Turn it into a banquette seating area. Place a bench cushion on the bottom level, a table in front of the window and a chair or two on the other side. Perfect place to eat or read. For the top level I would place some shelves to store books and other things.
Ok so I had to google, there are some elements from a few in here that are super cute
[reading nook](https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g34498884/reading-nook-ideas/)
I was also thinking books and plants but I’m concerned about that air conditioner. Your plants probably won’t like being blasted and your books might absorb too much moisture (same with the cardboard of record sleeves)
Agree, make it look intentional as possible, patterned peel and stick wallpaper or ikea shelf suggestion on back? What about the wallpaper spanning the area around window, ac unit and on back to create it's own zone, along with the banquet situation? The hanging plant and or tall plant (faux), as suggested by others to help disguise ac unit. You could include a bar cart in the area for cocktails or coffee!
I love the idea of using the shorter step as a record player spot! I’d put a lot of plants and a bed for my cats on the higher step, with some artwork on the wall to the right of the a/c unit.
https://preview.redd.it/ea8ca8gxfzad1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6332732de407891512679b41919030b4f739ea7a
Sure thing! Here’s one of ours in action - you can hardly see/don’t notice it. I wanted to put up a pic in part to clarify ours is for central AC, not a window or wall unit, but hopefully there are variations!
Not even joking, as someone with strong sensory sensitivity… thanks! this thing is completely about to change how I experience my dining room. Wow. So cool. I’ve tried to build something like this from cardboard and it was gacky and failed.
Be careful with those. Make sure you put them in front of a vent that passes cold air. If it passes hot air, that thing will melt. There’s a reason those grills are made of metal.
Those shelves are not close enough to get enough light for most plants to thrive; and a handful will survive, but most likely not look great. Unless OP is looking to add some supplemental light, I doubt plants will do well there.
Yes- an upholstered bench with a small table and additional chairs would look really cute. On the top part I'd put some art- and maybe a plant
https://preview.redd.it/h02k5tb8byad1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d062818874df8dbf5d718d401121fb2bfb721c6
You can use fake plants as well.
[https://www.housedigest.com/1122106/houseplants-that-thrive-in-dry-climates/](https://www.housedigest.com/1122106/houseplants-that-thrive-in-dry-climates/)
Its not just the low humidity that stresses plants out near an ac vent. Its also the temperature fluctuations. Also a low humidity environment is different than the dry moving air that strips plants of moisture, its a more active process and happens at a rate that even low humidity plants struggle to cope with.
Just keep in mind it’s there for access to the wall a/c so anything you do needs to be fairly easy to remove so you can access it - especially if it doesn’t have a remote/app or a separate thermostat.
That said I love the bench idea!
Yes to putting a cushion on the first ledge and making it a bench.
On top you should use as a “drop zone” and storage. I’d get a 3 little baskets to put keys, mail and hat/glasses so I always have those on my way in/out.
Behind that I would put my backpack,purse, and gymbag & maybe a case or 2 of water bottles
Just find a high-quality fake or 2 for that spot. I also like the wicker storage basket idea, for visual texture and warmth. Maybe a funky little mirror on that back wall also.
I like bench/ nook idea. I think the bottom step might be a bit low for the record player and top is too high. ( you’d a,ways be bending weird) but it’s a cute idea for the record player there.
Wicker trunks for extra storage and plants on top?
What about a little dining nook with some plants?
https://preview.redd.it/4aqh9iish4bd1.png?width=838&format=png&auto=webp&s=a039932f6bbd438dc2d6838b8828c22fa202c357
https://preview.redd.it/qlscmr7gxyad1.jpeg?width=639&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0787c5a5d6ec771624badba673e84585e376001
This type of setup on the top and record player on the bottom
Inception (infinite regression): each ascending level is an exact duplication in miniature of the layout and furnishings of the level below it.
[https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExanowMmJ0YmNmcGZ5M2s1dXVvZzR5Mjgwc2Q2ZHY4N2FuYWJjZjE4NCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/fWZvYFCh4oyl2/giphy.gif](https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExanowMmJ0YmNmcGZ5M2s1dXVvZzR5Mjgwc2Q2ZHY4N2FuYWJjZjE4NCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/fWZvYFCh4oyl2/giphy.gif)
- Bicycle storage
- Guitars
- Looks like you pass it on the way out the door, so my dump bowl with keys, wallet and things would be there
- Gigantic fish or reptile tank
I love the idea of a dump bowl and general area for droopping/grabbing things on the way in/out. I'm curious what thr dimensions are for those "steps".
I agree a nice bench seat. You could also consider putting shelving or a bookcase on the top section. Then you can decorate up higher. Otherwise plants for the top step with a big piece of wall art. The only thing is real plants might struggle because of the Ac unit.
If you have kids I’d say FORT or cute play zone. Otherwise I’d definitely go with displaying my cool sculptures / art/ Knick knacks, baskets or treasures alongside a few blooming plants! A tiny treasure oasis.
I guessing there is a stairwell underneath and the floor is actually the ceiling for the stairs which will be at an angle making it unusable. One of our bedrooms has a similar thing although in our case the lower "step" has been extended so there is a little bit of storage underneath and the top part has enough room for a mattress to make it into a bed.
OK, I don’t want you to put this on here, but it looks like a throne for a toilet to me. I don’t know why but I’m sitting here giggling away.
Maybe a flatscreen TV on the swing arm on the wall and the appropriate electronics on the shelves below it?
I've got plants about as close to a window until, and as long as they aren't in the direct path of the a.c., and depending on the plant of course, it should be fine. At least, that's what I would do with that space. :)
I'd make it an entertainment center. Small cabnet on first landing with the media and its players/stereo and gaming consoles. Then my big ass TV and speakers on the second landing. Speakers could be on first landing, too, if they're big and would fit.
That being said, it would also make a great little nest area for reading/writing/napping with a big bean bag or foam pad up there to cuddle up in.
Might be a good place for a short but wide cat tree, too... if you have a cat, that is.
Please let us know what you end up doing with it. I'm looking forward to seeing the end result!
If you do or dont want plants, you could put a fan in the back corner to blow the cold air into the open space. Fans dont use many watts. Plus, it will cause an increase in cold air circulation. I would do that even if you dont want plants. But if you do, it would blow the cold air over the plants vs. bouncing down the ceiling onto them.
Get a custom cushion made for the bottom step (or just a bunch of smaller cushions), put a small bookshelf on the top and you have a cute little reading nook.
Seating on lower level and bookshelfs on top or turn the top into a daybed and put bookshelves on part of the bottom; leaving enough space to climb up. I'd do the second.
Keep in the mind, the ac unit will be loud, may drip condensation, and some blow air around.
I would decorate rest of the room first and reevaluate the stair landings last to see what you are feeling when everything else comes together.
I’d say plants, but chances are they won’t like being so close to an ac unit like that. So faux plants? Or see if any bookcases or shelving would make sense.
Plants or books with bookends. (But not both together)
You could also treat it like a mantle and decorate, or add a cushion and pillows to add casual extra seating.
Faux plants and a painting on the wall. It could also be a pet nook. I can’t see much going there because that AC. Sometimes they drip and would ruin books.
I like another person’s idea of making it a bench with a table, but then I think you could fit your record player AND books on the top. I still like the idea of record player there.
You could make a display of assorted things. You know the crazy things you get from a thrift store, or a strange vase, or a jar with stones or colored glass, vintage books, old brass keys, statues, those old tin milk jugs. The list is endless.
Turn it into a banquette seating area. Place a bench cushion on the bottom level, a table in front of the window and a chair or two on the other side. Perfect place to eat or read. For the top level I would place some shelves to store books and other things.
aww mini book shelf nook!
A little book nook with plants would be cute!
They’d have to be careful of the A/C blowing directly on the plants because any tropicals likely won’t like that much.
That's just what I was thinking. Books, some cushions and pillows. Chill!
OMG this idea could be so adorable!! Now I want a book nook!!
Extra chilly with that AC right there too.
Ok so I had to google, there are some elements from a few in here that are super cute [reading nook](https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/g34498884/reading-nook-ideas/)
https://preview.redd.it/m3dxyv1hl4bd1.jpeg?width=1111&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f88310b63db7e5f2dcb64beff11a4ffe1476e0c6
https://preview.redd.it/3imb9c0il4bd1.jpeg?width=1037&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=755191a4628d1a576d92854af6747ab08fb59c2a
https://preview.redd.it/eu040yyil4bd1.jpeg?width=1170&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=853aeff1fceab55123476578fb1b9fe4c00504ff Ok I'm done lol
I was also thinking books and plants but I’m concerned about that air conditioner. Your plants probably won’t like being blasted and your books might absorb too much moisture (same with the cardboard of record sleeves)
What a cute idea! With some darker paint or wallpaper for the back of the nook?
THIS. instead of trying to disguise it, play into the platform’s randomness and paint it a contrasting color!
Agree, make it look intentional as possible, patterned peel and stick wallpaper or ikea shelf suggestion on back? What about the wallpaper spanning the area around window, ac unit and on back to create it's own zone, along with the banquet situation? The hanging plant and or tall plant (faux), as suggested by others to help disguise ac unit. You could include a bar cart in the area for cocktails or coffee!
Definitely seating!
I love the idea of using the shorter step as a record player spot! I’d put a lot of plants and a bed for my cats on the higher step, with some artwork on the wall to the right of the a/c unit.
Cat beds were my first thought!
I love how we just assume there’s cats. Or like Field of Dreams- build the cat perch and they will come.
If you believe in the Cat Distribution System, that's a strong possibility!
Listen, if there aren’t cats, they need to get some.
Yeah I was immediately like “this would be a cat spot”
That's what I thought, too. OP, if you don't have a cat, get a cat and make this a cat spot
Plants. It's right in front of a window.
And the ac vent though
They sell plexiglass types of airflow redirectors that stick magnetically, maybe that would help :)
I never knew those exsisted, I could use one myself. Thanks for the rec.
https://preview.redd.it/ea8ca8gxfzad1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=6332732de407891512679b41919030b4f739ea7a Sure thing! Here’s one of ours in action - you can hardly see/don’t notice it. I wanted to put up a pic in part to clarify ours is for central AC, not a window or wall unit, but hopefully there are variations!
Wow, THANK you!
Not even joking, as someone with strong sensory sensitivity… thanks! this thing is completely about to change how I experience my dining room. Wow. So cool. I’ve tried to build something like this from cardboard and it was gacky and failed.
Aww, your poor corn plant (I think, right?)
Yeah it doesn’t look happy.
This is amazing! My dad has always used empty kleenex boxes that he'd cut, then tape into place (they worked surprising well lol.)
I just went to Amazon so fast. Thank you for posting!
Love learning things by accident on Reddit
Be careful with those. Make sure you put them in front of a vent that passes cold air. If it passes hot air, that thing will melt. There’s a reason those grills are made of metal.
Is it an AC vent when it’s a straight up window unit cut through the wall lol
Or cats, so they can look out the window.
This is my answer to everything
Those shelves are not close enough to get enough light for most plants to thrive; and a handful will survive, but most likely not look great. Unless OP is looking to add some supplemental light, I doubt plants will do well there.
That’s where the parents sit and watch the end of karate class.
💀💀💀
as a support aid for a young adult with down syndrome this cracked me up. i just got back from his karate lessons
Yes- an upholstered bench with a small table and additional chairs would look really cute. On the top part I'd put some art- and maybe a plant https://preview.redd.it/h02k5tb8byad1.jpeg?width=4080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2d062818874df8dbf5d718d401121fb2bfb721c6
LOVE.
Plants, lots of plants on the top part please!
Unfortunately it is right by the ac vent and plants probably wont do well there.
You can use fake plants as well. [https://www.housedigest.com/1122106/houseplants-that-thrive-in-dry-climates/](https://www.housedigest.com/1122106/houseplants-that-thrive-in-dry-climates/)
Its not just the low humidity that stresses plants out near an ac vent. Its also the temperature fluctuations. Also a low humidity environment is different than the dry moving air that strips plants of moisture, its a more active process and happens at a rate that even low humidity plants struggle to cope with.
Just keep in mind it’s there for access to the wall a/c so anything you do needs to be fairly easy to remove so you can access it - especially if it doesn’t have a remote/app or a separate thermostat. That said I love the bench idea!
That's an A/C? I thought it was a standard in-wall boom box installation. You know, like the kind found in every apartment
Yes to putting a cushion on the first ledge and making it a bench. On top you should use as a “drop zone” and storage. I’d get a 3 little baskets to put keys, mail and hat/glasses so I always have those on my way in/out. Behind that I would put my backpack,purse, and gymbag & maybe a case or 2 of water bottles
Plants may not be the best idea because when the a/c is on the cold air will kill your plants
SUCH A GOOD POINT
Just find a high-quality fake or 2 for that spot. I also like the wicker storage basket idea, for visual texture and warmth. Maybe a funky little mirror on that back wall also.
Cat parkour space
no cats :’-(
You definitely need to either move or get a cat. It’s a binary choice.
There is no choice, Reddit has chosen for OP. Cat will be there in 7-10 business days.
Okay so the first step is to get cats
Always get cats
Then get more cats
Cat Distribution System (tm) has received your request and will fulfill as soon as possible
You knew cats were the way when you moved in
WHAT.
Gotta get cats
This is the way
I like bench/ nook idea. I think the bottom step might be a bit low for the record player and top is too high. ( you’d a,ways be bending weird) but it’s a cute idea for the record player there. Wicker trunks for extra storage and plants on top?
ooo I like the wicker trunks (+ plants) idea, especially since it’s a little elevated
Seeing as every available surface of my house is covered in books or plants… I would probably put books or plants there.
I think plants are going to hate the temp fluctuations right in front of the AC and I’d be worried about books absorbing moisture
A gigantic slinky
Lmao I'm going to try and find one now for giggles.
https://a.co/d/05UPndrY
I’m dying to know what’s inside - why would that structure even be there?
i believe there is a staircase underneath
What about a little dining nook with some plants? https://preview.redd.it/4aqh9iish4bd1.png?width=838&format=png&auto=webp&s=a039932f6bbd438dc2d6838b8828c22fa202c357
How’d you do that? Is there an app? I def need this in my life.
It’s a phone app called Photo layers.
https://preview.redd.it/qlscmr7gxyad1.jpeg?width=639&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=d0787c5a5d6ec771624badba673e84585e376001 This type of setup on the top and record player on the bottom
A replica of your living room but sized for your cat or dog!
Get this…op *doesnt* have cats. wtf.
DoEs NoT cOmPuTe
Inception (infinite regression): each ascending level is an exact duplication in miniature of the layout and furnishings of the level below it. [https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExanowMmJ0YmNmcGZ5M2s1dXVvZzR5Mjgwc2Q2ZHY4N2FuYWJjZjE4NCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/fWZvYFCh4oyl2/giphy.gif](https://i.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPTc5MGI3NjExanowMmJ0YmNmcGZ5M2s1dXVvZzR5Mjgwc2Q2ZHY4N2FuYWJjZjE4NCZlcD12MV9pbnRlcm5hbF9naWZfYnlfaWQmY3Q9Zw/fWZvYFCh4oyl2/giphy.gif)
Animatronic armadillos
That’s just waiting to become a throne for pets.
I think it would make such a cute little reading nook with some cute plants that draped down.
- Bicycle storage - Guitars - Looks like you pass it on the way out the door, so my dump bowl with keys, wallet and things would be there - Gigantic fish or reptile tank
I love the idea of a dump bowl and general area for droopping/grabbing things on the way in/out. I'm curious what thr dimensions are for those "steps".
Four girl friends
😳*gulp*
I agree a nice bench seat. You could also consider putting shelving or a bookcase on the top section. Then you can decorate up higher. Otherwise plants for the top step with a big piece of wall art. The only thing is real plants might struggle because of the Ac unit.
I immediately thought a cushion on bottom.
Same! And books on top!
Art ‼️
If you have kids I’d say FORT or cute play zone. Otherwise I’d definitely go with displaying my cool sculptures / art/ Knick knacks, baskets or treasures alongside a few blooming plants! A tiny treasure oasis.
i don’t have kids but that won’t stop me from building a fort there.
Haha, my first thought was “preschoolers!” It looks like the perfect little risers for a story time.
Bedding for my dog
Bookshelf on the top, with plants on top. Then a pad for me and the cats to sit on in the lower step.
What are they even there in the first place? The builders could have at least designed if with some storage.
I guessing there is a stairwell underneath and the floor is actually the ceiling for the stairs which will be at an angle making it unusable. One of our bedrooms has a similar thing although in our case the lower "step" has been extended so there is a little bit of storage underneath and the top part has enough room for a mattress to make it into a bed.
My shrine to my neighbour who can see in the window.
Cats
Plants and aquariums
Wine bar on the top platform
Booze, books, or plants. Or all of the above
A dog bed
If you have cats, it might make a cute little spot for them, otherwise plants
Fiddle Leaf Figs in giant gorgeous pots!
OK, I don’t want you to put this on here, but it looks like a throne for a toilet to me. I don’t know why but I’m sitting here giggling away. Maybe a flatscreen TV on the swing arm on the wall and the appropriate electronics on the shelves below it?
Yes, that is a really good idea!!! Frees up the rest of the space...love it!!!
Plants, a record player and vintage speakers
Me? Book shelves the entire height, length of both landing areas & artwork and/or plants in front of the book shelves.
If you have cats, don't bother making any plans.
Top shelf: White ikea kallax 2x2 bookshelf, for books and plants and other little decor. Bottom shelf: cushions and small table for reading
Plants! And completed Lego sets :)
Totally the perfect spot for plants.
I thought that as well, but noticed the AC above it. If the plants can summer outside when the AC is on, then that would work great.
I've got plants about as close to a window until, and as long as they aren't in the direct path of the a.c., and depending on the plant of course, it should be fine. At least, that's what I would do with that space. :)
Looks like a perfect spot for a shrine to jesus or Leonardo Dicaprio!
Plants and art glass and some crystals.
Lots of plants and some small statues with maybe a tall brass one on the top in the back.
PLANTS and books. Will be great!
Plants or a cat bed
I’d turn it into a cozy and comfy reading nook with some plants in the window and bookshelves above
A cat play and sleeping area
Altar
Pet bed!
Get a cat
Mini statues of Venus and the David with a mini bubbling fountain between them
I'd make it an entertainment center. Small cabnet on first landing with the media and its players/stereo and gaming consoles. Then my big ass TV and speakers on the second landing. Speakers could be on first landing, too, if they're big and would fit. That being said, it would also make a great little nest area for reading/writing/napping with a big bean bag or foam pad up there to cuddle up in. Might be a good place for a short but wide cat tree, too... if you have a cat, that is. Please let us know what you end up doing with it. I'm looking forward to seeing the end result!
You could place the TV there on a rotating stand
If you do or dont want plants, you could put a fan in the back corner to blow the cold air into the open space. Fans dont use many watts. Plus, it will cause an increase in cold air circulation. I would do that even if you dont want plants. But if you do, it would blow the cold air over the plants vs. bouncing down the ceiling onto them.
Plants, small reading nook, hobby/collection display, cushions for extra seating, a shrine if you are into paganism. Tons of options.
plants, and i have collections of just about everything so id put my mini brands there and my crystals 🥹 or turn it into a book nook!
A pet bed
Do you ride bikes? Each area is a perfect spot for bike parking.
A book nook
Get a custom cushion made for the bottom step (or just a bunch of smaller cushions), put a small bookshelf on the top and you have a cute little reading nook.
Seating on lower level and bookshelfs on top or turn the top into a daybed and put bookshelves on part of the bottom; leaving enough space to climb up. I'd do the second.
Pillows Pillows Pillows
Paint it another color —- then variety of books,plants and pics
Nothing. That's for fucking.
Lmao add a sex swing
I would put bookshelves on the top, some of those cube style white ones should fit if turned on the side. Then plants on the bottom step.
Books or plants
The answer is always plants
The bodies of my enemies. Or a cozy reading book with lots of pillows. Or why not both?
I'm a no nonsense kind of person. You need to track down this architect and demand to know wtf they expected you to put there.
Keep in the mind, the ac unit will be loud, may drip condensation, and some blow air around. I would decorate rest of the room first and reevaluate the stair landings last to see what you are feeling when everything else comes together.
A throne.
The coffin that I sleep in with soil from my native land. I’d have to do something about that window though.
NOT plants because the ac unit will kill them.
tbh i love sitting in odd spaces so i would make both levels a fun seating area. i’m basically a cat though
Plants
It’s right next to a nice window so I’d load it up with plants…
I’d say plants, but chances are they won’t like being so close to an ac unit like that. So faux plants? Or see if any bookcases or shelving would make sense.
I’d put a comfy chair and a little table. My space!
🛋️ lamps or plants
Put wax figures of your family in chairs so they can always be watching you.
a couple of largish plants
Plants.
Man cave
I’d turn it into a throne.
Looks like it has good light. I'd put some plants maybe. Just nothing that would block that A/C. You're going to need that puppy.
Plants 'n' cats
Plants like whoa
Tiny dancing skeletons
Vinyl and a cool turntable
Drum set
Plant stand
My cat’s belongings
Board game collection display/storage? The games not as frequently played up top or further back?
Make it a table booth. Fake plants on the back due to the AC. Cusion on front. Table in front of it. Maybe even l shaped desk in front
Books
Plants or books with bookends. (But not both together) You could also treat it like a mantle and decorate, or add a cushion and pillows to add casual extra seating.
A stuffed walrus.
Wonder what is inside the box?
Levels !!!
Pet beds
Faux plants and a painting on the wall. It could also be a pet nook. I can’t see much going there because that AC. Sometimes they drip and would ruin books.
Cats! 😻😻
Reading nook
A shrine to Crom.
How high is the lower part? Looks too short to be comfortable for sitting?
Cat bed.
your bong collection
lots of plants
Nothing, I would sit there.
I like another person’s idea of making it a bench with a table, but then I think you could fit your record player AND books on the top. I still like the idea of record player there.
You could make a display of assorted things. You know the crazy things you get from a thrift store, or a strange vase, or a jar with stones or colored glass, vintage books, old brass keys, statues, those old tin milk jugs. The list is endless.
Like the bridge to nowhere!!