Depends on what has the most value for you. If it were me, I'd probably do floor to ceiling built-in shelves. This could be like a cabinet with a face frame. If you wanted to, you could also put a pair of cabinet doors at the bottom, say, 30" high, which would give you some concealed storage.

I second what kudzu said. I'd do it straight across, not on an angle.

Or you could put a hall tree in there.
Diane

It appears to me that the former owner already discovered the best use. Just finish the job.

Powermuffin: nice idea, it's small though, only 26" wide.

Macv: that's what I'm thinking but I'd thought I'd fish for ideas.

The wife nixed the angled door idea. She has ... um ... taste and style.

Thanks.

I heard a comedian's schtik recently. He said that whenever his wife starts with "honey, I was thinking...." it ends up costing him at least $1000.

I have a similar space and plan to put a nice chest of drawers (decorative) and a space to hang keys, plus maybe 1-2 shelves. When DH and I come home, we need something to put our keys, IDs, coins, mail, etc. in so this will serve that purpose. Or a table is nice for people to sit and put on their shoes with maybe some decorative storage below the bench.

i like the idea of furniture there, like newyorking said, but I am a lamp person and what always looks inviting to me when you come in a door is a table and a small lamp. I would just put a pretty silver or pewter bowl on the dresser next to the lamp for your keys.
then keep your gloves, scarves etc (if you dont live in warm weather, that is LOL) in the drawers The space begs to be warmed up.