SFGate

mpoulsom how about painting that mirror frame a light olive green. i think i see that color in your throw pillow. Then adding some roman shades to the windows on either side that are mounted from the ceiling, to make them appear larger than they are.
And of course your other option is to find a piece of colorful artwork to use above the fireplace instead of the mirror. Try to buy original art from local artists or look on etsy!

mpoulsom p.s. your room is very pretty. forgot to say that!
you could also do woven pull down shades for your windows as well, if you don't like roman.

Peninsula Home Staging I like your idea of a new mirror with a different shape, especially since you have the rectangular windows. Grandin Road has some nice mirrors. I also think you should add larger accessories to your mantle to flank the mirror, but keep them asymmetrical. Try painting your mirror with a metallic finish and hanging it vertically then use a pair of large candle sticks on one side and a vase with flowers on the other. Pull the accessories toward the middle overlapping the edge of the mirror. One more thing - there is not a lot of contrast between the mantle (and surround) and the stone or the wall color. Consider painting your mantle dark brown or black. Lots of luck!

Judith Taylor Designs Yes, roman shades would add some personality. I think you will find it more pleasing if you dress the mantle with more appropriately scaled decor items. The mirror doesn't need to take a lead role, but will provide a strong supporting character for some candles, vases, a collection of interesting objects. This scale would look better (see image).

Carolyn Albert-Kincl Design I would get a gold framed mirror to pick up on your yellow accent color. A round one would work well, but if you get a rectangular one, please place it vertically. It will make your ceiling appear higher.

The things accessories on your mantel are too small and should be replaced with one to three bulkier, taller items such as what Judith showed you above.

sluggodog I agree with Carolyn -- when I saw the space I thought a round shape mirror would suit the area best and I do like the gold. If your not a fan of gold, I would go with a very dark wood (which would look nice with lighter curtains on each window...I think addressing the window treatment will finish off that space and make the mantle area more finished. As much as I like roman shades, your widows are so low from the ceiling, mounting would be tricky and cut the room. I would just add light/neutral curtains hung right from the top and cover the windows right up to give height.- cozy basement..just make sure you have lot's of good lighting/ lamps or stand up lamps.

decoenthusiaste Would you consider these under your windows? Would add a lot of practical storage and good looks.

patriciarhall does the mirror reflect something that is beautiful? If not, art work is the better choice.

jbeezyforsheezy Thank you all for you suggestions! I hadn't thought of roman blinds...but I'm a little afraid that it will make the room darker. (We have so little natural light as it is) i have thought about replacing the windows with leaded, beveled glass with maybe a small colored stained feature in the middle.

As for the mirror, there is an octagonal beveled mirror from Ballard that I love but I think it's too small. Any other mirror suggestions?

jbeezyforsheezy I LOVE the idea of built in shelves, but I'm concerned about losing space in what is already a small living room.

laineygirl Roman shades will not make your room darker because they will not actually cover the windows. Hang them much higher -- at the ceiling -- and then have them rest at the very top of your windows so the windows appear larger.

jbeezyforsheezy Hmmm I need to see a picture of that. I can't wrap my brain around it.

laineygirl Here's a picture. As you can see from the side, the blinds are mounted ABOVE the window. You could mount yours all the way at the ceiling to make the window look bigger.