Yes you heard that right – what rich people know about decorating.
What do they know? They know that antiques give a room depth, richness, and a soul. They know that antiques give a room something – class.
Even though antiques by definition are old, I’m amazed at how something so old can give a room a new look.
Let’s take this mirror for example. It is much more subtle and subdued that what was here before.
Here’s what I had over here before. I actually really like the painting; it’s actually a print on canvas. I just didn’t think it went in this room any more. I gave it to my dear friend Peggy because she wanted it. (Love you Peggy!!) If you wonder where things go when I don’t end up keeping them,often they go to her.
This table is a very, very old antique from the 1800’s or even before. The painting I felt didn’t go with the newer blue bedding in the room. The room used to be green and the painting really went with all of the green. Now it looks strange, since the rest of the room is very blue and white. There’s a story about the table. Maybe I’ll share it one day, and call it “Tales for the dark side.”
So I wanted to move the painting out of here. It went to my friend Peggy who was very happy to get it. (Love you Peggy!)
The downside to the mirror is that it doesn’t add any color to the room, but it does reflect the blue and white bedding, so in a way it does add some color.
If you are wondering why I go for antique mirrors rather than new ones, look no further. Check out these detail shots.
I love all of the delicate swirls, bows, and acanthus leaves. Yes the mirror will have the spots where the silvering is coming off, but if you buy one of these mirrors I would not have it re-silvered. The imperfections on the mirror show it’s age and are part of the mirror’s charm. You don’t want a beauty like this looking brand new.
I know some people will prefer the colorful print to the mirror and that is okay. But for me, I really like the beauty of the mirror and its faded elegance. BTW, the tiles behind my bed just came down and I put up a mirror, which I am removing in a few days, because I found an even better mirror. Can’t wait to show you!!!
Where did this mirror? At a local antique mall.
If you want to see the rest of the room, you can see more below
Peggy is one blessed girl – and she loves you, too!
Love the mirror!! (And very timely, given I have a whole mirror post coming out this week… :-)). I’m a big fan of antiques as I think they add character and elegance to a room. I like the painting, as well, but I agree it serves a different purpose. Perhaps a gilded frame would change the feeling, but lucky Peggy! Btw, love the paint color in this room. Do you know offhand the name?
Beautiful mirror Anita…and I am sure Peggy is one happy lady!
Love the look with the mirror and everything else!
Love the mirror. I think it definitely fits better in the room than the painting did considering the bedding. Do you mind sharing which antique mall? Carolyn Thompson’s? I’m on the hunt for an antique mirror for a bathroom I’m renovating.
The picture definitely added color, but I much prefer the gilded mirror. It does add richness and depth. Good choice.
Thank you Juli! I agree.
Love the change. I’ve been giving away some of my paintings to my girls and hung a few in my clinic office. I didn’t realize how vibrant they were until I subdued my walls by painting them gray.
I can see why you love that mirror. It’s lovely.
Linda at Beautiful Ideas
What a fabulous mirror! Love it, and the table too.
Thank you Tracey Lee!
You’re right, the mirror goes well here. Gorgeous!
I love the Mirror! Fabulous!
Love the mirror too! I’ll take an antique any day!
Hugs, Jamie
Anita,
May you see the love of your friend, Peggy, each time you view your reflection in the mirror!!!
Fondly,
Pat
That mirror is beautiful, love the look!
Hi the mirror is gorgeous. I have many antiques and they certainly do spruce up a room. I have a beautiful antique mirror that my mother gave me and I am planning on hanging it in my living room. I really love the table as well and the wooden chair looks really nice with it.
Well since antiques add “depth, richness, and a soul” to a room, I must add a lot when I enter one! LOL I found an old mirror when my husband and I went to the mountains this past spring. It too has some of its silver coming off. The previous owner had duck tape the back on and when I try to remove the duck tape the silver began to peel off. I immediately stopped and just put new duck tape on top of the old. Mine also had some decorative molding or carvings on it. the bottom one had broken off. I haven’t done a thing to it. No stripping, staining or painting. It is perfect just as is,
I love your blog and all your wonderful ideas, but recently your blog is centered only on the middle of my page so half of it, on the right side, is cut off. How can I fix this? Thanks.
Gayle thanks for the feedback. I am trying to see what I can do to fix that. The tech guy said it might be due to an other browser.
Anita, love the mirror. More so than the painting. I also liked the first photo with the two lamps instead of the candlesticks. I think because of the reflection of the candlesticks it made it look too busy. Both look nice, but I prefer the lamps.
You are totally right, thank you for showing this two different ways. I actually think antiques are affordable, they often are less expensive than you would think.
I love antiques, I used to have a lot in my old house which was much larger but I have sadly got rid of a lot of them. I still have a few pieces though. The mirror is gorgeous, I love the aged patina it adds character and soul to a piece. Like you I am forever changing things around, I love the mirror but also love the painting there as it brought a little colour to the space.
I am doing a little re-arranging at the moment, we have guests and I moved my Providence storage trunk out of the bedroom to give space for their suitcase and I now actually like it in the hallway…whether it will stay or not depends on how I feel next week 🙂
Hi – the mirror is lovely but I wish I was your friend Peggy (love that picture). Betty from, Ontario, Canada.
You don’t have to be rich to know the value of antiques. ;D. I love your blog, but that title was rather off-putting. When I was in my 20s, I bought an antique dining set and bedroom set. They never go out of style, and they are great quality and workmanship. I’ve always received compliments on their beauty. I’ve never been rich in the sense of money, but I have had a very rich life.
Julie, of course you are ABSOLUTELY correct!! You do not have to be rich to know this.
Hi, You already know how much I adore your blog(and your burlap bedspread) but I have a question. What MAN thought it a good idea to make dark brow or black lamp cords. Why not white? It drives me mad. Just thought I’d throw it out there! Lol