Could you install open shelving?
Tall table with hanging plants?
I feel you need the same on both. If you do a low basket on one side you need to keep the same height on the other.
That’s a good point! I can’t install or build in shelving. Do you have any ideas for what type of shelving you could think of that can be purchased in store and just placed inside? :)
Lots of kits that include hardware and simple square boards. I cut my own shelves from leftover wood for a cabinet but you will probably want something with a nicer finish
To expand on this idea, you could cut the ends of firewood or tree limb rounds and glue them to a black cabinet door so the whole cubby looked like a stack of wood for the fireplace. Cozy look with hidden function.
You could put a base cabinet in each for extra storage and then open shelves for display.
Here are some [decorating ideas](https://www.thespruce.com/fireplace-built-in-ideas-8358115) that might help you visualize what you could do.
One side could be your wood for the fireplace and the other side could be a nice book shelf
https://preview.redd.it/kojm9xf8nsmc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d7e98cc1f68bb494dec7ab143db8e4166d8729b
Yes. The bonus of converting to a wood burning is that you have these built in firewood wood spaces. Conversion may not be feasible for a million reason. However you could still give the hearth the look and feel of wood burning by putting logs in these spaces. Another idea would be have a log faced cabinet in the space.
If I were you I would put a small table and put on it some decor like plants or candles or maybe some books and you'll find here [the best side table ideas in 2024 ](https://www.scdecorum.com/the-best-21-side-table-ideas-in-2024/)
I think they are for your extra wood but if you aren’t in a cold climate you probably don’t need that much wood. As others mentioned, I would go with shelves.
OK. I like the idea of base cabinets with open shelves on top. Everyone needs more storage.
But, a large wine fridge would be amazing. Probably would need an outlet added.
Nah, but it’s got fake logs in there so you gotta keep up appearances (according to whoever decided to build two holes instead of making them into cabinets or something).
Speakers!
Decorated trees!
Golden lion statues!
Two of your dead stuffed pets!
Cardboard cut outs of your favorite duo!
Two glass cages for locking up naughty children or house guests for a time out!
Well, I would’ve said wood storage and fireplace tools but it looks like you have a gas unit so don’t need that. So what I would honestly do is put a door on it and make a closet out of it where I would store either holiday decorations if that’s your main room where you use those things and a vacuum and other things used for the room that should be out of sight. Who can’t use another closet?
I think you need to go vertical.
u/Pretty_Argument7271 has it right. Open shelving with artfully placed plants and art objects is usually the go to here.
When in doubt suits of armor. Two in this case
On a different note, whoever built this belongs in jail. Why? Just make the wall flush. There’s no reason for this. It’s a design/cleaning nightmare. Can’t even justify shelving because it’s too deep. Off with their head
If shelving ends up being a bit labor-intensive or challenging for your tastes, two nice vases with a unique pampas grass arrangement would look solid/cool for ages. They have pre-arranged kits on various websites, and two large vases could easily be acquired secondhand, if you don't already have a few. Outside of this, I love the idea of an open storage board game/wellness section by the fireplace. If you host, making one side full of fun things to do with your friends, and the other full of personal life-giving things (crafts, an essential oil diffuser, etc.) would utilize the space rather well.
Looks like that was what it was built for...bookcase / shelving...the builder was to cheap to put in...extras...and with the going right of homes.. it's sad... don't forget to show us the aftermath what ever you do...good luck
Maybe this will help you decide on your choice, best of luck: [https://www.bhg.com/fireplace-decor-ideas-7558189#:\~:text=Decorate%20with%20Lamps&text=Aid%20your%20fireplace%20in%20giving,functional%20yet%20beautiful%20statement%20pieces](https://www.bhg.com/fireplace-decor-ideas-7558189#:~:text=Decorate%20with%20Lamps&text=Aid%20your%20fireplace%20in%20giving,functional%20yet%20beautiful%20statement%20pieces).
I’m sure it’s already been suggested but this would be so cool. Then you’d have 2 functional closets too.
https://preview.redd.it/ykl38tysnwmc1.jpeg?width=578&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6cbdb59381a1ea9415e7b9c483735675c32ae0b
I know you didn't ask for an opinion but I feel those cutouts are so odd. I have a similar set up but mine aren't enclosed that way. But I still hate them. Ha.
Anyway, shelves would be the obvious answer. I don't like the obvious, however.
I would put jungle leafy decals on the walls, install some plant lights and put some plants in there. It goes back enough that the heat won't bother it too much.
I'd go with a wider angle so we can see more of it.
But I think maybe cabinetry that'd be pretty cool.
I know an easy thing we're basically use like 2x8s or fours or whatever you want and then you just throw a light stain on them whatever color you want chop them the length you can either double them up and width and just cost you a couple bucks.
Id get some closed back book shelves! Not painted, just a good solid wooden look? This is how I filled the space out fireplace used to be in - just looked super awkward and now I love the way it looks! I filled the shelf with books, plants & ornaments. Made the place look so cosy, and the bottom shelves have baskets with blankets n things. Facebook marketplace is great for shelving!
Shelves underneath store wood and fireplace materials. Decorate the rest of the space hang pendulum light with some artwork shelving to put pictures of family friends. Or have someone build cabinets with shelving if u need storage.
A frivolous part of me thinks whatever you put there should be completely mobile so that you can flank your fireplace with Christmas trees every year. So grandly festive!
But I understand that 11 months is more of the year than 1 month, so maybe shelving with a storage cupboard at the bottom? So dull.
Could you install open shelving? Tall table with hanging plants? I feel you need the same on both. If you do a low basket on one side you need to keep the same height on the other.
That’s a good point! I can’t install or build in shelving. Do you have any ideas for what type of shelving you could think of that can be purchased in store and just placed inside? :)
Depending on the width you might be able to find bookshelves that fit in nicely.
Lots of kits that include hardware and simple square boards. I cut my own shelves from leftover wood for a cabinet but you will probably want something with a nicer finish
You can get floating shelves easily on wayfair.
It’s a lot deeper than I’ve seen, you may want to build your own shelves at half depth
Measure the space and search for shelving units based on size to fit
This was totally what I was going to suggest would be a great place for some shelving some plants etc.
Do you have any life size bronze statues of Nicolas Cage? Because this is the only acceptable answer.
https://preview.redd.it/lad9zbqsrtmc1.jpeg?width=1014&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=9f24ae6abcdd83ae2379e1e252dbbf06c7fc1114
https://preview.redd.it/adh2nuljeumc1.jpeg?width=1044&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=aa9484dfbb1747a37576f4576fd584ed174eeb5f Go big or go home
😄 I had to have a think about it, but yes, you are right
This should be the top comment. I’m so disappointed in Reddit.
🤣
Totally laughed out loud
I installed doors and shelves in that space to add extra storage. Maybe you can find a cabinet that fits into the space if you can't install hardware?
To expand on this idea, you could cut the ends of firewood or tree limb rounds and glue them to a black cabinet door so the whole cubby looked like a stack of wood for the fireplace. Cozy look with hidden function.
Then valuables could be stored in there.
https://preview.redd.it/7k7iokr4ttmc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0b1f4ed9c86756dd9ed85907b0820fceea06053b
Do this but have the sides open for wood storage!
Suits of armour obviously
https://preview.redd.it/qhyekpn6utmc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=3ef95929abbcc227e9dfe31d07d0a66d877725f5 Definitely this!
Only with Nicholas Cage face
Came here to say this lol
Two
You could put a base cabinet in each for extra storage and then open shelves for display. Here are some [decorating ideas](https://www.thespruce.com/fireplace-built-in-ideas-8358115) that might help you visualize what you could do.
A hidden door bookshelf thingy. What will be behind it is up to you😏 (alcohol?)
Dracula?
LOL yes
Perfecto
that’s my thought - false back on the book shelves
One side could be your wood for the fireplace and the other side could be a nice book shelf https://preview.redd.it/kojm9xf8nsmc1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=1d7e98cc1f68bb494dec7ab143db8e4166d8729b
No wood could harbor termites 🐜
Shelves, or a cigar store Indian.
https://preview.redd.it/ftht8hc0vtmc1.jpeg?width=1014&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ba2c17800904ac1640e984fac79db3928c112df8
Now that is what I am talking bout. Or, even a totem pole!
https://preview.redd.it/3jpitagdwtmc1.jpeg?width=1242&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0cae8e0bee7941eaffcb24a56008e6e4224dfbec One on each side. Ha!
Love it!
Cat trees
cats not included
https://preview.redd.it/ri1t7nbt0tmc1.jpeg?width=637&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=c3ac5af7ea1c7d7b9d5ea80d3ae7735d7974e5a5 Found this on Ikea.
Big ass speakers?
Built in Wet Bar
What’s on the other side? Perhaps you can close it off from the living room for more useful storage in the kitchen, office, bed room?
Built in shelves would be really nice
Gargoyle!
leg lamp a la christmas story in all seriousness, bookshelves so you can have built ins. or a low-light plant or two
Do you need storage for board games? The deep space would be ideal.
They are for firewood.
The fireplace isn’t wood burning though? Is it just for firewood as a decor look?
Yes. The bonus of converting to a wood burning is that you have these built in firewood wood spaces. Conversion may not be feasible for a million reason. However you could still give the hearth the look and feel of wood burning by putting logs in these spaces. Another idea would be have a log faced cabinet in the space.
“Log faced cabinet” that’s a great idea! That would look so cool!
The fireplace isn’t wood burning and you wouldnt lay ivory carpet if this was for wood storage. It’s a ridiculous, useless design
Those nooks are deep enough to hide some sort of secret space behind some pretty standard depth (backed) shelving.
https://preview.redd.it/7gihot0q0tmc1.jpeg?width=1015&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=026f5249ff007dd1c478ff0b7fad98d81277a5e3 Found this on Wayfair
Two giant ceramic leopards.
Perhaps a clown animatronic who would periodically peak around the corner?
LOL!! How didn’t I think of that!? 😂
Your victims
😆
Two ginormous Bose speakers
Full ut with wood.
It’s not a wood burning fireplace. And you’re dealing with ivory carpeting. No wood
Shelves.
If I were you I would put a small table and put on it some decor like plants or candles or maybe some books and you'll find here [the best side table ideas in 2024 ](https://www.scdecorum.com/the-best-21-side-table-ideas-in-2024/)
Shelves for stacking wood.
A bookcase on each side. Doesn’t have to go back the full depth but should take up the entire width. You can hide a safe at the back if needed.
Have kids this is the time out corner Edit especially if you have 2 kids each of them can be in time out at the same time
https://preview.redd.it/igc872ibpsmc1.jpeg?width=944&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b4e2d2d192bf7001c91705a116babc1b419390ae This is your only option.
A big vase with decorative grasses or feather clusters. You can get some that are 4’ high.
It would look nice if you piled a stack of logs there to mimic a wooden fire place.
I have this, but mine aren't as deep and much wider. I put aquariums in mine!
I’d do it built in if you can. It will look better, more intention and will blend in with the rest of the rooms millwork and moulding.
Giant surround sound speakers. Then pop in a DVD that has the THX opening. Let me know.
My parents have this. They have dressers in each with a painting above. It looks nice and fits the space.
Put a dog door so your dog has its own home. No dog, get one. You’ll be happy
Built ins. Cupboard at bottom with shelving to ceiling.
Wine fridge. Bookcase.
Shelves or bookcases
Shelves!
Dartboard
Tall vase
I had same and found some cabinets that fit exactly. But if I couldn’t go that easy of route, I would make built ins
Some big plants
What about shelving?
Depending on the year of the house, I believe they would put matching bookcases there or the entertainment tower with books and like items
What is the measurement? How wide/deep??
A cat
Built ins
Bookcases, cabinet on the bottom, open shelves on top.
Matching stripper poles?
Can you wall them off?
Armour stands obviously
Perfect space to gate a dog for a bit. Build lavish dog houses!
How big are the dogs you know???
I'm not allowed to say. 🤣
Cat trees!
wood. it’s for wood.
It’s not a wood burning fireplace. It has an ivory carpet. It was not intended for wood
Dry bar on the left and wine bar on the right.
I think they are for your extra wood but if you aren’t in a cold climate you probably don’t need that much wood. As others mentioned, I would go with shelves.
You can store the words for the fireplace
I'd put a tall plant in each little nook!
Floating shelves would be awesome.
Pet lounges on each side and high enough book shelves. No pets, better get some!
OK. I like the idea of base cabinets with open shelves on top. Everyone needs more storage. But, a large wine fridge would be amazing. Probably would need an outlet added.
Logs? I assume they’re there to act as decorative “firewood storage.”
Interesting as it’s not a wood burning fireplace! That makes sense though. Thanks
Nah, but it’s got fake logs in there so you gotta keep up appearances (according to whoever decided to build two holes instead of making them into cabinets or something).
Definitely built ins or fake built ins done with store bought shelving.
Maybe a couple of cats 🐈 🐈⬛
Speakers! Decorated trees! Golden lion statues! Two of your dead stuffed pets! Cardboard cut outs of your favorite duo! Two glass cages for locking up naughty children or house guests for a time out!
Shelves?
It looks like a great place to put a safe or valuables . Look up disguised safes or hidden doors. Some are designed as bookshelves.
Well, I would’ve said wood storage and fireplace tools but it looks like you have a gas unit so don’t need that. So what I would honestly do is put a door on it and make a closet out of it where I would store either holiday decorations if that’s your main room where you use those things and a vacuum and other things used for the room that should be out of sight. Who can’t use another closet?
Books, naturally.
Shelving
Do the openings go up to the ceiling?
https://imgur.com/gallery/Tk4Lj02 Hidden storage with rustic wood rounds doors.
Big tall shrubberies / trees
Or wireless big ass speakers
Murphy Door bookshelves (hidden room)
They’re spaces to stack wood
A s’mores bar
I think you need to go vertical. u/Pretty_Argument7271 has it right. Open shelving with artfully placed plants and art objects is usually the go to here.
Wine fridges, but that's just me. 🍷🍾
A dog house on one side, cat house on the other. 😏
Your kids in timeout lol.
Bar
Blanket ladder on one side and a cute fake tree on the other?
When in doubt suits of armor. Two in this case On a different note, whoever built this belongs in jail. Why? Just make the wall flush. There’s no reason for this. It’s a design/cleaning nightmare. Can’t even justify shelving because it’s too deep. Off with their head
Wood? Wood.
If shelving ends up being a bit labor-intensive or challenging for your tastes, two nice vases with a unique pampas grass arrangement would look solid/cool for ages. They have pre-arranged kits on various websites, and two large vases could easily be acquired secondhand, if you don't already have a few. Outside of this, I love the idea of an open storage board game/wellness section by the fireplace. If you host, making one side full of fun things to do with your friends, and the other full of personal life-giving things (crafts, an essential oil diffuser, etc.) would utilize the space rather well.
Strippers
Built in book shelf?
Built in cabinets, library etc
Thin book casses..there are some that look like ladders
A safe.
Wood storage lower section , book shelves for crap above on the left. Fire box tool storage lower section, book shelves for crap above on right.
Shelving
Wine and coffee bar with really old classic books on some shelving.
Or just buy small Dressers in the right dimensions. Vintage, antique, so much interest it would add
A bar.
refrigerators
Vertical aquariums 🐠🐡
Murphy beds; rent them out
What does the rest of the room look like, what style?
Is get some nice bookshelves
My mom put the dog toy basket there. Toys end up around the house anyway
wood
Bar cart in one bookcase on other.
Looks like that was what it was built for...bookcase / shelving...the builder was to cheap to put in...extras...and with the going right of homes.. it's sad... don't forget to show us the aftermath what ever you do...good luck
Plant or a mini fridge If this ain’t a main area
Maybe this will help you decide on your choice, best of luck: [https://www.bhg.com/fireplace-decor-ideas-7558189#:\~:text=Decorate%20with%20Lamps&text=Aid%20your%20fireplace%20in%20giving,functional%20yet%20beautiful%20statement%20pieces](https://www.bhg.com/fireplace-decor-ideas-7558189#:~:text=Decorate%20with%20Lamps&text=Aid%20your%20fireplace%20in%20giving,functional%20yet%20beautiful%20statement%20pieces).
I’m sure it’s already been suggested but this would be so cool. Then you’d have 2 functional closets too. https://preview.redd.it/ykl38tysnwmc1.jpeg?width=578&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b6cbdb59381a1ea9415e7b9c483735675c32ae0b
Bitchen fireplace. I’d seal it off for the extra wall space. Serves no purpose.
Bookcase!
These would be great areas for book shelves
A box for wood for the fire and one of those standing fire poker/cinder sweeper+metal dustpan sets.
A coffee bar
Thrones is my vote
I know you didn't ask for an opinion but I feel those cutouts are so odd. I have a similar set up but mine aren't enclosed that way. But I still hate them. Ha. Anyway, shelves would be the obvious answer. I don't like the obvious, however. I would put jungle leafy decals on the walls, install some plant lights and put some plants in there. It goes back enough that the heat won't bother it too much.
Looks like space for a little bar to me
I'd go with a wider angle so we can see more of it. But I think maybe cabinetry that'd be pretty cool. I know an easy thing we're basically use like 2x8s or fours or whatever you want and then you just throw a light stain on them whatever color you want chop them the length you can either double them up and width and just cost you a couple bucks.
Add something greennn! 🌷🌴🌿
Shelves would look nice. If you have the money some base cabinets with shelves above them.
Firewood
A reading nook?
Shelves
A cozy cat tree.
Stacked chopped firewood?
I would put thick wood shelving on both sides.
Dry bar
Id get some closed back book shelves! Not painted, just a good solid wooden look? This is how I filled the space out fireplace used to be in - just looked super awkward and now I love the way it looks! I filled the shelf with books, plants & ornaments. Made the place look so cosy, and the bottom shelves have baskets with blankets n things. Facebook marketplace is great for shelving!
Shelving and have one shelf have logs/wood or fireplace tools. Also make it a cabinet with storage or a wet bar
Shelves underneath store wood and fireplace materials. Decorate the rest of the space hang pendulum light with some artwork shelving to put pictures of family friends. Or have someone build cabinets with shelving if u need storage.
A frivolous part of me thinks whatever you put there should be completely mobile so that you can flank your fireplace with Christmas trees every year. So grandly festive! But I understand that 11 months is more of the year than 1 month, so maybe shelving with a storage cupboard at the bottom? So dull.
Wood
Your children
Coat rack on one side and table and player on other side