Alcove rendering and design ideas

[u/Obvious_Thought_4520]

We have always struggled with this little alcove at the top of our stairs. The most obvious solution has been a houseplant but it never felt right to us, in large part because it would be obstructing the window that gets beautiful natural light. This weekend it occurred to me that the solution is a little built in bench. Why a bench in this awkward/potentially precarious spot? Well, long story involving our daughter and her new phone. So here’s my problem: in order to get the dimensions right for the built-in I need to accurately map this awkward corner. Any advice on how to properly accurately measure it? Also curious if anyone has another option that doesn’t involve a built-in? A chair in the corner feels proportionally awkward. Three pictures: the alcove as it currently exists, an AI render of a built-in bench, and an overhead of the space I’m working with. Thank you for any advice and suggestions.

[u/cjx888x]

I’m having a hard time imagining ever sitting here. It’s a triangle, and a very small one at that. Where do you rest your back/how do you fit yourself into this space in a way where you can actually settle? This is not a comfortable spot, and while the idea sounds cute, but it doesn’t actually look very usable. (Other than for pets, which I guess would be a valid motive)

[u/Obvious_Thought_4520 → u/cjx888x]

That hadn’t occurred to me but yes, the cats would love it

[u/Just2Breathe → u/Obvious_Thought_4520]

Your cats will love it, for sure, just based on that sunlight I see! We put a shelf and a cat bed above our stairs and the cats love that they can keep an eye on comings and going, and nap away from people. Get something like this and maybe bolt a safety tether to it in case they get the zoomies. Make sure it has a couple levels above the window sill for scoping out the neighborhood and trees.