First I would paint out the light switch so it doesn't interfer with whatever you do decide. Personally, I think the possibilities are endless as long as they are in scale to the piece.

Agree with painting the switch plate. I'd put a big (interesting) mirror there... it may be a cliche, but then people want to check themselves before going out, or their hair when coming in, plus it'll add light to the space.

Round mirror with a dark frame.

Two tall buffet style lamps if possible.

Jan at Rosemary Cottage

Fresh flowers!

That is a pretty piece. I agree with either a black oval mirror of bronze above it, flanked by two tall lamps on the cabinet. You could do the basket arrangement in the middle or even on the side of it on the floor. You could also use decorative wall sconces above it. I have 2 in my office that match your cabinet to a tee.. :)

A really large floral would be my choice.But I don't mind fake stuff.:) Possibly in front of a mirror.

Look on ebay for sculptures. Lots of interesting things on there.

Can I ask you a question? Your tile is lovely. Do you know what it is?

Very rich looking!

I'd also go with a mirror because it's easier for me to find one of those than art that I love.

I think two lamps would look nice but I also like the look of one lamp and then other fun pretties. Some books, greenery, I don't mind fake flowers either. :)

I also like the idea of a mirror there. And I love your cabinet! May I ask where you got it? It looks like the kind of thing I'd like to put in the new sitting room.

What is the wall paint color? I like and planning to paint my own house.

Thanks
Jim

My first thought was also a mirror. I like the idea of someplace to check oneself before heading out.
I could also see some sconces flanking it because that would get them off the cab and keep a more clean look.

I second Jan's vote for a round mirror....lovely space

Large mirror, definitely, although I would go for a rectangular shape with a half-round top, hung about 7-9" above the cabinet---which is lovely. Two lamps on either side, and I would put orchids in that basket if you use it, although it looks a bit rustic to me and the whole effect is rather dark. A flower arrangement would be beautiful in front of the mirror, and perhaps a decorative bowl or small tray for your car keys or mail.

Large mirror, definitely, although I would go for a rectangular shape with a half-round top, hung about 7-9" above the cabinet---which is lovely. Two lamps on either side, and I would put orchids in that basket if you use it, although it looks a bit rustic to me and the whole effect is rather dark. A flower arrangement would be beautiful in front of the mirror, and perhaps a decorative bowl or small tray for your car keys or mail.

Nice big (proportionally correct) mirror framed either in black or whatever tones are in the piece. I can't really see the finish very well on my monitor. Something you can check your appearance on your way out.

It is a great piece for an entry way. I would try some buffet lamps, so long as the shades aren't too deep as your piece doesn't appear to be very deep? A metal or other interesting bowl for keys, etc. I think I would lose the current basket? Seems that the depth is off - too big for the top of the chest. I wouldn't leave my incoming mail in the entry way.

Also, some type of bowl - metal if you can find the right one, a place for keys to land. The metal would introduce another texture. If you can find a nice planter or basket of the right dimension, I would probably put something low - fresh or seasonal under the mirror for interest.

Like to see after pics.

Oh, and paint the receptacle the color of your wall to make it disappear.

First- thanks for all the ideas.

Second- yes, I will paint that receptacle. The others in the house look fine but I agree that it will look bad with anything I end up putting on the cabinet.

Boopadaboo- the floor is slate that I got at home depot. I got really lucky because it already came with a touch of sealant so when grouting the excess just wiped off. The divider strip is part slate and part glass tiles. The grout is a mocha taupe color but looks pretty light in the pic now that I look at it. It is much darker in person. We had to do a transition in the pattern because of a funny turn the hall makes. I hated it at first but it was the lesser of the evils and now we love it. Every guest comments on how pretty the strip is. I layed every piece, well, dh did about 10 tiles in the laundryroom then gave up. It took a long time doing little by little as each piece had to be hand layed due to varying thickness of the tiles.

homeseller2010- the paint is from the Biltmore Estates paint collection at Lowes. It is Olympic paint's Mountain Trail BC-39. It is not pink, not green, looks like my morning coffee with cream in it.

susanwrites- the cabinet is a Pulaski we picked up at RCWilley. The tan/gold color in the panels is all crinkled and there is a faint handpainted flower on the doors. The pic does not show it well but it is not straight but actually three curves. It is about 5'x12" which is perfect for a busy hall. Have no idea what I am going to store in it. I think candlesticks, extra votives and seasonal decorations and such. We first saw it at a wholesale furniture shop and admired it there a few months ago. Then we went to RCWilley to get our sofas. There was a huge painting above this cabinet and we ended up purchasing the painting. While pondering the painting, dh started loving the cabinet. He told me this was the chance to get it, now or never. (See he agreed to finally furnish the formal livingroom on the condition that we do everything from sofas to lights to accessories all at once or he would not do it). After seeing the Pulaski tag and looking at the piece more closely I realized this was a good choice. It is much more ornate than my other furniture but it really fits well where we put it and literally everyone who enters comments on it. Someone has a post about having different wood tones and such in the same house. This is a perfect example of how you can mix things if you follow your heart.

Everyone- I will surely post my final pics. I am back to work now so my shopping time is limited. I think I am going to get a large, dark mirror of some sort. The basket thing has been moved, was not lovin it on the cabinet. Right now I have my nativity set placed in the middle. I am thinking of some sort of plant or arrangement for the middle or on the right side. DH really wants to keep the lamp there. Will have to see how it works with the mirror I end up with.

I would put up some monkey wallpaper. The kind with the red monkeys and red and green trees. Then maybe a monkey lamp on your sideboard.