Have it frame in. It wouldn't be that expensive, and then you'll have a 'normal' wall to decorate. I couldn't never understand why anyone would put that in their home.....

I like the one big mirror idea. I am putting a similar mirror in my bedroom.

I think hanging a really nice textured area rug....will help absorb sound and give a warmth to the wall. Could also put a pressure rod across and hang a curtain backlit to appear it to be a window.

Oh, I forgot...you could also multi layer different sized shelving as art, non conforming shaped shelving. Wood, lacquer or metal.

Here's what I would do if this were my home:
http://houzz.com/photos/410261
When I saw you picture I thought glass shelves with pictures and decor would look amazing. You'd need a small LED puck light installed. You can get glass shelves inexpensive if you can find a local glass shop that sells retail. If you go this route keep in mind that the glass shelves need to be about 1/8" smaller than the opening to allow for uneven drywall. You could easily change out decor and colors seasonally which I love to do!

Hi annha, What a great space - very elegant with the wall niche by the staircase. Traditional yet contemporary - it seems this space can be viewed as you come up the stairs as well as when walking by to go down a floor.

I may be biased, yet I see this as a wonderful niche for an interesting piece of wall art, something that brings a mood to the space and brings a pleasant visual experience every time you walk by. Mirrors can sometimes be difficult to place well with good effect.

Have you ever been in a hallway space and enjoyed the moment of reflective space offered by a piece of art? I think you can create this here.

What style of art do you love - what colors make you smile and feel good? We will review my portfolio for pieces and find just the right piece.

Our large stretched canvas measures 38"W x 52"H, which would fit this space perfectly. The refined custom colored side-panels are 1.5" Custom sizes can also be created.

I include here some examples of my natural nature fine art photography on canvas from the Impressionism and Water Reflection categories. These works are available to buy on Houzz.

An Abstract golden reflection:


A misty river scene:


and Clear Water Reflections, such as:


and:


I hand sign each print and include a certificate of authenticity. Avalon Nature Photography fine art prints are not digitally photo-enhanced - bringing the beauty of pure nature into homes and office spaces..

We promise our pictures are even better viewed in person! You can read testimonials and view more phoraphs on our portfolio page http://www.houzz.com/pro/avalonnaturephotography/__public

We look forward to being of service to you. Taking care of our customers and delivering unique all natural art that transforms spaces is our passion. We believe the art buying experience should be a fabulous one... So we offer free White Glove delivery service as an option.

All the Best,
Curtis and Avalon Nature Photography Team

yes i like that idea of different sized shelving .... thank you so much ..

Consider asking a local artisan to make something like this to fill the space. Then add your favorite items as you like.

https://m1.behance.net/rendition/modules/98109209/disp/32d162747befb19fbb3353c6bca1f1c9.jpg

Here is an idea

http://www.jcpenney.com/for-the-home/holiday-decor/fall-harvest-thanksgiving/decor/set-of-6-leaf-wall-plaques/prod.jump?ppId=16ed394&&rrplacementtype=search_page.content2

possibly subtle green paint behind something like this:
http://www.jcpenney.com/micayla-set-of-2-metal-wall-decor/prod.jump?ppId=pp5003670070&cmvc=JCP|SearchResults|RICHREL&grView=&eventRootCatId=¤tTabCatId=®Id=&rrplacementtype=item_page.dpcontent1

hmmm $5,000 for 1 photography on canvas? a bit much, and I'm a photographer that sells my work on canvas as an option.

I like the idea of shelves in that space. Maybe glass shelves and choose a few art type pieces to display. Here is an example of how you could include glass shelving in a cutout wall like you have. [houzz=]

I would definitely go with Art! Please check out my houzz page. Niches are prefect for Art! It's meant to be!! This pic is a painting iI JUST finished a few days ago, it's 36 x 60 in. It's called "La Couleur de mon Amour".

I would install a picture light above it and find a fabulous piece of real art to hang there! It could even be a 3 dimensional piece of folk art. I also like the idea of painting the interior a different color! http://media-cache-ec0.pinimg.com/736x/0f/8b/da/0f8bda518bc7115926cbeb6ed1701532.jpg

Another thing you could do is a floral arrangement...

A painting, sculpture, a vase,,anything can go there. You can also paint the inside a different color. Here are some ideas

We love this space, you have a lot of possibilities! :) We would definitely go with some nice canvas or print. The idea of shelves in that space also seems great. Check our examples for You:

So many possibilities, depending on taste and budget.

You have received some great ideas! I would go along with a painting or something with color and/or texture. Stay away from generic prints, you want something unique and original. A tall narrow sculpture made out of a metal would be nice.

Artwork

all the ideas sounds good. i think im going to try a custom huge silk flower arrangement in that space. will post pics when its done. thank you all for ur suggestions :-)

A handwoven tapestry would suit that spot nicely. I think it would add warmth as well as beauty.

I definitely would not do silk flowers. You would have to have a flat arrangement as the niche has no depth. It would also be a dust magnet. Stick with your original plan of the mirror. Make sure the mirror or mirrors is more of an art piece and not just a plain mirror. Nothing too dinky. You could use painters tape to see what size would look good. Possibly paint or paper the inside with a subtle contrast to your wall color first.

Why do builders insist on adding these niches? I was going to suggest shelves as others have already done.

You could also add doors or a shutter to disguise it and put a light behind the shutter.

I think this is a great place for a piece of which would also add a bit or warmth and additional interest to the area

Thanks,
J Design Group, luxury residential interior designers - South Beach - Coral Gables - Sunny Isles -Pinecrest - South Miami - Williams Island - Miami - Modern Interior Design Firm in Miami, Florida - Ocean Front Contemporary Decorators - http://www.JDesignGroup.com

I would use sculptural art, such as some well placed driftwood with interesting shapes. If you need artistic help, source out a designer or artist in your area that has done this kind of work, or who has an eye for this. I would start by painting the back wall in the recess with a bold colour that compliments the decor, and then add a recessed Mimi halogen light in the top and final if the space permits I would add a bench or very shallow table under the space.

I was thinking the same thing as WayneandJoan about adding a small table if it will fit. Possibly a narrow console table closed in enough so the niche doesn't show underneath.