I can get a picture tomorrow, but none of the dimensions of this space have changed. We tore down the entire back of the house and turned the room on the right into a master suite. This space is structurally the same.

Interesting thought fifamom. We don't really need anymore storage as we already have more than I ever hope to need (if I fill all my closets/cabinets, it is time for a charity run), so maybe it would look better just closed up. Then we wouldn't need the weird half railing. I will bring it up with my designer tomorrow.

Post current pictures for the help you need.

I would drywall over it and close it up altogether. If you don't need the space for storage, it's just useless and not aesthetically pleasing.

My house has similar "spaces" (?) I just clean them off - no storage, no decor.

Looking forward to current photos. If you wall it all in, install a light fixture since you will lose the light that's coming in from the little window. Maybe a niche with lights above the pony wall.

North Haven Residence · More Info

Thanks everyone. I think the space is about 4' height x 5' wide.

Thanks liz_fb... I love niches. We have already picked out a pendent: https://www.wayfair.com/lighting/pdp/alcott-hill-woodbine-4-light-foyer-pendant-acot5395.html

RM, We are definitely not removing the window as it is a cute part of the exterior appeal. It is actually the only window we did not replace in the house

It is the only natural light in the space, so I am not sure about loosing that. Also, my contractor is done with all the dry wall and priming, so it may be too late to wall it off without paying quite a bit... Will discuss it though. It is shame we didn't think of that earlier. If we have to leave it open, what should the floor be?

Headed down to the house now, so can take a close up.

I wonder if you could use one of the sky light tunnels that are usually in ceilings to connect the light coming in from the window to a new wall closing off the space. I think it would have to be larger than the window to not block the light. It could be fabricated out of a reflective material and have a corresponding window on the inside wall.

Contemporary Hallway & Landing · More Info

Even if the floorboards are 5" wide, that room would be 5 1/2 feet wide--not usable as any kind of room.

Anything you place up there will become dust collectors.

Leave it empty. Not every empty space needs something put there. It’s very gratifying to see negative space, lets your eyes and brain rest. Wish my friends would do that...

If you put anything up there, you would need to dust it, which is an immediate “heck no” in my book! There’s enough work, why make more?

ETA: Since you asked, use same flooring material in that area as the rest of that level.

There's really not that much light coming through that little circle window.

I agree with the others to close it up.

Listen to your instincts, not the contractor who won't be living there.

If it bothers you now, it will always bother you.

It is always going to be an odd space, so I would fix it now. It will cost less to fix it now than later.

Close it off & gain another room. You may not know what to do with the extra room yet, but overtime a new need will appear in the future & you'll have that room to use.

I sell homes. Quite often buyers will look at these random open odd spaces & ask the same question you're asking. What to do with that odd space? I don't like that odd, open space.

Buyers love storage and if they needed an extra room for their future use, it may be that little feature the other house across the street at a simliar price didn't have that you have, that gets you the sale.

trust your first instincts. it's usually correct.

Many successes with whatever you decide.

btw, "Timeout for misbehaving guests?" lol

I like your sense of humor ;)

It was probably originally intended to be a plant shelf or display area. Personally I'd use it as a reading area., looks like there is just enough room for a comfy chair and ottoman

Everything collects dust in our homes, but at least you can get to whatever you may decide to put there.

What you decide to do with the rest of your entry will dictate what if anything should be done to this area.

Thanks Sarah, those pictures are very helpful. They make me think I should just leave it empty like Anna suggested. I agree with my contractor and designer that I should not block off the window (it would be way too dark in the foyer). I think anyone actually standing in the space would agree.. My designer wants to draw as little attention to the area as possible and make the floor the same color as the wall. I have a week or two to think about that.

Also the ceiling height is only about 4' height so it couldn't be a real room anyway..

Thanks everyone.

Not sure if you celebrate Christmas, but that might be a time to decorate it.