If you paint it the same color as the blue wall behind it, it might not be so noticeable. But I have to say you are probably the only one who is bothered by it.

Hang a variety of " art" on the wall.

Change the cream cover on the vacuum for a white one and

1. make a gallery wall there, using the angled wall and the one under the stairs.

2. install shelving for books and art

Personally I think art will be too low and just accent what you don't like. The white wall is a very stark contrast to the wood stairs. I would paint the walls BM Edgecomb Gray which is a very subtle beige to tone down the contrast. It will look great with the navy wall (I know because I have both). Then add

a narrow bench

I also think painting the wall the same blue as that other wall might help and also add a tall, slim artificial (or live if you prefer) plant/tree in a decorative pot or round basket placed in the corner would break up the hard lines of the wall and staircase and conceal the things you don't like seeing. It won't stick out and be a trip hazard. You could add lights to it during the holidays.

I would not suggest painting that section navy because the peak in that area is taller than the ceiling of the adjacent room and I also think bookcases or furniture will crowd the walkway too much. I would suggest a vertical piece of silver metal wall art so the open area is filled and those items blend into the art.

How about a tall plant in the corner?...Also a short console table that is very narrow. Looks like you have room but would need to be short and narrow...something like a tall chairside table (end table). OR how about a tall vase with twigs in it....wouldn't be my style but looks like it would be okay there. I would not paint the wall any special color....leave it like the rest of the room...seems to me that would only call attention to it.

I can't help but notice that great dark blue you have on the walls! nice. But I'm thinking the stairway would look amazing if you painted it to match.

If you did the outside portion that touches your wall a dark (black or a blue/black) and your risers and banister, it would really be a dramatic look.

this is one of my favorites. black risers and stained treads w/black bannister/spindles. you could also do white like above. Since you have white walls, the white spindles and black bannister would look better.

if you really want to step it up, paint the risers in a very dark navy and gradually lighten as you get to the top. use your imagination a bit w/this pic,,,picture the same dark blue (not this turquoise) and getting lighterdarker than this one

or this w/your dark wood treads (not white as shown here)

ok yeah, whatever,,,i like a little different look! I wish I had stairs like that....I'd be all over it w/something cool.

Try Googling something like "art to hide thermostat" and see if you find anything you like. I like the canvas prints on hinges idea (you could use one large one to cover the thermostat and whatever is next to it.) If your thermostat is very deep, you may need to either replace it with something lower profile or find something with a deeper frame to cover it.

Shallow shelf with art to cover things:

or try something like so:

I can envision a low platform bench there, & I like the last photo above of the floating shelving, but I agree that not every wall must be occupied with something. The idea of a wallpaper accent is an interesting one as well.

Would covering the thermostat interfere with the function?

I'd agree that you are probably the only one bothered by it. I'd get a tall thin high-quality green silk plant to put there, not necessarily blocking the "pimples" but rather distracting from them. And/or a very thin table, if you can find one that doesn't obstruct traffic, with a lamp or small plant on it. Office Scapes Direct has some real nice silk plants.

Silk Plants

I would strongly consider painting that wall navy like your other wall. It is a beautiful color and would look great if repeated! I agree about painting the outlets and thermostat the same color as the wall. After that I would add a thin medium height plant. You have a lovely space!

Wow! I am so thankful for all of your help. Such thoughtful and creative ideas. I will start with the practical, like replacing the vacuum cover, and adding movable art over the thermostat. Elle, your observation about the height of the peak vs. ceiling in adjacent room is so astute. I would never have thought of that. I was wondering whether I should repeat the colour on my accent wall on that corner. I'm going to look into the vertical piece of art as well. You all have such amazing brains! I love the plant idea too! Beth, you put so much time in helping me, your ideas are awesome! Not sure I'm ready to paint the wooden staircase. I think it would look amazing, but I always fear painting something that is a permanent wood feature, like I'm desecrating trees or something, lol! It's actually a very light wood. I do wish I had the guts; the pics you added are very cool. Will give that some thought for sure. You all have given me such great ideas. Exactly the inspiration I needed. Thanks so, so much. Was my first design dilemma help request, and I'm really bowled over! Happy New Year everyone!

I think that wall screams for a tall, full plant like a fiddle leaf fig that would obscure the thermostat etc.

Haha, just noticed how old this post is! What did you end up doing? I’m trying to figure out what to put UNDER my stairs.

I know this is an old post, but if anyone else has a fear of defiling the risers on their staircase, they make removable stick on, I think it's vinyl, in different colors. I got black and white to see which I liked best. And as a person who never finishes anything, I now have four white risers, three black, and the rest are the original oak. It's our back staircase so no one really see it. They possibly have some that you can paint a custom color. I think the dark blue would look fabulous. But then you have the oak railing.........