How many alcoves??? ...are the walls already this green color?

A photo of the entiire room would help with suggestions.

How deep are these alcoves?

And while you are answering questions...where are the alcoves located? Photos of entire walls would be good!

I’m painting the entire living room Greek villa-white. I just took down the old glass shelves so it’s a blank slate. The alcoves are 12 inches deep. There is one (the one pictured) on the side living room wall. Another smaller one with same depth on a wall in the entryway. I’ll try to update with a full room picture once I get some furniture moved. We’re remodeling so it’s a mess.

What didn't you like about the glass shelves?

Just dated and cluttered.

I'd paint a backdrop and hang coastal art. You have a light, which is great!

If you like the shelves, I would install 2 solid shelves in each alcove. Then just edit with a mix of items (books and mementos along with pics).

lets see some perspective! where are they in relation to the room? back up

How do your parents feel about clearing away the family photos? One way we reduced the number of personal photos is by using a digital picture frame. Ours holds lots of pictures so we can have the funny, meaningful, non-professional pictures scrolling. It brings a smile to my face to glance at the screen and see the grandparents’ Weekend in St Augustine, the hike in Yosemite, Christmases past, first steps, and graduation. We actually have three of these. As far as filling the existing shelves, I prefer to display objects that carry meaning for us. I never just purchase something to fill a space. What things do your parents love? Shelves should reflect the personalities of the people who use the spaces.

That’s a wonderful idea! They live on the gulf coast so they want it to reflect their love of the gulf. It’s a ranch home just a block from the beach.

Depending on the size, you might be able to fit a 3rd shelf in the space. Obviously tailor the decor to what suits them and the surroundings.

What do your parents have they have collected over the years that tells the story of their life? I think that makes more sense then purchasing something themey to go with your 'costal' vibe. Solid shelves cut off the light to the bottom shelf...a lovely vase collected in their travels would be nice. The space seems to call for taller, more substantial items.

Love it! I definitely want to update the lighting in there too. I found this online and I’m thinking of something similar to this with only 3 shelves.

I like the idea of the alcove painted with art. Simple but a nice accent.

I was tempted to try wallpaper or maybe shiplap for the background of the alcove but I don’t know- I don’t want it to look busy or cluttered.

No to shiplap! It's a dated look already. Paint and wood shelves like your photo above.