flwrs, if you really, really love the look, why don't you just use it decoratively? I like the look and idea of having oils and spices, especially in pretty containers, out on display, but I don't. I don't mean to put anyone down for not knowing this, but oils especially, degrade very quickly with light; then add the extra heat from a range and you're heading for a huge waste. I never buy oils (eg EV olive oil) in the tiny clear, (and expensive) jars because there is no way of knowing how long they've been exposed. I cook extensively and buy my EVOO in the 3 liter cans and fill a half liter decorative jar with a pour spout. I store the can in a lower cabinet below my prep sink and the jar in a pull-out next to my range. I use a LOT of olive oil, so keeping the jar out for 10-14 days wouldn't be bad, but keeping it it dark is second nature to me. If you only cook with these oils occasionally and leave them out, you may not notice the slow degradation. 6-8 months later you'll notice an off smell and possibly wonder why you spent so much money on such an inferior product! Along the same thought, have you noticed that whole wheat and other whole grain flours all say to store in a dark, cool place? Same reason: whole flours, unlike refined, contain oil which can go rancid. I don't use whole flours that much and used to be frustrated because I was always throwing out open bags. After I started keeping them in my freezer, I no longer had the problem. So what I' getting at flwrs, buy pretty condiments at HomeGoods or TJMax, or even make your own, decorate away, and keep the stuff you actually use for cooking stashed below or away from the light and glass flames. I also agree that discussing this topic over in the kitchen forum is a good idea.

Hey, great idea, GN Builders! From now on, on every thread on this DISCUSSION forum, we should all just respond with a snarky “Google it” video! 🙄 Back to the question: agree about art in there. I don’t know your style preferences to suggest anything more specific. Like Ida, my preference would be just one piece in each space. I really like the niches — how the framing repeats the look of the molding on the columns. Lovely. :)

The left one was probably supposed to be for the television and the right one was probably supposed to be for associated audiovisual equipment. If you plan to put your television over the fireplace then you probably need to drywall it over, unless your television is so large you can mount it so that it covers the entire left space. You can put shelves in the right space and use it for books, display items, etc. if you drywall the left space and you still want to put a TV there you will have to have an electrician come out to move the wiring and cable and outlets.

@marys235 - yes, that’s exactly what I mean! If the Vase is that narrow, your “gallery” of various smaller size of arts could be extended down the full length of the niche. Place the vase & experiment with paper cutouts to help visualize the look. If you have small paintings or pieces you could place them too for a better visual. The vase color & style as well as your decor would determine what kinds of frames & art you hang there. I’d use 3M Command strips for hanging since the pieces would be lightweight & that would give you flexibility to move the pieces around without making a dartboard out of the wall! 🙂. At the very least, my suggestion is probably the easiest to implement and will help you decide if you like the result or instead want to have shelving or another permanent change to the niche construction. And hey, if sometime down the road you see a piece that you fall in love with & that fills the space - well, you have the option to buy it!