I like large paintings, and while this one would definitely fill your space, well - that's the kind of look I personally like! Generally I like artwork that somehow "speaks" to me, but I'm not so much of an art snob that I'd never buy a decorator painting. (I have four of that type in my workout room!) If you like it and know you'd enjoy seeing it daily (because it is going to be prominent in your room), go for it!

I think I'll go back and try to get a photo. Also, I'm hardly ever in that room - we live in our family room. My DIL calls formal LR's the "look room". As in - you just look as you walk by. LOL. BUT, I know I need something on the wall...it's so bare. And we are going to paint later this summer. I'm tired of blah beige and want COLOR!!!
Thanks for you response.

The dimensions look good, though I might hang it a bit lower. Make sure you like not only the painting, but the frame to make sure it's in keeping with other artwork (or planned artwork).

The frame is just one of those brushed bronze/gold metals around the edge so all you see looking straight on is the canvas. But, yes that's a point to keep in mind. Thanks.

I like large paintings also. Just pay attention to balancing the rest of the room along with it. Color will play into that as well.

That's where I fail...how do I do that? I have ZERO decorator genes!

Well, use your eye. If you look at your room, and the painting looks hmmm, tooo big :/ then you need to add some other things, or groups of things, to balance it. If something is dark or bright, for example, it will carry more weight also.

I like large paintings, too, but I'm not loving how square it is given the height it will be hanging. Unless you end up putting a whole bunch of paintings on that wall.

I think it would be great as a stand-alone piece, like on the wall to the left of the sofa as you enter from that side. I like art to be hung at eye level or lower, depending on the admirer's point of view. I'm one who tends to get up close and personal so I can see details.

If you love, love, love it I say buy. You can find a good spot for it. Otherwise, wait and get something that calls you into that room you don't use. Give your living room a reason to exist :)

Also, don't worry about how much wall is left above the painting. Nobody is up there. I agree with Valinsv, it should be about 6-9 inches above the sofa, so that they relate to each other.

OK, well I know the other wall will look "off" until I get something for it,too. I'd love to find a reasonably priced Monet or Renoir print. They are two of my favorites.

Final sale? Maybe not a good idea unless you have been looking for that exact picture and you know that that is what you want. I have made many returns that were "just perfect" for my house until I got them home.

Unfortunately, just to the left is a step up into the dining room and there's a large window there, so I don't think it would work there. Maybe I'll just wait til I can get a Monet or Renoir.

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I hung one big one 36" x 48" (before I added a frame) over my sofa and I like the look. If I try to make an arrangement there then I have to balance it with other arrangements in the room. One large piece feels easier to work with to me. The price is excellent for that size. I looked at paintings for ages before I found one I liked enough to get that large. Here's mine in case it helps. I have about 10" between sofa and picture and about 27" between picture and ceiling, just for reference. I agree with the others who said you might want to bring it a little closer to the sofa and not center the height on the wall. Show us pics when you get some :-)

Yeah, I must've glossed right over the part about it being a final sale. I don't think I'd do it after all, since you're not 100% certain it will work. Good idea to hold out for the Renoir or Monet print, and that way you can take your time in picking out a beautiful frame as well.

Yeah, I think I'll pass. When I saw it I didn't think "I must have that!" But, rather "Well, maybe that would work".

And the final sale part really worries me. I return a lot of stuff that doesn't look right after I get it home.
Thanks for all you help. It definitely helped me make my decision!

As an aside...my family room is quite large and many years ago I was at a Home Show and saw a tapestry that I loved but didn't buy. I kept talking about it and my boss (bless his heart) said "you only go around once and if you really love that piece go buy it"...back then it was $1200 and that was in the early 1980's. Anyway, I called up the dealer and she brought it over and I did buy it after all. To this day it still hangs in my family room and I still love it! I have never tired of looking at it. So I guess when I find something that speaks to me like that piece did, I'll know it! Thanks again!

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ah, I couldn't tell that from the first set.

Try looking at art.com They have an extensive library of prints available in several sizes. I just looked at Renoir and saw several gorgeous landscapes...as well as other subjects. Their prices are pretty good, and they will frame it for you as well.

I've been looking at art.com and have wondered if it was a good idea to have them frame it or get it framed locally and be able to have input in the matting, etc and actually see it? Are the prices comparable? Thanks!

I'm afraid I can't advise you on their framing costs. I know how important it is to actually see everything together in person, so a good compromise is to buy the print from them and take it to your framer of choice. You can try ebay for prints, too.

Also check out the Metropolitan Museum of Art's web store for your Monet or Renoir print

I have this one framed (with the words cut off) in my dining room:
My poster

As for the framed prices vs unframed prices, be sure to factor in shipping. I was able to have mine locally framed for around $200, but I live near a frame factory/store.

Nin

Here is a link that might be useful: Met web store

I think you are wise to wait, since you are unsure and it was a final sale item. Don't forget that you don't have to fill the space with ONE piece of art. A pair of companion pieces, or a collection of art, can be wonderful.

If you do decide on a single large piece, be sure to hang it a bit lower than you have the tape. It should feel connected to the furniture over which it hangs, rather than as if it is floating in the empty space.

If I might make a couple of other suggestions, I would try your LR lamps in the family room, and vice versa. The brass lamps in the family room seem a bit formal and tall and skinny, where the ceramic lamps in the LR seem to short, and kind of casual. Plus the color seems like a better fit in the FR.

Also, I would switch the rectangular or square end table in the LR and put it between the couch and loveseat, and use the smaller round table on the end of the couch. It looks too small between the two pieces, and the other one looks kind of large at the end of the couch.

I can try that...never thought of it but there's another side of the room that you haven't even seen yet. Maybe I should post photos of that part and then you can advise me further?

This is moving clockwise around from the love seat:

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then further towards front entry:

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then entry and small wall with DR on other side (ignore the entry floor - we're still remodeling kitchen and have plastic down):

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If I put the gold lamps in here, I'd still need a third lamp, right? I'm really up for trying whatever you all suggest because I've seen the great ideas you have!

I don't know how you use the space, or how you might have tried to arrange things in the past, but I have a couple of thoughts.

The doll cabinet by the entry makes the entry feel very crowded, and no one can easily admire the doll collection with the cabinet where it is. Also, the two chairs and table feel kind of small in front of the large window space.

I was thinking that you might try moving the doll cabinet to the wall that is on the left of the window (where the loveseat is now). Move the couch in front of the window that is currently next to the doll cabinet, use the rectangular table between that and the loveseat, which would move in front of the other window, creating the "L" shape that you had before, but in front of the windows. Use the round end table on the end of the loveseat.

Use the two chairs and table (with the same lamp, it works fine with the brass ones if you move them in there), on the end wall where the couch is now.

Take the plates off the bookshelf and hang them in a nice arrangement in the DR. Take some of the greenery down off the tops of the cases. It is too much. Perhaps leave the one on the bookshelf, if you like, but lose the one on the doll case.

Get a piece of artwork for the wall where the doll case was. Then look for a grouping of art or photos for the wall where the chairs will be.

I hope you don't mind one more suggestion. I would get rid of all the doilies and placemats that you have under everything on your tables. You can get the felt protector pads to put on the bottom of lamps and other objects at any home center or craft store. Let the beauty of the tables and the pieces show!

WOW, I had to draw this out so I could visualize it and it's basically flip-flopping the room, right? except for the doll cabinet and the rectangular table.
If I can get someone to help me I'll try it tomorrow.
First I'll change the lamps and remove the greenery and the doilies.
Also, I was intending on getting new lampshades for the gold lamps in the FR.
I'll have to look for a place and method to hang the plates...not much wall space available in DR.
I've always loved those iron type plate hangers that hold 3 or so plates...see link

Can't show DR to you right now because it REALLY is a mess because of the kitchen remodel going on. Tons of stuff piled in there.
Anyway, it's a start. After I make changes tomorrow, I'll post pics and maybe you can check back. I certainly appreciate your help! Thanks for taking the time to help me!

Here is a link that might be useful: plate hangers

OOOOOOOOOOOh this is exciting, I can't wait to see the changes made that Les recommended. It's going to be wonderful! Have you tried Overstock.com for art work? They have great buys.

Your tapestry is simply beautiful and I'm sure much more so in person.

OK, I did a lot of it...changed lamps, removed doilies, ditched the greenery on doll cab, and rearranged the furniture.

Here's the FR w/changed lamps - I love them in here! Never even thought of it!:

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Here's the rearranged LR - starting from where the sofa WAS:

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Haven't put dolls back yet...waiting to get feedback. This stuff is hard to move.

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Question: Could doll cab be on the diagonal in that corner? DH suggested that...
I know I need wall decor of some kind and hang my plates in DR somewhere. This is just the start...actually, this IS fun! It's nice getting input from you all!
How does it look now, so far????

Here is a link that might be useful: here's all the pics

Sorry I didn't mean to ignore your comments...
No I haven't tried overstock yet but will look there. I didn't know they had that sort of thing.
Thanks for your comment about tapestry...yes it is beautiful...Thanks.

It looks great from what I can see! Can you get some long shots though. Hard to get the big picture with closeups, esp with the room shape, etc.

I'll try...maybe I'll stand on a stepstool. It's a pretty big room...19ft x 12ft 10in

Wow I just don't see how Les does that. It's looking really good. I think the doll cab would look good on the diagonal in the corner. Those 2 chairs still look too spaced apart and that might allow you to group them together a little more. Also what about the putting the end table that's in the corner between the sofa and love seat on the diagonal where it sits at an even angle to both and the front of the table sort of bridges the 2? I like the lamp swap and I really like the sofas in the new location by the window. Might want to consider sprucing up the taller brass ones with new shades with a little color. Just a thought, it's looking great! Isn't it fun to try out new things you'd never even considered before!

OK, I tried taking more pics but to me they look the same. I stand at one end of the room then the other.
Since I already put the dolls back I think I'll leave it there for a while before I try the diagonal...at least a few days. Never thought about colored lamp shades - I've always used white/beige/ivory etc. What color do you suggest? We have a few really good independent lamp stores here so I'll go there & see what they have.
I could maybe put a big plant in the corner near the dolls? What about that? It's just a really big room so things seem to get dwarfed. It's 19 x 12ft 10in
I'll try moving the rectangular table and see how that looks. Thanks for all the help everyone!!!

this is from the entry:

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this is from far wall:
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and these are from DR:
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Here is a link that might be useful: photo album

I just moved the table...what do you think?

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You have been working hard!

I think I like the overall feel of the space. The chairs don't feel so lost, and the doll cabinet doesn't overwhelm the wall there, as it did by the entry. I like the brass lamps in there so much better, and the ceramic ones really seem to compliment the family room decor.

I do think you need to flip the couch and loveseat, tho. Couch on the entry wall, for a smoother visual line in front of the two windows there. No end table by the entry end. Round table between the couch and loveseat, and the other round one at the end of the loveseat, on the same wall as the doll cabinet.

Rectangular end table between the two chairs (turned sideways, so the long side faces forward).

Don't try to center the doll cabinet on that section of wall - move it down to the left a bit, and then you can move the chairs a bit closer together.

One other thing to add for now. I would get rid of the large off-white and peach pillows on the couch and loveseat. They are really kind of large, and don't add anything. Consider finding some smaller pillows that bring some of the darker taupe or even the rust of the chairs onto the couch and loveseat.

Thanks...when we first started moving things around we DID put the sofa on the other wall but it really looked cramped so we switched it and at least IRL it looked less cramped...

I'll try to get the doll cab moved - DH still wants to try it on the diagonal in that corner. Probably on Sat.

I can move the tables around today...put rectangular one between 2 chairs.
Next job is to look for better pillows and new lampshades. I'll post more photos when I get more accomplished.

Could someone photoshop paint color on the walls?? Thanks a bunch!

Whew!...By George, I think we've got it!!!
Everyone here (DH, DS) loves the new arrangement & look!
It is such an improvement and much better use of the space!

Thanks so much for all the input!

I got new lampshades & finials today - the woman at the lighting store was very helpful & she liked my "old" lamps. Said you don't see many like that anymore...maybe that was a left-handed compliment, LOL, LOL. I don't know...oh, well at least I like them.

I bought fabric for pillow covers today - I have lots of various size pillows not in use so I'll just cover some of them.

Could someone please photoshop some color on the walls? Subtle green or ? Thanks again!!

Here's the room clockwise:
doll cab on the diag...in real life looks really good this way and there is plenty of room for the 2 chairs & table.

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I moved the table away from the front door area and that's much better.

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Here is a link that might be useful: see entire album here

Love your new lampshade shape - nicely balances the lamps, and also is a bit more elegant look.

If you tried the couch the other way and it didn't look right, then this is where it should stay.

I would just like to see you try switching the round table on the end of the couch, and the rectangular one. I think it might be a nicer balance to have the round tables between the two sets of seating, and the rectangular table sitting at the end of the couch. I think it seems a bit off to me to have the two round tables in closer proximity to one another, and I think the rectangular table would sit a little more compactly at the end of the couch.

Glad that you and your family like the new set-up. Great brainstorming here from everyone, and great input at your end, too!

I think a soft green on the walls would be nice, and I could also see a rich but lighter shade of a grey-blue in there.

Enjoy your 'new' space! Please come back and let us see how it comes out with the new pillows, art and wall color! It is so fun to see the end result.

Thank you les917!!! You came up with suggestions I never even dreamed of.

And, yes that grey-blue color - whatever it's name - is something I've been thinking of looking into.

Looks great suzieca! The new lamp shades give the lamps a little pizzazz that they needed. I like the round table moved away from the entry to open that up and I love the doll cabinet angled in the corner. DH gets points for that one :-) Now just cover a few pillows and keep an eye out for something you love for the wall and you're there. The space looks great now.

It looks so good! That arrangement is going to be versatile, as well. When you have a bunch of people over, the chairs can move closer to the main seating area.

I do like Les's suggestion for moving the rectangular table between the chairs. Did you try that and not like it?

OK, now for paint... :)

I did it just now...put the rectangular table at the end of sofa and the 2 round ones are between the seating areas. That was also a suggestion by DH & DS...not too bad for them...actually I was surprised they even took an interest but they did. Wonders never cease!
When I get the pillows done I'll post pics and hopefully some artwork soon.