Measure the depth and height of your alcove. Fill the alcove with a vase large enough to leave a gap of approximately 2 to 5 inches of space around the vase's perimeter. Secure a tall vase that resembles the proportion of your alcove's height and width. Matching a vase's design to the alcove's overall shape creates an appearance that the alcove was made to hold the vase's dimensions.
Use a vase that reinforces your existing decorating scheme. Bring your home's decorative motif into your decision-making process as you search for a suitable vase. Look for a tall vase that contains the colors of your furnishings, rugs and accessories. For example, if your home contains a modern red couch, feature a simple red vase in your alcove. Alternatively, place an exotic clay vase in an alcove area that sits near an earthy leather living room set.
Enhance the look of your vase and alcove area with a recessed light. Alcove areas are often dark and lifeless. Correct this trait with a discrete lighting fixture. A color-sensitive tungsten bulb adds attractive illumination to an alcove and makes a vase's colors stand out. Increase the visibility of your tall vase's texture and control the brightness within your alcove with a dimmer.