We present recent test results and discuss design challenges on x-ray optical components for the wiggler sources at CHESS and for the proposed energy recovery linac (ERL) source at Cornell. For the existing wiggler sources, a new white-beam collimating mirror has been installed and tested at F-line and some preliminary test results are presented. For the proposed ERL, three types of x-ray optical components are identified and considered: (1) high-heat-load capable optics for high-power and high-power-density insertion-device sources, (2) brilliance preserving optics that can provide high transverse coherence, and (3) optics used to manipulate, preserve and produce short x-ray pulses.