Honeapathsc, are you referring to something like this. http://www.amazon.com/Scrolling-Distressed-Black-GRILLE-Plaque/dp/B007P4Z1BW/ref=pd_sim_sbs_hg_2

I've been wanting to go get this to try but discouraged because the store is a long drive from me. http://www.kirklands.com/product/Wall-Decor/Art/Metal-Art/Embossed-Scroll-Plaque/pc/2283/c/2293/sc/2315/157602.uts

Carolyn, hmmm.. Here is a pic of one hung vertically..

Just center it in the middle of the arched space. You could also do 2 sconces in the same metal finishing as the metal wall art, on both sides. I love your colour choices!

What do you think of this arched mirror from Ballard design?

I would use a mirror!! I like the piece just not there unless you put two side by side nice home btw

Yes, but centered in the space and lowered by about 5". But I'd try two of them.

I have a mirror in the second niche. Here is another picture that shows the mirror.

I have always liked that arched mirror that Keitha showed us, but it is perhaps too large. We would need to know the ht. of both the space and the mirror to make sure that there's approx. 4" of space both above and below the mirror.

I see, the metal art. It is too small. What are the dimensions of that area? Width X Height?

Inside the niche. 72in width and 60in max. Height.

I like cynthvsqz mural idea. Here's a couple of examples.

What's the size of the mirror?

Hi. It is to small by itself there. Trust your gut. You could put more of an eclectic grouping there of mirrors with it and add a couple round photo frames, etc. Have fun with the space, but use it as a gallery or as an eclectic statement. This isn't doing any of those things yet.
You could treat it like a window and have a mural painted there, place a large photo of a landscape that would take up the entire space, put a collage there of nothing but photos = keep it casual....
Do you want formal? The antiqued mirror in sections with medalions at each intersection, cut into curve would be super cool - you can get those through your local glass shop. Add a library sconce above a piece of art in that niche.... oh - it is endless the possibilities. Show your personality:-) Who are you? Let your visitors and your family know!

Agreed it's too small for the space, at least how it's set up currently. Did you try centering it? I think that would help. But I definitely think you could add some other prints or items for more visual interest... even two of the same side by side would look great!

Check out www.muralsyourway.com for great priced murals.

Center a framed painting you like that takes up two thirds of the space. Install a picture light over the painting centered in the arch.

Sorry, didn't realize you had a mirror in the other niche. I suggest that you keep looking for a larger piece. My thinking is that one large piece would be more impactful than several smaller things.

I could not find that mirror on ballards site. But I found these. http://www.ballarddesigns.com/garden-district-mirrors/10375?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=0
But then wouldn't it look odd to have mirrors of different styles in the 2 niches right next to each other?
Thanks Rhonda, I checked it out. I am not really liking the idea of a mural. I did find some neat images. I realized I like traditional and formal a lot.
Honeapathsc, I like the idea of the light over of a framed art. Can I also put a light over a plaque or a metal art?

I agree w/Carolyn......I like the metal grill piece, it's clean,simple and uncluttered.....and agree w/her on size and placement....and two side by side......good luck....beautiful house

I agree that you should turn it vertical and lower it. I think it would look beautiful flanked with 2 vertical planters like this one: https://www.google.com/search?q=grovert&hl=en&client=safari&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=esxLUZjYC6bF0AHFrYH4BQ&ved=0CAkQ_AUoAQ&biw=768&bih=928#biv=i|20;d|x5T4UM0Q-4kIXM:

hunks, if you install a metal grate piece I would install it off the wall with stand offs. That way if you light it will cast a shadow of the piece on the wall and add intrest to the nich.

That's a cool idea honeapathsc!! Where do I get these standoffs? Home depot ?

@Hnks the mirror I posted above was from a Ballard catalog that I recently received..... If you are interested it's dimensions are 49 1/4 H x 48 W, cost $399. Have you looked at Kirklands? They often have large metal pieces similar to the one you have at very affordable prices.

A console table like these examples, http://www.ezbuyfurniture.com/mirrored-console-with-3-drawer-4-door-233-695.html?utm_source=PriceGrabber&utm_medium=cse&utm_term=POW-233-695 And another option, it just depends on budget and what you like. http://theonlinefurniturestore.com/mirrored-narrow-console-table-with-antique-nickel-plated-brass-accents-gold-with-silver-wash-by-la-barge.aspx I would choose a rounded piece for above the console table to bring out the arch more.......... the less expensive option, http://www.touchofclass.com/new-light-mirrored-wall-art-multi-metallic/p/Z865-001/ And the more costly, but not necessarily better...... http://www.wayfair.com/Paragon-Aged-Round-Vine-Medallion-Metal-Art-9817-PGN2448.html

Framed art piece with the light over it may look good. Or you can find an image you like and have it printed on metal, all our images can be ordered as prints on metal, for example. Or, if it's an interesting piece of metal wall sculpture, the light would highlight it nicely too. You have a lot of choices to decorate this area :).

And, if you can see your living room from there, consider coordinating colors of this piece of wall art with future furnishing of your living room. Your current piece, of course, is in neutral color and will go well with anything color-wise but, I presume, you will be replacing it?... Best of luck decorating!... Raisa

You can try there. Look in the drawers in the hardware section. They can be anything that looks like a straw cut to the standoff length you need. A semi transparent sleave will make the piece look like it is floating as they will be hard to see. Mount the piece with matching screws into drywall anchors thru the sleaves. or if it is a hanging piece mount the piece on the heads of the screws that you passed thru the sleaves. That way you will not see the screw heads and will give a much better appearance. Good luck in what ever you choose.

Thank you all so much for the ideas! Great! Feel better already :-)

Personally, I feel a pop of color would look great. Rhonda's idea of a mural is an option. Though, I tend to recommend pieces you can relocate if you crave a change at some point.

How about a faux painted wrought iron design to fill the entire area of the inset arch area. Then add a wood shelf about 8"s deep on bottom of the inset ledge for a floral arrangement and candles or other accessories. To add color to the area & depth.

If you can get another one and hang them vertically it will look just right :)

To small and hung too high. I would put a large picture, 40x40.

I think its too small

I like Carolyn's idea - get two of them, hang vertically or get some sconces in a similar material w/ that one but hung vertically. Love your colors and home.

Found this on amazon, would that be big enough?
http://www.amazon.com/Deco-Blends-13286-Scrollwork-Sconce/dp/B004TUNG0I/ref=pd_sim_hg_16

That's too matchy from amazon...go with a framed painting, a horizontal hung in the middle of the space. Needs to be 2/3 the size of the area as someone mentioned before

What do you think of this? It makes the place grand!

Sounds like you have a lot of solutions for the niche, how about a carpet runner for the entry hall?

What about a beautiful wallpaper - even something with some metallic in it. I've just put a paper in. Don't have time to look for something really beautiful but there are lots available to choose from. I've lowered your piece, but it's still small.

Consider a custom mirror with a one inch bevel done to fit right into the space. It doesn't have to be clear mirror it can have a crackle to it.

My issue with this piece is that is looks very Kirkland's or Hobby Lobby. Would prefer you use a "found" piece of something really interesting to stir conversation when people enter the space. I do like the idea of a credenza below the niche and am not opposed to wallpaper in it. Maybe you could try some of the temporary paper so if you didn't like it or found something better...

You could also do a custom mirror like this, with the grooves carved into it and the little decorative pieces put in the dissecting corners. With an antiqued mirror this could look lovely

Hnks has stated she already has a mirror in the second arch area with a console etc. It would be redundant to have 2 arches in a row decorated the same. I think the new piece she found would be great then add another larger frame around it leaving 6"s -8"s of wall space around the piece to give the grand look she wants. Or add a molding around it for a framed look. For more interest adding grass cloth wall paper would add even more texture. Keep the piece Hnks and work with it. It is larger and has more presents than the 1st one.This will look great as a entry piece as you move forward towards the foyer hall table & mirror you have.

oops, missed that Kevin, sorry.

If you love the piece and want to keep it you can do something like this.

For visual purposes only, I don't have time to fill everything in, but this shows it lower, with a border around it similar to the colour in the frame, or an extended frame. You could paint the niche wall a deeper colour larger than the piece and even add a small pencil moulding to finish it off and then add some sconces. This seems to visually fill the space better.

There are lots of good options mentioned above so choose the one that suits you best and post some after photos :-)

Yup!

Thank you all so much! The original piece is now returned. I have a new piece ( see my newest post). I would really like to keep it. And I like your idea of putting a frame around it.
Btw, how do you play around the picture like this? A special software?

Glad you liked my frame idea, The paint idea would give the same effect. I love your new piece It has more weight to it. You have a beautiful home !!! btw I do believe it's special software. I don't have it. LOL

Yes, it's special software. :-)

It looks like there is room for a small table that can be personalized and even provide extra storage.

Needs color, color!

Thanks Carolyn!
Schurer, been thinking about that after I put it up. That plaque does have a bit of color that the picture does not show ( gold silver and a bit of tan). Also, thinking a colorful rug might do it.

Just saw this post, and thought I'd throw in my two cents. You could consider having a decorative mural piece painted on the wall to fit your unique space (and to replicate the decorative metal pieces you are drawn to). This small mural could be painted to look like iron or metal work to fit your wall's existing shape perfectly! There are plenty of talented mural artists on Houzz, and you can do a search to find one who's close to you.