I should mention that if I got this bench I would paint the legs and/or possibly change them.

The new bench is pretty. My question would be, do you want a bench there? I'm thinking it could become a collection point for things going downstairs that haven't been taken yet or things coming upstairs that need to go in the bedrooms yet. Up to you whether you want that to happen or not.

I think a very large dramatic piece of art with some color in it would be great (with or without the bench). The mirror only reflects the surrounding walls and doorways so I don't think it adds to the space...instead it sort of disappears.

I'm not too worried about the bench becoming a collection point as I'm a bit OCD about keeping things tidy. Lol! I just want to enhance the area. I do feel like it needs either a console or bench because this hall is wider than your usual hall and almost looks barren right now.

Could you use a small dresser there?

nosoccermom- these are beautiful! Just the look I'm after... Where did you find them? Also, looking for ideas on what I can hang on the walls...

I do like the idea of a chest with a mirror above (great place to check yourself out coming or going). A bench, to me, looks out of place in that area. Plus, I think a more substantial piece is called for.

I think a chest, as nsm suggested, would be much better in that area.

Ok so I just brought this cabinet up from the basement. What do you think as far as size and scale? I could upcycle it by painting it navy and adding the gold ring hardware.

I would use the chest. Graywings is right that you need a properly-sized runner. That's really what's missing.

Like the new look much better.

Now my runner is very sad! Lol! It really just got put there with no intention of staying. I also wanted to add that to me the mirror overpowers that cabinet so I am thinking a round gold one would look nice once I paint the cabinet.

The new cabinet is a good size for that space. I would however put an art piece over it instead of a mirror.

I think they were just examples of people painting chests.

I like the size of your piece.

I think the chest definitely works! I'm not sure I'd like a round mirror in that spot. Unless it's pretty large, I think it's going to look dwarfed in that area. Maybe oval or octagonal if you don't want rectangular. I agree that the current mirror is too large over the chest.

I'm with Annie on the mirror and think you should look at a piece of art before you go shopping for a different mirror.

Hanging art there is not really in a place for most people to enjoy. I bet if you had a mirror there, it'd get a lot more use than the art. Lol.

That is a great open hallway! I like the dresser better than the bench. Do you have a larger dresser just to try out to see how it looks? I also like the idea of just a large piece of artwork by itself or the dresser with art above it, instead of the mirror.

Please think twice before painting the chest...I love it as it is. I think a mirror would be good but just a little bit smaller than you have but with the frame matching the chest. When you have the mirror hung and stuff on the chest, your hall way will look nice.

I'd go with a larger chest or even a small armoire.

I like the chest better than the bench, but if you have something a bit more substantial, it would look even better, I think. I agree with Annie and others that art would look better than a mirror. Since you see it from below and when you come up the stairs, it would definitely be a place where it is viewed.

Another idea would be to have a larger piece of art there, with no furniture and move the chest and mirror down where the art is hanging by the double doors (MB?) It looks like the mirror would pick up light there, maybe reflect from some upper windows? Could you try that piece of art where the mirror is now, above the chest, just to see how it would look?

I like the piece you brought up from the basement but think a bit wider one would be even better. I would use whatever makes sense on top. However the mirror now is pretty big and dark. What a great open space you have. Love it! I would also want to put a little lamp on the piece of furniture. However, I just love lamps!

If you and your family are art lovers, put art there. As far as anyone else viewing the art, I doubt guests are going to look up at your landing to 'view' your art, and how often do you invite guests to your upstairs landing to look at your furnishings and art? I think you should put there what would benefit you the most. If you'd enjoy seeing art there, put art. If you'd like to be able to check yourself out coming and going, put a mirror there. I honestly think its simply a place for you to enjoy, not guests.

If that level of the house is for bedrooms and baths, I'd assume everyone on that level already has access to mirrors. I vote for art!

Isn't there a very large mirror on the foyer wall already?

Mayflowers- yes, there sure is! Great memory! I think mirrors are my go to because it is so hard to find art that I'm drawn to. Do you guys have any ideas for art that would look good with the look I'm going for?

I love art on stair ways and landings, it creates curiosity and a sense of mystery about what is unseen in the rest of the home. Original art is compelling and to my thinking well worth the investment, so I think an oil painting would be great in that spot. With art the best way is to buy what "speaks" to you so if you are uncertain and close to a city with an art museum they often have lend/lease programs where for a relatively small fee you can select an original piece to hang for a month or so. These are not pieces from their collection, but from (usually) local artists. If you like the piece the option to buy is available. It gives you a chance to see what you enjoy. From there you can look to similar prints, if that's what the budget allows, or seek out artists at city art walks, open studio days, or even local art schools. Some savvy interior decorators I know even find great stuff at thrift stores.

If you decide to go with a mirror and chest, then adding a beautiful lamp and a large vase with fresh flowers, to reflect in the glass, would be lovely as well.

My preference is still just a large, dramatic, colorful piece of art...large enough to be seen and make an impression from below.

Annie Deighnaugh- thank you so much for the mock ups! Wow I really wasn't hot on the art idea but this has made me change my mind! I like the mock up with the chest but the one without I think I'm leaning toward! It just looks cleaner or something. I think I might search for the art and then figure out if I need something under it. The more I have looked at my current chest sitting there the more I think I would need something a bit taller and a bit wider anyway.

Don't know if this is anything you'd consider, but my second floor landing is very similar to yours and we have a huge gallery of family photos covering all the walls. We never get tired of looking at them nor do the kids and grandkids. So much fun to reminisce.

I love Annie's mockup! That is definitely the direction I would go.

If you have a hard time choosing or finding art, this might be a good spot to make a unique framed piece using a colorful fabric or wallpaper pattern.

I like the reuse the cabinet from the basement lorishopaholic, and the mirror. It's just right size, you could put a nice catch all basket or bowl, a lamp, and a little picture there. Would be lovely and purposeful. This is not a fact, it's my opinion :)