It looks like maybe you need some space when the door is completely open?

Why not patch the alcove up and then work with the wall as a blank space? Alternatively, make the alcove larger?

How about a grand size mirror leaning on the wall behind where the open door would rest? (If you really want a mirror?) Or, a wall of small mirrors highlighting the alcove or on the opposite wall.

It's a toughy!!

Are you kidding? That's a great chair, and you got an incredible deal! Good job. :)

I'm thinking a bench or entry chest there, with a vertical mirror on the wall above it, would be adorable. Then, against the other wall: maybe a cool umbrella stand with a couple of prints on the wall above it?

I like organic's suggestions better than mine. The length of the bench would take away the alcove placement issue and allow you to do your mirror.

What about a tall narrow hall tree? Link to one example, though you could try to find an interesting antique one.

Here is a link that might be useful: hall tree

Thanks for the ideas so far!

sueb20, I've always wanted a hall tree. Problem is, this is the first time I've had a more formal front to a house. The chandelier above the area is pretty large and formal also. Wish I would have had the room for one in a previous house. It sure would solve the space problem nicely.

whenicit, I actually have a lot of wiggle room when we open the door, 34". You have some great mirror ideas.

OS, I have ordered a console, supposedly for that area. Trouble is, it's 42" wide and the space is 52" wide. Were you talking about one only the width of the area to the left of the alcove? That space is 33" wide. I just don't know if it's going to look stupid with my longer console with that area above being broken up with the alcove.

I adore benches but have been looking into larger and taller things because of the two-story ceilings everywhere.

parma, I would drywall over the niche at once. It is not really big enough, or centered enough, or anything enough to keep. This may be an example of a custom modification by a previous owner that is just ***too*** custom---perhaps for a specific vase and chair combination?

After drywalling over the niche I would find two companion prints for the former niche wall and the service wall to its right (adjacent to the front door).

If you have a nice open area to your foyer, I would put a very traditional and formal round table under the chandelier. On the table I would put a vase with fresh flowers (or a drop-dead gorgeous arrangement from NDI).

The round table in the entry can serve as a drop off place for keys, gloves, etc. It needn't be as big as the ones you see in a really grand, large foyer. A 30" table, nice wood, pretty legs, would be beautiful. Or you could do a lovely skirted table with a 1/2" glass top.

I don't know what your decorating style is, but here are a few tables:

olde world http://www.designtoscano.com/product/code/AF4501.do?code=DTNEXTTAG&engine=nextag&keyword=AF4501&dtpd

traditional, from the Biltmore collection and a bit smaller:
http://www.thesavvydiva.com/Burled_Wood_Round_Hall_Entry_Table_Biltmore_Es_p/oawt6004-7438.htm

skirted tables:
http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Tablecloths/c/1978?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1978

My first thought was to tell you to cover the niche, but I'm hesitant to tell people to do construction. LOL That would be the first thing to make that wall ready for decorating.

By the way, I love the chair.

kswl, the house is cookie-cutter new construction. The designers had some odd ideas about what looked good and what was functional. Unfortunately, the area under the chandy is right in front of the door and not spacious enough to do a center table.

While DH was surprisingly receptive to Les's idea of removing a strangly placed little kitchen cabinet, I know he would flip his lid about drywalling over the niche. Believe it or not, the builder touts these things as "architectural statements" LOL.

As for my style...eclectic mix of French, Italian, Americana. I think I must have multiple personalities because every piece of hardware I pick out for the kitchen cabs is listed under Arts and Crafts. Go figure.

I won't bore you with the details of why we had to move here, but suffice it to say, I'm stuck here til we retire.

bru, thanks!

parma42, hall trees aren't always informal. Some antique hall trees are VERY fancy with unbrella stands and seats or shelves. Or you could get an antique pier mirror with a marble ledge. Both of which can be quit formal.

I got a simple antique hall tree on craigslist. But I needed something practical that the kids could use getting ready for the bus.

I must have looked at my entry over a 100 times yesterday. By the time DH got home I was nearly in tears rattling off the list of things we have to do to this "new" house, starting with Les's idea of taking out a kitchen cupboard (which he agreed with), to the stupid entry (drywall over new construction) and everything else I hated about this house.

After he patiently listened, with a smile getting bigger every time my voice got louder and faster, I just had to start laughing. He's great that way.

He's got a conference in the city (Chicago) so we're leaving tomorrow and staying downtown for four nights. Maybe I'll go rug shopping for the living room, LOL, that's my MO for when I get stuck on a project...just switch to another.

Thanks everyone!