I really like #1.

I like the first one as well. But, IMHO I am not a fan of a mirror over a fireplace. What will it be reflecting?

dee - Thanks for the tip on the size. One of the things I liked is how big it looks in the picture, so I'll definitely do some measuring before I order. I've never heard of Carolina Rustica, so thanks for telling me about that also.

ellendi - I've never been much of a mirror person either, but I've seen so many on here that I've been thinking more about getting one. My sofa would be directly across from the fireplace, but I did wonder if I would see myself when I walk into the room. I'm also not sure if I could see myself across the room when I'm in the kitchen.

shee - I'll never look at the mirror the same :)

Laurie

From Laurie to Laurie -
Your home is pretty! I could see a mirror being very nice above your fireplace : )
I like both of those mirrors. To me, the first one looks more antique like and the second one has a modern feel.
I recently saw a similar mirror in a Ballard Design catalog.
It's called Bellesole Mirror, has a solid wood frame, antique gold trim, & antiqued mirror panels.

14" diameter is $39
31-1/2" diameter is $169

Here is a link that might be useful: Ballard Design-Bellesole Mirror

I like #1, #2 not so much. You have a pretty kitchen and family room!

I think the mirrors are pretty,but perhaps overused a bit these days. I would rather see art there, to bring some color and pattern up onto the wall. With either side of the fireplace being window/door, I think a mirror could end up feeling a bit like just another hard, empty surface.

Where have you looked for art? What kind of subject matter appeals to you?

What about a collection of pretty plates either with a common pattern or color? Or a grouping of pretty framed botanical drawings? Perhaps a tapestry piece, to soften the space there since you have no fabric window treatments?

What about picking some words that inspire you, printing them in various typefaces and ink colors, and framing each of them, perhaps mounted on pretty scrapbooking papers. The frames donâÂÂt have to be expensive, but if you go with different papers for the backgrounds and different typefaces, I might do the same frame for each of them.

I do like to add a touch or 2 of something contemporary into my rooms, but that being said...I love the first mirror! Pretty room!

I like #1.

Laurie - I'm always looking at Ballard's catalogs and website, but I somehow missed that mirror. I like it alot too!

Les - I've looked at Garden Ridge, Kohls, Target, Walmart, Home Goods, Ballards, Overstock. I seem to be really stuck in decorating my house, which has never happened to me before. I've always known exactly what I like and I think I'm kind of in this transition period where I don't know exactly which way to go. I love french country, but y'all told me before that my coffee tables are more english country. I love everything I see in Ballards. The pictures I currently have are kind of victorian with people in them and I'm ready to move on to something else. I'm thinking I would like landscapes or floral, but I just keep waiting for something to wow me and nothing does. I also like paintings that have animals in them. Someone on here has a big picture behind their sofa that has a group of dogs in it and I've always liked it. It also seems like I've seen one in one of the catalogs w/a horse and a dog that I like

I just bought some transferware to put in my bedroom and I eventually want to put some in my family room and/or kitchen. Once I figure out how I want to decorate, I would like to add curtains, although I'm not sure how to do it with the window next to the fireplace.

I really feel like I need someone to come in and help me decorate, but I'm so picky I don't want to pay someone and then not like any of their suggestions. Plus, I'm a single mom so the cost of a decorator is not really in the budget.

Laurie

i'm not crazy about the "bowl" look...so i think #2 or the ballard one posted above would be my choice...they look alittle flatter... i don't think #2 screams contemporary-i think it would "adapt to it's surroundings"...

but, what are the dimensions?? the ballard one listed above is 31 1/2"...your fireplace looks to be a pretty good size and the pic above shows the mirror over what seems to be a small fireplace. i would do a mockup before i bought anything(that is, if i had to pay return shipping!!)

I'm looking at the catalog and think that is a beautiful mirror.

Ha, I'm probably the only one that would think that. You know what I mean though, when they're more flat...? Hey, I was tired! I like #1 better than 2. Looks like there's shimmery stuff going on around the outter edge of 1.

"Someone on here has a big picture behind their sofa that has a group of dogs in it and I've always liked it."
Scooby?

You have a very pretty home. I think a mirror would look great over the fireplace. I like the first mirror. The only thing about bowl mirrors is that I dont like the look from the side view but in your case you would be looking at it dead on so it would look good. I like the sparkle the mirror adds but you do have to be aware of what it reflects back. If you dont like what it is reflecting, you could look for a mirror that is made up of pieces of mirror, sort of like a sunburst style, instead of one solid mirror so the reflection is distorted. This way you still get the sparkle.

When I saw the two mirrors you posted, I immediately thought of the Bellesole mirror that Laurie_2008 linked to, because I have it in my house! I have it in my foyer and I love it. It has a slightly antiqued look around the edges and the sides are dark, so it's not a super bright 'bling' mirror. I don't know how its size compares to the other two that you're looking at, but if the size works, that would be my choice. I agree with busybee -- do a mockup first to make sure the size/scale works. I'm a big fan of newspaper mockups! (i.e., cut the size/shape out of newspaper and hang it on the wall).

#1, I think the finish ties in with your other finishes and it has a warmer look. I would cut out a template to see size-wise what looks best there.

Before giving up on finding art that appeals to you, broaden your search to sites like art.com and similar ones that specialize in prints. Theses sites will have a wide selection and you may just find several you like and have another dilemma. LOL

One reason that the cover appeals to you may be the organic and colorful holiday decoration. Take that away and you may not find it visually interesting. I'm not against mirrors if done well and balanced with beautiful items as my3dogs does splendidly or when necessary to brighten a room, but I would definitely consider a large framed print in your room. Not only will art add color and dimension to your family room, but imagine looking at something that makes your heart sing while working the kitchen as well.

I don't think I would put a mirror over that mantel. Think of a mirror like artwork, and the subject of the art is whatever the mirror reflects. The facade of the mirror functions as the frame. If your pic shows the field of vision from the mantel accurately, you're going to have a round frame that holds a big picture of your ceiling fan, chandelier, and whatever's on the back wall of the kitchen we can't see - appliances? Door?

Especially if your plans don't include window coverings, I'd want to capitalize on the mantel space to bring in some color and texture.

I'm about as picky as can be when it comes to art, yet I always manage to find something. Try art.com, or places that carry large art selections like Home Goods. "English/French Country" leaves your art palette wide open. Someone mentioned a tapestry, which is an excellent idea.

And for the question you actually asked... I think the first mirror is ok. I too got imagery of a Reese's... and then of a fish. Something about the cupping of the spans between the spokes. I don't like the second mirror, especially not for your space. Sorry :(

I like mirror #1. I have a mirror over my mantel and love it. My room is on the smaller side and I think it gives a very clean, bright look to the room. One wall has two large matching prints on it and I like the fact that there is not any other artwork in the room that competes with them. A mirror really brings your eyes to the fireplace and makes it a focal point.

I like #1 best for your space. It has more character and interest in the frame than #2. It also seems to fit better with your lovely space.

I got that catalog yesterday and noticed the mirror right away. Normally, I am not a Home Decorator fan but I do like that mirror, #1, a lot.

sueb20 - Do you have the big mirror or the small? Can you post a picture?

Laurie

#1 is the Amberlyn mirror by Uttermost, JC Penney carries it, too. It's gorgeous!
The outer singular panels are sort of antiqued looking mercury glass and have a flower carved in each one.

Can anyone picture this mirror over a marble topped bathroom vanity? Sorry to thread jack!

Laurie, here is the mirror in my hall. Not the best pic, but I hope it helps.

Thanks, Sue! It's funny that you and Jan both have your mirrors over a bench in your foyer. I couldn't help but notice your bulldog pillow. Do you have a bulldog?

Laurie

I do like the shape of the 1st mirror, but I would not care for the bowl shape. But that is just me...

I frequent the Kitchen Forum and there is a poster there who hung a beautiful mirror over her sink. I fell in love with it, but have no where that I could hang it.

below is a link to a post where she shows the mirror. The pictures are not too far from the top. If I remember correctly she got it at Pier 1.

Here is a link that might be useful: link to post in Kitchen Forum

I opt for the art work. Nowdays you can get very good prints of almost any art work that looks like an original. Being a self-described art expert and a self-appointed decoration consulant, I would recomend three paintings that would look wonderful over your fireplace and would be a source of inspiration and conversation amoungst your family and friends. Something that would fit in your decor yet set you apart.
They are;
1. THE WEDDING DANCE by Brugel the Elder.
2. THE GARDEN OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS by Hieronymus Bosch.
3. ADMIRATION by Adolphe-William Bouguereau

Any or these, in a very large size, would be stunning above your fireplace, and almost no one would be able to say, "I have that in my house" like the mirrors.

P.S. Don't get Blue Boy and Pinky.

I would put another painting there instead of a mirror near the fireplace. It looks kind of odd to see your own reflection when you're washing the dishes.

The mirror should be positioned where the two lamps are on console table.

By the way, I really love your style of decor. Really nice.

Laurie, yes, I have two bulldogs! I try not to go overboard with the bulldog paraphernalia, but we do have that pillow and a very elegant, large needlepoint pillow of that "dogs playing poker" scene (LOL)... and a couple little bulldog statues.

Have you seen "Vintage Printable"? You can print anything from their site for free. Download to a memory stick, take it into Kinko's and have them print it in a larger size. Presto, chango, you have custom art...for free! There are many designer homes and bloggers who use this site and have amazing art! Click on the categories or scroll through.

Here is a link that might be useful: free art

Msrose, your new house looks lovely! I am so excited for you.

I do love that mirror. I agree art work might be better. I am going to start a thread sharing some resources I picked up at Scotts Antique mall in Atlanta. The art one had tons, and I mean tons of artwork to chose from - wonderful botanicals, fruits, birds ~ very reasonably priced, too.

Smiles:)

Thead hijacking for a min.

Kmcg - That site is awesome! I've never been to a Kinkos and their site didn't seem to have too much specific info. They can blow those prints up to whatever size? Do you know a ball parge price range?

Browsing on Horchow.com, I saw that they offer the same mirror as HomeDecorators.com and it is currently on sale at 20% off!

Horchow Amberly Mirror

My vote is mirror #1 because #2 looks too contemporary. I'm not really seeing French country in your room though, looks American/Country Craftsman. Mirror #1 is gorgeous on the cover of that catalog, love the way they've decorated around it. Is it just me or does anyone else think of fish scales? But I do like it...much more than the 2nd option with no framing to it whatsover.

Art would look good over the fireplace too if you can find something that speaks to you. Whatever goes in that spot is going to be very prominant in the room given that everything faces it. Take your time and pick something you really love because you're going to be looking at it a lot, even from the kitchen.

I just noticed...everything in the living room has a flat top to it. The windows and door don't have curtains so they're boxy, from what I can see the case goods are all very square. Even the fireplace has three strong horizontal lines. A lot of straight lines wherever the eye looks. Even the candlesticks are linear (albiet vertical rather than horizontal). The only curve seems to be coming from the arch in the kitchen.
With so much linear going on maybe msrose should not put art work on the wall if it will mean another square framed object. Perhaps that's why Les suggested plates, at least they're round. The room needs something round to soften it, maybe a round mirror is the better option. That way it can repeat the arch in the kitchen.

The other concern I have is how high the mirror will rise above the windows flanking it. Will that be OK to have it so much taller than everything around it? I struggle with issues like this, not knowing where to stop in rooms with vaulted ceilings and walls that are different heights. With it require putting something on the adjacent wall?

btw, I just saw the Reeses comment...LOL. You're right! It does look like a baking cup. mmmmm, that's a nice thought to put in your mind every time you look at it. Yummy!

I guess I should have mentioned that the little bit of furniture you see in the picture is the previous owners. Here's what the room looks like now. As you can see, the fireplace is not the only place that needs something. I like my tables, but I want to replace everything else. It may be a little while before I can buy new sofas, but I want all new art work if I can every figure out what I like.

I'm going to try and get some newspaper tonight so I can cut a circle the size of the mirror and see how it looks. I'm also in the process of painting posterboard in a few BM paints.

Marylu - I agree, that is a beautiful mirror.

Sue - I have a bulldog, but unfortunately she lives with my exhusband :(

Now I'm going to check out the links for the art work!

Laurie

okay, here's my circle. So, is it big enough for my space?

{{!gwi}}

{{!gwi}}

Laurie

Is that a 32" circle? It doesn't look like it.

It's 32" from top to bottom and 31" from left to right. I got a little off when I was cutting it out.

Laurie

The mirror looked larger in the catalog but now that I see your cutout the fireplace on the catalog cover must be very petite. That's the problem with catalogs, they can be deceiving in their scale depending on how they syrround things. You don't realize it until you start looking at the actual size of the mirror.

So the mirror is much smaller than I initially thought. And when you take away the peanut butter cup edge the center mirror is quite small. No worries anymore that it will be too tall for your wall or overpower it. If anything it could be a little larger but you can add more things to the mantel to compensate, like those vases on either side. I wonder how it would look to replace the balls sitting on the vases with some greenery spilling out. I'm terrible at this, Les is better at merchandising. I just think something needs to be added to soften all the hard surfaces on the mantel so it's not just two vases and the mirror.

The mirror is growing on me the more I look at it, it's quite unique and has a warmth to it that you don't often see with mirrors, I think it's the antique finish. Do you love it? Are you excited at the prospect of it hanging in your living room? That's how I judge whether or not I should buy something. ;-)

Your room has a very different feel now that you've shown us YOUR decor and not the previous owners. There are plenty of curves, so ignore what I said about too many straight lines. Your furnishings give the room a soft, warm homey feel. Nice! Can't wait to hear what you decide to do.

I'd get the mirror if I loved it and I do, but it is too small for me for over your fireplace.
I wish I had a place for it. But you don't have a lot of stuff and could easily work it into your decorating scheme. That's the way the best decorating happens, a little bit at a time of things you love.
Often, I go shopping for something in particular, can't find what I want, but find something else fabulous on my list that I can well use.

I do love the mirror, but the only place I would want to use it is above the fireplace. Like roseabbey mentioned above, I like the way it flares out when I'm looking at the mirror from the front, but I wouldn't like looking at it from the side.

I just read all the posts again and realized that catkin said Penneys has it also. I think I'll go by there today and see if they have one in stock.

Laurie

I'd get it but hang it a bit higher on the wall.
You may want to flank it with a small round mirror (or round object) on each side.

Laurie:
Also check the Uttermost website. They have tons of different mirrors, all of which can be found quite easily at many different retailers, since they are the primary decorative mirror manufacturer. You may find one you like better. I would look for at least 36 inches round for your firepolace. I love a lot of their mirrors, but many are too large for any area I would use them. You have a lot of room above your fireplace, and could a lot of the larger ones they have.
Dee

msrose, I just got back from a home tour and guess what, 2 of the 4 homes had round mirrors similar to the one you want hanging over their fireplaces. And they looked gorgeous. One looked like it had the petals of a sunflower and the other was a combination of #1 & #2 (hard to describe). I looked carefully at the scale and they were about as wide as the firebox opening. One had a very long fireplace with an 8 ft ceiling. They had large objects on either side of the mirror to balance out the width of the mantel. But now I know you a smaller mirror can work, it all depends on what else you do with the space around it. These mirrors must be popular if they're showing in the the homes I saw today (very upscale, designer decor all the way).

You don't have to worry about seeing the side of the mirror given your floorplan. The only time you will see the side is when you're going out the door and no one will be looking to the left while they're doing that (unless they want to bang their nose into the door cuz they're not looking where they're going!). So that's not an issue at all. I experienced that problem recently when I bought a small painting with a deep frame. I hung it in the hallway and then I saw the mistake, as I'm walking down the hallway towards the painting I see the sides of it and it isn't good. But that's totally different than your situation, don't think twice about it.

I have to disagree, I would not hang it higher on the wall. Do that and it will emphasize it's smaller size and look like it's floating in space. Anchor it to the mantel by keeping it close. Maybe tie it in with a long and low arrangement of some kind.
The print on the adjacent wall with the red matt looks a little lost on that wall, but it could be temporary and you're concentrating on one thing at a time. I know how that goes, can't do it all at once. I like your sofas, they look good in the room with the rest of the furniture. I'd keep those and work on replacing other things first like the lamp with the tiny shade.

flyingflower - You mean you didn't take pictures? (just kidding). I went to Penneys and they didn't have the mirror. I may see where the next closest Penneys is and go to it. I hate to have to ship it back if it doesn't work.

I actually don't like the picture I have above the sofa right now. I just got tired of looking at a blank wall, so I hung it until I can figure out what else to do. The colors at my old house were burgundy and dark green, which are also the colors in my sofa. I don't like those colors anymore which is why I want to eventually replace everything.

Laurie

Believe me if they allowed photos I would have taken them. I even had my camera in my purse just in case but the rules were clearly stated, no pictures under any circumstances. They all do that on these home tours in case one of the visitors is casing the place for a future burglary. It protects the privacy of the homeowners so photos don't end up on the internet. Too bad they can't trust us because so often I see things I'd love to put in my inspiration file. Sometimes you luck out and one of the local papers advertises the event and publishes some interior shots.

If you order from Penneys and they ship it to you you may be able to bring it to a Penneys store if you decide not to keep it. That's how some stores work, which is really nice. Less risk that way, at least you wouldn't have to pay to ship it back which might be a lot for a mirror (they weigh a lot). Some catalogs are really helpful and let you use their account, where you only pay $8 to ship back anything.
You're smart to tape a cut out of the mirror on the wall, that way you can adjust it up and down to see how far up the wall you can inch it without it looking lost. If you look behind many of the art work on my wall you'd find quite a few nail holes where I tweaked the placement!

Laurie - Hi there . . . your home is looking great so far. As mentioned, I have that same style mirror in my foyer. I purchased it from Gump's, though. But, I had originally been contemplating either a black rectangular mirror or some plates for the wall above the bench in the foyer. There was just something about that mirror that I liked. Someone here recommended it to me, and though it wasn't something I would have chosen on my own, I kept coming back to it in my mind.

Now, there are those who will say that they don't like it because of the side view in its spot now. But, honestly, even if I had put it over our fireplace, it could be seen from a side view perspective in the kitchen. There's a side view almost everywhere in a home when you think about it. I was all obsessed about the side view thing, and now I don't even notice that. The vast majority of the time, one is not looking at it from that exact perspective.

I have no buyer's remorse, as I love the mirror. It has really brightened an otherwise plain wall. I love the style, with its antiqued finish and unique shape.

Mirrors are more than the views they reflect. I like my mirror because of its light reflectivity. It catches the sunlight from our patio doors and brightens and sparkles up an otherwise ordinary space. In your home, I would choose mirror #1. It seems warmer and more like your decor style.

I'm sure your mantel would look great with artwork or plates, or other things too. Sometimes we get caught up in analysis paralysis where we assume that there is only one right choice and all of the other possibilities are wrong choices.

Your home is beautiful, and ultimately, it should be filled with things you love - things that you find interesting and that inspire you. If you really love the mirror, go for it. It will look great, and you love it besides. Decorate for the way you want to be surrounded.

Jan

okay, I took a chance and ordered it from Horchow! I checked Penneys and they had free shipping, but I was able to get it from Horchow for $180 and free shipping. I was torn between which way to go, because if I don't like it, I have to ship it back now. I'm just crossing my fingers that it works and I don't have to worry about it. I'm so excited, this is my first purchase for this room.

Laurie