If you feel compelled to do something with it, how about large ceramic or glass vignettes? Using glass would acknowledge the space with something that doesn't have a lot of heft or weight.

For example, I've never had up to the ceiling cabinets (in the kitchen) so I've used that space to showcase my ceramics from around the world.

I feel plants would be dated.

I assume by plants, you mean artificial ones, as it looks too dark to sustain real plants? I agree with Jen K, that look is dated. Like Kate, I'd probably leave it empty to not call attention to it.

I will hang nice art on the walls or pretty mirror so it would draw attention to decorated walls rather than awkward cut above.

I think it’s an opportunity to showcase some large art, if tastefully arranged that space can be a great one- otherwise it will always look unfinished. Find something you like, a vintage 3-wheel bike, a large basket, a nice vase then fill in around it, add a good quality silk plant with a little trailer and your good- just don’t overfill it. Good luck!

Decorate the room first, then decide if anything is needed there.

You really can ignore that space -- with visual interest further down, it virtually disappears.

On the other hand (bottom picture), if it were mine I might put a long-legged puppet there to keep an eye on things.

https://www.saatchiart.com/art/Painting-Blue-Harmony-Contemporary-Art-Original-Abstract-Art-Mixed-Media-Large-Abstract-Painting-Square-Abstract-Art-Blue-abstract-art/667815/3394682/view

Circular painting from Czarts.

The area is essentially a part of a narrow hallway. I would consider hanging a piece of art there, and perhaps a narrow console table below it. You don't to place any obstacle in a traffic area. Once you place your furniture in the main part of the room, you can decide on a piece of art or another item to hang there. It is a large enough section of wall to require something decorative. How about a "window" picture frame with a landscape photograph or painting to simulate an outside view?

Agree with Rina and the others, leave that plant shelf alone. Once you decorate at the people level, it will disappear.

@Rina.. I have the perfect puppet. A knitted pirate from Montserrat (the island) complete with a parrot on the shoulder. It freaks me out.

Okay, I’m set on using the space so leaving it empty isn’t an option. I appreciate those of you who gave me ideas, thank you!!

If you put nick-nacks up there, it’s something more that will need to be dusted. Maybe some tall candles and family pictures, with a large brightly decorated vase in the background. Maybe tack up some fabric cloth to blend it all in.

A painting can create a focal point with impact and add both color and dimension.

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The first thing I noticed was not the shelf but the ceiling. Why is it two colors?

It’s actually not it’s just the lighting. This is the same ceiling

Ok, then just put artwork above there - like they did above these cabinets.

Agree with shirlpp to add art or a sculpture ( on the ledge?) as there is a light there to highlight image. Can the eyeball be directed toward object? This might work as it is 55” wide.

Put some sailboats up there and coincide it with big beach sea art similar to in pic, that is if you like that sort of thing