How can I use this space?

Tasha
by Tasha

Its seems to be quite a bit of storage up there, however, have no idea what to put up there, how to get up there or what that space is really is supposed to be used for. Hopefully someone has something similar in their bedroom and can offer some tips. Also, you can't tell from the picture but it's about 4 feet deep.Thanks!

  15 answers
  • Kathy Gunter Law Kathy Gunter Law on Jan 23, 2019

    I would put a large clock up there. Hope you get some ideas that you love!

  • Kathy Kathy on Jan 24, 2019

    I would add some lanterns or faux greenery, possibly on pedestals with the clock.

    Or perhaps bookshelves and a library ladder if you are an avid reader.

  • Peggy Smith Peggy Smith on Jan 24, 2019

    I have the same open areas all around my house. My thought was more how to get up there if I want to use items (books). I am wanting to look into a ladder rail for all 6 areas and have only one light weight wood ladder I can move around. My rail hopefully can mount under the open area. I think the rail would look nice and could possibly hang items from the ends.

  • Lisa Hunt Lisa Hunt on Jan 24, 2019

    I have the same nook in my bedroom. Your basic choices are to go decorative or go storage (or decorative storage, lol). When I was in college, I had a similar nook and just stored my holiday decorations up there and used a regular ladder for access.

    I haven't done anything with my current one yet, but, here are some options I have considered...

    - Using large decorative storage bins for out of season clothes (or anything, really) with or without building shelves.

    - Hanging a clothes rod for out of season clothes and concealing it behind a curtain (ceiling mount curtain) or sliding panel doors (custom build, able to make them decorative).

    - Getting large artwork on easels and decorative items and make it pretty.

    - Greenery, but decided it would get too dusty.

    - Finding cheap storage furniture like ikea and make it look built-in like the millions of hacks out there.

    - possibly using a sliding library ladder for access, depending on what I store up there.


  • Mamala Mamala on Jan 24, 2019

    You could store whatever you want up there. I would make it a focal point by adding a curtain. The trick would be to leave room for some kind of lighting. Maybe try an up light or a small lamp. I would stay away from bright LED's. That might be too harsh and look fake. You would want to simulate the warmth of the sun, natural light.

  • Pamela Pamela on Jan 24, 2019

    Have a carpenter build cupboard doors flush with the walls and use it for storage.

  • Annie Annie on Jan 24, 2019

    It’s a storage loft. Buy a ladder that just props against the wall. Great for storing off season clothes or anything you use infrequently. It could also be used as a sleeping loft with a twin mattress up there. Drapes could be hung from the ceiling in either case if you don’t want to see what’s up there.

  • Adrienne Drummond Adrienne Drummond on Jan 24, 2019

    Comforters! That area looks perfect for storing comforters. I love the idea of propping a ladder against the wall for access and you could also use the ladder for throw blanket storage.

  • Kimberley's Joy Kimberley's Joy on Jan 24, 2019

    In Florida they're referred to as a plant shelf, although I don't know anyone tall enough to water the whatever live plants might get abandoned up there. We have them in our home and have used them for decor, see pictures attached. The one with initials is our bedroom, the other is our art studio. Not the greatest photos but hopefully you get the idea

  • Penny Cavve Penny Cavve on Jan 24, 2019

    Place sliding tracts that are used for closet doors up there. One on the top and one on the bottom. You can put a mirror for the reflection to make the room look bigger, or if you want to go less expensive use paneling. Places that sell these things will cut your choice to fit. Everyone has things that are used a few times a year, now you have a large storage area, that only you know what is hidden behind there. Good luck and don't forget a strip of molding to hide the tract.

  • Tasha Tasha on Jan 24, 2019

    I love Hometalk! Thank you so much for the ideas and the pics. I am going to ponder over the weekend and see what I come up with.

  • Cathy Cathy on Jan 24, 2019

    You have a lot of good ideas from everyone!! If your house has enough space for storage, I would defiantly add something up there to add some color to the room. The large clock would look nice, or a large piece of art, or just mics. items like the ones in the photos form the person in Florida. Good luck in whatever you choose to do! :)

  • Pat Pat on Jan 24, 2019

    A friend had one in her living room. I took a old tattered quilt, part of her big stuffed bear collection and created a teddy bear picnic with a mason jar full of silk daisies and tea set. The quilt was intentionally draped so part of it hung over the wall edge. It turned out GREAT and created a beautiful focal point for her living room using things she loved.

  • Laurance Brown Laurance Brown on Jan 25, 2019

    There have been many excellent to your question. I don't know where your electrical outlets are located on or near this wall but you can also add a florescent type fixture on the back of the shelf to back-lite any other items you wish to place up there as well as get rid of the darker area around the shelf. Doing such will also add more light to the entire room (reflection from the ceiling).

  • Leeann Lott Leeann Lott on Jan 28, 2019

    Put a TV up there. Or back light a very thin aquarium. Air plants do not need watering. Everyone needs a good step ladder for the hard to reach areas. Back light a faux stained glass art piece. I could use one for all the extra bed pillows. How about a group of lava lamps.