Well, here goes, I am one for brutal honesty. I do not like the candleholders but I do like your new sofa.

Why not use books or seashells or colored glass or more interesting objects up there on the ledge? You can never use the candles it will leave a burn spot on the ceiling. Not that you were anyways, but I speak from experience.

A wide mirror I think would look great above your sofa. And you would be surprized at how a painting would look if it were more simple and the right proportion.

I hope I have been of some help but it is late.

.....Jane

I agree with Jane, it's hard to think when it's late. I happen to like the look of what you have. The only thing I'd do in switch the two taller candle holders with the two shorter ones. I don't even think candles are needed. The items are very interesting. If YOU and your family like it, go for it. I know there's many things in our home that others may find odd, but we love them.
what you've done is simple to me and that's why I like it. Just enough to add interest, but not draw ones attention away from the rest of your room. Which I'd love to see more photos of if you have them to share.

I think the items are interesting, but spaced out like soldiers in a row feel too small for the space. Try grouping them according to their kind - the two larger bottle shapes together on the left end. Then the three small red ones together, with gold candles (pillar, on the shorter side) in them on the right end. Finally, the four cream ones together in the center, with mossy green pillars (short, all the same height) in them.

If you are not a faux greenery hater, consider tucking some ivy or other winding stems around the center grouping, trailing off to either side. Also, pull them all forward so they are more visible.

Your couch is nice, but I would use the red pillows on either side with the larger matching ones, and the only one of the picture pillows, in the center.

Above the couch, a mirror would work, something with a top curve or arch to echo the shape of the couch on the bottom trim, or an oval.

Forgive me -- but I'd rather just see the naked space along the ledge AND a painting or artwork(s) with your gorgeous spicy colors above your pretty sofa. How about an framed old world map or two (looking at your pillows)??

BUT I wonder if you hung a map (or two - depending on size of course) -- if you put some old leather-bound books on the ledge? And THEN added just one of the large bottles?

Sorry. JUST a thought!!!!

And I do agree with Les' ideas about using ONE of the decorative pillows in the center of the sofa. OR try the two decorative pillows on two plain chairs in the room?

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Here is a link that might be useful: art.com -- examples of maps

"What would you like to see up there???"

I think you should just get a couple LARGE pieces up there. A BIG vase and a WIDE bowl and maybe a GOOD SIZED figurine that does not have a lot of detail.

Whatever you put up there, bring it all forward a bit, rather than having them pushed way back. What you have now, does not seem like one would even be able to see the items in their entirety from down below.

How high up is the ledge?

I don't care for the candles. To me, candles are not useful if they can't be smelled or lit.

I like the look of antique birdcages on high-up ledges. Birds usually hang out in trees, which are high up... Okay, it makes no sense, but that's my thinking.

Love the couch. I think you need to add one solid black pillow to anchor the black tassels.

I think something larger would work better. I like the bird cage suggestion or large basket tipped on its side with some greenery spilling out, maybe a large globe. I just think a few large items would be better than the candles lined up. I think a print or a mirror either would work over the sofa. Perhaps a print could even tie in with the shelf items. Love the sofa!

Okay I tried rearranging as Les suggested, thank you Les for your ideas. The repetitive coral fleur de les and candlesticks started bothering me. I did not like the 3 pieces clustered, so I took them all down, now that ledge is EMPTY...but my other ledge is done,except for candlesticks, and where can I find some eggs for the basket?? What do you think about this ledge, I think I like it?? Should I keep the vertical prints from Hobby Lobby?? AND should I just buy a couple more real plants, which ones?? more philedendroms ?? and place them up on the living room ledge for now?? BIG 50 PARTY on Saturday, and noone has seen our new home!!! Crunch time!!! YOU SPEAK I"LL LISTEN...THANKS!!
{{!gwi}}

Any suggestions???

Hi !! Your new sofa is very pretty!!

I do like your 2 vertical pieces - they look good there:)

The only thing I can suggest for your ledges is to go BIG!! Like mentioned, bird cages & baskets - do you have any antique stores around you? Another idea is to forgo the idea of accessorizing....I often see 2 foot tall old wrought iron railing (short) & put something like that up there - make it look like a "romeo balcony" of sorts.

As for the eggs, you can make your own - poke a hole in real eggs - drain them & paint them like real eggs.

Smiles:)