How to Decorate a Very Large Alcove in an Entry Hallway

Choose a contrasting color for the inside of the alcove. Since this is a large space, it is perfectly fine to paint it in a dark color; you don't have to worry about closing in the area. Select a color that contrasts with your current wall color. For example, if you have white walls, use a dark blue or red for the interior of the alcove. If you have beige walls, use a dark chocolate brown color for this area.

Hang shelving in the alcove. To get more usable space in the alcove for displaying decorative objects, hang shelving. This shelving can be glass, or it can be wood or metal. If using wood, use a natural wood stain that will complement the color of the back of the alcove as well as the rest of the woodwork in your home, or paint the wood in a contrasting color that matches the walls.

Select a large decorative object as the focal point in the alcove. For example, use an ornate vase filled with fresh or silk flowers. The colors of the vase should be vibrant and should stand out from the color of the back of the alcove. This vase should be placed at or very close to eye level and in the center of the shelving.

Arrange decorative objects around the vase. Place small decorative bowls filled with river rocks around the vase, or use this area to display small figurines. For a personal touch, place small framed pictures of friends and family around the vase and on other shelves.

Install lighting at the top of the alcove. To make the space feel warmer and to highlight your decorative objects, install a light fixture in the top of the alcove. You can have an electrician hard-wire a permanent fixture, or you can place a light-emitting diode (LED) light that can be changed out as necessary if you prefer to save money.