That is a weird space. I would think at some point someone would have just dry walled it in.

Do you have any collectibles? Perhaps put some glass shelves in there with a light on the top and place some favourite things on them.

ETA - You DO have collectibles, I just noticed. Extend your display to this alcove as a little surprise.

I have never seen anything like that. Would love to know the back story.

I agree with brenton. Glass shelves with some of your collectables.

You can even change them out to go with the seasons or holidays. People walk by, and oh, look, Easter!

But, I also agree with always. Drywalling it would make sense as well.

Hmmm ... yes, I do have collectibles. One of which I am slowly expanding upon, my great grandfather collected salt dishes/cellars ... so glass shelves with a light would work for those. Would just have to keep the shelves high enough out of the way of dogs tails. LOL!

How wide is it? Can you even get tools in there to mount shelves? I guess you could put the mounts on the back.

I would put equal sized framed photos and mount from top to floor.

It looks like an old alcove from a grandfather clock but it's still just too darn narrow. How about a skinny-mini library? You could pack a lot of books in there, with maybe 5 rows of shelves. Is the grey flooring your kitchen? If so, it's perfect for spices! My old kitchen in my 1948 Cape had a narrow shallow spice wall with shelves not much wider than that.

I would install a recessed light and glass shelves to display lovely collectibles.

I think this plan would *almost* make that alcove look like it was planned.

Huh. That's different. Are you willing to get it wired for electric? Glass shelves or photos would be nice I think. Or weird small vintage mirrors.

I do have to say, though, I'd be happier with it if the shoe molding went into the alcove!

What about a linear wine rack?

If it was mine, I'd sheet rock over it and patch or run new molding at the bottom, since it looks like only about 4 feet of molding might be needed.

I think of trying to get shelves in there, where it's so narrow, and trying to dust the shelves and the objects you put in there. If people are scratching their heads, I think it's because the previous owners should have filled it in. :-)

9.25" depth would mean that if you used it for a wine rack, the bottles would stick out beyond the recessed area.

Thanks all, it is a very weird spot ... but I think for now I will go the glass shelf route. I don't have enough book shelves in this house, nor places to put standing picture frames. So this small space would work.

Rebeccamomof123, I have blue Luxury Vinyl Tile flooring, interesting that it looks gray on your monitor.

My3dogs, dusting won't bother me ... if you see the photo looking out into the living room and the shelves with glass pieces on it (and there are 2 sections like that), I already have lots to dust so a little more doesn't matter. LOL!

I love it! That is such an odd area I would have to play it up!

You've got a unique spot for all sorts of displays - your own miniature art gallery or salt museum!

I can only imagine how tedious it was for the builder to drywall, mud and finish that 9.25" nook.

There are short handled screw drivers; I'm sure you can get glass shelf supports in there. It would be tedious to get every thing level, but it would be so worth the effort! You could do it a little at a time.

You could possibly go the adjustable uprights route, too. Just make sure they are "pretty" or melt into the background.

"I" would either paint the back wall area a happy accent color, or mount a custom cut piece of mirror for the back. Knowing me, I'd splurge for a bevel cut mirror to go floor to ceiling. It would infringe on the depth a quarter-inch or so, but oh the sparkle!

Since puppy tails could be a problem - cut back the baseboards on each side and have a little door made to enclose the bottom 24" or so! It could be a secret cubby inside the secret cubby. It could be a glass door if you like!

Or - mirror the back wall and install a full-length skinny glass door to protect the entire display.

Have it built so the 2 or 3 inches wide frame sits on the walls without obscuring any of the 9.25" of the enterior.

Light at top, glass shelves, mirrored back, full length glass door - I would have so much fun with this spot!

Celebrate it!

An early 50's ranch we lived in had a small alcove used for our phone. My mother had a small table with our phone on it. It wasn't as narrow as yours, however. Just a thought as to what it's purpose might have been at one time.

Anyway, I like the idea of the glass shelves, especially since you have something to display.

If it were my alcove, I'd have fun with it, and not go to the trouble of building shelves.

What about a single item hanging centered on the wall, like an old cane/walking stick, oar, or an umbrella? It would be a cool surprise element to your home!

So odd. I agree that it was much more work to create this space than it was to cover it. lol! From the photos, it looks like it's near the edge of a doorway/entryway... Is there any chance it was built to hold an accordian-style door?

I'd definitely use the space!

Maybe a spot for that very tall fire extinguisher? ;-)

Actually, I love that nook! There should be a way to have fun with it... glass shelves, or a really interesting elongated and narrow metal sculpture. This may take some looking to find just the right one...

harpoon?

A phone nook - yes, that is a possibility. My first thought was also a clock, but agree it would be too narrow.

I think I would drywall it and not shed a tear.

How about hanging a rain chain from the ceiling?

Maybe an interesting "wizardly" walking stick?

A long strand of monkeys from Barrels of Monkeys?

Bell pull to no-where?

Hang dog leashes from a hook?

Tall CD rack?

I wonder if it once held the door chimes for the door bell.

I would put a simple piece of art or as someone suggested a fun piece like a cool umbrella. However, if you need display place, I like the shelves idea, too. Have fun with it!!

Perfect little nook to hang hats. You could install a series of wood slats to look like a ladder. A tall narrow vase or sculpture like a tall wooden cat hiding. It is indeed a quirky space. Many possibilities...some very creative suggestions.

I would be on the look out for the tall art glass vase that is so in right now. If it is big enough a pedestal is not necessary.

How about a fun little herb garden or plants!? You could install something like this, for mini pots herbs or plants? Is there any sunlight in that spot?

The dimensions on this are 7.75x7.75x48.5 inches and it attaches to both sides of the wall with only 2 nails or screws.

I would not pay homage to that odd mistake. Drywall.

Mount an antique fire extinguisher?

Makes me wonder if there was an accordion fold door/divider there once upon a time? We had one in our 1950s ranch growing up, to close off the bedroom hallway from the living room.

I also immediately thought of 'curio' display shelves.

Could have been carolb_w_fl, the hallway does exactly that, leads from the living space back to the bedrooms.

I am looking at glass shelving and a wireless light at top. I have other electrical that I need done in the near future, so if I like the glass shelves I will add permanent lighting at that time.

Thanks for all the suggestions!

I'm still wondering how you maneuver a hand and a drill in a 9" space.

There's a soffit above which lends credence to the "accordion door" theory, but when they drywalled that over the tracks, why did they not drywall over the niche as well?

Cuckoo clock would fit.

But I'm in the drywall it camp.