Hi Barb, what a great piece for your entryway! I love the history and the style of the bench. Here's my thoughts on your questions: Mirror - I personally don't think it fits. IMHO the mirror looks too modern for it. Living in cold country, I'd take my que from that bench and make that area a quaint "mud room" space with coat hooks, a nice rug and an umbrella bin. Back of Bench - I like the idea of matching the bottom but think that it could get a little busy. I might opt for something a bit more plain that sort of mimics the back of a pew bench or has just some block trim to frame it. A nice seat cushion would be pretty. Clean up - As far as the character of the piece goes, I think that's really a personal choice and how well it fits into the space. It seems like if you're going to add a back to it, you'll need to sand the whole thing and re-stain it so the woods match but how much of the character you sand off is really just a matter of what you like. If you decide you want to leave it in it's rougher condition, you could distress the new wood you use for a backing some so it matches. On the other hand, I found these great inspirations as well to give you some ideas they all have something that could be incorporated into the bench: https://www.houzz.com/photos/beach-style-entry-beach-style-entry-boston-phvw-vp~34472-Hill-Rhode-Island-Residence-traditional-entry-boston http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/_images/portfolio/sarahs-house/laundry-mud-room/image2.jpg http://www.renovationdesigngroup.com/images/portfolio/13/Mudroom%20-%20After.jpg

What you have isn't bad. I like that your mirror echoes your arched window. The table seems a good width for the space. Maybe hang the mirror on the wall, add a taller buffet style lamp making it a bit more cozy and less objects. You could paint the table and also the back of your door to add color to go along with the rest of your home. When choosing a rug, I would tend to go a bit larger than too small. Make sure it's a low enough pile so that you're still able to open your front door.

You are in great hands with flo. I also have a large entryway that needs something fantastic to happen thats why I popped in. You basically will have an entry that Im working on too! I know that I have one large piece and i finally decided on a simple bench over a console. I love a simple but impactful ”moment” ( i dont love that phrase) but it sums up whats happening there.

Altough the art posted above would look great, I always like a mirror by the front door. The art/mirror combination is so practical - - leave your handbag and anything else that needs to exit the house with you the next morning on the bench, and apply lipstick as you're heading out the door. That's assuming you regularly use the front door - if not definitely go with art.