Put the hamper back?

I would trim it out and put shelves in.

Can you frame it out & hang some glass shelves in there? How about an inset magazine rack? Or a towel rack (heated, perhaps?). Maybe this could be a great spot for storing first aid/toiletries/etc. if you close it in w/a door. That's an easy enough project.

Somehow, I can't imagine a real use for a chalkboard in a bathroom (that's only 3ft off the floor at it's tallest point)... although, my son would love something like that!

could you maybe get some wood, frame it and put some shallow shelves in that space?

A full length mirror over the whole thing and up the wall?

Repairing our shower left a similar hole - and left us needing to seal the wall so no water soaked in. We bought some cheap vinyl floor tile with peel-off backing and slapped it over the hole. It works! That bathroom's remodel is years off...

What if you painted it black, and put some art in it - I would love to see this guy in that spot:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/51566186/the-thinker-viii-original-sculpture?ref=cat3_gallery_19

Simple solution is to get some 2x4 and make a frame then paint it a grey so it blends into the tiles.

The all you have to do is work out what to use it for?

Could make small shelfs, could do a chalkboard (altho id say steam would cause an issue) or you could make some artwork to display in there

Other option is make the frame then put a rod inside and use it as a towel holder alcove

Personally myself id apply a type of plastic to cover it all then backlight that for a cool effect but thats just me ;)

I was originally thinking shelves because extra storage in the bathroom is always good, or you could place some candles, etc there. But hanging a full length mirror as home body suggested is probably the easiest.

I like home body's suggestion as well. This is really unsightly and unfortunate.

Fill in the space with wood flat to the surface of the tile and paint to match/mimic the tile. If you then want to hang a full length mirror, fine, but make it less noticable (and seal the space) first.

I'd just cover it with a mirror or cabinet for storage. Seems to me it would be easier to buy a cabinet or shelves and just put it in front of the hole than do a built in—especially if you are planning on renovating someday anyway.

You could also frame a piece of fabric that has a color and design that you like in the space and cover it that way.

Built in shelves seem like more work than it's worth for a temporary situation.

Aww...I love my built in vintage hamper.....such a space saver. I wouldv'e kept it in.

A big, lush, tropical plant.

I'd put the hamper back, or put in shelves (glass would be nice), or the full length mirror is also good.

Shelving! (Duh.)

A full length mirror, just like Home Body said.

I also think you could trim it out and make it a hanging magazine rack.

I just happen to think that magazine rack in bathroom is so cheesy, its like something dad thought of!

I think that trimming it out and putting some shelves would be super cool and affordable. Get some scented candles, bath beads etc, give it a spa feel and you get some fresh scents. Put and Ipod dock there too. then light the candles, play your favorite playlist and take a nice bubble bath!

-Shawn Jaysen
www.markdavidny.com/shawnj

I'm pretty sure you live in my apartment building or one of the two others on the same block. There's no way someone else could have the exact same setup, down to the black towel rack.

I *like* the old metal bumper, but shelves there might be lovely.

Niphil...do you live in Kensington, Brooklyn??

Sealing the exposed wall/drywall from moisture damage would be my top priority what ever you do. Once the damage starts it will become a nightmare and costly. Some damage to the wood post is already evident. If you do decide just to cover it with a mirror or something, purchase and cut to size a waterproof siding and seal it to the wall. I tend to like the shelving idea just keep in mind the materials you use for the project will be exposed to high moisture. Not a big deal, just talk to your material provider about the task first. Don’t forget to post the results.