Yes I agree it’s an awkward space for wall shelves of any shape or material. Do you NEED storage and if so for what type of items. If this is purely for Knick knacks you want to shop for then I say don’t bother.

Nice space with plenty of potential!

Please remove the high art , blackboard, plant, stool and candle.

Make this a seating area: add a cushion and pillows.

On either side of the window, add tall items: drapes, 2 pieces of tall art, a couple of tall plants.

Thanks for the suggestions! i agree the stool that the plant sits on isn't great and can be improved. I often have kids or a cat sitting on the window seat so I'm hesitant to move my plant there although it can go somewhere else in the house. As gorgeous as the narrow storage suggestions are, this hallway is right by a pantry, a mudroom and kitchen cabinets, I don't need storage. I would love a spot to display my collection of lanterns and some seasonal decoration. Thanks!

@cdr Can I hang drapes when the window seat extends beyond the window? Or will that look funny? I would love something to cover the window, when it is dark out you can see directly into house. I haven't found anything I like enough to hang

You can hang drapes, just for a visual. To cover the windows at night, I suggest a honeycomb shade that will sit tight at the top of the windows and be barely visible when they are not in use.

Is there another location you could display your lantern collection?

If you don't need drapes for privacy, I wouldn't put them up. It's a beautiful area and hanging art on both sides of the window would look nice. Also a seat cushion.

Not in my great room, I may be able to find a spot in a different room

I love the suggestion but of honeycomb blinds!

There are many types of window coverings from which to choose, if you are looking only for something with privacy at night. It really depends on what you like.

The drapes for decorative purposes only would be appropriate if you have drapes on other windows. I don't know if you do or not.

You need to keep this are simple. A huge mistake I see often is people trying to fill every wall. No need to and it crowds the focal point. The focal point here is the window.

Nice space...lovely window. Keeping it simple would be my choice with maybe art on the walls flanking the window. Agree the window needs to grab the attention.

Nice window. What’s your wall Color?

If you’re just looking for something to put decors on, I would get a corner shelf of some kind.

If that plant is a live sansevieria, please be aware that it's poisonous to cats. Better safe than sorry.

Following

Any blinds or shades have to be outside bracket, no big deal but it complicates your choice of window coverings, something light that does not project out very far.

Simplify: