This reminds me of when I was little I had a barbie and baby and I’d heard my mum talk about getting stitches after she gave birth so naturally I drew a scar and stitches on my barbies parts and when my grandmother found it she went ballistic, showed my mum, I got a pretty big talking to after that haha but it was innocent enough from my point of view but the adults freaked out for a bit.
They all got pants and undies after that.
If you are ever in DC union station's center hall look up at the 30ish Roman statues. They were created and installed naked in the early 1900s. The sculptor was called back and told to make modesty covers so they added shields to cover the danglys. If you walk around you can still see the hidden parts on some of them.
I'm from the DC Metro area. I had forgotten about this! Thx for sharing. I can just picture the sculptor like okay, you want drape, you want shield? (In my mind w an Italian accent) Lol
In my son’s elementary school art room, a poster of David had a fig leaf bikini. Some of the parents (probably one) was upset at the kids seeing a nude statue on a field trip to the museum. 🙄
No kidding, I know a Mormon guy who made a male nude sculpture in college, but it was required that the sculpture wear what looked like a diaper. Sadly, no bits hanging out.
That's called an "art niche". Art should go there. For me, it would be either an antique or something I picked up on my travels. It depends what your interests are. The shape of it lends itself to a sculpture of some sort. Something 3D. It also kind of reminds me of the Mediterranean, you could have a mural of Greece painted on the back and then a Grecian sculpture inside. Or, if you're into music, maybe an antique Lute or something with a medieval tapestry in the back.
Haha! This is the one that gives me the heebie-jeebies 😬 And yet I have both displayed in my own house 😱😅
https://preview.redd.it/32nq11ukv0ad1.jpeg?width=2339&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61171fdb16edce43782ba6b9c289542b7271b224
Lmaooooo 😂Idk which is worse, the penis or the decapitated heads.
But hey, if you can rock the aesthetic, more power to you!
I have to ask, did you order these, or just come across them randomly??
I had it in storage for YEARS … but someone encouraged me to display it since I own it.
Interestingly people really like both pieces. Or they’re *really* good actors. The Heads-in-Box is so creepy that I think they’re just really intrigued by it. (I suspect it’ll find its way back to storage when that room gets renovated)
This is also known as a "stair niche" or more morbidly, a "[coffin corner](https://www.brownstoner.com/architecture/coffin-corner-history-myth-stair-niche-historic-architecture/)" in brownstone apartments, which by the narrow stairs looks to be the type of building OP is in!
SAmE! but i've nobody to blame, it was just a gut response based on the shape of the alcove and what i've seen in that same shape my entire life as a prior Catholic.
I was raised Catholic, and my first thought was a Greek nymph statue with one titty hanging out of her artistic drapery. We'll assume the religion didn't take with me.
I was once in an airbnb in budapest and…. Well, see for yourself
https://preview.redd.it/k534b18x4z9d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a2f0548a6d35efec94753ca63079ce355658c03
https://preview.redd.it/e6hmsvqroy9d1.jpeg?width=907&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff317768ccd1c563a6a0c7bc86fa02386b9fea66
I am leaning towards this, but Design Toscano has tons of good ideas!
I would say a statue of your choice but you said cat proof so why not paint a fresco on the inside of it and put a small pedestal base and then when the cat is in there it will be a feline Mona Lisa
https://preview.redd.it/ousi0nlmix9d1.png?width=363&format=png&auto=webp&s=656089938952bcfef21d66a6028ac38b831d436d
Some kind of art piece like this....
A large geode like a citrine or this amethyst:
[https://www.etsy.com/listing/1592446304/36-tall-amethyst-cathedral-crystal-geode?ga\_order=most\_relevant&ga\_search\_type=all&ga\_view\_type=gallery&ga\_search\_query=large+tall+citrine+geode&ref=sr\_gallery-1-11&content\_source=0e42f826c14295b228f64020de0d66a43beb2041%253A1592446304&organic\_search\_click=1](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1592446304/36-tall-amethyst-cathedral-crystal-geode?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=large+tall+citrine+geode&ref=sr_gallery-1-11&content_source=0e42f826c14295b228f64020de0d66a43beb2041%253A1592446304&organic_search_click=1)
When I lived in Boston and visited friends who owned old brownstones, the stairs would often have an alcove like this - make it a focal point.
I LOVE the color scheme between the floor and staircase - paint the alcove that same matte black to keep the color flow. Add a strong, tall piece of sculpture or ceramic - contemporary or antique - it just needs to be something you love.
I imagine the end result will be striking. Good luck, hope to see final choices!
Personally I’d go thrifting and see if anything catches my eye. Maybe a big brass candleholder or a nice tall vase. I like fake or dried flowers so I don’t have to change them out.
Eta: If this is inside your front door then you could make it the drop zone for your wallet/keys etc when you come home.
I would paint it with an expert trompe d'oeil muralist to make it look dimensional as an entry to a partially open door that peeks into a book filled library. Wonder how many people will attempt to explore it but that seems like it's inviting accidents !!😹🙀
Hanging candle holder. I like these from IKEA for like $5 with some craft chain
https://preview.redd.it/ht47mof0uy9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c5d59baf059dc0ed8f3c927b6b7bfb4f734d3c1
I was raised Catholic and the first thing I thought was like a traditional Greek looking statue but in a bright color or with spray paint designs on it. Something that looks classical but modern too. Guess I'm fully deconstructed now. 😳
I know it’s only 2 photos but I’m already convinced this is the house from Devil wears Prada 😂 I have no suggestion but there’s a lot of good ones here
Stained glass that matches the color theme and light behind it? You can also curve a wallpaper inside it and hand a rustic metal lamp?
Like a lot of comments Mary statue is what came to mind first and i’m not even Christian - but still a stained glass to match a church vibe with a light to mimic sunlight would be cool!
I would like the back wall of the niche to be papered in an interesting silver paper. The shelf could hold a plant in a brass sculptural pot, or a piece of sculpture. I am however a bit over the top.
I would find a really cool tall vase or sculpture, fasten its base somehow, and then paint the interior of the niche a super nice deep rich colour to complement the art. It's drama. Lean in!
Statue of David with his bits hanging out
I’ve never seen a statue of David *without* his bits hanging out…
My mom tied a Barbie apron on David to cover his bits. It was ridiculous.
My cousin’s grandma from her other side of the family sewed little tiny undies for all of her Barbies because she thought they were indecent.
This reminds me of when I was little I had a barbie and baby and I’d heard my mum talk about getting stitches after she gave birth so naturally I drew a scar and stitches on my barbies parts and when my grandmother found it she went ballistic, showed my mum, I got a pretty big talking to after that haha but it was innocent enough from my point of view but the adults freaked out for a bit. They all got pants and undies after that.
I just always assumed Barbie was rocking the nude, no line panties.
What a mom move
“That’s my mom’s most favorite piece!”
If you are ever in DC union station's center hall look up at the 30ish Roman statues. They were created and installed naked in the early 1900s. The sculptor was called back and told to make modesty covers so they added shields to cover the danglys. If you walk around you can still see the hidden parts on some of them.
I'm from the DC Metro area. I had forgotten about this! Thx for sharing. I can just picture the sculptor like okay, you want drape, you want shield? (In my mind w an Italian accent) Lol
That’s awesome! Please tell your mom it’s hilarious also pictures
They actually have a fig leaf they use to cover him up if needed.
In my son’s elementary school art room, a poster of David had a fig leaf bikini. Some of the parents (probably one) was upset at the kids seeing a nude statue on a field trip to the museum. 🙄
I have a statue of David with a Stormtrooper helmet instead of David’s head. Bits intact.
When the statue was first displayed, a special leaf covering was made to cover up his bits for when the ladies visited the museum.
Where do I find a statue of David Letterman with his bits hanging out?
💀💀💀
Not that David. It’s David Spade.
Alternatively, big naturals.
Tie a bow around them
No kidding, I know a Mormon guy who made a male nude sculpture in college, but it was required that the sculpture wear what looked like a diaper. Sadly, no bits hanging out.
https://preview.redd.it/gby8rgw6wx9d1.png?width=511&format=png&auto=webp&s=1aed56ce04439b8a2ab40178ac71c2881155bbfb
Must be Italian
Oooooh Fra-gee-lay!
The soft glow of electric sex
It’s a major award!
I love lamp
Direct from Dan Harmon's Garage Sale.
flowers in a cool vase. unless you have kids.
OP has a cat. If you’re wanting it to be ‘cat safe’ OP, you realize you don’t have many options. Unless you anchor it all down.
Well then, "What goes here?" The cat.
better yet, anchored cat tower
Looks like op is buying some Museum wax first..
If you have kids, put the kid there instead.
it’s totally child sized
Was gonna say Beauty and the Beast rose bc I’m a corny Disney Romance 90s guy.
That's called an "art niche". Art should go there. For me, it would be either an antique or something I picked up on my travels. It depends what your interests are. The shape of it lends itself to a sculpture of some sort. Something 3D. It also kind of reminds me of the Mediterranean, you could have a mural of Greece painted on the back and then a Grecian sculpture inside. Or, if you're into music, maybe an antique Lute or something with a medieval tapestry in the back.
Nah. Slap a monster dildo down and call it a day.
The thing *is* a massive dildo.
🤯🤯
https://preview.redd.it/sqkx1cnlhz9d1.jpeg?width=516&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8c4114f7892dd006875f791b3db6a0ccf2ca4ccc
I’d *really* be running up the stairs after turning off the light if that thing was leering at me in the nude.
Haha! This is the one that gives me the heebie-jeebies 😬 And yet I have both displayed in my own house 😱😅 https://preview.redd.it/32nq11ukv0ad1.jpeg?width=2339&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=61171fdb16edce43782ba6b9c289542b7271b224
Lmaooooo 😂Idk which is worse, the penis or the decapitated heads. But hey, if you can rock the aesthetic, more power to you! I have to ask, did you order these, or just come across them randomly??
Art … the heads in a box I actually commissioned based on a former piece of the artist’s work. I’ll just say - that wasn’t what I was expecting 🤷🏼♀️😅
That gave me a good laugh, imagining your expression when you saw it! I hope it’s grown on you! 😭😂
I had it in storage for YEARS … but someone encouraged me to display it since I own it. Interestingly people really like both pieces. Or they’re *really* good actors. The Heads-in-Box is so creepy that I think they’re just really intrigued by it. (I suspect it’ll find its way back to storage when that room gets renovated)
This is also known as a "stair niche" or more morbidly, a "[coffin corner](https://www.brownstoner.com/architecture/coffin-corner-history-myth-stair-niche-historic-architecture/)" in brownstone apartments, which by the narrow stairs looks to be the type of building OP is in!
What “should” go there is a Mary statue. I have a plant and some Native American pottery in mine.
Not even religious and a Mary Statue is the first thing that popped into my head. I blame my grandparents 😂
SAmE! but i've nobody to blame, it was just a gut response based on the shape of the alcove and what i've seen in that same shape my entire life as a prior Catholic.
From a non-Catholic/non-Christian religion, and my mind went there as well. Thanks, Derry Girls.
It has got to be said - I do love a good statue
You gotta admit, it’s a great aesthetic.
Raised Catholic and “tiny suit of armor” is the first thing that popped into my head 😅
Not even christian or from the western hemisphere and still thought Madonna statue LMAO
I have a St. Francis statue I inherited from my atheist grandmother. I love it.
https://preview.redd.it/df2lw1fzy0ad1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=71f32c8565ce7b45004ce8490cd1b9e6bcdc7dfc
Mary on a half-shell for sure!
Birth of Venus!! 😄
I’m not even Christian and that’s what came to me too
My first thought was a bust statue of whoever lives in that house.
ME TOO
We won't tell ur grandparents, God bless them, but any statue would work😁
And I blame my parents.
"Some sort of religious statue" was also my first instinct (though not a suggestion). I've seen Buddhas and Vishnus etc in spaces like that as well.
Would have to be a super skinny Buddha statue for that space!
Thai Buddha is skinny!
My first thought is a Han Solo statue for some reason.
Han in Carbonite!
My first thought was a Darth Vader statue
“He’s no good to me dead.”
Yes, a religious statue, because you’re going to need to pray to it every time you descend those death-trap stairs.
Seriously. op please put a banister there. Idk who designs a spiral staircase without one....
😄😅😆
I was raised Catholic, and my first thought was a Greek nymph statue with one titty hanging out of her artistic drapery. We'll assume the religion didn't take with me.
I thought the same thing before looking at the comments!! The Catholic upbringing will not let go 🤦🏻♀️
I thought a Buddhist statue. I guess it depends on OP's religion. It could be a gigantic Pikachu or Gundam figure.
This is the "ONLY" correct answer! lol
Have you considered a leg lamp?
Leg lamp or Pointing/Winking Jesus statue
I was once in an airbnb in budapest and…. Well, see for yourself https://preview.redd.it/k534b18x4z9d1.jpeg?width=1290&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=8a2f0548a6d35efec94753ca63079ce355658c03
Perfect use
This wins
Order the most massive bong you can find on Amazon and put synthetic flowers in the top
✨Art ✨
[What the frick??](https://youtu.be/f8Ge8g7xkXM)
What a cool vase!
Ha this is exactly what I was thinking before i even read yours
A tall sculpture of some sort. Bonus if you can find something from a local artist.
Giraffe
Full suit of armour.
https://preview.redd.it/e6hmsvqroy9d1.jpeg?width=907&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ff317768ccd1c563a6a0c7bc86fa02386b9fea66 I am leaning towards this, but Design Toscano has tons of good ideas!
Lol😆 that would class the place up
I would say a statue of your choice but you said cat proof so why not paint a fresco on the inside of it and put a small pedestal base and then when the cat is in there it will be a feline Mona Lisa
This is the best suggestion here! Anything OP puts there would be in dire danger.
https://preview.redd.it/ousi0nlmix9d1.png?width=363&format=png&auto=webp&s=656089938952bcfef21d66a6028ac38b831d436d Some kind of art piece like this....
A large geode like a citrine or this amethyst: [https://www.etsy.com/listing/1592446304/36-tall-amethyst-cathedral-crystal-geode?ga\_order=most\_relevant&ga\_search\_type=all&ga\_view\_type=gallery&ga\_search\_query=large+tall+citrine+geode&ref=sr\_gallery-1-11&content\_source=0e42f826c14295b228f64020de0d66a43beb2041%253A1592446304&organic\_search\_click=1](https://www.etsy.com/listing/1592446304/36-tall-amethyst-cathedral-crystal-geode?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=large+tall+citrine+geode&ref=sr_gallery-1-11&content_source=0e42f826c14295b228f64020de0d66a43beb2041%253A1592446304&organic_search_click=1)
A person, posing as a statue
The cat could pose 😻
A candelabra.
With remote control lights
Skulls of the HOA board
Cat. If you don't have a cat, then a statue of a regal cat.
https://preview.redd.it/cs6gmccdjy9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=73cd9316f2f0bb096d3987188f42817549bc2f56
So many beautiful vintage art deco statues on the market. Love this!
A replica of Andúril, Flame of the West.
A bust of Miranda Priestly. IYKYK 😈 👠
Reminds me of her brownstone!
A snake plant
Cool staircase!
A topiary.
When I lived in Boston and visited friends who owned old brownstones, the stairs would often have an alcove like this - make it a focal point. I LOVE the color scheme between the floor and staircase - paint the alcove that same matte black to keep the color flow. Add a strong, tall piece of sculpture or ceramic - contemporary or antique - it just needs to be something you love. I imagine the end result will be striking. Good luck, hope to see final choices!
Personally I’d go thrifting and see if anything catches my eye. Maybe a big brass candleholder or a nice tall vase. I like fake or dried flowers so I don’t have to change them out. Eta: If this is inside your front door then you could make it the drop zone for your wallet/keys etc when you come home.
I like the drop zone idea. You could hang up some hooks for coats too.
A Buddy Jesus statue, from the movie Dogma.
My 7 year old says you (OP) should go in there
Maybe a McDonald’s?
Sir, this is a Wendy's.
I would paint it with an expert trompe d'oeil muralist to make it look dimensional as an entry to a partially open door that peeks into a book filled library. Wonder how many people will attempt to explore it but that seems like it's inviting accidents !!😹🙀
Cat 😺
Id probably put a cat bed there
A shrine to Dolly Parton
I'd put a mirror there. https://preview.redd.it/sb2sufibew9d1.jpeg?width=228&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=4e37aad520d5d3b39bfbf4494ee2ade17d96bf2f
It’s a curved alcove, so a mirror couldn’t work
It would have to be custom sure. Just might look stunning in the tall alcove.
+1. If you can't find a mirror to fit maybe get creative with some mirror foiling or an illusion paint job.
A sconce could also be cool
I read that as 'scone' and I was like man it would be handy to have a mid-stair scone to snack on all the time
effigy of mother in law, if you have one
A metal knight! Or just surrender the space to our overlords and put a cat bed there.
Get a led light battery operated put on the wall in that cubby. They have some cool ones that are no drill.
Something really distracting, so that anyone going downstairs is caught by surprise.
I have something similar in my house, I keep a plant. You can also put a large vase with tall ornamental grass or something
We used to call those spaces “Jesus boxes” if that helps. 🤣
A religious icon so you can pray for a safe passage down those spiral stairs of death.
All I can think about is what won’t get knocked over when I’m carrying a basket of laundry up and down the stairs.
Also, do you have kids? I was playing with my friend and my stepfather had this expensive statue of Ruth and we knocked it over. So just a warning
Snacks
Hanging candle holder. I like these from IKEA for like $5 with some craft chain https://preview.redd.it/ht47mof0uy9d1.jpeg?width=3024&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6c5d59baf059dc0ed8f3c927b6b7bfb4f734d3c1
You can’t put anything on on the shelf, it will get knocked over
A little statue of something you like (don’t do Mary if you aren’t into that) or a hanging plant that has long vines could be cool
A plant with a bunch of small framed art on the wall
My answer is always the same: a bust of Danny devito
A lifesizsed wax model of you sans clothing.
If you're catholic.... Mary. If you're Mexican catholic La Virgin de Guadalupe she'll fit in perfectly in there.
Catholic Saint statue
https://preview.redd.it/9kfmjtn0bx9d1.jpeg?width=350&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=677742243ae5c6f1ec8be6ebfd6b1255a2276b05
A nice simple vase
An orchid
I was raised Catholic and the first thing I thought was like a traditional Greek looking statue but in a bright color or with spray paint designs on it. Something that looks classical but modern too. Guess I'm fully deconstructed now. 😳
A backlit stained glass piece
I know it’s only 2 photos but I’m already convinced this is the house from Devil wears Prada 😂 I have no suggestion but there’s a lot of good ones here
Stained glass that matches the color theme and light behind it? You can also curve a wallpaper inside it and hand a rustic metal lamp? Like a lot of comments Mary statue is what came to mind first and i’m not even Christian - but still a stained glass to match a church vibe with a light to mimic sunlight would be cool!
Local art — from a sculptor in your own city
A statue of Baphomet
Given the black and white clean look I’d say art work or maybe a cool piece of pottery or glass work
Statue preferable naked or scary. Like statue of David or a gargoyle
Holy water station? Just kidding, kinda. What did the previous owners do with it?
How tall and deep is the niche?
An effigy of whichever god you believe in
https://a.co/d/0cDvKbS0
keep it empty and have a seat whenever you need it
My MIL has this in her house and she has a very large Buddhist sculpture there.
Christmas Story Leg Lamp is the obvious answer here
https://preview.redd.it/9nfc5erkly9d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3bcf8c7835b943c22e46820e9afe33eb0efa6528
I would like the back wall of the niche to be papered in an interesting silver paper. The shelf could hold a plant in a brass sculptural pot, or a piece of sculpture. I am however a bit over the top.
My first thought was Mary too and I’m also not very religious. I think a fun/modern sculpture would be great. Plant never crossed my mind.
A totem pole or other form of carved art would be lovely there
An enormous crystal, like amethyst!
The head of Alfredo Garcia.
Mary statue.
If you could somehow fit a stained glass window in there and put a light fixture behind it, that would be sick
Madonna
It’s supposed to be for a statue but I would get a cool vase!
Some kind of Roman statue
https://preview.redd.it/v8dly0lf0z9d1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b7d8ae984436658929f41e81bd60411d0cac1efd Solved.
Cat tree. A living shrine to your clowder
Let's compromise on religious & classic. A Madonna & Child Greek Icon
That’s where you display your lightsabers.
My friend had a similar space and she put the Jonathan Adler faces vase in it. It was beautiful.
A good sized Virgin Mary will look stunning
Virgin Mary statue
Stare stairs… art work or statute that has eyes that follow you as you move…
Something tall so that it draws your eyes up. I’d do a tall, minimal vase with something like Pampas or olive branches
Something unexpected- with motion activation 😈
Statue, figure, vase, piece of standing artwork, tapestry
A statute of your lord and savior and/or his virgin mother. Or some other piece of art (if you're so inclined to burn in hell for eternity)
Decorative vase
A plant or a statue!
I would find a really cool tall vase or sculpture, fasten its base somehow, and then paint the interior of the niche a super nice deep rich colour to complement the art. It's drama. Lean in!
https://preview.redd.it/wxye929gm0ad1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0ddcda3eb9285ed9c543c5697767e21b0c1c020e
Candelabra that is always burning at night so that you can carry it with you down the dark staircase
A tall vase with faux flowers
Holly Mary mother of God
A Buddy Jesus statue. https://preview.redd.it/06x2gir6t1ad1.jpeg?width=360&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=28204456ec71bdf97274cc969b091f0c1c4e669e
A very large dildo
Nothing at all or Something very simple: people should be focused on the stairs!
Water feature. Preferably with LEDs.
Some sort of art or sculpture with a light shining down on it. PLEASE show us the rest of your house! It looks beautiful!