I had a similar problem, but my alcove was wider than tall. I fitted the alcove with a piece of plexiglass, near the front of the alcove, held in place by clear push pins. This created a light box effect when the down light was turned on. I covered the plexiglass in a decorative film of multicolored faux stain glass...the effect when the light was on behind it was stunning!

If I had tall skinny alcoves like yours I would probably go for a silk topiary of some sort. I found these that look pretty neat...

have fun! :D

If you live in earthquake area, don't put anything that might topple on someone's head!

I see long antique asian screens, or scrolls with writing. Something light, doesn't require dusting, and, being somewhat opaque, the light behind would look striking.

Make something- what a great opportunity to get creative!

Eurofase Cameo Pendant #20408
I would either mirror the back or hang 2 large framed mirrors then remove the can light and hang a large pendant (like the Eurofase one referenced above) from the can light fixture so it reflects the light off the mirror or do away with them altogether by filling them in and then hang a large painting in the center wall space

Good advice pcmom1 , about earthquakes!

If you do full glass mirror in the back the black mirror mastic will prevent them falling as for framed mirrors there are plenty of earthquake kits on the market to keep you safe in that event!

A mosaic would be amazing in that space.. any image can be redesigned .. or a tile mural

http://www.AliciatappDesigns.com

That's a big empty wall between them. Find a great piece of art you love then fill the alcoves with coordinating planters with tall thin logs (3) in each. Paint the logs a fun color.

If I had those I would suspend something light and ethereal looking from the 'ceiling' of each box, like a mobile, letting the light shine down through it - clear filament or fine wire with glass beads, iridescent, gauzy fabric, thin sea shells, feathers, whatever things you love or something dynamic by a local artist. Cleaning might be just a matter of getting a good blow-dryer out and 'dusting' regularly by moving it around a bit ....

If you want to fill them, I think it helps to use something you really love. If you embrace alcoves in a transitional space like this, you sort of have to "go big or go home" when it comes to "quirkyness" as they are such a focal point. Throwing a non-descript vase up there with plants will not likely produce a great result. If you like nautical you could go with old rowboats in distressed wood with striped boeys, for example... or if you're modern, a mobile with lit glass spheres or maybe hanging northstars in gold tone (which may actually blend in with your paint color and therefore visually receed/getting the job of filling the space done so that the emptyness doesn't stand out but acting as a less harsh focal point. I would recommend checking out architectural salvage to see if you find an element you like also. Historically, large foyers from the architural periods your home seems somewhat inspired by were often decorated by a muralist. It may make sense then to do a modern take on that by adding coordinated abstract but soft art across the entire wall... a grouping of three for example. If you post more pictures of more of your space (the adjoining rooms etc.) it might help to inspire everyone even more. :)

I would look for complimentary metal scuptures that would add interest but not take away from the gorgeous height of the room. I think it has to be simple and clean, with not a lot of color or drama.

I think metal statue or art that would not require alot of cleaning on a weekly basis and would blend with the chandiler. If color is needed a large colorful picture between the alcoves that is square.

Hi! Think the vases or art pieces good ideas. Personally - I'd start shopping - once you see it - try it - you'll know in a flash. Like carollsenior did with the flamingos - Also, you need to consider the furnishings and decor pieces you plan to use in the room below the stairway - there might be a way to have the choices blend beautifully and achieve a perfect point of interest -

Hi! These alcoves have great potential for some stand out pieces that you love and want to showcase. As a contemporary option we would like to suggest these elegant white giraffes that have a glossy quilted pattern. They are definitely stand out pieces! And depending on how deep these alcoves are you could possibly put both of them in one of the alcoves!

I love the idea of adding something light and hanging it from the ceiling. If you found some artistic, modern pendant lights you could replace the can lights with these. They can be very artistic and make quite a statement in shape, line and color. If you get the right ones it will fill the space appropriately.

I would opt for something structural that would cast shadow an create dimension. Perhaps an interesting pair of driftwood branches, as was mentioned in an earlier comment. I would also give the niches a slightly darker interior finish than the wall to create an increased sense of depth and drama

You could do that and creat a cool lighting effect with pendants to create more dimension. I like the idea of painting the interior a slightly darker color.

Stained glass windows hung so the light would illuminate them would be pretty. The design of the glass can complement your home decor. Easy to clean then too. You could make your own using Artscapes window clings. http://www.artscape-inc.com/

Tapestries or birch branches

Yes Art but art glass by covering the 2 alcoves with stained glass! These 'faux windows' would be beautiful adding color and still letting the light through!

mirror the interior and add tall sculptures
http://common1.csnimages.com/lf/50/hash/2102/241576/1/Flora+Metal+Garland.jpg

Add a darker color to the back panels only; something like Ben Moore's Jamesboro gold. Warm, rich golden/bronze. Will work with the light fixture too. Fill the space with tall vase, urn or statues that fit the design style of the homeowner. Like the advise on easy to dust area. Items need to fit the scale of the niche too. Good luck!!

Paint insides a wonderful accent color -- bright and lively -- like red, orange, etc. Then the need to showcase something in there will not be as dramatic, and whatever you choose to put in there will not be as difficult to find. A simple large turquoise ceramic vase or urn with a cover would be enough.

Short droopy plant with square picture right above in one alcove and tall, fat vase in the other. Leave space between the ceiling and the picture/ vase.

Tall colorful vases that are interesting and scultural in design would be great. Also, you could hang photos from eye hooks in the ceiling at the front or towards the front and put a soft light behind to add dimension. You could even hang 3 pics vertically by connecting them with hooks or string, but still leaving them hang from the top rather than the back...this way the art doesn't get lost in the back of the alcove.

Great opportunity to make your style statement here! Think of elements you want to bring into the space, such as iron to compliment the fixtures... maybe? or larger, statement pieces, stone elements, even glass tiles to reflect the light. I hope you find what you love, something that speaks to who you are, and the ambiance you want to evoke within your home, good luck!

I agree with Kaufman Homes Inc.! Find some artsy modern pendant lights that will replace the can lights. They will fill the space and afford additonal lighting for the stairway!

A client of mine had 7 of these in her Great Room. She and her family had spent a lot of time in Central America doing mission work. She loved the art and lifestyle there, and LOVED bright colors, so she wanted her alcoves to reflect that. She also loved stained glass. Here is what we came up with for one side of the room. The other side had 4 additional alcoves and were done similarly.

I like the Mosaic option Alicia posted. You could hang rug in between possibly.

Very economical glass vases with curly willow. Got my vases from Home Goods and the willow from Pier 1. I like the subtle colors but you might need more contrast. You could use a large colored vase and darker willow.

- aviary diorama(s)

Colorful murano glass scupture.

The glass sculptures would look nice.. something that would reflect & represent light/ good feng shui.
contrast paint colors give it a more contemporary feel.. however your light fixture and banister colors look very traditional. It needs to be colors that reflect your furnishings below to pull it off.

Hi finish consultant, I love the idea of an aviary diorama! How original, would you happen to have any pictures of anything like that you could post?

I think Japanese scrolls with ikebana or interesting japanese artifact, perhaps with tatami style mat. Something like this.

I would paint the alcove a deep color (ie: red, deep blue)....and put tall vases inside.............or, I would install black wrought-iron scrow-work to add interest.

You have light, so take advantage of it and hang some modern light sculpture/fixtures in there.

You have light, so take advantage of it and hang some modern light sculpture/fixtures in there.

Either a tall vase with twigs, Sculptures, or stained glass.

I would paint the insides and place a birch tree structure like I did on each side of this fireplace. It is nondescript, inexpensive, and stunning! Check out more on my Anne Tuckley HOME fan page.

I would put either huge flora like large ferns, or other complimentary greenery. Or pottery, and other art but pull it forward so it's back lit and it's out of childrens reach!

-thinking of, allowing the outside in, effect. -branches would be nice, with at least one space (branches mitred) to simulate actual growth (en-captured by openings/alcoves)
and background(s) painted sky/blue, taxidermy bird(s), one in each, one in flight would be nice.
You could add (suggestion: typical) window frame (with muntins, non reflective glass) at inside drywall plane for lower maintenance, dust-free, and further suggest the outside / in, effect. Change out light switch to dimmer (rheostat), use frosted glass / acetate for 'diffuser' (set in suspended ceiling J channel painted, same blue).

FIRST I WOULD ADD A TEXTURE INSIDE THE BACK OF THE NICH...ALL WALLS
LOOK SO FLAT...
GRASS, FIBER. STONE...SOME NATURAL MATERIAL THEN IN CONTRAST I WOUL PUT LIKE SOME ONE SAID.... GREAT PIECE OF WOOD ( FOUND WOOD ) HILY POLISHED OR IN A CORAL RED COLOR...
AND PLEASE INSTALL INDIRECT LIGHT BEHIND THE PIECE YOU INSTALL...THEN U HAVE A COOL LOOK.....

As a painter, I'm biased towards adding original paintings that are made to fit the space. Here, though, you have a unique opportunity to commission art that has a continuous image that is separated into separate parts, one part in each alcove.

The recessed lighting you have would be excellent to illuminate such artwork. You could even commission art that hangs slightly in front of the lighting so that the light shines through a painting designed with translucent colors. That would be a bit trickier to hang and you might lose the current recessed effect, though. Hanging art on the wall of the recess would be the easiest option.

The custom paintings could be made in whatever colors and style fit with your overall decorating scheme or just your taste in art. I'm including a photo of one of my own paintings below just to show you what I meant by a continuous image, separated into parts with each part as a new canvas.

I Like mural idea but not ceramic tiles so much. More like greek stone mosaics with some reflective quality or crazy expensive wallpaper (england) since such small square footage. Gild the interior and hang crystal pendant lights.

Ditch the can lights and go for some unique crystal chandeliers!

At the art fairs here in Florida you can find these beautiful glass blown balls.... These come in many different colors. Use fishing line(clear) and hang different sized balls at several heights inside the niche.. It would be a real conversation piece and will not be able to topple over.

Take inspiration from: the area you live in: beach or forest or field? Or from what you love: travel? A special place to inspire an art piece?

sculpture