OOOH am I glad I found this site. I bought an entire bedroom set at an auction for $35 (included a head/foot board, tall dresser, and mirrored dresser). I found it last year and bought it because I liked the mirrored dresser and plan to use it in my bathroom. I have a coworker that used a small dresser for a vanity in her bathroom and I loved it. On the one I bought, the mirror has the middle section with two narrower side panels to it and all are surrounded with wood and I plan to mount this to the wall over the dresser. I have not yet decided what to do with the top - use a whole new countertop or have a sink dropped into the existing top. My question here is this: the wood is already stained dark and I like it but, since will be exposed to water and steam, should I somehow seal it? My friend painted hers so that sealed the wood. This is an older piece (1930's maybe at the latest) and I want to make sure it's sealed against swelling. Do I use regular varnish, marine varnish? And will this extra layer make the drawers tighter and harder to close? I know about making room for the plumbing but I have not seen any discussion about protecting the wood from the dampness. Any help and thoughts would help. Thanks, Colleen

Tinam61, thank you! Susieq07, thanks so much for posting your buffet. Stinky and Kitchendetective, thank you so much for all of the suggestions and advice .. they helped me out tremulously. It really helps to see what I have here through new eyes, and see how you all would go about designing the space. Persnicketydesign, your dark wood sideboard up against the white wainscoting is beautiful! Mldao, I don't think it looks busy at all, you've set up a wonderful vignette. I love, love, love your trumeau mirror, it looks wonderful with your sideboard. Lynn, thank you so much for doing a mock-up for me!! I'm a very, very visual person and it helped me out so much. Seeing the different colors and shapes introduced really gave me a much better idea how to proceed with this! That lamp is too cute. I love the 'pop' of red with the flowers. I agree if the shelf stays, something very simple, like the black framed mirror you put up would look great. Now I just need to pull together my thoughts, start searching and implement all of your help and great ideas. :)

Ballard Designs have some nice chairs that could work. Even though the table is farmhouse, you can pair anything with it. Even a set of six different chairs might be fun. Collect them. Go to second hand shops and see what you can find, or Craig's list. Chairs are expensive so depending on your budget you can take avenues that fit it. Arhaus has a great selection of chairs.

Why do think a sideboard is needed? I think the piece you have is too heavy, regardless of color. Consider instead a sofa table.