Thank you Lisa.

It seems too small for the scale of the fireplace. I would trim out the wall area above the mantle as an overmantle, aligning it with the BASE of the FP and raising it above the niche the same dimension as the sides (whatever that turns out to be). This would make the entire thing look much more substantial and would make the recess look more to scale, if you want to keep it, or you could go right over it with your finish material.

Just for reference, this is a much better scale:


Something similar to this:
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/help-with-mantle-and-surround-dsvw-vd~346809

I think it was meant for a small TV? I would get a very tall 4-5 ft mirror. Make it wider than niche. Lean against wall sitting on mantel. But something different like framed with reclaimed wood, or iron. Just make sure it's over 4 ft wide to cover area. Remove all on mantel except 3 color glass bottles. On one end.

You are so welcome!!!!!!

Lisa Hoyt...great solution!

I agree with Lisa. Cover the niche with large artwork.

Lisa, how would I balance the ends of the mantle with the artwork? I thought of tall candles or an orchid

I'd (really!) switch what you have up there, putting the bottles and candles IN the niche and the artwork flanking it. Weird? I think it would easily work!

I will try it!!! I really want to paint the whole wall a dramatic color like red. Just a thought

Wall mounted sconces, possibly candle holders could add width and provide the scale you're lacking if the pictures don't work (they may be a bit wide??). I painted a home for a customer that had these groupings of "bubble" type framed mirrors that filled a space and were interesting. You'll get it!!

You could paint the niche an accent color. That could make it worse though. I do agree, it is too small for the fireplace area. Painting the whole wall by the fire place would look really nice.

Dawn, our house had the same exact niche above the fireplace and we struggled for a year with how to make it work. We tried all sorts of different things. Finally had a contractor frame it out and sheet rock it to make it all the same wall. It was not too much money and we couldn't be happier. I will attempt to locate a before photo.

Thank you Julie!!

Lisa had the perfect solution with the large piece of art.

Hi Dawn! Sorry I did not get back sooner! I am in Chicago working with a client this week! Long hours but going well! Regarding your mantel, if you put the picture up there that covers the niche, you could put a picture up there that leaves about 4 inches on either side and you could keep it really clean and have nothing but the lovely picture up there. If you had more space on either side, you could put lovely candle stick holders on either side for a symmetrical look or put the one orchid on one side as you suggested or just 1 candle on an attractive base for an asymmetrical look! Hope that helps!

Thank you Nancy and Darzy for your comment and endorsement of my recommendation! Thank you! :)

Hi Dawn -- Since you seem to favor glass, you could use the niche to backlight a special find:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xstained+glass+arched&_nkw=stained+glass+arched&_sacat=0&_from=R40
Or, you could commission a piece or take a class and make it yourself. I learned in a high school art class and have had a glass workstation ever since, just for fun.

Hi Dawn, I find that areas that's just don't seem to work magically change when you make them into a feature in their own right. Think about commissioning a favourite local artist to paint something special for you in the space! Good luck!

I agree with Dawn. You might find a local artist that can paint a small mural in the niche. I've done that for some clients and it really worked well as a feature.

One thing is for sure, if you decide to put artwork inside the niche make sure it is absolutely centered in that space.

Niche is out of scale with the mantle. Fill it it in a put a killer mirror with artistic moulding, tall as you can without interfering with the angled soffit on the right side. Replace the tile surround with a better choice of ceramic tile or select a nice piece of dark granite or marble. I would. Also suggest adding wood corbels under the mantle shelf inset on each end. Tie into surround on each 90 degree corner. The mantle "Floats" over the surround now should unite as a one piece mantle

Einstein of Design

Since you would like it to be the focal point of the room you need color there. A nice colorful, wide glass sculptor would look nice there, a colorful painting, or even a stained glass hanging - put candles / sconces on the side.

I agree with Julie regarding sheet rocking it and making it all the same wall. You then have flexibility to do whatever you want. Less expensive option would be covering with artwork.

I see your post is a year old but if you haven't done anything yet I would consider an overmantel and adding legs under the existing shelf so it doesn't get top heavy.