just one on that shelf. Maybe a small bowl or even a small plate on a stand like you have in the living room.

Just noticed a small object with the lady in your original photo...please try it! Thanks.

And here it is: It looks less busy for sure. I do want my small picture somewhere though.

This is view as you enter the room

Very nice! If you are willing to give up the pot sitting on the left side of the cabinet, here's how the small picture can be accommodated.

Without the pot....carving to original place on top of cabinet on the left side, lady and friend to first shelf on right side and small picture on first shelf on left.

Hope this helps.

Yes

The pot is beautiful but it comes and goes to different rooms. The plate is from Jerusalem but is not a “must.” But the framed print is from Croatia and has meaning to me.

Love the result!!

Maybe try the suggested tweak without the pot to see if it works. Also I think the pot can be used with the fish when you get to the black etagere with the photos which needs some weight on the bottom. Thanks.

Wow. Wow. Yeah the black shelves needs help. I can part with the more recent photos as most of the rest are of deceased family. I do have other pottery if you think something would work.

I am confused you are not TV people but you have now made the TV wall the star in the room I do not like TVs surrounded by stuff it makes the TV even more of a star I know most prople here love open shelves I do not IMO they collect a bunch of stuff not worth diaplay and create no end of issues trying to make them look good.IMO the TV and one large piece of art above it would have been much better.

@Patricia , it is ridiculous to think that just because the items on display are not important to you that they are not worthy to the OP. None of the items displayed in your home are likely worthy to any of us either. What an absurd thought process... In her initial post she said they were from trips and her parents. Same goes for the open shelves. You don't like them so you should not have them in YOUR home.

Good morning! Can you please take a picture of the wall to the left of the black shelves as it may need to be considered as part of the vignette. Thanks.

Sure. It also has significant pictures of family. They have meaning to us.

First of all, is there a reason the black etagere is not centered on the wall? To start, maybe work on the two bottom shelves. Do you have another piece that would complement the pot so that the two of them could be on the same shelf? Then try the fish on the bottom with the pot and its friend on the second shelf from the bottom...and then reverse so fish is on the second shelf and the pot and friend are on the bottom to see which one looks better. The intent to provide some visual weight for the lower part of the etagere.

I guess I could center it. I think it may have been off center to allow easier passage with luggage to guest room. Just so you know, I am not Wed to the fish or white vase. What about the vase or woven basket from above the desk I thought might work? I can later see about moving the black unit over. Fyi the mirror reflects the pool. And I guess I better include a photo opposite the wall opposite TV.

Love your Carol Grigg art on the other wall...she is one of my favourite artists! Maybe there might be a better option (shape and/or finish) for a mirror above the sofa to compliment your new look! Maybe someone else can chime in on some alternatives for a mirror.

So for the etagere, maybe try the woven basket from above the desk instead of the white vase on the bottom shelf with the pot. I like the fish on the second shelf...and then we can move up! Maybe take another photo so all three shelves above are visible. Thanks.

IMO when ask for feed back that is what you get . I have my opinion others have theirs but honestly if you love what you have why did you ask?

“…but honestly if you love what you have why did you ask?

She asked because she wanted suggestions for displaying those items. Not exactly difficult to understand.

Just did a quick search for mirrors...maybe something like this...overall 41", mirror 29"x29". How big is your existing mirror?

https://www.wayfair.com/keyword.php?keyword=aziana+mirrors

I don’t think I can change that presently. But tell me what you are thinking about mine? Wrong shape, or size or wall?

Interesting question. I think it is just a visual thing. IMO the frame of the mirror seems to be competing for attention rather than complementing the aesthetic of the rest of your beautiful furnishings. The round shape is good but the frame just seems too heavy and/or not quite the right colour. Does that make sense?

So, here is the result. The two bottom items look very big to me for shelf

I agree it’s too much for the bottom shelf. Try it with just the basket.

Hi Sherry. So fun to see another room in your house after seeing only living room and dining room. You have so many great keepsakes! I like the latest pics of the simplified floating shelves - great improvement.

As far as your black etagere. How about gathering five of your large ceramic pots and/or baskets and putting one on each shelf. Keep it simple but bold. I think smaller things get muddled with the criss cross backs of the etagere shelves and the family pictures on the wall.

Could the smaller family photos currently on the etagere go on the top of what looks like a desk in the photo you posted above? (it looks like there is a cool ceramic jug and a basket on that desk that would be great candidates for the etagere!).

Always fun to play with your things!

I like the mirror but it might fit in better with your other things if you painted the frame black….

Sherry, I love that you are committed to using highly personal items and art in your home. It's always discouraging to me (though I never say so in discussions) that many people seem to ask about art that matches instead of just choosing what they love. I love every single piece of art in my home; I lust after it, which is why I bought it, it brings me such joy and makes my heart sing every time I see it. Some of it is original, some reproductions, some thrift store; it includes photographs, paintings, sculpture, framed mementos and much more in all kinds of materials . But what it all has in common is that I am madly passionate about each piece. I am thrlled to see you have the same feelings.

The only thing that is discordant for me, and I do not recall seeing anyone mention it, is the lighting. It is very blue (and this from someone who likes cool) and cold looking. I see a strong sense of the Arctic when I see that corner and I find it distressing. Do you have 5000K LED lights there? Have you considered using slightly warmer ones like maybe 3500K? I feel that change might make a real difference.

So the mirror goes with the lamps. And the white tv unit goes with the adjacent white kitchen. This family room is used all the time. Want it to have a comfortable yet stylish look. My R.C Gorman framed prints and Carol Griggs are favs as well. I guess I can find room for old photos. I could upload into my computer picture frame as well. Here is another photo and as you can see the jug is too big.

Maybe the blue glass bowl and the shell from the end table between chairs? For the stagers.

Or the red vase you removed from the floating shelves.

Lighting definitely needs adjusting. We need to change bulbs. The large clam shell is too big to fit on shelf. New arrangement seems dreary?

Would you consider painting the etagere white? Think it would make a big change and would tie in with the other white that you have added.

Very talented hubby! Lovely, meaningful items but the even spacing between objects is making the display look “flat”. To add visual depth put some shorter items in front of taller ones, bunch some items of varying height together in a tight group of 3, and leave more empty space on each shelf. Play around with it, even pros don’t get a visually pleasing arrangement the first time. Also, consider rotating the items you display on a seasonal basis.

As you noted, the height and width of items is important to a pleasing display…some items are too tall for the shelving. Others are too wide. Add some of the shorter family photos back in the etagere. Keep playing around with it until it pleases you.

So, I actually purchased the etagere about 7 years ago to balance the white wall unit ( it was a variation of present one) with kitchen table( black pedestrian with cherry top) and small black buffet in family room. I have rearranged some things and will continue but my question is: 1. Is the bottom item too big? 2. I am thinking the pictures with white mats seem best. They seem a better size. Thoughts? I think the top looks better. What are thoughts now? Is there an item that detracts?

I think that arrangement looks great!

Yes, definitely better. The lightbulbs will get changed. The etagere is adjacent to large slider which provides natural light. It’s interesting to me that family pictures in most decorating articles/ suggestions seem to not be appropriate for formal as well as informal areas anymore. Just an observation The digital computer displays reign which is not bad in itself. My home office now has its share as well as my husbands office of framed pictures.

I am glad you brought back some photos. I think the all-digital generation never makes prints, so hence none in decor.

I was sorry to see that the man sitting on the ground didn't make it back. Looks unique and relaxing, but you know which subjects you most want to display.

I like the fish, but it looks a little squished between what's above and what's beneath. Thought fish looked better when the basket was beneath. Then photos above gave the fish some breathing room.

neathneath

I will frame the picture on the mantle, but it will not be hung. Will it look ok even though it is not the best shape? I have had that print for about a year and really did not have any idea what I planned on doing with it. I did put the "man," back onto the shelf. It does look more interesting.

Good morning! I personally think the square is a good option as it is different than the two rectangles of the fireplace box and the TV. It will look good!

I plan on using the square print. Now to simplify the coffee table. I want the coffee table books. I keep TV remotes in square box. I use the baskets for magazines. I want to eliminate I think the silk flowers. Thoughts

Yes to eliminating the silk flowers like in this photo...everything else on the coffee table is fine and more important is functional.

Liked your original TV wall arrangement except for red vase location- color seemed too strong for other objects on shelf. Thought the objects on each shelf were well balanced as grouped. Really liked your black etagere as you originally had it- very personal with family pictures on it as well as family pictures on adjacent wall.

Thanks for your input. I think I am happy with less on wall unit. I stare at my changes for days. Although all the suggestions have been minor, I do stand by many original pieces. I am keeping those items acquired through trips and the etagere eliminated only 3 pictures I care about. They will find a place of significance in another spot.

I am so pleased that you post results, thank you and what a difference. The display area is little staged and imposing.. As a guest, I would be afraid to get too close. Place the magazine trays on top of the cabinets so people know they are allowed to approach to admire your things.

Hmm. I reread each comment and reviewed each arrangement. I have stared at both the etagere and floating shelves. As far as etagere, the bottom pot is too big for the shelf. I had photos on the top two shelves in beginning and yes, several were vintage family ( if there is such a thing). They were conversational. I will rethink this. If I bring pictures back to top shelves, I need to do something with other shelves but more proportioned objects. I think the comment above made me realize, I don’t want things to be too stuffy!I will make changes within the week. I put is appreciated.