The New Carved Mirror is Up!

I hung the bigger mirror! What do you think? I'm loving how it fills the wall space so much better than the scrolly mirror. I think the proportions are just right. And the scrolly mirror is happily living in the office now, so don't feel too bad for it.

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It took some work to get this beast of a mirror hangable. (PS I wasn't sure if this mirror was really "vintage" like the listing stated, but that tape on the back was definitely decades old. Nasty stuff.)

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I ended up reusing the hardware that was already installed on the mirror. It was installed for the mirror to hang horizontally, so I unscrewed and moved the D-rings so the wire could run the opposite way.

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I wanted to hang the new mirror on the screws that were already in our wall for the scrolly mirror (in the studs from when we filled in the giant H wall above the fireplace), so I installed the D-rings and strung the wire so the mirror would hang right where I wanted it on the wall.

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When you're stringing the wire for a large mirror or piece of art, make sure your wire is a heavy enough gauge to support the weight (it will tell you on the package), and also that the wire is long enough to tightly thread through the D-rings at least three times. You want the weight of the mirror to be supported at the rings and not dependent on your wire-twisting capabilities (which are not that great in my case).

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We needed three adults to hang the mirror and we were all a little wiped out by the whole undertaking. It was intense! But I was so happy with how the mirror looks on that wall. It's one of my favorite things to hang something up, walk away a few steps and then turn around and, Ta-dah! The big reveal in the context of the space! (come on, tell me you know what I mean here) This was a fun one to turn around to. :)

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I am on the fence about changing the finish of the frame though. Part of me likes it as is, but I sort of also feel like it's too heavy and dark.

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If I do change it, I'm thinking I would lime or whitewash the carved part and then gold leaf the very inside lip.

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What do you think? That could be good, right?

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(Man, I need to finish that skirted sofa table so I can hide that little sliver of fireplace that peeks out from behind the sofa!)

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98 comments:

  1. Most of the time I'd say paint it, but this mirror is incredible as is. Just my two cents. I totally know what you mean about the big reveal. So fun!

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  2. There are so many ways that you could go with this mirror....I think the wood adds a rustic or warmth to your room but I would also know that I would love what you do if you paint it.
    pve

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  3. I love the mirror just how it is. The brown wood fits perfect

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  4. Dimensions are perfect and the colour of the wood is superb. These were big in the early to 90s I think. You are totally going to start a revival.

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  5. Hi Jenny, I love the mirror! I love the size and texture but I also like the dark wood because I'm not seeing any other "dark" in the room. This grounds the room, in my opinion. BUT.... I know if you do change it - it will look amazing ;)

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  6. First of all, the entire room is gorge! That velvet sofa, the chesterfield...
    I really love the mirror, can't believe it took 3 people to hang though, whoa! Looks great as it, really a great piece!
    Beth
    http://www.chicandglamorous.com

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  7. That is gorgeous! Perfect size for that space. Swoon! xo Kristin

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  8. I loved the scrolly mirror too... but the outcome of the large mirror is awesome!
    laura

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  9. I am obsessed with your blog!!!! Found it three days ago and have already re done 3 of my rooms!!! I would be amazed if you left the mirror frame as is... I know you could make it look even better with a lime wash and gold leaf... I feel it is too dark for your space .. Perhaps leave for a while until you get bored?? Thank you for sharing your incredible inspiration!!!! Luuurrrvvvee it <3 xxoo

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  10. We have a bit of an unfinished wood/whitewash addiction in our house. Once you start you will look at all of your stained wood furniture and think it needs a bit of Citristrip (fair warning). Just taking the stain off and getting to the natural wood underneath can be so cool - even before liming/whitewash. Sometimes the old stain lives deep in the grain and won't come up, but that gives the piece awesome definition.

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  11. Just wondering why you are covering up the fireplace. Love your blog BTW!

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  12. I think it's beautiful but would love to learn your whitewash/liming method. Love a great mirror!

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  13. I love it!! Much better than the other mirror; good call. And it is gorgeous as is and doesn't need to change unless you're itching to play with paint. If that's the case, go at it! I'm sure whatever you do would look awesome. :)

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  14. LOVE that mirror! I would definitely leave it as is. I like how the darker wood stands out against the lighter walls. A whitewashed frame might blend in too much. Plus the current stain is just so gorgeous. I recently hung a massive Craig's List mirror over my sofa as well, and I still find myself experiencing the "big reveal" when I walk into the room. Your den looks amazing - good work!

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  15. You find the most amazing things on craigslist! The caring on that mirror is incredible. I think the gold leaf would be really pretty...I don't know - I think this is one where you won't go wrong no matter what you decide.

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  16. I love the frame how it is, but when you first said you were thinking about changing it I picture it white as well. The gold would also add a nice touch!

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  17. I think the wood adds a lovely layer of depth to the room. I vote you leave it. It is beautiful!!!!

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  18. The mirror is perfect! At first I was thinking "no - leave it as is. The dark brown just makes such a statement" but when you described what you wanted to do with it, I don't know. It could look really good. I also love how the mirror reflects your art on the opposite wall.

    Well done all around!

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  19. I love the carved mirror as is but I'd probably do the same thing live with it like that and then for a fun change give it a makeover when I wanted a change. The whole room looks beautiful and the mirror size is perfect. Oh and I totally get the ta da moment whenever I do something to my house I'll leave that room and then enter the room one or maybe 12 times to look at it like I'm looking at it the first time!!! Glad I'm not the only one!!!

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  20. Leave it as is. I love the warmth of the wood.

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  21. That mirror fits the space so much better! I'm kind of with you about it looking too heavy as-is though...plus I'd love to see another DIY :)

    www.anna-bird.com

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  22. You could just gold leaf the interior lip next to the mirror to brighten it up a bit. Normally I'm all for painting wood, but the frame is in excellent and rich condition and with all the nooks and crannies, it'd be hard to go back to the wood easily should you ever change your mind. It looks great above the sofa. P. S. A lot of people don't like the idea of putting two holes in the wall, but you can put up two picture hooks and hang the D-rings directly on them (avoiding wire altogether). It adds to stability, keeps the mirror level and makes the piece sit pretty flush to the wall.

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  23. I wouldn't touch that beautiful mirror. It is perfect just as it is. Why make it look like all the other mirrors out there when it is so unique as is. It fits the space perfectly and I love the images it reflects back. Well done and worth all your work.

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  24. I think your color ideas for the mirror are spot on but I love the depth it brings to the room now and how it brings the dark details from the built ins. It looks really worldly and artisinal with the rugs. And I have to focus on keeping resell value on pieces because I can frequently change my mind, and you could likely get a lot more out of it if you ever wanted to sell it if it was the original stain. Just my two cents! Such an inspiring room! Thanks for always sharing your updates!

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  25. Oh my gosh, I LOVE that mirror! It's very much my style. It's so unique and cool and perfect just the way it is.

    xx
    Nicole

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  26. Leave it natural! That is a gorgeous frame. Remember your ratio of painted to wood! 1:1 and all I see are painted pieces! The wood warms up the room and grounds it.

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  27. NO PAINT! You'll have too many painted pieces in there.
    You're living room looks beautiful and welcoming.

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  28. Oh I would TOTALLY leave it AS IS. there's a lot going on in the room (in the best way!) and I adore the natural wood simplicity of the mirror in harmony with all of that.

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  29. The mirror is fabulous! It actually reminds me of one I saw in a very elegant home in Mexico - extremely heavy and all hand carved. I love it the way it is, but I can also see it having a new and very different look if you decide to paint it in the future. I would paint the sliver of fireplace the same color as the wall so it would visually disappear. Love your blog! It is my favorite read every day.

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  30. I was just wondering: do you have any tips for finding treasures on craigslist/ebay/etc? I'm hunting for a sofa to reupholster right now and while we have an old Ikea one to provide seating in the meantime, we'd really like to change it out for something less frumpy.

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  31. Love it! I have a wood mirror that's similar and I've been mulling (forever) over whether to paint it or not because I think I have too much dark wood in the room (it's in my bedroom). I'd love to see you whitewash or paint the wood. It just might help me decide what to do with mine!

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  32. Nice! I like the dark finish. It kind of balances out with the back that it's attached to a mirror, you know what I mean?

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  33. That mirror looks amazing, and I like the dark A LOT. It feels Spanish to me, which I love.

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  34. I love the mirror just the way it is. The dark wood anchors it in a way. It looks great in that spot and with your other things. My vote is...don't paint. Great blog with lots of fun ideas and inspirations. So nice that you share how-to-do-it instructions! Thanks.

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  35. I love it the way it is now, but I'm totally intrigued by your idea to change it up. Do it! :)
    Susan
    simplymodernhome.com

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  36. I love it as is, please don't paint it! These rosewood mirrors are hand carved in india/pakistan and after you've seen someone actually carve it with a little chisel and hammer you wouldn't want to see it painted :) just my two cents

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  37. I love it as is, please don't paint it! These rosewood mirrors are hand carved in india/pakistan and after you've seen someone actually carve it with a little chisel and hammer you wouldn't want to see it painted :) just my two cents

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  38. Holy smokes... SA-WEET!!!! Now that's a rewarding reveal.

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  39. NOOOOOOOOOOOO paint, for the love of God please no paint.

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  40. i agree, the wood and darker color are a nice contrast in your living room. and while it may feel a little heavy or out of place now, once you get that console table behind the velvet sofa with some lamps, etc it will start to feel more like it's apart of that grouping. :) xo

    -ashley
    ashleyrachelle.com

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  41. I'll be the odd one out here and say you should paint it/stain it. I do think it's pretty as is but it does seem a bit dark for the space (maybe it's just the lighting in the photo, though!).

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  42. Leave it as is!!! It looks beautiful and adds a lovely organic quality to the space.

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  43. The mirror looks great! We totally do the turn around and look move. We call it "cleansing our eye palate"! So silly.

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  44. Beautiful mirror - I like the idea of a lime/white-wash and gold near the mirror because it would still keep it's beautiful texture. Love your updated pic and welcome, too!

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  45. OH my heavens, I might cry if you change the finish of the mirror!

    But, I definitely see what you mean. It's almost fighting with the black trim/edges of the bookcases. What about painting the bookcases so they blend in with the walls? You could always change those a lot easier than the mirror if you hated it.

    Im all about low risk decisions HAHA!

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  46. It looks amazing! Every time I see this room, I just think, "If those bachelors could see it now!" The transformation has been so fun to follow.

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  47. I absolutely love this room. I wish you had reason to spend more time in Boston, I would love some help around my home! xo

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  48. The mirror looks great as is. But then again, gold leafing sounds intriguing...

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  49. the mirror fills out the space beautifully! I like it the way it is for now. I say wait till summer and then decide :)

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  50. Pretty! Leave as is! It almost has a Moroccan feel in that finish. Whitewashing it is sort of Belgian which I don't think is right for the lines of the mirror. Love it!

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  51. I love the wood tone. Beautiful! I think I've painted almost every mirror we own and I totally regret it now.

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  52. I say leave it as-is! The wood looks lovely with the black bookshelves and the leather couch. Whitewashing might make the carving look too twee and eliminate the awesome presence it has in the room!

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  53. stunning! absolutely stunning! I'm all over mirrors right now, can't have enough which is kinda odd, but I'm going with it!

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  54. I like the natural element it brings since there are a lot of painted things in there. Although lime does sound fun!

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  55. It looks great. I don't think the wood should be covered, but sanding it so it's bare wood or very lightly limewashing it would look nice.

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  56. Just an FYI: It's hard to say how old this mirror is, but it doesn't look that old. It is definitely made in the area of India or Pakistan, and it's made with their tell-tale exotic hardwood (could be sandalwood, but I'm not sure, it's the same stuff that incense and trinket boxes are made with). I'd say it's no older than 20 years old.

    My 5 cents (sorry we don't have pennies in Canada anymore, haha) on the mirror is that I do love the current old wooden patina and look that it has, but I wouldn't be heartbroken if you modified it a bit. I'm not sure if I'm that fond of white-washing it, but maybe the interior edge gold leafed (and then maybe with an ebony gloss black band just next to it) could spruce it up a bit. That, or maybe just a spotlight on it.

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  57. It looks so fabulous! I love it as is, but I'm sure some gold leafing wouldn't hurt. Anything you do always looks great. I wish you would come to Nashville and help me mix things up in my ranch style house. I know what I love when I see someone else do it (like here), but I'm lost when I try to decorate my house.

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  58. I say leave as is. I don't think it's too dark and it looks beautiful in the space.

    I agree with previous posters that either the photo is dark or if it really is dark in person, I'd change the dark on the bookcases first. . I just really love the natural warmth it brings to the space

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  59. I really like the way the wood balances all of the color in the room. Lovely!!

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  60. Amazing mirror! Paint it!
    Jenn
    http://jramseygeorge.tumblr.com

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  61. Beautiful. Great proportions. I'd leave it as is though. It looks expensive with the wood finish. Why mess with perfection?

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  62. The mirror looks perfect on that wall. I love it as is, but I also like both refinishing options you mentioned.

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  63. I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides am now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)

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  64. I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides am now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)

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  65. I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides I'm now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)

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  66. I just discovered your blog and thanks to your step by step guides I'm now thoroughly inspired to take on more projects! This mirror is fantastic & adds just the right warmth to the room so I'd say keep it as it is :)

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  67. I am so obsessed by this mirror...Loved it..its stunning..

    Android Developer

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  68. I hate to break it to you, but this mirror is not vintage. I have similar one and I had it made. However, on the flip side, from the quality of the threads of the wood, I can tell you that it's Teak and you have something that's on it's way to becoming a collectible! :)

    Here's my one, if you'd like to see it. http://shalinistyle.blogspot.in/2013/02/im-not-wallflower-kinda-girl.html

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  69. I agree with the other commenters: Please leave the mirror alone. Step away from the paint bucket and leave the mirror alone.

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  70. Absolutely lighten up that mirror. It is large and dark which calls attention to itself.

    Sofa with longer legs, fireplace hidden. You can easily replace them.

    Love your blog. Ann

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  71. It looks absolutely perfect!
    K. Akhi
    www.intensepursuits.com

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  72. Love it! I think you should paint the mirror, it is heavy!

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  73. Goodness gracious your space is looking spectacular!! Love the mix.

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  74. Leave it natural! That is a gorgeous frame. Remember your ratio of painted to wood! 1:1 and all I see are painted pieces! navy blue bridesmaid dresses
    Green Bridesmaid Dresses

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  75. don't paint it!!! it's gorgeous the way it is and you might regret it! i think it helps ground the room.

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  76. I love the wood this time! It looks beautiful, well done!

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  77. I love the wood this time! It looks beautiful, well done!

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  78. It looks perfect! I think the colors adds a sense of warmth to the room. But whichever you decide it'll be lovely!!

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  79. I love the depth and bit of rusticity the wood adds, especially next to the blue/green sofa. There are other things to which you could apply that treatment so maybe you could scratch your itch on something else.
    It's hard to go back to wood and that wood is beautiful. It just brings the room to life, while somehow grounding it. CTD

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  80. I love the depth and bit of rusticity the wood adds, especially next to the blue/green sofa. There are other things to which you could apply that treatment so maybe you could scratch your itch on something else.
    It's hard to go back to wood and that wood is beautiful. It just brings the room to life, while somehow grounding it. CTD

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  81. Dont touch that mirror! It looks beautiful as is!! I so want that whole room in my house!

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  82. clearly going against popular opinion here but i say change it. i agree it feels a bit too heavy and dark. plus it could be fun to prove everyone wrong :)

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  83. The dark mirror with the bright sofa and rug is beautiful. It is gorgeous.

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  84. I think I like it unpainted! It's a nice balance against the light walls and couch. I LOVE how this room has evovled! Such a great job!

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  85. I know that this post is all about the mirror, but i can't help not to say a work about those books neatly stacked in your shelves. The books and the shelves are just divine. ~ ilikesheds.com

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  86. ohh i really love your room! thats so inspiring!

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  87. I was going to comment saying "I'm so glad you didn't end up painting it!" and then I got to the bottom of the post and saw you're still considering it... I vote no! :) The piece is so beautiful as is and I think it is very majestic!

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  88. I'm not one of those who freaks out any time people paint wood furniture/mirrors, but I have to say that in this case I'm loving the natural finish. I'm sure it'll look great whichever way you end up going, though. :) Can't wait to see the living room with the sofa table!

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  89. Love the mirror and your amazing blog! I have been looking everywhere for a vibrant rug like yours and haven't had any luck! Do you have any suggestions or can you share where you found yours?

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  90. Follow your awesome design instincts and change up the mirror, I think you are right on!!

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  91. the warm wood looks so great behind the 'cool' sofa...

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  92. You have extraordinary taste, go with your gut. Whatever you do will be awesome. You never dissappoint. I love your blog.

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I so appreciate hearing from you. Nice comments make my day! Thanks for keeping things light here, friends! :)