Use of space on staircase

[organicapricot]

Hi, hoping someone can provide some inspiration of what to do with this bit of space. We have just had a loft conversion and this shelf area is part of the new staircase. Seems such a waste to not use the space for anything but plants, pictures etc but it's tricky as you can't really reach it when you're stood on the staircase so can't use it as a bookshelf for example. Just wondered if anyone had the same and made use of it? I've googled also but not sure what you'd call it so not really able to find anything appropriate. Thanks in advance x

We made a bookshelf but I think ours is probably nearer to the stairs: not used for books in regular use though

Does it get any light? A plant won't be very happy if not. And it won't be easy to water either.
Something decorative perhaps, a vase / sculpture / clock? Or a little collection of some kind, things that you love or mean something to you (family heirlooms?).
Not many people will see it if the only thing up those stairs is a bedroom.

Have something that sparks joy.

Photos would look nice there. Or else a big ornament that you'd be worried about getting knocked over and broken somewhere else in the house.

But I agree with PP, something that makes you smile every time you see it - but doesn't require any maintenance or fiddling with.

I'd just fit a big mirror into the recess. Will reflect light and you can check yourself out as you walk downstairs....

Stick the golf clubs up there.

Bright art work

I’d go with a mirror and some really realistic fake large plant? Dunelm has loads of really good silk leaves and things.

I'd go with a large unusual mirror too.
Anything which you put there will get dusty and it doesn't look to be easily accessible.
Mirrors are fairly low maintenance, once you've cleaned off the fitter's fingerprints.

Mirror cut to size and fitted.

We had that, though deeper, and there’s a window directly above ours, so we filled it with large plants. It’s really lovely, and a great use of the space. If you don’t have light there, I’d put a large picture or mirror up.

I have one like that, you will need an extendable 'tickling stick' type duster. I got a modular bookshelf for mine but my other plan was to use it as a gallery wall.

I have a collection of ceramics and have used that shelf to display some. But this time (I've recently moved) I'm thinking of this lovely folk art wooden swan I picked up years ago but never found a place to display it. So maybe an interesting object that you love?

Thank you all. Yes, I like the idea of a mirror and/or plants so think I'll do that. There is a window on the left at the top of the new stairs and light coming from the main landing. I have seen some good fake plants though so that might be better.

@madisonbridges

Stick the golf clubs up there.

Argh, these are always in the way. Certainly won't be staying there

I would get doors and shelves fitted and make it into a cupboard.