Perfect little sleeping nook for visiting kids. Add a safety rail and a ladder that can be stored next to the wall (not sticking out into the room) and you'll make some little kid very happy. You could then add kid friendly art or wallpaper in the nook.

It's now a "Pony" wall next to a closet. Either take the rest of the "wall" out and have a real niche in the room, or or close it up : )

Love the idea of a child's space!!

I live in a split level and have something similar - a header for steps to a lower level.

Maybe add a "garage door" or sliding doors for blanket, pillow, towels storage.

I agree this space is just odd close it up and be done what is below it that could not be opened up.

What is the size of the nook? the height? I like the third one in this link but lots of examples if you keep scrolling. http://www.sortra.com/29-ultra-cozy-loft-bedroom-design-ideas/

Sleeping loft ideas

I really like the way you have left this open. If I were a kid, I'd spend my day there! I would never suggest closing it off!

My parents have a space like this in their home, which is a header for stairs below. But a part of it is angled like the stairs under it, then a flat part on top. If you had been able to get an angled portion, you might have been able to put a built-in bed over part of the angled area.

I like the way the ladder goes past the bed in this picture. Would that arrangement work for you, since you said the lower bed will be against that flat wall?

Thank you so much Partim and Joypeace for the ideas they are so helpful and definitely closer to what I was envisioning! I have to measure the space when I get home but I really like the idea of putting a bed in there and adding a ladder. As for paint colors it seems that in most of the pictures the paint was consistent with the paint in the rest of the room?I think you are right fifamom on that..

I would use it a suggested as a special kid space.

This gauzy curtain looks nice too. I'd make the rail higher than they show here. I like the handrail along the ladder.

I would close it up. It will be nothing more than a dust / dirt magnet & it isn’t an ideal space for decorative objects.

A place for kids.... heck I want that as a place for me!!

Well...I'm NOT a kid and I would spend as much time as possible up there. Just give me a book and a cup of tea.

I don't see it as much different than a window seat....just have to invent the view (mural, perhaps?)

Basically I agree with the above re: kids...and I suspect your guests of all ages will want to be up there. Make it a cute loft.

yes Penny Agreed!anyone have any suggestions where to purchase fun and inviting large cushions?

I like the way the colorful wallpaper draws your eye right to the back of the space. I think it helps enlarge the room. And it's a fun space, so it's nice to see a light hearted approach.

Would it be sturdy enough for a kid to play on? If so and you have small kids: Great!

Personally I think it looks a bit weird, I'd place some doors in front and use it for storage. Pillows, duvets and such.

But please don't decorate it.

Well...I would want a mattress on the "floor"...if you diy, you could use foam and then top with memory foam for comfort? Then a ton of large and small cushions. I would just get the basic sizes and look on Etsy for covers...

You could add a small "shelf" for a light/clock/phone/glass of wine...I would have it on the lower wall, but high up...and maybe do a kind of box so my wine doesn't fall out.

Is it too late to get some wiring up there for a light?

Agree to wallpaper...that would be fab...

As for cushions, how large a space is it? A twin mattress, a crib mattress?? right now theres great patio cushions available. Or bench cushion.