My honest opinion............I'm not crazy about the style of the mirror with that buffet. I think it's calling out for something with cleaner lines.

Colorwise, the black/gold edging should work, since you also have brass doorknobs. Once you get the accessories it'll all blend nicely.

gosh.. is it that bad? seriously

I like it better than I thought I would! I do think I'd like it even more if the copper tone could be taken down a bit. I think rub & buff would work just fine.

I think it looks foyer approriate - but I think it will look even better once you get some color behind it and "layered" up!

Jim

PS - I think I would hang it around the 5" or 6" above range...adjust if necessary.
I think if you go too low/close it will get a bedroom dresser look to the arrangement.

Im just a newbie here-so take this for what its worth.
I think its too big for the buffet. and all those curves make it the attention grabber. You would probably need something that's about 3/4th the size. Can you use this piece somewhere else?

Hang it up for a while and live with it. I think the finish looks nice with the buffet. Bring some of that silvery tone down in accessories, then the two will relate to each other. Old silver pieces like teapots, boxes, and trays are available in thrift/antique malls if you don't have some from a relative. You may find lamps that have a silver/pewter accent or crystals that you'd like to use. I wouldn't be too worried about it though.

How many people encouraged you to get it, since you've been looking for something in this style? YOU like it, that is all that is required. Some people are drawn to curves and some people to staighter lines. Given the style of the items you have posted, I think it suits you...and your DH won't make the dreaded dresser comment :)

Here is a nice pic similar to what you are creating. I don't think you can tell, but the lamps are a shiny silver and the frame of the mirror has the look of a very old gilded one with much of the gold rubbed off, but still there on the high points.
{{!gwi}}

sheesharee: I agree with Jim. Not everyone has the same style and you are decorating your home for you and your DH so those are the opinions that count. Don't worry too much about the scale as you will be adding an umbrella stand to the base of the buffet which will extend it visually and adjust your proportions. I do think it's time to paint the walls before taking rub'n buff to it. White walls do little to complement gilded frames and artwork. The contrast is too stark. I agree also with advice to "live with it" awhile. When I first bought the picture above my fireplace, it was a bit of a surprise. I was not used to having an item of that scale or presence in my home. As for height, about 5-6" should be fine, though put one of yor taller lamps there first to see how it's reflected in the mirror to get the effect you like. And for hanging, use OOK picture hooks. Try to find a stud if you can.

I love and agree that once you get started on accessorizing the top of the buffet AND the surrounding area (perhaps new paint color would be just the ticket!) -- it will be wonderful!

I think it has some great sexy curves! :)

I love it! I wouldnt touch the color at all. I like how the curves will contrast with the straighter lines of the buffet. As Alex said,I think accessorizing it with silver and pewter is a great idea. I cant wait to see it hanging. Great choice. Sue

Are you planning on painting your walls or leaving them white? If not, then I would definitely tone down the copper a bit. I used something called Modern Marvels Metal finish to tone down a copper mirror I had and it looks much softer. It's a pretty mirror with great curves and it just needs the right accessories. It's hard not to second guess yourself but I believe if you go with your gut instincts you'll be happy with your decision in the end.

ok i feel better about it. I'll wait with the copper until we paint. Hopefully that will get done in the next couple of months.

I'll try using some silver/pewter accessories and see what i come up with. Still only do one lamp? Found this one similar to johnatemps.

i don't care for these shade though. Think it's the embroidery. The color looks off in this photo as well. It's black and gold and onsale. Today's the last day.
{{!gwi}}

or should my lamp be something in the silver family? all the ones i've seen that are silver are the skinny buffet ones...

Be careful that you don't get overly ornated w/a lamp(IMO) that competes w/the mirror, it can look chaotic and way too much look.

I do think the lamp you like above is interesting and if it's a good price, buy it and find a spot for it.

But, If you do end up buying it and using it on the buffet I would suggest changing the shades to simple opaque black ones to neutralize it somewhat and give it a more classic look.

Jim

Sheesharee,

Don't worry about mixing finishes. It makes a room interesting. I think the lamp has a lot of curve to it. Apparently, YOU like it or you would not be posting it. It may work. The shades can always be changed out. I would use either white or linen color shades to lighten it up a bit. Can you buy it and return it?

jim - so you're saying the lamp above would work. even though it's mainly black, still change the shades to black?

it's 27" tall to the top shade. there are currently no bulbs in it. the lady said the shades would sit higher once there were.

i do like that lamp and was temped to buy it but i guess i was looking for confirmation. Really wasn't sure because of the colors.

Close up
{{!gwi}}

yeah i like all the scrolly, ornate stuff.

that's the thing, I saw it the same place i found the mirror. They don't take returns on exchanges.

I think Jim is spot on with the lamp. Since the lamp is mainly black perhaps dark cream shades? I really like it too. Just in case do you have another place it can go?

It may work in the LR on this table.. colors are crimson, green, gold, black... the only thing i question is the height for on this table.

{{!gwi}}

Actually 27's tall would be fine as a table lamp too!

My thinking for changing the shades to black and not cream or white is that when you do paint the walls a black shade more than likely would not conflict/compete with a new wall color - a black opaque shade is more neutral. Plus opaque shades would be more sublte esp if you put the lamp on a tabletop dimmer to set the mood.

Isn't the dark area in you mirror black? That's why I think the black in the lamp would compliment it.

Here's what I was thinking w/black shades and achieving something like this look.

{{!gwi}}

Here's another direction/style you could go in for a lamp used singly or in pairs:
{{!gwi}}

Here's a lamp site w/some unique lamps

Lampstore.com

Jim

jim - i like the pic of the black chandelier you posted. the dark area in the mirror is black.

i also like this lamp at the link.
{{!gwi}}
this one is $165 the black on above is $59 (clearance and marked down). also feeling the pressure because of course the sale ends today.

And should i be taking that accent chair into consideration with all this? ahhhhhhhhh

I agree with Jim also. The lamp would compete with the mirror. If you do want to get the lamp for elsewhere in your house, it you like the shape of the shades and they look like they have some pretty crystals dangling from them, then it is possible to contact paper over the current shades. Someone had done it earlier using a beautiful black/white toile (though may be over the top for your LR). Yes, you should definitly take the chair into consideration when picking a lamp. You want it all to work together: chair, lamp, floor rug.

well i didn't go get the lamp and i'm not.

Can someone please give me an example of a lamp that would work with everything? I like a lot of different lamps. Just not nothing contemporary. I don't know how to make everything flow.