Are you posting more pics of space so helpful suggestions can be offered? You called this a ”closet” - is it going to be closed or will it be open shelving for display? Dimensions of this space are what? Off the top - my first impression is that the one shelf is very close to top if it’s to be used for display but that may be a distortion of picture & can’t tell with no dimension info.

Waht is going in there and what on earth do you mean by cute.?

What do you plan to use this space for? will it be closed off or stay open?

What is the purpose for this closet? What do you want to store here? I think we are all confused.

Is the base to be used as a bench? If so, I'd add a dark wood top. Why the extra piece of wood along the R side of the base in the pic???

It will just be used for coats etc. the bottom part is a bench that isn’t finished yet but that is the wall on the right side so we had to work with it some how. It will remain open

Why was the shelf painted black? Painting it to match the white trim / cabinet is the obvious solution.

How will you sit down and use this as a bench if coats are taking up the space - or will they not be on hangers - are you putting hooks on the interior of this space? What did you intend to place on this shelf?

I'd paint the shelf white or remove it totally. If you are sitting down on that platform as a bench, I don't know that I'd want a shelf right above my head.

Wallpaper with decorative hooks would be cute.

Meanwhile, I am 80 and I went clothes shopping today. I had on my mohair bb cap and a gray Banana Republic wool jacket and some one said I looked cute. Not sure how that made me feel. :>) Then I came home and took the dog for a 2 mile walk. Amanda, you are my therapist today.

Painting it white to go with the rest of the cabinet would be nice. Maybe using another color that matches the rest of the room on the inside wall could go well too. Or even some wallpaper .

IMO you either have a bench or coats from what I see there is no room for both and where is this in your home ?

I’d repaint the shelf or maybe wallpaper it?

Following

If the bottom part is open behind the slats I would put in a drawer or two.

If the bottom is being used for a bench, a cute cushion would look nice. Looks deep enough for coats at back on hooks and a sit to remove shoes/boots.

Waiting for info