Why did you choose a mirror not art?? The mirror isn't reflecting anything but wall. Art and then you would not need anything to clutter mantle. Tall items would be vases or candle holders

Are your sure you want to keep the mirror? It just reflects the wall and ceiling which doesn’t add much. You might think about putting a bold, colorful piece of art there instead.

It's a beautiful mirror, but not in the right location. Art would have been a better choice.

Can you return it?

Some inspiration:

Tropical Living Room · More Info

I agree with alll your comments. I wanted art but son in law insisted on this mirror. No it can’t be retuned:{

What a shame. So now you have bigger problem. Sometimes I wonder why people who have no Design experience are given these choices. Ok. So now “recovery” time. Move mirror to wall next to fireplace so it reflects light fixture. Find art about same size as mirror for over fireplace. Or add very cool mid century sculpture to the mantel. Needs to overlap mirror and be about half way up mirror.

Something organic to soften your glass wall and mirror hard lines.

Thank you flo

If you can post a photo from way back as level as possible, I can do mock ups of options that appeal to you or your family. Lori, if you can’t because this isn’t your home, no worries. I can guess at look if you describe the wall beside the fireplace part.

Agree with Flo and everyone about the mirror. I would also fill in/ dry wall the niche above the fireplace, it starts too high. Your artwork or pieces for the mantle would look better in relation to the room, not the ceiling height.
Looks like a beautiful space!

Love your windows!

If the mirror is staying, maybe try layering art in front of it. I wasn’t able to find good examples, but similar to this (not this busy) —

Pretend a mirror is behind this one. :D

Anyway, I’d try two pieces of layered art, with just a pretty vase or other simple decor … 3 items total. I’d make sure the largest piece of art is tall enough to clear the bottom of the mirror.

The mirror is wrong, no matter what your SIL says...you don't like it. If it has to stay there, and cannot be used anywhere else, I would cover the glass with a subtle pattern peel and stick wallpaper. Something that is colorwise close to your walls, but provides a little texture. Then decorate the mantle when the mirror isn't competing with it.

Very funny! Sounds good. How deep is the mantel?

Here are some additional photos requested. Thank you.

Flo….depth of mantle 9 1.2 in

Ok. That’s pretty good depth! Gosh! Wish she/you would/could have posted sooner. Is there a plan for a console of some type for below the TV? The TV is hung too high for proper viewing. I have a similar fireplace/indent in our Home. We are leasing so while our owner is great, I used decor to handle this awkward set up. I can see we probably have to layer in some art and deco pieces. I posted a “guide” for ideas on how to do this. Different heights, textures and items is best. I will pull some ideas together for you later today.

Opps sorry ignore the counter depth guide. Sorry.

SIL sells mirrors, does he? He just lost his ticket to make any more suggestions, IMO. What design experience/credentials does he have? Or was he furnishing the mirror as your house warming gift from him and your daughter? Will he shell out to move the sputnik light so it reflects in the mirror?

decoenthusiaste, every Pro listed sells items or services.

Yes Flo there is a plan for a console below tv.

@BeverlyFLADeziner - didn't realize the SIL was a Pro. How'd I miss that?

Please find an alternative home for that mirror…it doesn’t work there on so many levels.

Just playing around with Halloween deco for fireplace. Hung wall mounted black TV console. Added some cobwebs and other creepy things. This basic look could be used as template for other seasonal decor and the mirror creates a backdrop. Good way to minimize that element. 😊

Love it. Thank you

The mirror is perfectly placed. In my home I deliberately placed 2 mirrors near windows to capture the light.. The solution is to hang some art where the mirror reflects it. From other positions in the room, the mirror may reflect the outdoors. Hard to tell from the photo.

Placing a mirror in the correct place in a room allows you to optimise natural light. To do so, place the mirror adjacent to a window to perfectly catch the angle of light and bounce it throughout the room. https://www.countryliving.com/uk/homes-interiors/interiors/how-to/a854/how-to-use-mirrors-to-make-home-bigger-brighter/

Hanging a mirror in a dark part of a room does nothing to increase the brightness in a room. A mirror can only reflect the light that hits it, so it makes sense to put it where the light hits the wall, near a window.

Want to update fireplace to have a more modern look. Will be painting the room and bar area a lighter color.
Suggestions please.
Do it paint brick?
Take brick off?
Do you think when I paint room lighter color(somewhere in the dove, white pallet) just painting the wood mantle leaving the brick would work?

Please post an update on the first fireplace. I would love to see how you handled the mirror and mantle.

From the pictures you posted on the second fireplace...... to me the left wall by the fireplace..... is what needs to be updated. I believe it is the bar area.

It’s only one fireplace. Two different angles. Yes, it is the bar area. I wish that post wasn’t there then I would add entire new mantle.

I see what you are talking about now. I will post updated picture of the mantle of fireplace in my daughters house.