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Home Decorating Design Dilemma

mirror for a small dining room

last month

I’m trying to create a modern organic vibe and thought adding a mirror to the left of the door. The mirror will be across from a window.
My questions for all of you …

What shape and color mirror?

If I do put a mirror on this wall, does there need to be something under the mirror to anchor it? There’s not a whole lot of space; I could possibly add a floating shelf. There is a door leading outside so not a lot of space for a path.

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Comments (18)

martinc
Original Author
last month
One more photo
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martinc
Original Author
last month
Sharing one more photo
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I have passed your ideas about the built-ins to DH. I think this WOULD be the most attractive yet efficient use of space . . .and I've always wanted a window seat!!! We'll see what DH says. He is pretty handy, but he's never done anything like that at ALL. Too bad I don't have more $, because I do know a reasonably-priced, perfectionist carpenter! I am glad that you have pointed out that there wouldn't be much space to store things in the corner units, esp. the bookcase. I had wondered about that, but you've confirmed it. Maybe that bookcase was meant more to display things other than books? I like the idea of storing books behind the doors of a cabinet because it would mean I wouldn't have to search for a bookcase, but I am not sure how practical it would be . . .I find older pieces harder to open/close so I wouldn't want the kids to that regularly. Also, if the books are put away, they probably won't use them, since they'd be out of sight/out of mind. The binders in that room will be moved elsewhere, however! Some of you suggested painting that gold mirror . . .maybe I should. I don't know what to do with it! I bought it "custom" because it went with some other frames I had, but I am not in love with it. I'd rather go for something with more curves, etc.-- old! Ah, so many decorating mistakes I've made! Anyway, this thread has been so helpful! I cannot tell you how much it has helped me!!!!
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Comments (4)
I think it's a bit tough to give you advice because how you arrange your home depends so much on the lifestyle you lead. That said, I've offered some broad tips to aid in your redesign. Use light furniture with pads, then it can be moved around to make space. You can push the table against the wall and then pull it back when you're entertaining people. This provides some versatility to your space and lets you change your arrangement quickly to suit your needs. Try to find storage solutions that are suspended above the ground. Having a cabinet around the television can provide with a nice dark contrast and additional storage space. Anything high up can be long term storage; all the air space above 7 ft is mostly wasted (Unless you're legendary basketball player Shaq). Experiment! Spend an evening moving furniture around and see how you feel about it! There are many factors about your situation that are hard to consider. Do you watch TV during the day? (if so, moving it across from the window will give you glare!) Is eating together a large part of your family life? What do you see outside of your window? How late do you stay up? etc. Finally, do some critical analysis! What parts of the living room do you spend the most time in? why? Is that chair in the back used often or does it just take up room? Do you spend a lot of time playing with your child and their toys in the little play area against the north(assuming north is up) wall? You can setup a phone to take a timelapse over the course of a day and see exactly what you use your room for and how you enjoy spending your time. I hope this helps and feel free to ask me any more questions! P.S. It seems like your family likes the colour green; I would definitely recommend committing to it and adding some colour to your space! It can be as extreme as painting an entire wall or just getting a new cover for your futon!
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Do you own or is this a rental? The pix look a little stretched like realty ones. Since there is a rad between the doors, forget putting TV there. I'd keep the dining close to the kitchen and put the sitting/TV area to focus on the long wall. Start with the fun project of finding a knockout chandelier to hang from that pretty ceiling. Is there a fridge under the microwave? I see only one wall outlet behind the door and one above the counter, so you'll have to use extension cords and cord covers along the baseboards to have enough lighting here. Consider floating your sofa facing the long wall and TV. Then use a drop leaf table behind it for dining. You'll be able to open it all the way for entertaining. Anchor your seating area with a rug 2-3 feet wider than your sofa.
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Comments (1)
Pictures?
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martinc
Original Author
last month
One more photo. I’m also open to any ideas for a centerpiece for the table.🤗

Thanks in advance for all the help !!!
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lisaam
last month
I love your table & chairs and the 2 colorful pieces. If you choose a mirror I’d look for something with color, not just black. A light- hearted mirror if such a thing exists. Better— something largish (and horizontal) in the way of art. Look at the photos shared by Sue B who posts frequently in Home Decorating Conversations and has a great talent for choosing quirky interesting art. Even poster quality.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
last month
Adding a mirror to the left of the door is a great idea—it will reflect natural light from the window across the room, making the space feel brighter and more open. A modern organic vibe would be enhanced with a mirror that has a wood, rattan, or thin black metal frame to match your existing décor.
PRO
Celery. Visualization, Rendering images
last month
last modified: last month
Consider a large size (around 30-36 inches wide) for maximum impact.

You can go with or without console underneath the mirror. The console adds warmth and functionality, styled with vases, books, and décor to enhance the modern organic aesthetic.
PRO
BeverlyFLADeziner
last month
I wouldn't select a mirror.

IMO your art is too smal for the large wall in the room. I'd select something larger with more impact. Then I'd select a shallow wall sculpture for the short wall.
martinc
Original Author
last month
Thank you for all the great ideas. I hadn’t really considered doing all art, but I will look around and see what I can find. Thanks again.!!!
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Maureen
last month
last modified: last month
If interested in achieving a modern, organic look, perhaps step back before purchasing anything. Having a plan makes decisions easier and maybe start with a blank slate by moving the accessories to another room. This link may help (lots of ideas on line). https://stylingherlife.com/organic-modern-dining-room-ideas/

Suggest a narrow console/layered on the wall in question, as room needs a bit of grounding as well.

Accessories are instrumental in achieving a connection, but don’t suggest filling walls with lots of small items. Less will be more. Hope this helps.
HU-747204429
last month
Love those chairs!
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Jenn-z9b-AZ
last month
Nice room! The plant seems pretty far from any actual window. you’ll want it to stay alive if modern organic is what you’re going for. would move it closer to a window.
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martinc
Original Author
last month
Thank you so much for letting me know!!!
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last month
I agree more art no mirror and IMO a much lighter looking light fixture that one over powers the table .
Olychick
last month
last modified: last month
Your light is fantastic, as is your furniture! I don't usually favor mirrors in dining rooms because no one wants to look at themselves eating, but you do have a perfect spot for one. I would find something you love (don't go too small) and look for a narrow console or table for under it (make sure it's long enough to not be dwarfed on that wall), like in Maureen's first pic. A large piece of art with some decor as in that same photo, would also look nice.
martinc
Original Author
last month
Patricia Colwell Consulting Thanks for your input! I am think the art is a great idea but
the light fixture is a non-negotiable; I absolutely love it
🤗
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martinc
Original Author
last month
Olychick I appreciate your thoughts. I think you have an excellent point about a mirror
in the dining room. Initially, I was just trying to use the mirror as a way to reflect light, but I think art is much better idea.
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martinc
Original Author
last month
Maureen thanks for the great information. I think starting with a blank slate is probably the best way to accessorize. Thanks again.
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martinc
Original Author
last month
BeverlyFLADeziner thank you for taking the time to share your insight. I think I will go with art for the end wall. The artwork we currently have might not be the ideal size, but we purchased it specifically for that wall. Oh well! Thanks for the wall art examples for inspiration.
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