apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

I actually think the frame goes great with the rest of the wood in your room! If you want something a little thinner, perhaps consider having someone sand down the original frame? I'm not a framing expert, so I don't know whether this is feasible or not.

I don't think the mirror is the problem. It looks like the chest is too heavy. I would place the chest on the other side of the bed and replace it with a more open bedside table with some open shelves.

turn it 180 and hang it that way. It might look nicer above the smaller table and lamp on the left side of the bed.

Does it make any difference if you try the mirror portrait (long side vertical)? I am seeing vertical to counterbalance the heavy horizontal of the headboard.

I am troubled by the roundness of the mirror, I think it fights with your headboard's beautiful curves.

Frame size is an issue - the size of this frame is too close to the headboard frame size. It looks like you're trying to match it but not quite getting there. Also opportunity to add another layer (shape) to the room.

If I were shopping for this mirror I would be looking for a square mirror (to hang right at face level), about 12" square, in a slim, modern, silver leaf frame with a square profile of 1/2" or so, the deeper the better. Almost shadowbox style. You know, a classic simple gallery frame. And I'd do the finish in a darkened silver leaf (meaning, silver leaf that's dirtied so not too brassy - that is, if silver leaf can even be brassy).

I think silver (or more specifically darkened, worn silver) could be a good complement (as a color as well as a texture) for the design elements you've currently got going.

I'd also add a pillow in a modern shape (boxy square?) in a darkened silver Dupioni.
How's that for specific.

I would also rethink the lamp shades. They seem to be pulling the lamps down for me, taking what look like really lovely crystal lamps and making them look squat and not special. I think part of it is their height, and part of it is the relatively steep slope of the sides.

I would go a out 2/3s of this height and 40% more top diameter. I would also add a fun, small sparkly finial to really sell the lamp base and draw the eye upward (remember the thing I said earlier about vertical?)

If you can't get new shades and finials, that's OK (I realize I am signing you up for quite a project), putting pretty hardback books under the lamps might be a nice way to raise them.

PPS - the square modern mirror would be a nice counterbalance to the lovely, curvy chest supporting the lamps

Switch the mirror out with the framed art seen in the reflection. It will bring in more color, and your beautiful headboard won't have to compete for center stage!

Try hanging it vertically rather than horizontally as you currently have.

The other issue is that there's nothing on the other side of the bed to balance it out, and the table on the other side of the bed appears to be much smaller than the one here on the right - so of course it appears to be off-balance.

I agree that the chest is a bit dark, but I think if you're set on just replacing the mirror something more feminine with a little color might be nice.

Not sure if the scale is right, but this is pretty (and way under budget):

http://www.worldmarket.com/home-decor/clocks-and-mirrors/mirrors/Novica-Reverse-Painted-Glass-Floral-Mirror/lev/4/productId/4399/Ne/1100001/sectionId/2867/N/1100093/categoryId/1100093/pCategoryId/1100091/gpCategoryId/1100065/Ns/TOP_SELLER_INDEX|1||CATEGORY_SEQ_2939|0/index.pro

Try a simple rectangular mirror with slim metal frame. Rest it on the dresser, leaning against the wall (portrait orientation) behind your jewellery box.
Or an easel for the mirror might work too:
http://thenxtchapter.com/media/ccp0/prodsm/imx-5690.jpg

You could also try a mirror on a table top easel:
http://thenxtchapter.com/media/ccp0/prodsm/imx-5690.jpg

I agree with Jeff, going tall vertical simple or beveled and pillows need to be reworked.
I am not liking the lamp or accessories on the chest. You could keep the one lamp on the other side but you need to create a vignette with the chest, mirror, a lamp, different clock, maybe a small silver frame, bud vase.

Style of clocks that would work better-
http://www.roomservicehome.com/prodinfo.asp?number=HS15031
http://www.roomservicehome.com/productsl2.asp?dept=324

I like this one from pottery barn. It is the reverse of the shape of the headboard.

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/p12145/index.cfm?pkey=cmirrors

Whatever you do, add something to the other side of the bed to balance it out.

I agree with the suggestion to try turning this mirror vertical. I think that would make the lines of the mirror match up better with the lines of the headboard. At the same time, it would elongate the vertical lines of the room which should reduce some of the heaviness of the mirror itself.

I think that the coloring of the frame itself is a little bit off for the room. I wonder if it would be worthwhile to paint it to a lighter color (rather than keeping the natural wood coloring) so that the room is lightened up even more and that "heaviness" is decreased?

Also wanted to say that I really like these posts where everyone's trading design ideas. How inspiring! Am wondering if any one here has ever used sites like Houzz.com where this type of idea sharing is the primary focus of the site? Nothing replaces Apartment Therapy as a blog but I'm interested by how these other types of sites are being used by design-minded people as well.

I think the problem is that it is TOO similar to the frame of the bed. It competes for attention with your headboard. I think something with a different texture would be nice.

Maybe something like this: http://www.crateandbarrel.com/family.aspx?c=1420&f=3134

You're right, the mirror is fighting with the frame on the bed. I would paint out the frame of it. You could probably spray it for a nice smooth finish.

I think the dresser looks fine as-is. I'm sure it's a nice, rich piece in person! But if you love the painted mirror you could run with it.

Silverleaf the frame of the mirror and leave it where it is, or try it in another spot in the room and place a piece of art above the dresser.

use a rectangular vertical mirror - the round shape fights and use a larger nightstand lamp. also like the idea about a different mirror frame finish. There's too much wood going on.

Your lovely bedroom is full of curving lines and wood. You need some counterpoint (different shapes and materials) for interest. A few ideas:

1) Replace the mirror with a rectangular version with a metallic trim (matte silver, same size). Rest the mirror on the chest and lean it against the wall. Balance the mirror with 3 pieces of artwork on the other side of the bed. Leave the lamps as-is. (Note that if you have a small or light colored chest on the other side, the large chest may look too heavy.)

2) Get rid of the mirror. Replace the lamps with a matching pair that are a bit geometric in shape, a little less precious than the glass, and TALL. No additional artwork or wall decor needed.

I think the mirror is an excellent match--in both size and shape--to your bed frame; it looks like the mirror is a subtracted shape in its arc, and the frames are of similar scale. You could maybe add a plant or some element with some height in the far corner, to help give that some balance, but there's really nothing wrong enough with this space to fret over.

A mirror next to a bed is rarely a good idea, designwise or for practicality. Switch it with the art piece reflected across the room. But don't get rid of it. It's gorgeous.

I like the mirror, just not in that space. I'd try to see if there is another spot in the room that would work better.

quiltmaster--

Why is a mirror *next* to a bed rarely a good idea? Not arguing, just wonderin'.

And to the feng shui believers out there, a mirror *opposite* the bed (if it is positioned where you might be startled by your reflection upon waking) is a definite no no.

The oval mirror does fight the headboard, and doesn't make sense at that size and position.

Here's what you do instead: Search craigslist/consignment for a pair of demi lune consoles, or a four-legged round table that expands, which you would cleverly separate into two halves and bracket into wall studs. Using semicircular tables on each side of the bed would complement the semicircular arc of the headboard nicely. Perhaps keywords like wenge, espresso or ebony could help turn up pieces that will accord with the scale and tone of the wood of the headboard.

Above the demi lune, hang a square or rectangular mirror that is nearly as wide as the table. This will create a vanity, in which case the mirror serves a purpose and would reflect your adorable lamp. Don't match the headboard ... go with a thin metal or beveled mirror edge. A similar sized and similarly framed art piece on the opposite side would provide balance without being exacty-matchy.

Congratulations on your cure. Keep experimenting!

Kim--

I'm surprised no one has asked yet, but where did the GORGEOUS headboard come from??

And how can y'all tell the whole furniture set up is unbalanced? You can hardly see what the other side of the bed looks like, or how much wallspace there is to work with over there.

The problem is that your mirror is not too heavy. The problem is that right now you have a very dark wood and no accent pieces other than your bed spread and pillows. I think that a simple and cheap change would be to paint the walls of the room a color very SIMILAR, but not the same as the bedspread. you must leave the ceiling white. It will tone down the impact of the wood and it will also tie the room together a little more.
I think that if you wanted to replace the mirror, buy two mirrors that are the same and hang them portrait style on each side of the bed or do the same thing with some artwork. And do not forget to paint that wall.

Arroyo is right -- you need counterpoint.

Your bed is a beautiful, strong, heavy frame. Putting another heavy frame next to it is too much, and invites comparison (the mirror fails, and diminishes the bed and chest in the process).

I would suggest a frameless, bevelled edge distressed mirror such as the one in this picture. This isn't the right shape of course -- it could be a vertical rectangle, or oversized circle (much larger than the one currently there).

http://www.remodelista.com/2009/01/12/house-call-loft-in-florence/

Don't much care for the suggested substitute, especially not in your case. I think however, that you could experiment in distressing your own mirror -- simple bevelled mirrors are inexpensive, and you could practice on a small piece to achieve the desired effect.

It will introduce a different texture into your room, and a contrasting feeling and sensibility.

Other than that, I would suggest paint for the wall -- some sort of a deep moody blue with green undertones (blueish-greenish-black).

Something rectangular hung vertically. I don't like the oval. It coordinates too much with the detail of the headboard.

I don't think the problem is the mirror per se; I think it's the chest. It's such a lovely antique (seems like it in the pic anyway), that it's stealing the focal point.

You need to balance its weight -- and visual interest -- on the other side of the bed.

I also don't think the mirror is a problem. It's the fact that all of your pieces of furniture are placed too close together... not letting one another "breath"... Either turn around your chest or the bed, use shorter bedside tables for lamps. With some space around it, your mirror will not look so heavy.

And what about turning it 90 degrees, like: | not --

as if you needed yet another comment, i say hang the mirror vertically as opposed to horizontal. after skimming some of the other comments, i would agree maybe moving the chest and mirror to another part of the room and getting a smaller piece for a night stand, but if just don't like the mirror (very nice by the way) then you could purchase several smaller frames and even hang them with lovely ribbon in a cluster fashion over the chest.
good luck.

Great ideas, everyone! thank you.

* I do need to balance the bed on the opposite side with something on the wall. I haven't found the right art, yet.

* I love the idea of the demi lune tables, but for the time being, that chest is needed clothing storage. It's a 1940s repro of an Louis bombe chest. It's a *good* repro, making it a nice asset itself. I think the angle of the photo makes everything looked cramped, but it couldn't hurt to try to spread things out a little more. I do need to be able to reach my light and water glass while in bed though. :-)

* I'll try the mirror hung vertically, but I think it's still competing with the headboard. I'm liking the idea of a frameless, or nearly frameless square mirror. Or maybe one with very low-profile gilt frame? Something baroque would leave me with the same problem. I really want a mirror over this chest because there's no other place to hang one and it's where I keep my jewelry box.

* Patrick, I got the headboard 1/2 price from Anthropologie and had it recovered for $150. Sweet deal. I thought it went great with the chest. I wish, now, though, that I'd done a tufted, squared-off headboard with no wood trim to contrast with the chest, and gone with less subdued bedding. Live and learn and this certainly isn't bad (though a baroque frame would have worked that way!) There's a tufted white headboard opposite mini-bombe chests in the Pottery Barn catalog right now. http://www.potterybarn.com/pbimgs/ab/images/p2/products/200904/0097/img60l.jpg
I now wish I'd gone with my first instinct -- but when I saw the anthro headboard, I thought "OMG, that's it!" The good news is that a squared tufted headboard will easy to find when I decide to change things up again.

* I agree that the radio alarm clock sucks. I've yet to find one that actually looks good. I am in love with my lamps -- but I see the point that if they were taller and less squat looking I'd raise the eye higher and balance out the headboard.

Maybe you should hang your mirror lower--almost touching the top of the chest.

i think all your pieces are lovely, but i think it's the idea of putting a mirror right next to your headboard like that that is throwing everything off. it's not really the shape, color, size or anything. i'd just find a new spot for it in general!